Biography:
Teaching Artist Statement
As staff accompanist and choir director at the Music Center of the Northwest, I am not a music teacher in the traditional sense; I do not teach regular music lessons. I do, however, have many opportunities to help our students learn important aspects of musical performance. When I accompany our students during recitals, for instance, I help them learn to work with collaborative keyboardists, pass on tips for working in music ensembles, and help them improve stage presence and performance practice. As director of the Music Center Chorale I help our choristers better understand choral singing, and singing in general. Every chorale rehearsal includes lessons in more efficient choral and vocal technique, context and background of choral literature, and expressing the meaningfulness of vocal lyrics.
I like to think that all of the students I work with can benefit from my experience. Making music brings me great joy and gives more meaning to life. I want show our students the way to the same joy and meaningfulness.
Teaching Bio
I received a Bachelor?s degree in Piano Performance and Master?s in Ethnomusicology from the Florida State University. I have also pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Washington after living in Japan for five years studying the Japanese koto. While in Japan I accompanied the Tokyo International Singers and was choir director at St. Alban?s Anglican Church. In Seattle, I have taught music theory and world music appreciation at the University of Washington and the Art Institute of Seattle. I have also directed and been an accompanist for many local choirs. I was a staff accompanist and voice coach at the University of Washington and the Cornish College of the Arts.
My professional music experiences have been rich and diverse. I am fortunate to have worked with all kinds of people, from beginning students to the most seasoned professionals. This has prepared me to work with students at every level, helping all to set and achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams.
Performance Bio
I am currently Artistic Director of The Market Street Singers (a 100-voice community choir in Ballard) and the Sound Singers Japanese Choir. I also direct the chancel choir at University Temple United Methodist Church.
Biography:
Teaching Artist Statement
Jenifer U is a Seattle-based performer and educator. With over two decades of experience, Jenifer strives to create a fun and educational atmosphere with high expectations for students of all musical capabilities. Her teaching focuses on cultivating a life-time love of music, while motivating each student to bring out their musical excellence.
Jenifer?s piano students are regularly selected to perform at the Music Center Honors Recitals and are frequently awarded ?superior plus? ratings at the National Guild of Piano Teacher?s auditions.
Teaching Bio
Jenifer graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington and holds a Master of Music degree in piano performance and pedagogy from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey. Additionally, she has studied pedagogy under Frances Clark and Louise Goss, the creators of the Music Tree Series and is a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers.
Prior to joining the Music Center for the Northwest, Jenifer served as a senior faculty member at the New School for Music Study in Kingston, New Jersey.
Performance Bio
In addition to being a supportive educator, Jenifer is an active performer. She accompanies soloists, as well as ensembles in the area, and is currently the pianist for the Music Center Chorale. Jenifer has also performed as a soloist, collaborated in various recording projects, and sung with the renowned Westminster Symphonic Choir.
