Lee Martin

About

Lee "Ellie" Martin is an Assistant Professor of Voice at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina, specializing in jazz voice and contemporary commercial music instruction. A dedicated singer-songwriter with deep roots in jazz, Dr. Martin earned her PhD in Jazz Studies from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied with renowned vocalist Geri Allen. She also holds a Master of Music in Jazz Voice from the University of Toledo, where she studied with the legendary Jon Hendricks. Her scholarly work focuses on vocalese and women's creative labor in popular music and jazz traditions. As an educator, Dr. Martin teaches applied commercial voice, improvisation, songwriting, and masterclasses emphasizing stylistic versatility, lyric craft, and collaborative musicmaking. She is an accomplished recording artist and performer who has collaborated with prominent musicians including Peter Eldridge of New York Voices and Keith Ganz. Her albums include Verdant (2023) and Morning Glories (2025), which showcase her innovative approach to vocal storytelling and improvisation.

Education & Qualifications

PhD in Jazz Studies, University of Pittsburgh; Master of Music (Jazz Voice), University of Toledo

Teaching Styles