Elaine Dame

Biography

Elaine Dame is a seasoned Chicago-based jazz singer, bandleader, teacher, and recording artist with over 25 years of experience in the industry. Celebrated across the nation, Elaine has captivated audiences with her dynamic performances and powerful vocal artistry. Neil Tesser, Grammy-winning jazz journalist and author of The Playboy Guide to Jazz, said, “Dame possesses all the musicality you could want in a true jazz singer: centered intonation, an enviable command of rhythm, and a translucent but powerful instrument.”

Elaine consistently elevates every stage she touches, and her performances have graced legendary venues across the country, such as the Rainbow Room and 54 Below in New York City, the Chicago Jazz Festival in both 2015 and 2025, and Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Jazz Grill in Los Angeles, to name a few. Her virtuosic interpretations blend modern standards with vintage vocal classics, resonating with both jazz aficionados and new audiences alike.

More than just a singer, Elaine exudes genuine joy and a magnetic stage presence—qualities that transform her performances into artful experiences. An alumna of the Theater Repertory Program at California State University, Northridge, she initially made her mark in Chicago’s vibrant theater scene before dedicating her talents solely to jazz. Her deep understanding of stagecraft and emotion shines through in every note, with the Chicago Reader praising her as “a singer with a winning stage presence and chameleon-like vocal flexibility.”

Whether you are a beginner or an advanced singer, Elaine welcomes students of all ages and skill levels. While her specialty is jazz, she is passionate about teaching pop, blues, and R&B, helping you sing with ease, joy, and confidence. With a background in classical singing, Elaine emphasizes good vocal production as a key element of her teaching. Her goal is to help students achieve their musical aspirations with personalized attention in an uplifting and supportive atmosphere. With over 80 five-star reviews on Google, Elaine’s dedication and effectiveness as a teacher are well recognized by her students.

Elaine has been teaching privately for 18 years and has conducted masterclasses at Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Summer Jazz Academy, Minneapolis Public Schools, The Greta Matassa Studio in Seattle, and The Chicago Academy for the Arts.

As the Talent Coordinator at Winter’s Jazz Club in Chicago for three years, Elaine possesses unique insights into the jazz scene, equipping her students with the skills to navigate their own music careers. She can guide people through the essentials of the business side of the music industry, teaching them how to put together a press kit, craft a cover letter, present themselves effectively to venues, and even book a tour. She has offered workshops on topics such as securing gigs, enhancing stage presence, and effectively communicating with jazz musicians. Additionally, her instruction encompasses beginning improvisation, stylizing standards, and mastering jazz interpretation, including rhythm, style, and other practical tools. For those seeking to expand their vocal practice, Elaine incorporates SOVT straw phonation techniques to enhance vocal health and flexibility.

Join Elaine on this musical journey and discover the joy of singing, guided by a true master of her craft.

SPECIALTIES:Sound production / breathing
Jazz, pop, country, R & B styles
Musical theater
Audition preparation
Performance anxiety
Public relations
Getting gigs
Beginning scatting

LANGUAGES:
English