Randy Esen

Randy Esen was born in New York City and grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts where she began her formal voice training at age 16. She continued her studies with prominent teachers at Oberlin Conservatory and later in Manhattan and at the jazz department at The University of Massachusetts where she also received her Bachelor ‘s degree in Psychology in 1981. Randy began her performance career in Boston and greater New England in the early 80’ s, working with various jazz/R&B groups in the area. In the mid 80 ‘s she joined forces with the internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Aydin Esen, whom she married in 1987, and has been performing and recording with him ever since, as well as writing lyrics for many of Esen’s compositions. Throughout her career Randy has performed and recorded with renowned musicians including: Tommy Campbell, Bob Moses, Kai Eckhardt, George Garzone and Tiger Okoshi. Randy moved to Istanbul in 1996 and has been teaching jazz vocal lessons, both private and group workshops, for the past 20 plus years. She taught jazz vocals at Bilgi University’ s jazz department from 1998 to 2002 then at Hayart Arts Center in Istanbul from 2003 until 2013 where she was the founder and director, and at the Hacettepe State Conservatory jazz department in Ankara from 2014 until 2017. Randyrecently completed her first solo recording entitled “Behind The Light and Shine” on AK Muzik and continues to teach in Istanbul and perform in Turkey and Europe. She currently lives in Istanbul with her husband.

 

 

Beginning Jazz Vocal Improvisation

appetizer workshop, duration: 1,5 hour

Introduction to basic improvisation methods and techniques designed specifically for vocalists to enhance creativity, musicianship and confidence.