Learn healthy and efficient singing & playing!
Specialties include classical and classical adjacent styles, jazz, musical theater, & pop.
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Accepting of all ages & levels with details below
Experience with neurodiverse learners and trans-identifying students
Teaching experience of 8 years and counting
YOU DESERVE TO HAVE A VOICE!
My teaching philosophy is to give students the healthiest and most efficient way of using their voice. No matter the style, singing is always about vocal freedom, and the freedom to communicate a piece of music in a meaningful way. Because singing is so integrated with our physical well-being and emotions, I constantly encourage my students to have positive self-talk during lessons, practice, and performance; and I always aim to tailor the lessons around their educational and musical needs. I take pride in constantly being an advocate for my students and find it of the utmost importance to always show compassion in an art form so vulnerable and personal.
- Jessica Bloch-Moisand, Founder & Voice Teacher
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I strive to empower my students and help them achieve their vocal goals via healthy, free phonation. I teach a science-based vocal technique with a theatrical flair, meaning I use tools such as creative imagery, observation of sensation, and experimentation. Emotional expression helps students grasp and execute concepts. I do my utmost to meet every student where they are and tailor my instructional approach to complement individual learning needs (in my book, one method never fits all). Above all, I aim to elevate the pursuit of joy, levity, and ease in every lesson.
- Akela Franklin, Voice Teacher
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My pedagogical philosophy prioritizes fostering a love of music in addition to technical proficiency. Our lessons will explore fundamentals of music and piano, composition, improvisation, ear training, and learning music that the student loves.
- Raphael Mayer, Piano Teacher
Voice Studio Overview
Here’s what you get with online or in-person voice lessons:
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Voice Lessons: Improve vocal technique, musicianship, and build your repertoire
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In-person lessons are located in Boston and the Greater Boston area
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Studio Class: Receive real time feedback while practicing performing amongst peers
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Student Recitals: Gain performance experience
PLUS, you’ll also get access to:
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Staff pianist for lessons, studio class, and recitals
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Mentoring to help tailor your vocal interests and pursuits
And did someone say BONUSES?
You also get access to:
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Resources for singing such as the Vaccai and Marchesi etudes and exercises
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Anthologies and sheet music for your music library
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Resources for basic music theory and sight singing
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Guide to musical organizations you may want to be a part of while on your singing journey
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Piano Studio Overview
Here’s what you get with online or in-person piano lessons:
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Piano Lessons: One-on-one student lessons to foster a love for music through piano musicianship skills (ex: ear training, piano playing techniques, and improvisation.)
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In-person lessons are located in Boston and the Greater Boston area, usually at Somerville Music Spaces
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Curriculum materials suggested by piano teacher based on student's educational and musical needs and interests
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Studio Class: Receive real time feedback while practicing performing amongst peers
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Student Recitals: Gain performance experience
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How does it work?
STEP TWO
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Discuss scheduling and choice of lesson packages with me at blochperformingarts@gmail.com
Testimonials
"I worked with Jessica for roughly five years. During that time we worked on different vocal techniques and explored many different music styles such as classical and Broadway. Jessica helped me find confidence in myself and my voice. Because of my work with Jessica, I auditioned for and earned a spot in an audition-only choir, something I never could have done without everything I learned from Jessica. In addition to singing techniques, I learned important things about the voice and how to keep it healthy. Jessica is an exceptional voice teacher and I learned so much from her."
- Laura
"My 12 year old daughter was thrilled to resume voice lessons with Miss Jessica using Zoom. My daughter started with Jessica at the age of 10. Jessica is a gifted singer and teacher. Singing is one of my autistic daughter’s strengths and I feel so fortunate to have Jessica helping her develop her vocal talents. I highly recommend Jessica."
- Cheryl
Your general investment for Music Lessons are:
1 Hour Lessons
$95 per hour lesson
45 min Lesson
$80 per hour lesson
30 min Lessons
$65 per hour lesson
Please contact blochperformingarts@gmail.com for details regarding scheduling & availability.
Students pursuing lesson 2x per month or more will have a subscription options for the season. In-person lessons have additional cost due to price of the space being included. In-person is in high demand this season, so please contact us first before scheduling.​ If lessons seem inaccessible in any way due to cost, let us know! Merit options are available depending on the individual student's situation.
Meet The Voice Studio Staff!
…originally from West Palm Beach, FL and now a resident of the Greater Boston area, Jessica holds her Bachelor of Theater and Music degree from Florida State University and a Master of Music degree from the University of Connecticut. She was a Graduate Assistant in 2018-2019 and has since continued to teach private voice lessons, and direct at education summer music festivals.
…originally from the California Bay Area, and now residing in the Boston area, Akela holds a Bachelor of Music from University of Puget Sound and a Master of Music from Longy School of Music of Bard College, both in vocal performance. She has been teaching private lessons and in the Boston Public School system since 2018 and is certified in Alexander Technique.
Tristan Leung
Staff Pianist
…born in Wilmington, Delaware, Tristan completed his master’s degree at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he was a Graduate Assistant under the mentorship of Chih-Yi Chen and Kevin Murphy. In 2019, Mr. Leung earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, where he was also awarded the Theodore Presser Scholar Award. He has also been a piano fellow with Music Academy of the West.
Meet The Piano Studio Staff!
Raphael Mayer
Piano Teacher
...originally from Providence, RI, Raphael is a passionate jazz pianist, composer, singer, and educator. He studied music at Clark University, where he received the Manero Award for musical achievement. He taught music at the St. Teresa School in Pawtucket, RI, before getting his master’s degree from the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the Hartt School of Music. He now lives in Boston and is continuing his studies at Berklee College of Music.
Meet The Administrative Staff!
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Julia Pottinger
Administrative Assistant
...originally from St. Louis, MO, Julia is a passionate singer and arts administrator. Julia graduated with a Master of Music in Opera Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Rebecca Folsom at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. In addition to her master’s, Julia holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre, and a Professional Certificate in Opera from Wichita State University.
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What age range of students do you accept in your studio?Typically voice students are at least 7 years old and up. Age is just a number here from 7 and older! For students under 7 years of age, we will typically ask parents to wait; unless they are interested in ear training and/or having their child learn to read music. For singing in a voice lesson setting, there is a certain level of development the child must get to before they’re ready for the instruction. Typically piano students are as young as 4 with no age limit. Age is just a number here from 4 and older! For very young students, much of the lessons are focused on exploring the piano and fostering a love for music with technical practice slowly integrated into the lessons. For older students, a love of music is at the heart of what we do; however, there is more focus on technical practice. For further details, you can get in touch with us at blochperformingarts@gmail.com.
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What kind of music do you work on in lessons?For voice lessons we work on anything you want to work on! Jessica and Akela specialize in classical and classical adjacent genres (opera, art song, musical theater, jazz, various folk and pop styles). The only styles of music we are not equipped to work on are screamo and heavy metal techniques. For piano lessons, we work on what the student is most interested in learning to play! Raphael specializes in jazz and classical genres, but also prioritizes music education through the student's musical interests. He finds students become most proficient players, playing the songs they love!
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How are the lessons structured?VOICE: All lessons are private one-on-one lessons. For new students, the first few lessons will generally be technically focused as the instructor gets to know your voice and best ways of learning. In turn, the student can get to know the instructor's teaching style. For hour long lessons, they are generally split: ½ technique & vocal skills, and ½ repertoire. 45 min and 30 min lessons, will be adjusted in a similar way depending on the individual needs of the student. PIANO: All lessons are private one-on-one lessons. For new students, the first few lessons are about getting to know the piano as an instrument and building basic ear training and improvisational creativity. Then as the instructor gets to know the students needs and best ways of learning, more of the technical instruction will begin at a pace tailored to each individual student. For hour long lessons, they are generally split: ½ technique & musicianship skills, and ½ repertoire or etudes. 45 min and 30 min lessons, will be adjusted in a similar way depending on the individual needs of the student.
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What happens if the student gets sick before a lesson?If the illness is an emergency or if the student calls off the lesson due to illness, we will absolutely offer to reschedule at no additional cost to the student! It is most preferred for students to not only feel good for their lessons, but also not risk passing on an illness to our teachers, staff, or to their fellow studio mates. Doing make-up lessons for any reason is optional; however please check the studio guidelines for each individual teachers's policy in regards to scheduling make-up lessons.
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Where are the lessons located?Lessons can be scheduled at the following locations: Somerville Music Spaces (Jessica, Akela, or Raphael) 1060 Broadway Suite C101B Somerville, MA 02144 The Bloch Home Studio (in-person or online, Jessica) 6 Hampden Ave Burlington, MA 01803 The Franklin Home Studio (in-person or online, Akela) Must inquire for address details at blochperformingarts@gmail.com New England Conservatory (in person only due to demand, Jessica) 33 Gainsborough St. Boston, MA 02115 In certain cases a teacher may travel to a student, but it is typical for students to travel to their teachers location.
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What other opportunities do I have at Bloch Performing Arts?Aside from voice lessons and piano lessons, students are also encouraged to be a part of voice or piano workshops, the seasonal recitals, and engage in independent rehearsals with our staff pianist on their pieces! Details about studio events, dates, and times are always sent out in the student monthly newsletter via e-mail as well as on our social media and group pages. Facebook Page Studio Group on Facebook Instagram Page There is also a new opportunity for students to gain professional music and theater experience by performing as small roles and in the ensemble as available with West End Lyric, our professional music theater collective. For inquiries you can reach out to West End Lyric at westendlyric@gmail.com
Testimonials
"Akela is the most personal and engaged singing teacher I have had throughout my 17 years of singing lessons. Her unique teaching technique incorporates emotions, thought, and imagination as core elements of vocal development. Akela innately understands not only my vocal anatomy but also my personality, and she can therefore determine which emotions and thoughts are best suited to develop my voice. Since I began studying with Akela, singing well has not only become easier-- it's also so much more fun!"
- Eliana
"I went into voice lessons with Akela as a true beginner - I was sure I could never hold a tune, but I wanted to try. Akela made the lessons fun and she had endless patience with me. She taught me how to breathe correctly and how to coordinate my muscles to "use my instrument" effectively. With her help, I reached my goal: being able to sing a simple song (mostly) in tune. I am forever grateful and highly recommend her."
- Deb