Voice Teacher / Coach
As a teacher, I believe that my role is to meet each student where they are and give them the tools to grow as vocalists, performers, singer-songwriters, and cabaret artists. I believe in a judgment-free zone where mistakes are encouraged, questions are asked and answered, and students can work at their own pace. When you come to me for a lesson, you will learn about breathing, posture, tension (both good and bad), and anatomy. You will learn about vocal health, and how to live with an instrument that lies within your body. We will choose repertoire that both reflects your abilities and appeals to you as a singer. Most of all, though, you will have fun singing and performing, because I believe that singing is one of the most enjoyable activities that anyone can do.
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Elizabeth Berger
Music education major at Westminster Choir College/Rider University
Ms. Blades was my biggest help and supporter during my audition process, she started by building my repertoire slowing to not overwhelm me but still making sure I was prepared. We picked music together that was born obtainable and a good showcase of my voice and step by step picked the best music for the auditions. She walked me through the different languages and what to expect and even went as far as helping me research schools. Ms. Blades went above and beyond and found a pianist and a space I could use to do mock auditions and did everything in her power to give me the best chance possible. Without her help auditions would have been daunting and unobtainable, she was the best mentor possible to have during that time!
Julie Lynn
Current Student
Jennifer Blades is an amazing and gifted performer and teacher. Without her, I would never have achieved my decades long dream of performing a one woman Cabaret Show. From the minute we started working together, she was affirming and motivating. She helped me create the show, finalize my songs, improve vocal quality, dialogue, staging and even helped with what to wear. There were so many moving parts to creating a Cabaret Show and she guided me through them all using her many resources and connections. Most importantly, she created a space where I felt safe going forward. She helped me believe in myself and my story. I cannot say enough about how important that was to me. It was a perfect combination of technical help, encouragement, and gentle pushing that got me to the finish line. Having Jennifer Directing my show, made it far better than I could have done myself. And we had a ton of fun working together. If you have a musical dream, work with Jennifer - her vast experience will have you forever grateful.
Sujay Pathak
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In my 20s I performed extensively as a semi-professional singer. After many years away from singing, I deeply wished to return to performance. My voice, however, wasn’t cooperating. Something had changed. Songs that were once easy now felt effortful and sounded labored. My high notes were gone. I felt hopeless. A friend recommended I see Jennifer Blades for vocal instruction/rehabilitation. From our first session, Jennifer created a supportive and friendly environment that made me feel relaxed and free. She listened carefully to my singing, and told me she suspected no structural damage. I was just very out-of-shape vocally.
Over the next 6 months, she gradually helped me coax my voice back into performance condition. Jennifer has the uncanny knack for knowing exactly the image, the exercise, the tool or the physical maneuver to overcome any vocal obstacle. Tension is the great enemy of singing, and Jennifer is especially adept at figuring out where you are tense, and how to get the area to relax. It’s truly one of her superpowers. I studied with many teachers in my earlier life and none could do this as well as Jennifer. What’s more impressive is that she performs this magic largely over Zoom. Another of her superpowers is her comfort level with all genres of music. I sing classical, pop, jazz, folk, rock, and soul, and whatever I’m bringing to her, she coaches the best possible performance out of me. She’s also just a really genuine, nice, positive person that makes you feel great about yourself and your singing.
I’m delighted to report that under Jennifer’s instruction I have returned to the stage - with the most solid vocal technique I’ve ever had. I’m forever grateful to Jennifer, and you will be too.
Suzanne Graham, mom of Zachary
"I cannot recommend Jennifer highly enough as a singing coach. Her patience, skill, and dedication are unmatched, especially when it comes to working with my son Zachary who has special needs. Zachary has thrived under Jennifer's guidance, not just vocally but also in confidence and self-expression. She takes the time to truly understand Zachary's unique needs and tailors her teaching style to bring out his best. Jennifer's unwavering encouragement and ability to make learning both fun and rewarding have been life-changing for our family. We are so grateful for her incredible talent and compassionate approach!"
Kelly Foulke
Former Student and Cabaret Singer
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Jennifer encouraged me to produce a Cabaret show and coached me in the song selection, preparation, writing, and marketing. The end result was SUCCESS! My first show was one of the best experiences of my life. I am grateful for Jennifer’s ability to bring out the best in me and my voice. She is able to provide simple technical descriptions, creating an atmosphere which always keeps me improving my performance as well as laughing.
Whether you are new to having a voice teacher or are looking for inspiration and guidance for a performance, she provides the technical, creative, and caring environment needed to support your dreams. I highly recommend Jennifer.
Shoshi Greenberg
Former Student
Actor and Singer
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When I first met Jennifer I was auditioning for her Opera and Musical Theatre Workshop and I was absolutely terrified! I did not know how to ground my breath and relax my body and I was shaking up there on stage. Working with Jennifer changed my life. Jennifer sees me for the musician and person I am and helps me be the best version of myself I can be. She helped me find my unique voice and taught me how to use it in a way that brought me out of my shell and made my voice soar. Without her, I would not be the performer I am today.
She has not only been the most influential teacher in my field of study, she has also been one of the most influential mentors and friends in my life!
Her teaching style is incredibly supportive and loving while also challenging and pushing you to reach your highest potential. Jennifer will get you where you need to go!
Gabriel Taylor
Former Student
Tenor, Actor, Director
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My favorite lesson with Jen was the time I was working through a particularly challenging song, challenging not as a singer, but on a personal level. While I was going through the song, my emotions got a hold of me, and I began to cry through the bridge and into the final chorus. When I finished, I quietly said, “I know. I made a few mistakes.”
She looked at me and said “Yes. But I think if you hadn’t allowed them to happen you would never have had such an amazing moment of realization as you did just now.”
Because that’s who Jennifer Blades is. She will not only build your skills as an Artist and Performer, but like the mother she is, she will nurture your spirit as a human being.
Rachel Lockett
Current Student
Singer and Actor
rachel-lockett.com
Jennifer Blades is an amazing voice teacher, vocal coach, and director. I have been a student of hers for seven years, and I am constantly improving under her tutelage. I truly appreciate and love everything she has done for me, whether trying to understand the character in a song, maintaining a healthy technique, or giving me the confidence to sing.
If you need something to convince you to go to her, she is a firm believer that her students should never imitate others and believes that every student should be as unique as possible. Not a carbon copy.