Singing with Jessica T.

Hi there! My name is Jessy and I would love to be your voice and music teacher! I have been singing and performing since I was basically old enough to talk, and in my travels I have learned and achieved some really great things that make me an excellent and fun teacher with whom you will enjoy singing and learning. I have a Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance from Westminster College of the Arts (Westminster Choir College) from which I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2007. While in school I studied the classical "bel canto" technique (literally meaning "beautiful singing"), and was able to learn from some of the best teachers, coaches, and conductors in the world. So classical singing obviously plays an important part in my teaching because it helps build the foundation (think of it as the ballet of singing), but I've got a strong background in many styles of singing. I enjoy musical theatre, jazz, contemporary, cabaret, pop, R&B, folk....you name it, I've sung it! I'm also currently pursuing one of my passions in life: songwriting. I play piano and guitar and have been writing my own songs for about 10 years. I'm now signed to Blue Pie Records, and you can find me on iTunes. But teaching is also a passion for me! I just love sharing my knowledge with people of all ages who love music and singing, want to improve their vocal skills and gain confidence, desire to become a strong or stronger musician, or just want to sing or write music purely for the fun of it. I have been teaching voice and music theory for 6 years. I teach privately now in NYC, as well as at the Garden Street School of the Performing Arts in Hoboken, but before I came here I was a voice teacher on the Fine Arts Faculty of DeSales University in PA for 3 years. I really enjoy teaching because I like introducing students to new music while helping them learn new skills and achieve things they may have never thought possible. As my student, I guarantee you will see results! You will learn a successful breath and support technique and you will improve vocal tone and develop consistency while learning to use your voice in different ways (always staying healthy, of course). You'll also learn to read music, understand solfege and sight-reading, and be taught proper care and maintenance of a healthy voice. I cantor a weekly mass as St. Patrick's Cathedral, perform regularly in music clubs and cabaret rooms, and I sing with a professional A Capella group called The Lost Keys. I live to make music, and helping others develop a life-long love for music as well is my number one goal in teaching. *** Lesson Details *** Welcome to your lessons! Depending upon the time length you choose, we will always begin our lesson by warming up your body and your voice. In addition to my musical adventures, I am also an avid yogi! Don't worry - I won't make you do headstands (unless you want to!). I just always like to begin with some physicality to get you loosened up and work on your posture (i.e. the right way to "hold" your instrument, since you only have your body to work with!). Then we'll jump into some breath exercises and vocal warm-ups. Some exercises will be ones I will teach you and we'll do every week so you get used to them; others may be from a book. Maybe little songs (called "vocalizes"), or maybe some rhythm exercises. I like to mix things up so it stays fun and interesting. All of these warm-ups are intended to get your voice ready to sing (your voice is a muscle, after all), and also drill certain breathing and support techniques. Talking about support right now may be a mystery to you, but fear not! You will learn! :-) When you feel warmed up enough and ready to sing, we can then take a look at repertoire. This is where it gets really fun! I will provide you with music I would like you to sing because I believe it will benefit you; but I also want to hear what you want to sing! Tell me your favorite style or your favorite artist or song, and we'll do it. Building a varied repertoire is important because it allows you to really implement the techniques you are learning, and it's where you will see real improvement in your singing. For example, a song may seem very difficult at first, but you'll be amazed how, within a few weeks or months, you'll be able to sing it! It really comes down to you and how much you practice and work in your lessons and on your own. You've gotta want it! I am also very skilled in singers' diction, particularly Italian, French, and German. I will always do my best to answer any questions you have, and if something is confusing you, please let me know! There are always many ways to explain and/or demonstrate an idea or concept, and I know I will find a way to help you. I have learned many, many tricks along the way! I also love to help you learn music theory and music reading (another reason we work with printed music). I like to build smart singers! It's essential to me that you grow as a musician, and will eventually know how to teach music to yourself and others. Fast music-learning and sight-reading is my specialty, and it comes from years of experience. It's this level of comfort and ease that I also desire for you. Lastly, I adore working with aspiring songwriters! If you are interested in songwriting sessions, I'm your girl! Whether or not you play another instrument to accompany yourself, I can definitely help. Another of my specialties is songwriting; the crafting of lyrics, melody, song structure, etc. Learn to free your muse! Sometimes he/she just needs a little help getting started. :-) Please don't hesitate to contact me! I am looking forward to working with you. *** Studio Equipment *** Separate entrance, grand piano, music cabinet with 100+ music books, copy machine, music stand. *** Travel Equipment *** I can provide music and books. I can also bring a guitar. I would need the student to have a piano or keyboard in their home. A music stand is preferable, though I can provide that if necessary. I would also need the student to supply a recording device (I prefer my students to record and listen to all their lessons.) *** Specialties *** I feel comfortable singing and teaching in multiple styles, specifically classical, music theatre, jazz, and pop. I have strong music theory skills, and like to incorporate them into my teaching through the usage of sight-singing and solfege. I also have a strong background in yoga and dance, and enjoy employing physicality into my teaching. I also have a great deal of experience in choral singing, from baroque to classical to contemporary and pop A Capella. My repertoire knowledge is extensive.