About Jennifer

 

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Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Barrett has been teaching music in various locations for over 20 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Music Education from North Central College, a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University, and post-grad studies in Bodywork for Singers, Singing Voice Therapy, and Estill Voice Method.  Currently, Jennifer teaches Classical and Musical Theater Voice, and is the director of the Opera Workshop ensemble at North Central College.

 

Jennifer believes in empowering students with a whole-body approach to singing, including a large emphasis on vocal health and longevity.  She ensures that her studio is a safe place for goal-setting, challenges, exploration, and self-discovery. 

 

When not teaching, Jennifer is proud to be a part of the Chicago opera community.  She is the Alto section leader at First United Methodist of LaGrange, and she is on the artistic board of New Moon Opera in Chicago.  In 2019 she was given best-of-year accolades by Vocal Arts Chicago, for her performance in the US premier of John Plant’s I will fly like a bird with Thompson Street Opera (which you can catch on iTunes and Spotify!)

 

Jennifer is a huge fan of her morning cold brew, listening to music all day, reading, and playing card games with her family.  She has two music-loving children (Rebecca and Aiden), and lives with her wife Tracey and their pets in Joliet.  She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.