Jessica Brunson

My teaching style in my personal studio is the same style I had used at Ovation last year. One of the differences here is that I recruit my own students to be a part of my studio. However, I have added one thing to my teaching approach since I had worked at the academy; I now encourage my kids, at the beginning of every lesson, to write down three positive things. This included things they like about themselves, their voice, good things that happened to them recently, achievements, etc. I build their repertoire throughout each year, finding pieces that fit their voice and increasing the challenge as they progress forward.

For my vocal coach position, I coached advanced high school level vocalists, building their vocal technique. Established good habits to improve phonation like prep breathing that involves engaging their core, expanding their ribcage, lifting their soft palate, keeping a stable and grounded posture, etc. I provide some knowledge of the vocal mechanism to improve their understanding of how their voice works. This includes the larynx, cricothyroid muscle, the thyroarytenoid muscle, the intercostal muscles, the diaphragm, etc. I introduce a different level of knowledge of the vocal anatomy to each student, considering where they are on their journey as a vocalist. One of my biggest subjects in lessons is maintaining a positive and uplifting mindset. As a vocalist myself, I know that the way a singer thinks on a regular basis can determine their overall success.

For my beginners piano position, I taught basic skills required to play the piano. Correct posture including hand posture, different fingering positions, sight reading, chord progressions, scales, etc.

I was also a Co-Teacher for Basic Music Theory, a Co-Director of CCM Band, and a Co-Director for Productions Class. I assisted in passing out material, taught basic knowledge of theory like rhythm values, time signatures, key signatures, note names, some sight singing, etc. I directed the vocalist side of Contemporary Commercial Music Band, and the vocalist side of Productions Class where students rehearsed Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief Musical.