Jessica A. TakeLessons Instructor music, piano, ear training, theory, music appreciation Seattle, WA

African American and Samoan pianist Jessica has performed to a wide acclaim from audiences around the world. As a young performer, Jessica has already distinguished herself as a vital force in the classical community. Coming from a musical family, Jessica’s legacy is profoundly felt when she plays. Her musicianship possesses a depth that can usually only be conquered through a lifetime’s worth of experience.

Jessica knew that she would be a pianist from the moment she struck her first notes at the age of four. As a child, Jessica sought out to distinguish herself as a respectable artist. She realized that she would need to be in an environment that would nurture her growth as a pianist. At the age of 10, Jessica began competing in her hometown of Seattle Washington where she was recognized for her dedication and hard work. Jessica quickly made a name for herself in Seattle and stood out amongst her peers. By the age of 13, Jessica was the winner of the Pacific Northwest School of Music Concerto Competition, The Seattle Young Artist Solo and Concerto Competition, and the Performing Arts Festival of the Eastside. From 1995 to 1999, Jessica was the local gold medalist for the NAACP ACT- SO Competition where she became the national silver medalist while being a freshman in high school. At seventeen, Jessica represented the United States in Adelaide, Australia at the Eighth Annual Pan Pacific Suzuki Conference. In addition, Jessica has been featured in live radio and television broadcasts on Seattle’s Classic KING FM, KUBE FM, KEXP FM and the winner of television broadcast “Make It Big Talent Search Competition”. The exposure led to her 2000 performance in Washington DC for past United Sates president Bill Clinton. In 2001, she was overall winner of the Fifth Annual Stetson University Piano Weekend Competition in Deland, Florida.

Jessica graduated from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington with a concentration in Classical Piano. Under the guidance of virtuoso Dr. Peter Mack, as well as Michi Hirata North, Dr. Murry North, Dawn Clemeson, and Phyllis Brydwell, Jessica has made a significant contribution to the Cornish music community as a leader and role model. In the midst of her academic studies, Jessica performs regularly as a soloist and chamber artist for Master Classes, concerts and competitions. Since 2005, Jessica has been the pianist for Trio Fluelliano. Each member being equally gifted as the next, composers are drawn to the energy and chemistry. The trio has debuted compositions which have been featured on the radio and a video that’s a documentary for a visual artist. In 2006, Trio Fluelliano became the winner of the WSMTNA (Washington State Music Teachers National Association) Chamber Competition and regional finalist in Pocatello, Idaho

At a rapid rate, Jessica is emerging onto the Classical scene as a pianist, teacher, and composer. She has taken an interest in the promotion of African descent and women composers through the performance of their works. Jessica’s life is fueled and driven by music. She expresses her life experiences and adventures through her work as a performing artist. The piano is a weapon used to express her true emotions .

For over a year, Jessica has been teaching piano students ranging in age from three years old to adult. Jessica currently has a growing private studio in Seattle, Washington.

Jessica’s primary goal is to make piano playing enjoyable and rewarding. Jessica’s patient and encouraging approach has allowed her to cultivate unique student-teacher relationships with each student. For beginners, Jessica aims to find the right balance between teaching the fundamentals of music theory and correct technique, while maintaining a fun and positive learning environment. For her more advanced students, Jessica strives to provide her students with the facility to express themselves at the piano. This includes working with technique, sound production, and musical ideas.

Jessica firmly believes that her active performing career and extensive competition experience work to inform and enhance her approach to teaching, offering the unique insights of a veteran of the concert stage to her students. Similarly, her work with her students inspires her to approach her own performing with constantly evolving ideas. She feels blessed to have the opportunity to pursue both passions.

Methods, styles and genres are specific to each student

music, piano, ear training, theory, music appreciation