Singing with Jessica F.

I have had a love for music since I was 3 years old. I used to walk around the house making up songs and knew that I would make music my life! I began playing classical piano at the age of 8 and continued to play through high school. I performed in many competitions, festivals and concerts and know the hard work it takes when learning an instrument and beginning that journey. After high school I went on to study Vocal Jazz Performance at the acclaimed University of Miami in Florida, where I received my BA. I had the wonderful opportunity to study and perform with jazz greats like Kevin Mahogany and Kurt Elling. I have extensive knowledge and experience in studio work, recording and voice technique and have been a professional singer/songwriter for years. All of the things I have learned over the years I can teach you, i.e.: vocal technique and maintenance, performing in front of an audience, how to prepare for a recording session and what to expect in the studio. I have taught students of all ages, in both piano and voice, for over 5 years. I am comfortable teaching any skill level. I love making learning fun and enjoyable and relating it to what made you interested in music in the first place! Whether it's classical, pop, oldies or rock, I will help you reach your goals of playing the music you love! I am very patient and I understand that everyone learns at a different pace. Over the years, my teachers have had such a profound impact on me and my musical path and I want to be that for you. I love what I do and I would love to help you take that first step on your musical path! *** Lesson Details *** I am very laid back but at the same time I expect you to practice and do the outside work that it will take for you to move forward in your progress. I want the lessons to be enjoyable and I will encourage you every step of the way. For piano students I use the Hal Berstein book series that I feel is a great series of books that breaks down the abc's of learning the piano and is a great tool for beginners. If you are a student that knows exactly what you want to learn (pop songs on the radio, some theory so that you can apply it to songs you love, etc) or are a bit more advanced, then I can tailor your lessons so that you get the most out of your time (we could stray from the books and I can teach you chords, theory, etc). There are basic fundamentals of piano that you need to know to have a good foundation but after that, just tell me what you want to be able to play and we'll learn it! For voice students, I like to take some time and work on breathing technique and talk about how the voice works and what it takes to maintain it and take care of it. It's a very delicate instrument that needs to be taken care of daily! Whatever genre of music you are looking to sing, I will help you do that! I can help you with your tone, vocal stamina, performance, songwriting...all of the things that will make you a well-rounded singer! After a few months of lessons with me you will have an understanding of how your instrument works and the basic tools to play and/or sing the songs you love! You will begin to read music, know basic music theory and have an understanding of how music is written and what things like a key signature, melody and scale are. For singers, you will find that your range has improved and that you have more breath support. You will also feel more confident in your abilities and will know how to take care of your voice for years to come! *** Travel Equipment *** I would expect a piano student to have a keyboard or a piano. It would also be helpful if a voice student also had a piano or keyboard but we could find alternative means if need be. *** Specialties *** Vocal: Jazz, Pop Piano: beginners, pop/rock, contemporary music