Mezzo soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano, a Jefferson County native, is partnering with Webster University to offer a set of online music courses for singers, from amateurs to semi-professionals.
The registration deadline for all the classes is Friday (June 12).
Cano, 36, is the daughter of Robert and Andrea Johnson of Festus and is a 2002 graduate of St. Pius X High School and a 2006 graduate of Webster University. She is a professional opera singer and has spent the last 12 years performing across the country and internationally in a wide array of concert venues.
That all came to a screeching halt in March.
“COVID-19 has been devastating for the performing arts,” she said. “On March 15, I lost six months of work, and I’m not holding out much hope for the remainder of the season.”
Cano said not only performers but also writers, composers, set designers and costumers – along with support personnel in lighting, publicity, sales, etc. – have felt the impact.
“This spring and summer, I was scheduled to perform in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Chicago, and to travel for a teaching program in Italy I’ve been involved with for several years,” she said. “It’s frustrating, but we’re all aware of the situation. We want people to be safe.”
With time on her hands, Cano contacted The Community Music School of Webster University to develop online opportunities. The collaboration produced three classes – two to learn the mechanics of singing and a third to explore the world of vocal music.
Each six-session course costs $100, and requires an internet connection and the Zoom app.
■ Adult Group Singing Zoom Class – June 20-Aug. 1:
One 60-minute session per week for six weeks
Saturdays at 10 a.m. June 20, 27, July 11, 18, 25 and Aug 1.
■ High School Group Singing Zoom Class – June 15-July 1:
Two 60-minute sessions per week for three weeks
Monday and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. June 15-July 1.
No previous experience in singing is required. Participants will learn more about what is involved in singing healthily and well, including proper use of singing vocabulary, and will develop an understanding of anatomy for singing. With live sessions and videos, Cano will focus on posture, breathing, coordination and singing. Every session will include time for questions. This class is most suitable for choral singers who have not had voice training before, or who would like to brush up their skills and technique.
“I hope to provide insight, inspiration and exercises for those who are missing out on singing with their choirs,” Cano said. “The deeper the knowledge you have, the better you can enjoy it.”
■ The Wonderful World of Song Zoom Class – June 16-July 21 (College and adult ages):
One 60-minute session per week for six weeks
Tuesdays at 7 p.m. June 16, 23, 30 and July 7, 14, 21.
This course is designed to explore the beautiful facets of music and words. Each session will include group listening time, a discussion of historical context, a comparison of texts from different composers and recommendations for further self-learning. Beginning with lullabies, singers will explore our primal connection to music and melody and discover why song has such a magical effect on us as humans. Topics will also include folk songs, Shakespeare’s influence on British composers, and great pairings of poets and composers, in France and Germany, as well as American masters.
“One week will include a guest appearance by a friend of mine who’s a composer,” Cano said. “It is a great opportunity for people who have an interest in classical music but don’t know how to start. I hope to share my enthusiasm, knock down some of the barriers to people enjoying music that connects us with our history.”
For more information or to register, search for “Virtual Voice Classes Webster University” or visit Cano’s website at jenniferjohnsoncano.net.
