Jessica Lardin Irish
Style: Classical; Musical Theatre
Title: Voice Teacher, Choral Director
Bio:
Jessica Lardin Irish has been a teacher of singing for 25+ years. She is both a voice teacher and a choral director; her students in both areas have been awarded and recognized by the National Capital Region "Cappie" Awards Program, the Virginia Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the American Choral Directors Association for achievements as soloists and ensemble members. They have been accepted into prestigious collegiate music programs such as the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Boston Conservatory, Carnegie-Mellon University, and Yale University, and have performed as professionals on Broadway and concert stages nationally and internationally. Her goal is for students to develop a free and resonant sound, with a focus on expressive legato singing, fueled by effective breath management. The foundation of her instruction is the science of singing, as she believes that all instruction should be approached from an anatomical perspective; students will sing their best and the most expressively when they have an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal instrument.
Because of her long school-teaching career, her time as music director at Messiah United Methodist Church (Springfield, VA), where she conducted the 100-voice Messiah Community Chorus, and her time as Director of the NOVA Community Chorus (Northern Virginia Community College), she has worked with singers of all ages, from children through senior citizens, and is able to understand their varying needs. She enjoys teaching students who are new to singing, as well as those who are seriously considering a professional career in music. She specializes in helping students to prepare for auditions, both at the local level and also at the collegiate, semi-professional level. Her studio offers optional participation in recitals and vocal competitions. As a soprano soloist, she has performed across the Metropolitan DC region with some of the finest choral organizations, including Fairfax Choral Society, Washington National Cathedral, and the choir of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, with whom she was featured on international television (EWTN), and on several notable recordings. She has a love of chamber music and oratorio, which have been her focus as a soprano performer.
Mrs. Irish holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education (vocal focus) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Music Degree of Shenandoah University's Conservatory with a focus on Choral Education. Her research areas have been focused on the teaching of sight-singing to singers, and she has presented on this topic at the Virginia Music Educator's Association annual conference. She has a certificate in the Somatic VoiceWork TM method of Contemporary Commercial Singing (CCM). She is a frequent vocal clinician and guest conductor.
Jessica Irish Vocal Arts studio is located in Fairfax Station, Virginia. www.JessicaIrishVocalArts.mymusicstaff.com
Voice Type: Soprano
Music Styles Taught: Classical; Musical Theatre
Availability: I am available as a performer; I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter
