Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Harms.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi! I’m Jess- a theatre performer, singer and vocal teacher from Southern California.
My love for the arts has taken me all across the country and I recently moved to Minneapolis after four years in New York City where I began my teaching journey. After two years under the guidance of a dear friend and her vocal studio- I felt inspired and prepared to start my own as I made my move to the midwest.
Harmony Vocal Studio is a place where artists can grow in both skill and confidence as performers. I believe that the voice is an instrument that can be used as a vessel to tell stories powerfully when trained properly. I work with vocalists from all backgrounds and ages as well as all voice types. My style of teaching allows me to break this down in a way that is easy for the student to understand so that their voice is free and open. I’ve helped students expand their range, strengthen their breath control, and develop their personal sound. My goal is to make singing accessible as students become confident in their vocal ability.
As an active performer myself- I have been able to see the impact that the arts can have on people of all ages and backgrounds in a very intimate way. I feel honored to help other performers on their own journeys to create and inspire.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My love for the arts is expansive- but I often find myself frustrated at the many barriers put up keeping people from participating in live performance. The arts are continually underfunded which impacts accessibility and limits passion.
To make a living in the arts often means connections, access to money in order to audition full time, a level of following to guarantee ticket sales and other factors unrelated to talent or passion. Personally, this has made pursuing my passion feel discouraging and even impossible. On the bright side, my experience has encouraged me to make performance more accessible in the ways that I can.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an actress, singer and vocal teacher. I am proud of my personal growth as a performer and how that has informed my ability to teach. I believe that my approach to teaching sets me apart due to my focus on confidence and freeing the voice. It has been so fulfilling for me to witness my students grow in their abilities and to be able to see them believe in their strengths.
How do you think about luck?
I feel lucky to have been surrounded by passionate, expansive, loving and inspiring performers. They have been people I can confide in, commiserate with, collaborate with and explore with. Curiosity is essential to the life of an artist and I have been lucky enough to explore my passions in various cities with all sorts of incredible teachers. The privilege that has allowed for me to grow in these ways does not go unnoticed.
Pricing:
- $35/30 min lessons
- $60/1 hr lessons
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieharms?igsi=ajhqdW8wMm1wd2Yz&utm_source=qr
- Other: email: jessica.nicole.harms@gmail.com
