Teaching
Alyssa is a passionate educator who empowers her students to learn with intention and curiosity while building community and inspiring mindfulness through the jazz artform. She teaches in the Jazz Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and has previously held positions at Elmhurst University, Merit School of Music and Neuqua Valley High School.
Alyssa teaches private lessons in-person (Chicago) and worldwide (via Zoom). She empowers her students to discover their voice, gain confidence, and take ownership of their creative vision. Lessons are designed to meet the interests and needs of each student, and may include vocal technique, improvisation, lyric delivery, songwriting, jazz style, theory, and piano skills.
PRIVATE LESSONS
A sought-after clinician, ensemble director and adjudicator, Alyssa can step into any school setting and create an engaging and encouraging environment for students. Clinician topics include ensemble coaching, improvisation, solo singing, vocal technique, songwriting, arranging, guided listening, music business and piano skills.
She has presented clinics at the Jazz Education Network Conference, the Illinois Music Educators Association, the Iowa Choral Directors Association, Anchor Music’s Vocal Jazz Academy, Jazzvoice.com, the University of Chicago, Drake University, Evanston Township High School, Niles North High School and Illinois Wesleyan University.
Clinics & Masterclasses
Testimonials
“Alyssa Allgood is an amazing performer, educator, and clinician. She has the ability to both encourage and motivate students towards levels of excellence, meeting them where they are and helping guide them to achieve more. In working with groups of all abilities, she masterfully combines vocal pedagogy with jazz style and fun, and students rave about their experiences. Her stunning voice and modeling of skillful technique inspires musicians young and old. You will not find a more engaging or rewarding experience!”
-Heather Nail
Vocal Music Director, Valley High School
Alyssa Allgood’s musicality, vocal talent and connection with her audience shines on the stage as well as in the classroom. Alyssa graciously shares her knowledge of vocal jazz with students of all levels while exploring the foundations of jazz theory, artistry, and the subtle nuances of vocal technique rooted in sound pedagogy. Alyssa’s authenticity and encouragement leaves students in the master class feeling inspired and eager to learn more!”
-Dr. Ann Cravero
Professor of Voice, Drake University
Alyssa Allgood is an incredible musician whose voice transcends boundaries. Not only is she a sublime performer, but she is also a masterful clinician who is able to motivate students to bring their musicianship to new heights, whether as soloists or in an ensemble context.”
-Drew Dahan
Director of Choirs, Niles North High School
“Alyssa Allgood has changed the way I sing for the better! I came to her during my senior year of college at Northwestern University as a classically-trained vocalist looking to pivot to jazz, and she received me with open arms. She met me where I was at vocally and from the start, has helped me internalize and enjoy the nuanced techniques and puzzling paradoxes of jazz signing. Her tool belt as a teacher, performer, bandleader, and improviser is unparalleled and she teaches with firmness, grace and expertise. She is my role model in many ways and has helped me grow in confidence both on-stage and off, building skills for audition rooms, live gigs, and most importantly, productive practice sessions. if you have the chance to work with Alyssa, jump at it!!!”
-Alexandra Maria Vollero
“Alyssa is that special voice teacher you hope to find for yourself; she brings her knowledge of the music and her contagious enthusiasm to each of our lessons. I get challenged and supported, the very best way to learn.”
-Beth S.
“Alyssa is one of those gifted instructors who understands the importance of teaching the fundamentals of vocal technique, and consistently incorporates these skills in her teaching of jazz style, improvisation, and expression. I have made steady improvement in voice quality, gained confidence, and, with Alyssa’s gentle encouragement, taken some important risks in advancing my technique. Alyssa is a patient and positive teacher. I look forward to each lesson and enjoy the process of learning with her. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced vocalist, I highly recommend Alyssa!”
-Laurie T.