About Ellen

Ellen Winters is an award winning jazz singer, educator, and vocalist who has been performing for more than 25 years.

Ellen has been the leader of the Ellen Winters Group, as well as a solo performer with other outstanding musicians. She has also been a cast member of award nominated Cabaret theatre productions.

She works as a private vocal instructor in Milwaukee as well as Adjunct Faculty at Columbia College Chicago.

Her tour schedule is robust, so she can be found performing locally as well as stops nationwide.

"Ellen Winters is a rare find. Charming and intelligent in her delivery, she brings fresh energy to jazz singing at a time when there is very little originality left."

Phil Schroeder, Producer / Composer Picture

Ellen Is proud to be represented by Hunt Talent, LLC based out of Tampa, Florida. If you would like to book Ellen for a concert or a show, please visit the website below and contact Jacob Hunt or Elliott Smith.

Hunt Talent, LLC

Ellen’s Bio

Ellen spent her high school and college years singing in various ensembles and studying privately, while pursuing her English degree at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. She focused her energies on broadcast journalism and after graduation, headed to the School for Music Vocations at Southwestern Community College at the invitation of founder/Grammy nominated arranger, Phil Mattson.

Ellen enrolled in the Professional Music program, focused on building the "complete" musician. Ellen studied Classical/Jazz Piano, Music Theory, Choral/Vocal Jazz Arranging, Studio Recording, Big Band Arranging and continued to study Private Voice in both Classical and Jazz styles. After studying, touring, recording and teaching, Ellen earned her Associate's Degree in Professional Music.

While singing with the college’s vocal jazz group, Ellen toured Europe, sang at several internationally known music festivals and recorded several CD’s and one instructional video on Vocal Jazz.

In 2007, Ellen accepted a one semester position at Columbia College Chicago - and has been teaching there ever since. Ellen currently directs 2 vocal jazz ensembles, teaches introductory Vocal Techniques classes as well as a Music Theory for Musical Theatre Students course. She is also a private voice instructor at Columbia College Chicago and the Waukesha County Conservatory of Music in Wisconsin.

She continues to perform live regularly with her Jazz and Cabaret shows and keeps a full performance calendar.

Education

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
English, Broadcast Journalism

School for Music Vocations - Creston, Iowa
Professional Music

Touring Highlights

VoicesIowa
Lead Soprano, 1993-1996

Comicality
Award Winning Show, Hartford Players, Ltd

Ella Meets Mel
Live in Chicago with Johnny Rodgers, 2015-Present

The Girl Singer
Tribute To Rosemary Clooney, 2011-2015

Teaching

Columbia College - Chicago
Vocal Jazz Ensembles, Vocal Techniques, Music Theory, Private Voice - all styles

Waukesha County Conservatory of Music
Private Voice Instructor

What People are Saying

“Regardless of the venue, you know Winters brings a fresh interpretation to jazz standards each time she sings.” - Jim Adashek, Shepherd Express

“Winter’s bell-like clarity of tone is distinct from Fitzgerald’s but appealing in its own right.” - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

"Ellen Winters is a rare find. Charming and intelligent in her delivery, she brings fresh energy to jazz singing at a time when there is very little originality left." - Phil Schroeder, Producer / Composer Picture

"What happens when 'Ella Meets Mel'? Vocal fireworks!. Jazz singer Ellen Winters channels Ella Fitzgerald while collaborator Johnny Rodgers honors Mel Torme in the tribute concert Ella Meets Mel." - Howard Reich, Chicago Tribune

” Ellen Winters, arguably Milwaukee’s best jazz singer, recreated the Rosemary Clooney voice and era, with considerable help from pianist-conductor Sam Steffke, another local star.” - Mike Drew, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“I just spent the finest 75 minutes a music loving soul can imagine, marveling at the talents of Ellen Winters and her magnificent tribute to Rosemary Clooney. Ellen has set the bar very high with this triumphant performance. This is a show no one should miss.” - Jonathan West, Former Managing Director of Sunset Playhouse, Elm Grove, WI

“Thank you Ellen for serving as clinician and guest artist. I really appreciate your musicianship and your consummate skills as an educator; you made our entire spring concert a success with your contributions and leadership!” –Allen Redford, Highland Community College