Lesson Details
Writing
- Levels Taught:
- Elementary, Middle School, High School, College
Jillian teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 2+ and special needs
- Teaching since:
- May 2011
I have a Master's degree in Music Therapy, am a nationally board certified music therapist (MT-BC); performer and vocal instructor (Bachelor's in Classical Voice); certified yoga instructor and meditation guide (200+); certified and attuned Reiki master; professional freelance writer and editor.
...I find joy in a lot of places! And often I find these areas of study inform and augment each other.
Music therapy has afforded me a great deal of experience working with children, teens, and adults with special needs including, autism, Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, emotional disturbances and developmental delays as well as teens and adults with psychosocial issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, personality disorders, and more.
I incorporate my experience as a therapist into the educative setting.
As a voice teacher, I want to help my students settle comfortably into their own musicality by showing them the building blocks of a solid technique, drawing particularly from the things that helped me grow as a vocalist. I want my students to feel strong in their body, comfortable and relaxed in their breath, and confident in their performance.
I am a professional vocalist in NYC. I perform liturgical and classical music, as well as musical theater repertoire. I participate in professional operas, choral groups and other concert series. Performing gives me a sense of bliss and completeness that is indescribable.
As a certified yoga instructor, I teach in many locations throughout Westchester. I was trained at Yoga Haven in Scarsdale, New York with Betsy Kase, and earned a 200-hour certificate in Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation. I offer private yoga instruction and meditation at my home studio. My studio comes fully equipped with all yoga props, aromatherapy, and music. Hands-on-assists and personalized classes offered to deepen your experience.
It is a joy to offer Reiki to curious, open clients in need of energy healing. Reiki is a noninvasive energy healing technique totally separate of any religious affiliation and available to anyone. It is a difficult to describe the relaxing, soothing, and deep-healing effects of Reiki to someone who has never experienced.
Please feel free to inquire about any of my services!
*Note: If you don't see a time slot that is suitable to your needs but would like to try a session or lesson with me, feel free to register for the Flex Plan, and we will work out week-to-week times!!**
**Note: If you are interested in music therapy, please email me with a bit about yourself and your personal goals.
Experience
Music Therapist
Sep 2012 - PresentOffering music therapy for children and adolescents with special needs as part of an interdisciplinary approach to wellness.
Yoga Instructor
Sep 2012 - PresentI offer multiple group classes a week, focusing on gentle restorative yoga, breath control or pranayama techniques, and meditation practice. For more information about my group classes, group Reiki, and other experiences through the Wellness center, schedule a "Health Coach" or "Yoga" appointment through the TakeLessons service. located in Ossining, NY.
+ Read MoreMusic Therapist
Jan 2012 - PresentOffering music therapy within the recreational setting for individuals with special needs.
Education
MA Music Therapy
Sep 2013 - Jul 2016Bachelor's of Science, Music Therapy, Classical Voice, Creative Writing
Sep 2006 - May 2011Certifications
Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
Jan 2017An in-depth program for advanced training in the area of prenatal yoga yoga, including: sequencing options during pregnancy, assists, contraindications, emotional support, and preparation for both.
Helen Bonny Guided Imagery and Music
Mar 2015Studying with a world famous GIM practitioner and educator, this training provides music therapists with specialized focus on guided meditation, relaxation, and training in guided imagery using music programs to facilitate therapeutic experiences.
Yoga for Depression
Jan 2015An in-depth training in yoga sequencing, yoga philosophy and meditation for individuals overcoming moderate to severe depression.
Restorative Yoga Teacher Training
Jun 2014This advanced training has afforded me the tools to work with people with diverse needs in a gentle modality with sequences tailored to meet the needs of the individual.
Music Therapist-Board Certified (MT-BC)
Dec 2013This is the national credential certifying that an individual has been adequately trained and supervised in conducting music therapy.
Certified Yoga Instructor
May 2013A year long intensive course training the instructor in anatomy and physiology, yoga philosophy, the history of yoga, asana, pranayama, meditation, and teaching techniques.
CPR/AED
May 2013CPR/AED trained and certified for emergency care if needed.
Reiki Master
Aug 2012This natural, hands-on healing technique works as a wonderful supplement to any therapeutic modality. Based on inducing states of deep relaxation and meditation, this chakra based energy healing is used to regulate energetic systems in the body, allow for the release of stored emotions, and promote healing.
+ Read MoreAwards
Yoga Nidra
May 2016Hands on Assistance in Yoga, Advance Training
Apr 2014Affiliations
Reiki Membership Association
Jul 2016We are a professional reiki association that features a code of ethics and professional standards of practice. Our purpose is to provide professional recognition for members at the same time we make it possible for those seeking Reiki sessions and classes to find qualified practitioners and teachers.
+ Read MoreAmerican Psychological Association
Jan 2016The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more than 122,500 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students as its members.
Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States
Sep 2015IYNAUS's mission is to spread the teachings of B. K. S. Iyengar and the Iyengar Family. The IYNAUS Board believes that central to that mission is helping Iyengar Yoga teachers promote their classes, to inform more people about Iyengar Yoga and to bring them its unique benefits. Students are urged to "Look for the Mark" in choosing a teacher — the Iyengar Yoga Certification Mark.
+ Read MoreNational Association of Teachers of Singing
Jan 2015Founded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members worldwide.
Yoga Alliance
Jun 2013Yoga Alliance is the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. Our mission is to spread the power of yoga one person at a time.
We believe that the individual experience of yoga is of paramount importance, and are committed to supporting the passage of yoga from trainer to teacher, teacher to student, and student to aspiring yogi. Our role as the national support organization for the yoga community is to ensure that the practice of yoga will keep growing, so that more people will connect with yoga and be transformed. As an organization we keep several core values at heart: service, excellence, transparency, learning and community.
American Music Therapy Association
Jan 2011AMTA's purpose is the progressive development of the therapeutic use of music in rehabilitation, special education, and community settings. Predecessors, unified in 1998, included the National Association for Music Therapy founded in 1950 and the American Association for Music Therapy founded in 1971. AMTA is committed to the advancement of education, training, professional standards, credentials, and research in support of the music therapy profession.
+ Read MorePhotos & Videos
40 Reviews
Write a ReviewExcellent first voice lesson. Jillian is warm, encouraging, and very knowledgeable. I was surprised how many "technical" issues she introduced me to (optimal breathing & how best to practice it at home; appropriate use of falsetto at upper limit of bass voice range, etc.) . Looking forward to continued lessons. (Much better use of what used to be my copay for psychotherapy! I've also joined rehearsals with new Encore-NYC chorale group in Manhattan, for people over 55. Music is giving me a real emotional lift in my retirement.)
+ Read MoreJillian is a very friendly, gifted and delightful person to work with, and would be a good match for literally anybody. She's helped with my vocals more than any other teacher has. Thank you Jillian!
Patient, knowledgable, good location, easy parking
Jillian is a phenomenal music instructor and therapist. My kids love sessions with her. We've been going for almost a year now and it has made a huge difference in their behavior most noticeabley their attention spans! Thanks Jillian!
Jillian I an angel. She is working with my daughter who never likes anything. Now she LOVES guitar..
Thank you Jillian❤️👍
Such a wonderful, gifted and caring teacher!
Best ever
👍
great
Excellent start!
Jillian was absolutely delightful.
Talented and an excellent teacher
My very shy grand-daughter enjoyed her lesson with Jillian
Thanks Jillian
Jillian has been teaching my teenage son piano for several months. He is always prepared and eager to attend his weekly piano lessons. She has an intuitive ability to connect with him in and make him feel at ease and comfortable. I wish he had started at an earlier age. His musical experiences have certainly exceeded my expectations.
+ Read MoreGreat! Looking forward to the net session.
She is fabulous. I know I've only had a single lesson but I can just tell. I'm so excited to have found her!! She's warm and open and knowledgeable! Yay!
Looking forward to more lessons!
My first lesson was great, she made great changes. Jillian is a true professional knows exactly what's needed in order for you to excel.
Even though I just had one lesson, I feel completely comfortable with Jillian. I appreciate her methods, enthusiasm and openness.
Jillian is terrific! She is so positive, fun and patient!
My daughter did not want to leave!
Jillian is terrific! She is so positive, fun and patient!
My daughter did not want to leave!
I feel I'm in good hands with Jillian and that she knows her stuff. ONe thing that makes her stand out is that I can email practice recordings to her during the week and get feedback without waiting until next lesson.
Awesome lesson! Jillian balanced the time with discussing material, playing and practical tips for playing unfamiliar music.
Jillian is a very patient and knowledgeable singing instructor. She really helps you find ways to improve your musicianship. I totally recommend her services 👍👍👍...
Jillian is a professional with great experience and very patient and kind as well. Really looking forward to more lessons!
Very sweet and understanding in what you are trying to achieve.
Jillian is a wonderful instructor! I just had my first lesson with her and she was very welcoming, positive, encouraging and knowledgeable. I really enjoyed my time with her and learned a ton.
Thank you Jillian :)
I have been working with Jillian on vocal training (i.e., singing) since June 2014. She is an outstanding instructor - very patient, great attitude, uses positive reinforcement, provides very helpful feedback and encouragement. Highly recommended!
Jillian is an incredible piano teacher. She is patient and makes learning the piano fun for our five year old!
Wonderful Teacher
My son loves working with Jillian. He has never been exposed to singing before but wanted to give it a try and so far he is enjoying it.
Jillian's really smart and nice
I started taking lessons with Jillian around when i started high school a couple years ago. I play french horn in school, and I'm considering studying music in college, so I definitely needed to know more music theory. I play guitar too, so we started studying songwriting, too, so that I can write some songs with my band. Jillian's so nice, and really smart, so she makes it really easy to learn! I really like classes with her.
One of the best teachers I have ever had
I am a 15 years old and have been taking lessons with Jillian for about a year and a half. I started out as a beginner and she was so patient with me and encouraged me continuously so that I can feel confident in myself. She also made the experience so much fun, while other teachers I've had made it stressful. She is also so knowledgable and talented but never made me feel bad that i wasnt at her level. Jillian is also cares about all her students and their progress. I cant recommend her enough to everyone who wants to learn!!
Super Helpful!!!
I worked with Jillian for about 5 months and she helped me more than I could have ever imagined. After singing in my church choir for more than 3 years, I wanted to be able to start performing solos at mass. While practicing with Jillian, she helped me to develop my voice using creative and fun exercises that I never even knew existed. She created a comfortable environment and helped me to control my voice. As a result, I eventually gained the confidence I needed in order to perform various psalms and songs infront of a packed church. I can't thank her enough for what she has done for me. I'm sure her lessons will stay with me for the rest of my life!
Learned so much!
Been going to Jillian for a few months and she's awesome. I've been looking for a voice coach for a long time and I'm so lucky I found her because not only is she talented, but she knows how to train a singer. She's a lot of fun to be around which makes the lessons even that much more enjoyable. I definitely recommend her as a teacher!
Best Teacher Ever!!!
I've been working with Jillian for a few years when I needed a voice coach for school choir. I can honestly say she is one of my favorite teachers! She's so much fun and whenever I feel like giving up she encourages me through it and I don't feel like its stressful work although I am learning so much. She's such a sweet person and non-judgemental which I think is so important for a teacher especially a singing coach. She's also very patient which was important for me since I was/am a beginner. Jillian is also unbelievabley talented but she doesn't rub it in your face and make you feel like youre not as good, which has been my experience with other voice teachers. If youre looking for someone who is relatable and does so much for you bc she wants to see you succeed then you should definitely choose Jillian as your teacher. I hope I can work with her forever because she's that awesome!
Great Instructor
Jillian is very knowledgable and talented. I was searching around for an instructor so I can develop sight singing skills, and with Jillian's help I think I have come along way. Very easy to get along with and really cares about your progress.
Jillian is GREAT!
I took music theory and voice lessons with Jillian for almost 2 years (21 months) about 5 years ago. At first it was basically my parents who persuaded me to take her lessons, but I needed to take theory to help me compose music in college (which I currently attend). I knew I needed that basic knowledge and understanding if I wanted to further my personal growth and hopefully career. I've kept in contact with her periodically through the years, often bugging her for advice or suggestions (she's great at getting back to me). She really worked with me to develop the sound I wanted and helped increase my range. Jillian has this obvious love for music and I felt comfortable with her from day 1. Her high energy and genuinity made me feel relaxed and appreciative. Her enthusiasm about music, whether it be about theory, technique or performance, really inspired me and I was able to learn so much from her. Bottom line, she's amazing!
Jillian is the best!
I've been looking for a voice lessons coach for so long and didn't find anyone who I felt comfortable with until I started with Jillian a few months ago. Her positive attitude is contagious and it actually makes me really excited every time I have a lesson. Jillian is so supportive and actually seems interested. Not only that, she's really knowledgeable and I've learned so much of music theory and sight singing in my lessons with her. You won't be disappointed if you choose Jillian as your voice coach.
Best Singing Instructor I've Ever Had!!
I had such an incredible experience with Jillian. First off, let me just say what a warm, gentle, and kind person she is. With other voice instructors I've felt intimidated and just really uncomfortable but it was really a joy being with Jillian. I didn't feel any sort of pressure to perform and she really took me step by step and truly believed in my potential. And she was so down to earth! I feel like I've known her for years. Just her being so happy and loving her job inspired me and I know that my skills have improved in just a few sessions. I cannot recommend Jillian enough!