Singing with Jake J.

I have lived in Austin since August of 2009, having moved down to Central Texas to pursue a Masters degree in Opera Performance at the University of Texas, a degree which I had completed last May. At UT, I have performed the roles of Don Alfonso in UT's Butler Opera Center production of Così fan tutte, as well as recently performing the role of Chip in a new work called New York Stories by Daron Hagen. I have also sung in the Austin Lyric Opera ensemble for their productions of Lucia di Lammermoor, The Magic Flute, La Traviata and La Bohème, and will be performing in their upcoming production of Puccini's Turandot. I have also performed in the ensemble for the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Austin in their productions of The Mikado, as well as performing the role as the Second Yeoman in their production of The Yeomen of the Guard. I first began studying voice at the Walnut Hill School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Natick, MA, and the Royal College of Music in London in the fall of 2007. In 2009, I received my BA from Boston University in Vocal Performance. During my studies I have had the privilege of studying under professors who have had and still have very successful performing careers, as well as singing with choirs who have performed at Carnegie Hall and Boston's Symphony Hall. I have also sung under the baton of John Williams, at an event titled "Film Night" at Tanglewood, the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In over 10 years of studying voice I have learned several great tools and strategies to use in order to improve my craft. I have obtained a good knowledge of a wide range of topics in regards to the voice. Whether it be proper breathing or posture, or how to learn repertoire so that not only do I have text, notes, and rhythms down pat, but I am also able to establish my artistic identity by adding my own interpretations to the pieces I learn. With my students I hope to share these experiences and strategies so that they can hone their craft, as well as gain the necessary tools to be able to better themselves independently. Most importantly, I hope to teach in a manner which motivates the student to continue learning. Singing, above all else, should be FUN! Today I am still at UT, and am pursuing a Doctorate in Musical Arts in Voice Performance. I currently hold a position as the bass section leader at Lakeway Church in Lakeway, TX, as well as a section leader position in the Conspirare Symphonic Choir, a choral organization based in Austin, TX created by Craig Hella Johnson, which has been Grammy-nominated several times. Conspirare was recently were asked to sing as the supporting chorus for Andrea Bocelli for his concert at the Erwin Center last February. *In regards to guitar, I have played for roughly five years. I am comfortable teaching beginning students as I feel that I can provide them with the basic tools necessary in order to play. I specialize in classic rock but am open to teaching other genres. *** Lesson Details *** *Now available for online lessons* I am a laid back teacher, as I believe that a nurturing environment is key to learning. I've been a student for quite some time, so I can empathize with those who are just beginning to learn voice. During lessons I plan to devote ample time to both vocalises and repertoire, so that I am able to cover a wide range of topics, including breath support, posture, intonation, text, diction, and interpretation. Each singer is different, so I really want to get to know each of my students in depth. What genres of music do you like? What are your goals? What strategies do you find helpful? Unhelpful? My goal is to provide you with a tailor-made learning system that is enjoyable and effective. After 6 months of lessons I hope to assist you in not only learning at least 2 pieces, but also begin to provide you with stepping stones and tools to help you learn on your own. I hope that what I have to offer encourages you to continue studying, and that I can teach you just how fun singing is! *** Travel Equipment *** For voice students, I would provide several song anthologies. For guitar students, I would provide a fake book as well as basic materials such as basic and power chord diagrams, materials on how to read tablature etc. To add on to what I had mentioned above in the "teaching style" section, the specific materials that I would bring to the lesson would be pertinent to what each student wants to learn specifically. *** Specialties *** Since I'm classically trained, opera and art song are my specialties. I teach musical theater and popular music as well. As a guitar teacher my main interest is classic rock through mid 90s. Artists such as Bob Marley, AC/DC, The Beatles, Toadies, Stone Temple Pilots, Bob Dylan, and more.