VISITING CLINICIAN

Custom curriculums for students of all ages and experience levels.

Excite and inspire your students to create from a position of personal power.

As a long-time educator, a working jazz vocalist, a prolific booker of talent in the Los Angeles area, and a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, I have a unique and valuable perspective to offer students.  I have taught or produced over 8000 workshops over a span of 33 years. I show students how to approach and practice their craft so that they get results they never imagined they were capable of achieving.

My orientation to teaching vocal jazz revolves around the idea that singers are a part of the band, as opposed to being an adjunct or appendage to the musicians.  As such, singers have a responsibility not just to master their vocal instrument, but to be able to communicate with the musicians on the bandstand – in the moment – just as proficiently as instrumentalists do.

Many singers have used their formal educations to focus primarily on vocal

technique, which is wonderful, but they lack confidence on the gig.

My workshops help bridge this gap and create well-rounded singers who get to play in the same universe as the other musicians while on stage.

I enjoy working with students of all ages, and all levels of training, and am well adept at creating curriculums that suit the needs of institutions and diverse student populations.

I find that a hands-on approach with professional working musicians, in a safe and loving environment, is often a conducive and effective environment for learning.  Sometimes getting out of the classroom and into the field (i.e., going to an open mic night or jam session) is a fun, celebratory way to conclude a weekend intensive.

"Cathy has that indefinable quality as a teacher and singer which enables her to bring out the best in a band and students on first encounter."

Ingrid James, vocal teacher
Australia, Jazzworx Institute

"The class was amazing for me.  I loved it so much. I learned a lot from Cathy last year. She taught me how to trust myself and my music and that means a lot to me."

- Chris Luan, Student

"I studied with Cathy for a year.  She is a great musician and I loved working with her.  We did a lot of improvisations, and at first I was not confident.  Cathy encouraged me not to be afraid to express myself.  She taught me how to listen to the chord changes, which made improvisation so much easier."

- Abby Xiao, Student

"I really enjoyed Cathy's class.  It was my first experience signing jazz and she made it really fun.  She taught us a lot, explained what jazz is, and gave us great songs to sing.  I liked it so much, I decided to keep pursuing my studies."

- Xixi Day, Student

"I've known Cathy Segal-Garcia for over 30 years.  Besides being one of the finest people I've ever known, she's a wonderful jazz singer, an incredible teacher who is loving, supportive and inspirational.  She is a person that I love, respect and am always amazed at her continued commitment to excellence at artistry."

- Mike Campbell, Vocal Teacher, SAG-AFTRA