About
Please visit the Vocal Technique Studio section (hummingbird) at janicejarrett.com to learn about the relaxed singing (open throat, Bel Canto) approach I use to increase range, improve resonance and Intonation (pitch accuracy), and overall strength and stamina for singers, no matter the preferred musical style. The emphasis is on maintaining vocal health and freeing your individual voice. I also teach songwriting, music theory and other musicianship skills. (References and credentials also on site.)
Please note: I have returned to on-site teaching for vaccinated singers. The fidelity and lag time are obstacles to better instruction. Lessons for Music Theory, Songwriting, and other musicianship skills can work Online, however, FaceTime appears to offer the best quality and reliability of the connection.
It is hard to describe how happy I am when a student discovers they have a "voice." It is gratifying to witness the advancing skills, particularly "freeing" the individual voice, and seeing the joy students derive from knowing they can sing. From there the process moves to finding out that they can express themselves more deeply, and clearly, than before in a safe, supported environment. Many then are freed to share their newfound ability with others.
Others are happy to know they can sing in tune and with a good voice for their own satisfaction and enjoyment. Every day there seems to be a new scientific study on the multiple benefits of music's "whole brain" activity. I'm happy to be a part of helping in that pursuit.
Details
Musical styles
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Reviews
Matthew B.
Nick L.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I introduce them to the concepts involved in the approach: Bel Canto, open throat or relaxed singing and the importance of warming up. If they understand the concepts behind the instruction, they are more involved, and more effective in the process of retraining muscles.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been singing virtually all my life and along the way sang a number of different musical styles professionally. I have also been an instructor from grade school to elders and from colleges and universities to community environments, to private teaching, workshops and demonstartions. My degrees in World Music gave me a chance to hear and understand a number of other musical traditions beuand Western music. I found this invaluable.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Hour lessons for adults are $50 an hour, and $45 for 45 minutes. Younger than 12, the price is discounted and 30 minute lessons can be sacheduled if needed.
How did you get started teaching?
I was formally teaching as a freshman in undergraduate school (Collegium Musicum, small choir). I have taught off and on as a private voice insturctor since then while being an instructor or professor in various schools. Now I also teach composition (songwriting) and other skills for musicianship and performing.
What types of students have you worked with?
From grade school on up, students with no experience to professionals and from some considered tone-deaf (most weren't) to those with advanced facility.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
Fairly often I have what I call an "epiphany" happen in a lesson when a concept I have been talking about suddenly makes intellectual and phsyical/psyiological sense to the student simultaneously. (An "ah ha" moment.). Those are great.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Learn a little about vocal training if you can from known academic sources first (They have free online information.). I think the teacher should have a strong connection to teaching the actual psysiology of the vocal instrument. There are numerous ainging gurus of sorts on the Internet who promise the world and have questionable advice. I have only one or two I can recommend.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Ask what the teacher's approach is based on their teachers (what traditions). Many are primarily versed in Classical music which is not always optimum for singers who want to sing in other genre (pop. country, jazz, etc.), although some teachers have experience in a greater variety of musics. There are also those who specialize in musical theater who can be better for students who prefer that. These genre have a large repertoire and a more specialized teacher can be helpful. (There are less who are, like me, more experienced in a variety of styles.)