Who says you have to play by the rules? In this episode of Open Voicing, Jennifer, John, and Kate tackle the art of trusting your musical instincts in leading the ensemble, finding your voice as a director, and knowing when to get your nose out of the score. From questionable tempo choices and happy accidents to the terrifying freedom of making a chart your own, we're talking about taking risks, embracing vulnerability, and giving yourself permission to be an artist. Because sometimes the best musical decisions happen when you stop asking, “Am I allowed to do that?” and just do it.

Open Voicing is hosted by John Stafford & Kate Duncan with special guest Jennifer Scovell Parker.
Audio engineering and production by Felecia Chance
Theme music courtesy of the New York Voices.

Welcome to Open Voicing—a new podcast about vocal jazz, the people who make it, and everything that happens between the notes.

In our first episode, meet hosts John Stafford, Jennifer Parker, and Kate Duncan, and learn more about the artists, mentors, musical rabbit holes, crunchy harmonies, and unexpected moments that made them fall in love with jazz. Along the way, we talk about why this music matters, why there’s no right way into it, and how making this type of music together as an ensemble has a unique way of turning fellow singers into lifelong friends. This podcast is built by music educators for anyone who loves the genre, wants to start their own ensemble, or simply wants more vocal jazz in their lives.

Come for the jazz nerdiness. Stay for the stories, laughter, big questions, and a growing community of people who love this music as much as we do.

Open Voicing is hosted by John Stafford & Kate Duncan with special guest Jennifer Scovell Parker.
Audio engineering and production by Felecia Chance
Theme music courtesy of the New York Voices.

We're so excited to bring you the first season of "Open Voicing - A Vocal Jazz Podcast" with hosts John Stafford, Jennifer Parker, and Kate Duncan! The mission of Open Voicing is to inspire, strengthen, and expand our vocal jazz community through thoughtful discussions about music education, social justice, composition, and performance practice.

Open Voicing is hosted by John Stafford & Kate Duncan with special guest Jennifer Scovell Parker.
Audio engineering and production by Felecia Chance
Theme music courtesy of the New York Voices.