Piano with Jessica L.

Soprano Jessica L. “is a complete package, including a terrific smile and stage presence to go along with her pleasing voice” according to The Baltimore Examiner. She was excited to return to the Caramoor Festival this summer where she will opened the season as the Soprano Soloist in Mendelssohn’s Midsummer Night’s Dream under the baton of Riccardo Abbado and cover the role of Giulietta in I Capuleti e i Montecchi. She returned to the Maryland Choral Arts Society as soloist for their 2012 performance of Vaughan-Williams’ “Dona Nobis Pacem” after singing the Brahms Requiem with them in 2010. In the spring of 2011 she reprised her role as Die Königin in Die Zauberflöte with Ohio University as a visiting artist. In 2010 she also had the delight of performing Adina in L’elisir d’amore four times in one year in Philadelphia, D.C. and Baltimore. 2010 also saw her role debuts as First Lady and Papagena in Magic Flute, and Spirit in Dido and Aeneus with Center City Opera Theater; Blonde in Enthführung aus dem Serail with Chesapeake Chamber Opera; and Gretel with DC Camerata. A champion of new music, Jessica has premiered works by Kevin Clark, Melissa Dunphy, Michael Dutka, Joseph Summer, Tony Solitro, and Jake Runestad. Most significantly, she premiered the role of Patrick Leahy in The Gonzales Cantata (Dunphy), and the following works: Tesla’s Pigeon (Dunphy), Another Weeping Woman (Solitro), and Honor, Riches, Marriage, Blessing (Summer). Her recordings of The Gonzales Cantata and Tesla’s Pigeon are available from Mormolyke Press and Honor, Riches, Marriage, Blessing will be released on the Albany Label in 2013. Jessica is excited to be premiering the role of Ayn Rand in Melissa Dunphy’s new opera Ayn in 2013. *** Lesson Details *** There are as many kinds of students as there are people. Whether you're an amateur, dilettante, veteran or professional, everyone has different needs when they walk into their lesson. We'll find out what approach works best for you. Do you just want to acquire a new skill, or is there a specific piece that you really want to learn? Are you a professional singer looking for a little more polish or do you just want to rock out on Karaoke night? Do you have a neglected family piano that you've always wanted to learn how to play? We'll have fun while you learn, and accomplish the goals that will make you feel good about learning!I've been a professional musician for over a decade.  I know my way around music theory and songwriting and have had a lot of success in bringing out creativity in my students.  Always thought that you could be the voice of your generation?  Let me help you find that voice.For singing I tend to let the interests of my students guide what materials we use.  My adult students use the Alfred Piano Method (fun fact: I was originally self-taught and I taught myself piano with this book) and my littler ones use the Faber method (lots of pictures and really well paced!)  Songwriting students use Music Theory for Practical People.  But for everyone we have games, songs that YOU choose, and lots of student-directed learning. *** Studio Equipment *** Lessons in the front room, where we have an upright Kawai piano, and beautiful front-facing windows with lots of light! Warning: I have two adorable, friendly cats.  I vacuum regularly, but those of you with allergies, be warned! *** Travel Equipment *** Piano students should have a keyboard or piano.  Songwriting students should ideally have access to a primary instrument other than voice--even if it's Garage Band! *** Specialties *** Though I have a successful career as a classical vocalist (yup, I'm an opera singer) I love to let my hair down and I teach singers who sing jazz, R&B, Musical Theater, Karaoke, Shower Stylings and, of course, anything classical.  With piano and songwriting, any style goes!