Jan Zimmerman » Performing Arts Education

A native of Panama City, Florida, Jan Zimmerman, soprano, received her Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Boston Conservatory and is currently a candidate for a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance at the University of Connecticut. Ms. Zimmerman is an avid performer, teacher, and music director. As a performer she has sung operatic roles such as Lady Billows (Albert Herring), The Grand Duchess (The Grand Duchess of Gérolstein), Elizabeth Proctor (The Crucible), Hélène (La Belle Hélène in Perigueux, France), the Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors) and Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus). While her current performance is primarily opera, her first theater experience was in musical theater and loves teaching students music from a variety of genres to help their vocal development. She also loves music directing for musical theater shows. As a music director, she teaches the cast all the musical numbers and plays piano for shows. Some of her favorite musicals she has worked on include: Into the Woods, My Fair Lady, Seussical! The Musical, Cinderella, The Sound of Music, Beauty and the Beast and Frozen. Ms. Zimmerman has maintained a large voice and piano studio throughout the Boston area for over ten years.

Teaching Philosophy:
Music is an essential part of the educational process. Music can help students learn to think creatively, to listen, to be disciplined, and to commit to a skill. It also fosters collaboration, encourages risk taking, and gives both the performer and listener an outlet for emotional expression. I have four primary goals as a private teacher: to teach each student the basics of music, to help each student learn discipline in their instrument, to encourage creative problem solving (or “thinking outside the box”), and to push each student to take their musical abilities out into the community. I pay particular attention to the specific learning styles of each of my student. I assess whether the student learns best through visual, aural, or kinesthetic means and adjust my teaching style accordingly. It has been my great joy to contribute to these skills in all of my students.