JAMIE LEONHART

AS EDUCATOR

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As a young singer I got into some trouble with my voice.  I sang all the time and was recognized and lauded for my gutsy passionate full voice.  I sometimes got hoarse, I sometimes lost my voice, but I was young and felt resilient. One day I was lying down and wanted to sing a quiet little tune, and couldn’t.  I was missing a chunk of my voice, and without pushing, I couldn’t sound those notes.  I was scared enough to seek help, and began the process of consciously building my voice for the first time. 

All things about the human voice fascinate me - how and why we make sound; the impulse to have our voices heard; and how we can work to make our voices strong, flexible and resilient. This exploration inspired me to teach others how to develop and take care of their voices.

I studied under some great teachers, especially Jeannie LoVetri, creator of Somatic Voicework™, who trained me to teach in a curious, mindful, science-based manner, allowing the voice and body to be partners with the mind, and the instrument to handle a variety of tasks with greater ease and less effort.

I am a certified Somatic Voicework™ instructor, a multi-leveled pedagogical approach to functional singing, and serve as Faculty at the Somatic Voicework™ Institute.

My clients range from karaoke novices to touring and recording artists with ages ranging from 10 to 80.  I work with private middle and high schools in New York, coaching jazz and contemporary band singers and private students, as well as college and graduate level singers at the New School in NYC and SUNY Purchase. 

I have directed, written for, and performed as a soloist and ensemble member of vocal jazz ensembles, a cappella groups, gospel choirs, and Off-Broadway musicals. I am an accomplished vocal arranger and songwriter.

I serve as a Vocal Producer for studio recordings, guiding singers to their best performances, both technically and emotionally.

I lead performance and creative workshops and work with theater groups, choruses and small vocal groups, including those who use voice in non-traditional settings, like yoga and meditation teachers and practitioners. I work in collaboration with Laryngologists, body workers and Speech Language Pathologists to serve my students holistically. 

My goal as a teacher is to help singers find their voices and give them the tools needed to strengthen and free their instruments. Lessons are tailored to what each person requires.

Through vocal and physical exercises and exploration, singers will:

Develop balanced registration: chest/head and all varieties of mix

Work to eliminate an audible break

Build endurance and stamina

Coordinate body and breath

Increase range

Develop a self-care regimen

Develop a basic understanding of basic vocal anatomy and vocal health

Explore expression, personal stylehand improvisation

Work on specific “issues” eg, clear a breathy sound or soften a strident tone

Find freedom and joy in making sound

In sessions we also have the opportunity to explore simple music theory, reading music, rhythm training and emotional expression.

Sessions are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly.  If you plan to take occasional sessions, please note that scheduling preference will be given to those with weekly or bi-weekly spots.

For rates and inquires, drop me a note with the button below!