Ellen Robinson

Biography

I started my performing career as a singer-songwriter in New York City and shifted to jazz after coming to the Bay Area in the 1980’s. I have enjoyed composing, arranging and performing collaborations with many talented jazz musicians, including pianists Murray Low, Ken French; bassists John Wiitala, John Schifflett; reed players Charles McNeal, Harvey Wainapel; and drummers Bud Spangler, Jeff Mars. DownBeat Magazine awarded 3½ stars to my CD “Don't Wait Too Long.”

“She has a wonderful, clear voice and a jazz feeling all the way.” Marian McPartland

In addition I am a voice teacher and choral director and have been working with singers and vocal groups for over 40 years. I teach at the California Jazz Conservatory in Berkeley, CA, the Community Music Center in San Francisco, CA and direct several vocal programs: Anything Goes Chorus, a community chorus I founded in 1981 that gives public performances and also brings music to retirement homes and homeless shelters, Musical Theater classes for seniors at Stagebridge in Oakland, CA, (The nation’s oldest theater company of older adults founded in 1978 offering opportunities for lifelong learning and participation in the performing arts. ), and beginning singing classes for women called Swingshift Singers. As a vocal coach, I work with a wide range of ages, a variety of musical styles and all abilities from professional to beginner.

I'm a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and I had the honor of being recognized in 2011 with a prestigious Jefferson Award for my years of musical service to the San Francisco Bay Area.