JANIS KELLY MUSIC STUDIO
Phone: (916) 873-4856 Email: janis.e.kelly@gmail.com
www.janis-kelly.com
MUSICAL/TEACHING BACKGROUND
Passion—for music, for teaching and for learning—is what makes me a great choice as a private instructor for you or your child! Music is truly my life—whether I am teaching it, directing it, performing it, writing it, practicing it, listening to it or even dancing to it—and I am deeply honored to share my musical gifts with others and help them discover, develop and enjoy their own!
My musical background is extensive, having been immersed in it nearly from birth! As the child of a music teacher, I was fortunate enough to receive extensive training in piano, trumpet and voice from the time I was four years old. I continued my studies all the way through college, where I trained to be a music teacher myself, as well as a performer. I majored in music education at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, TX, and also completed coursework at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN and Seattle Pacific University in Seattle, WA. In 2004, I completed a three-year teacher training program for the School For Uncovering The Voice vocal method (Werbeck Technique), lead by Christiaan Boele from Finland.
As a vocalist, I have spent more than 28 years singing in nightclubs, concert halls, festival stages, churches and recording studios, primarily in the genres of jazz, Latin, R&B, funk/soul, and gospel music. My career has taken me to such cities as Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where I have been fortunate enough to share the stage with such artists as The Neville Brothers, Carole King, Tower of Power and Rufus & Chaka Khan, as well as appearing on recordings with Earth, Wind & Fire, The Emotions, and Heart. Most recently, I had the opportunity to perform for Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger during his inauguration in January of 2007.
As a music teacher, I began offering piano lessons while still in high school, at the suggestion/request of my own teacher. Since then, I have taught hundreds of beginning, intermediate and advanced students, adding trumpet and voice lessons to my “menu” along the way. In 2000, I began teaching and directing music in schools and churches, serving first as the head of the music department for the Sacramento Waldorf School for four years, as the Music Director for Christ Unity Church in Sacramento for two, and, finally, as the Director of the New Thought Gospel Choir at Center For Spiritual Awareness in West Sacramento for one. Each of these positions proved to be wonderful opportunities for me, as I was able to use my teaching and directing skills with a variety of both vocal and instrumental groups and create incredible musical opportunities for everyone concerned!
Now that I have relocated to Boulder, CO to teach choral music at the Shining Mountain Waldorf School, I am developing a "small but mighty" roster of private students so that I retain ample time for my other passion: composing, performing and recording original, "soul-stirring" music. As I subscribe to the belief that music is one of the most healing forces in the world, I am honored to share it with my students and their families and I am proud of the relationships I have developed and fostered thus far. Should we choose to work together, I trust you will be moved and inspired by my energy, enthusiasm, compassion and support, and that you just may find them "rubbing off" on you!
LESSON INFORMATION
My teaching hours are Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 3:00-5:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 2:00-5:00 p.m.; Thursday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. My rates are $50 per hour, or $25 per half-hour lesson. I currently offer lessons for voice, piano and trumpet, and bring a different approach to each of these instruments/disciplines. However, my goal for ALL of my students is that they reach their true potential as a musician and—if desired—performer, and that, as a result of our work together, they develop a life-long love affair with music.
Where voice lessons are concerned, I draw heavily from the Werbeck Technique (School For Uncovering The Voice, www.waldorfmusic.org), of which I am a trained vocal method instructor. In truth, even though I studied voice extensively, directed choirs for years and sang professionally for my entire adult life, I never considered teaching voice lessons or coaching singers until I discovered this method. It—quite literally—allowed me to discover my voice’s true potential and has changed my approach to singing at depth. Designed to help students develop lifelong vocal health, longevity, range and freedom, the Werbeck Technique is deceptively simple yet remarkably effective for every student, regardless of age or experience level.
I also work with students on building a vocal repertoire that reflects their own interests, whether it be classical, musical theatre, cabaret, jazz, gospel, or even "pop." Further, I strive to provide opportunities outside of lessons for students to practice their performance capabilities, sponsoring monthly “open mics” and musical gatherings at various locations, including my home studio. I also encourage my high school-age students to audition for all-state and all-regional honor choirs as well as for local and regional musical theatre opportunities, and share as much information to this end as possible.
Where piano and trumpet lessons are concerned, I typically use the Alfred and Standard Of Excellence methods, respectively, to teach the fundamentals of each instrument and basic music theory. I find these to be very user-friendly and comprehensive for beginners, and I like that they offer “ear training” as well as “sight reading” exercises and activities. My goal—particularly where beginners are concerned—is to help students learn to use their eyes, their ears and their minds—in addition to their fingers—so that they actually become musicians and not just “trained rats.” As students progress, I assist them in discovering what styles of music they are most interested in playing, augmenting their formal studies with explorations of improvisation, jazz theory, accompanying, and even arranging and composing, should they take an interest.
Finally, I take a strong interest in each of my students, personally as well as musically, and this interest is conveyed at each lesson. It is my objective for my students to feel safe, successful and supported when they are in my presence and I pride myself on helping to build and reinforce confidence, courage and commitment in each of them.
REFERENCES/ENDORSEMENTS
Janis was my voice teacher for the last two years. She was also the music director for Christ Unity Church in Sacramento, where I met her while singing in the choir and singing solos at some of the services. Janis has excellent teaching skills, writes exquisite harmony for duets, trios, etc. and is an incredible accompanist on the piano. It takes someone with a strong understanding and connection with the singer to do the latter. She also has an uncanny ability to find songs that fit my voice and singing style. I would highly recommend her for a voice teacher, choir director, music director or musician. Her command of the piano is wonderful. Janis has also written many songs several of which she performed at church and at many other venues. You would be hard pressed to find a more accomplished musician.
-William M. McNabb
Janis Kelly is an experienced vocalist, vocal trainer and coach.. She'll help make your vocal dreams come true... I was an alto for years and under Janis's instruction - discovered I'm really a soprano!! I was always the background singer .. and now I'm the "soloist!"
-Theresa McGarry
Janis started providing piano lessons for our daughter, when our daughter could barely reach the keys properly. Under Janis' tutelage our daughter blossomed, as Janis provided an environment that was both welcoming and inspiring. She allowed our daughter to progress at her own pace while skillfully urging her to discover the drive and creativity she had within her. Janis has a great understanding of her students and a wealth of knowledge with regards to music. She takes the time to listen and learn what she can from the students – a rare and key skill for any teacher to have. Our daughter was very lucky to have had the pleasure of having Janis introduce and guide her through the formidable beginnings of learning the piano. Because of her time with Janis, my daughter will now sit at the piano and play because she truly enjoys it and likes “how the music makes her feel.”
-George Claire
Janis is an exceptional musician and teacher! She knows what her student needs and HOW to teach it! Her work ethic is admirable, and she has a gift to share with children beyond just the music. My daughter was accepted into a very respectable high school choir based solely on how she developed her vocal skills with Janis over two and a half years. As an educator and a mother, I was delighted with the instruction, care and support Janis provided in every lesson. My daughter was thrilled to have Janis as a teacher and mentor and friend.
-Barbara Emmert
Janis is very passionate about music and her enthusiasm is infectious. She is a patient and energetic teacher who works well with children and makes learning fun. My daughter looks forward to her lessons and enjoys playing the piano for her family and friends. Thank you!-Ranelle Bensch, Sacramento, CA
There are "Ordinary" coaches and then there are "Extraordinary" coaches". You are extraordinary because you bring out the best in me and in others. Being a vocal student of yours, learning and practicing the simple vocal techniques you have taught me has increased my vocal range and my confidence levels tremendously. Now, I am singing like I have never sung before because of my work with you. Thanks Coach!
-BÁJAN, professional vocalist
After a long illness you have helped me to get my voice and muscle support in tune to have a healthy singing voice again. I am forever grateful. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to do it. I appreciate your kind and patient method of teaching. Thank you, thank you, thank you! -Louise Vidaurri
“As a percussionist, I never considered vocals until it was time for me to sing back-up. Janis has helped me find my “true voice” and the band is grateful as well.”
-Rex Womack, professional didgeridoo player/percussionist
