about amy

Amy Azzara is a vocalist, composer, and songwriter based in New York City, with a presence upstate. Born in Hartford, CT and raised in a musical family in Rochester, NY, her life and music have always been deeply intertwined. Amy grew up immersed in music, learning songs by ear and surrounded by musicians.

Present day means life in Manhattan, singing live as a bandleader and as a collaborator on others' projects, and working on her own creative projects. Amy's intention is to grow as a human and a musician, while always considering the purpose, power, and necessity of art. Music has shaped her values and given her a skill set that drives who she is. She approaches music (and life) with honesty, improvisation, kindness, an open mind, awareness of self and others, and listening. Amy loves to improvise, record layered vocals, and adapt and reimagine songs. She challenges herself to sing what the music calls for. She believes that the voice transcends genre, and loves to sing in different contexts.

Azzara's originals and adaptations of songs are central to her artistry. Her released works are available on streaming services. Through music, she tells stories in hopes of connecting with others, and expresses her feelings and her understanding of the world. Always writing, Amy is currently finishing the songwriting process for her debut album, as well as collaborating with her childhood best friend on a song cycle. She also loves doing recording work, as well as background and choral singing.

Amy is a Timbalooloo Music teaching artist. She also teaches voice and beginning piano lessons. Teaching is humbling: to share the joys of music, to play a role in the learning process, and to pass along what she has learned from her teachers is invaluable.

Amy is a collaborator of Foray Music. "FORAY MUSIC is committed to being a positive resource for musicians of all ages and levels. We’re primarily focused on learning new techniques and concepts to make deeper, more fulfilling music. FORAY MUSIC also features interviews and discussions you'll find nowhere else."

photo by Emma Gladden

Amy earned a B.M. in Jazz Vocal Performance in 2022 from the University of Miami. During her time at the Frost

School of Music, Azzara had the privilege of studying with Dr. Kate Reid, as well as singing lead soprano in a Downbeat award-winning jazz vocal ensemble and learning from renowned jazz educators.

Azzara toured Europe in 2022 with the Frost Chorale under the direction of Dr. Amanda Quist, singing in London and Paris in beautiful, historic places, and once alongside VOCES8. In 2021, Azzara was honored with two DownBeat awards (Jazz Vocal Soloist and Small Vocal Jazz Group). Also in 2021, Amy attended the JAS Aspen Summer Academy under the direction of Christian McBride.

Mentorship is meaningful to Amy, and she is deeply grateful to Dr. Kate Reid, Dr. Charlie Christensen, Dr. Christopher Azzara, Alison Wedding, Laura Jean Diekmann, Karie Templeton, and the Geva family (a non-exhaustive list). Mentors have helped her to discover new aspects of her artistry, and assisted in shaping and honing her technique, improvisation, artistry, professionalism, and overall approach.

When she isn’t singing, she can be found, coffee in hand, at the lake or exploring NYC, with family and friends.

Instagram: @amyazzara

TikTok: @amyesque