About Ken Norris

Ken Norris received his Bachelor's degree at Yale University (USA) in 1990, and continued his studies in music at American School of Modern Music in Paris (FR).

Since then, he has been a sought-after jazz vocalist with the Hamburger Polizeiorchestra (DE), Hessischer Rundfunk Bigband (DE), Nordwest Bigband, at the Dubai Jazz Festival, JazzBaltica, the Crest Vocal Jazz Festival (FR), Les Printemps de Bourges Festival (FR), Les Nuits de Jazz de Nantes (FR), the International Voice and Guitar Competition (DE), numerous other festivals and stages worldwide.

In addition to his collaboration on The Secret Sharer with DNA Works (Fort Worth), Ken is composing two operatic works for Baritone, alto  and small ensemble, using a technique he developed (the “spontaneous vocalese”) as a principal compositional element.

The range of Ken Norris’ musical experience and proficiency includes improvised vocal ensemble work, the spontaneous vocalese, arrangement for choir, libretto development for

operatic works, poetry, text writing and analysis, and electronic music. He is fascinated by the changing position of the singer in the evolving world of jazz and jazz-related music.

Currently, Ken Norris is Professor for Vocal Jazz at the Hochschule für Musik & Theater Hamburg (DE), having previously taught in the Hamburg Public Music School System from 2006 to 2011.

In addition to teaching and performing, Ken is a founding member of the HfMT Diversity and Representation Group, a University-wise initiative for equitable practice in all areas of University life.

Ken Norris is co-founder of The Voice and Movement Improvisation Workshop Germany with singer/dancer Alon Ritter (Tel Aviv). The Workshop focuses on creative expression and spontaneity using principles from feldenkrais, Gagga, Audiation (Russell), tango and Pilobolus.