I grew up in Boston loving music since birth. My parents sang a little and
always had music in the house. A devotee of Julie Andrews, Michael Jackson,
and “Grease,” I was a big ham in the neighborhood with my “creative musical
reenactments.” I played piano and clarinet, but never really sang until high school.
One day, swim practice was cancelled “by chance” and it inspired me to walk in the
choir room where I heard Handel’s “The Messiah.” The perplexed director instructed me
to “sit with the altos.” My soprano voice was immediately discovered and I instantly fell in
love with singing.
My voice flourished quickly and I won many state and regional choral and acting competitions.
I skyrocketed to the top and no one could believe it, especially my parents, because I NEVER
sang at home. My father brought me to a master teacher at Boston Conservatory to test the
validity of my “singing.” Dumbfounded by my big sound at 15, Madame Pilla queried, “You’ve
never sung before?” I shrugged. Mom cried. Dad was confused.
I went on to study opera at UMASS Amherst where I had a great performance career. I was
the only freshman girl accepted into the prestigious Madrigal Singers and was awarded a
four-year scholarship. I chose “The Rocking Carol” on this CD because I never forgot
the way it touched me when we sang it there.
I went on to Graduate School but lost confidence as competition for roles
heightened, academic pressure was on, and a looming sense of wanting a “normal
life” pervaded. After graduation, I took a “real job” instead of going to Europe to
advance my singing career.
Selling countertops was no substitute for a gal destined to sing. I moved to
Hollywood and slowly got back into singing taking church jobs, symphony
work, and teaching voice lessons. My technique was never lost, just the
enthusiasm and belief in myself.
Now every time someone says, “You have the voice of an angel,” I can finally
hear them instead of my self-criticism and doubt. Here I am now in 2010, an
actual producer, with a CD that’s been in my heart for twenty years.
Read more about jean at www.weddingsingerlosangeles.com
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