Mara Davi
"It has truly been a blessing to know and work with Jane. Day one, she told me she could help me find the full potential of my voice, and since then, that is just what she's done. My voice has more power, color, range, line and confidence because of Jane. Jane has a vast knowledge of the intricate inner-workings of the voice and she knows how to communicate with each student to their unique needs. She explains things scientifically and anatomically when I need it, and even more importantly she uses imagery and emotion to get me out of my head and into my heart. That is her real gift. Her passion for the expression of the music is passed on to the student. With Jane, there is so much love in the room, I feel safe to fail and excited to get up and try again. Because of Jane, I have rediscovered the bliss of singing."
Mara Davi has appeared on Broadway as Janet Van De Graaff in The Drowsy Chaperone and Maggie Winslow in the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line. Also in New York, Mara played the title role in No, No, Nanette and Miss Benson in Of Thee I Sing, both at City Center Encores! and Princess Buttercup in the workshop of The Princess Bride. Mara was seen as Peggy Sawyer in 42nd Street both in Japan and through the U.S. Regionally, Mara originated the role of Gabrielle Gerard at the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego in Dancing in the Dark, and played the role of Judy Hanes in White Christmas at the Ordway Center in St. Paul. With her music director, Adam Waite, she has developed solo acts for Birdland and Ars Nova in New York and the Lyrica Chamber Orchestra of New Jersey.
Mara will be opening on Broadway (2009) in "White Christmas."
Brek Williams
"Not only does Jane Kennedy have an exceptional technical understanding of vocal production, but she is able to convey this information in terms that a singer can understand and "feel." It is one thing to be able to explain theoretically how to produce a sound. It is quite another to express this with superb knowledge, in depth understanding of the physiological apparatus, intellect, and most of all, passion and love that Jane gives so freely each and every lesson. These latter two intangible qualities place Jane in her own class as an instructor and make her simply the best there is!"
Brek Willaims attended the James Madison University College of Theatre and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. On Broadway he has performed both the roles of the Beast and Gaston. The Rosie O'Donnel Show on ABC featured Brek as the Beast in the Broadway tribute to her in celebration of her final show. The National Tour of Beauty and the Beast also brought to audiences throughout the US his interpretation of the roles of the Beast and Gaston. In Victor Victoria he played Richard DiNardo with Julie Andrews and in the Victor Victoria Commercial he was seen as King Marchand. Regional theater credits include Don Kerr in A Chorus Line, Alter Ego in They're Playing our Song and the Chicago Company of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.
Brooke Elliott
"Jane Kennedy is the most loving and supportive teacher I have ever had the pleasure to work with. When you are working with her you feel only love and encouragement coming from her and the sense that she is completely selfless in her dedication to focus on you and your needs. She is incredibly in tune with what is going on in the singer's body, she can actually feel what you are doing that is working against the result desired and guide you to the right responses. Jane knows more about the voice and the singing mechanism than anyone that I have ever worked with. She instinctively provides the necessary images or thoughts or ideas that lead one to make the connection that produces the note or sound desired. She adapts her approach to whomever she is teaching so that that person gets the best possible lesson for THEM in order to make the improvements and strides that are critical and beneficial for THEM. Jane has the knowledge and life experience that has aided me in developing my voice beyond what I ever imagined."
Brooke Elliott has a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Michigan University.
Among her credits are:
BROADWAY
Brooke took over the role of Sue in the Broadway production of Taboo with Boy George. She has been chosen to create the featured role of the Goddess Mother of Ireland in THE PIRATE QUEEN by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boubil the creators of Les Miserables and Miss Saigon, when it opens on Broadway in late 2006.
NATIONAL TOURS
Wicked
Beauty and the Beast
Brooke has appeared in numerous Regional Theater productions and appearances in TV and Film: on Law and Order in the role of Denise Bell; What Women Want; and The Liar's Club.
Brooke is currently the star of Lifetimes new hit series "Drop Dead Diva."
Melissa Lone
"Jane Kennedy truly understands "the voice" from legit Opera to Broadway Belt. I have never had a teacher that not only grasped the concept of the Broadway belt, but knew how to teach it in ways so safe and effortless. She is a GIFT to any singer. It is amazing how every session is completely unique. She is so in tune that she can sense exactly what mood I am in and what sort of day I am having and from there she knows just what to do in order to have the most productive session. Sometimes I need a drill sergeant to focus me, to keep me on target and get me prepared for an audition. At other times I need some coaxing and a gentle approach that allows me to rediscover the love I have for my work. She instills passion and confidence in her students with such a Spirit of warmth and I am very thankful to have her in my life. I know without a shadow of a doubt that SHE has been the REASON for my being cast in MANY productions. I thank her for her love and support and for believing in me."
Melissa Lone has a BFA in Music Theater from the University of Arizona.
Among her credits are:
BROADWAY NATIONAL TOURS
Beauty and the Beast the role of Silly Girl and as understudy performed the leading role of Belle
42nd STREET Broadway Revival the role of Gladys
Mamma Mia! She was a member of the Ensemble
REGIONAL THEATER
The Hope understudy with Chita Rivera in Anything Goes at the Paper Mill Playhouse;
Philia in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum; Audrey in Little Shop Of Horrors; Anybodys in West Side Story, Mary Jane in Big River, and Abigail in The Crucible.
Alec Timmerman
"Just at the point where I thought my voice could grow no further Jane came into my life. Not only has my range increased but she has shown me how to sing with far less effort and with a much more beautiful sound. Jane takes the technique that you've already developed and enhances it with very simple but highly impactful adjustments. The result being that your voice soars where before you simply thought it could fly. She's nurturing, caring, loving and amazingly astute. In one lesson alone, she can open up a whole new world of sound."
Thank you Jane!
Alec Timmerman has been seen in roles on Broadway in the original companies of Anything Goes in it's revival at Lincoln Center; Gypsy with Tyne Daly; The Secret Garden with Mandy Patinkin and Rebecca Lukor and with Liza Minnelli in her Minnelli on Minnelli. He has also appeared in the National Companies of The Who's Tommy and A Chorus Line as well as numerous regional theater productions.