Jeannie Gagne Music LLC
About
Senior teacher, known world-wide. Full Professor of Voice at Berklee College of Music. 1/2 million fans on YouTube. Multiple recordings etc over 25 year career. M.A. in vocal production and wellness for the singer. Author of two books on singing for Berklee Press/Hal Leonard. My original singing method is ICSM, Integrated Contemporary Singing Method, highly successful with thousands of students.
www.jeanniegagne.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannie-gagn%C3%A9-a1634224/
My goal is to bring out the gems in each student. Singing is a natural desire; I can help you to be your very best, in any style. I personalize my lessons to suit your learning style and vocal type. I have extensive knowledge of vocal anatomy, as well as multiple styles. My method focuses on the whole person, a holistic approach to singing. It's quite unusual.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
First I find out why the student wants to study voice and what they hope to get from lessons. I find out what styles of music interest them, what their musical background is, and if they play another instrument or write songs. We sing some warm ups together and then I ask them to sing something for me (any kind of accompaniment is fine).
I demonstrate my teaching style in the lesson, and we work on technique together based on their experience. This first lesson sets us up well for a study plan. I work with all levels, and our lessons are fun and very informative.
You will learn the true facts about singing, and I will clear up any confusing instruction you may have received in the past. I know my stuff.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a senior-level teacher and my skills are advanced and unusual. My approach is holistic, utilizing my own method ICSM. My background is extensive. I have been teaching at Berklee College of Music for 19 years; have been professional for over 30. I have taught thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers of their own. I hold a M.A. from Lesley University and my B.A. from Wesleyan University. I am classically trained (12 years), and play piano and acoustic guitar. I am an author of two highly acclaimed Berklee Press books on singing which are viewed worldwide. I can sing and teach in a wide variety of styles including classical, pop, pop/rock, blues, jazz, singer/songwriter, R&B, countyr, and musical theater.
I also directed a choir for over a decade and have traveled around the country, to Africa, to China, to Hong Kong, to Europe to teach and perform. I am known on YouTube as TheVocalGenie. I also teach online to students around the world, and have an Online Course at Berklee called Popular Singing Styles: Developing Your Sound.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Yes. My normal one hour fee is $120 until September 1 when it will be $125, but I honor this $120 for students who sign up now. If a student books and pays for six lesson up front I offer a 10% discount. I am not your average less-expensive local teacher. You get what you pay for. Other teachers with my level of experience charge double or even triple what I do, but I keep my prices low to make it affordable for everyone.
How did you get started teaching?
Back in New York City where I'm from, I started teaching alongside my professional singing/songwriting career when I was about 25. Then I taught locally at a Massachusetts music school when my kids were little, and was hired as professor at Berklee in 2000.
What types of students have you worked with?
Every kind. Kids (no younger than 12), high school students, working adults, seniors, and every age in between. I teach Professional singers --including a professional opera baritone who comes to me for jazz lessons, and a finalist on The Voice and American Idol.... and I teach beginners who have never taken a lesson before.
I do not judge you. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to sing. Instead, there is healthy production method that I design for your anatomy, your personal goals.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I just came back from presenting on a contemporary music panel discussion at my alma mater Wesleyan University, with Dar Williams and hit-makers. We were discussing the current state of music and making a career as a musician. Then I performed before about 1,000 that night. It was a blast!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If a student wants to save frustration by studying with a leading teacher, I'm your pick. My schedule is more open in the summertime and lessons become harder to book once September rolls around, so I recommend singing up now.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
How serious about studying are you? Are you willing to put in the time to practice, about an hour five times a week? This is what is required to get really good.
If you can match a tune, you can sing. Your voice may be naturally beautiful or it may be scratchy and expressive. As I said, I do not judge. I will teach you how to love your voice. It is a part of who you are!
Does your voice tire when you sing? It should not. Does it ever hurt? I will show you how to sing without injury. Have you had previous lessons before? Do you understand breathing techniques, vocal placement, finding free singing? An expert teacher like myself can help you with these and a lot more.
Do you get stage fright? I can help you with this too with my holistic method.
Do you want to sing and play your own songs? I can help you learn how to self-accompany and sing well, or work with a band.