Kathryne with former students at a performance of Fiasco Theater's production of Into the Woods at the Roundabout Theater Company (in association with The McCarter Theatre Center) left to right: Liz Hayes, Jennifer Mudge, Jessie Austrian, Kathryne, Patrick Mulryan, Emily Young, Ben Steinfeld
STUDENTS Kathryne is by far the best singing teacher I have encountered in my career. Her technique is immediately accessible & applicable to any style—within a very short time period I was able to sing material with ease that had been prohibitively challenging for decades before. She is energetic, positive, rigorous, empathetic & deeply passionate about the work. What impresses me most about Kathryne, however, is the extent to which she strives to EMPOWER her students. One of the first things she ever said to me in a lesson was, “my goal is for you not to need me”--an extraordinary statement in a business where so many teachers encourage the exact opposite. I believe this speaks volumes about her integrity as a teacher & as an artist--as someone to whom the quality of work matters much more than the glory she derives from her students’ success. She is a treasure. If you study with her you will have won the jackpot & I know you will consider yourself as lucky as I do to have crossed her virtuosic path! Rachael Warren Resident Artist, Trinity Repertory Company
Kathryne is a wise mentor and voice of reason. Her spunk, positivity and caring nature lift the spirits of any room. Kathryne has a beautifully understanding and empathetic soul that allows her to share insights that go above and beyond musicality! Amelia DeMilo 2017 graduate, Brown University
For four years I studied voice with Kathryne Jennings through the Applied Music Program at Brown University; I could not be more grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from such an all-around exceptional instructor. Under Kathryne’s guidance, I underwent tremendous growth, both as a singer and story-teller, cultivating proper technique while, at the same time, developing as a performer. With Kathryne, I sang everything from Mahler to Hammerstein, from Copland to Lennon—transferring the same core habits of healthy singing across genres. Kathryne’s mastery of the voice is rivaled only by her ability to communicate this deep pool of knowledge to students. She challenges her students to strive towards their greatest potential, showing them the path, and providing a constant stream of support along the way. Were it not for Kathryne, my time on College Hill would not have been the same. I could not have asked for a more compassionate, knowledgeable, challenging, and, above all, dedicated mentor. I feel lucky to have the privilege of calling Kathryne Jennings my teacher and friend—there aren’t enough words to “sing” her praises. Frankie Troncoso 2016 graduate, Brown University
I worked with Kathryne for three years, at Brown University and Trinity Repertory Company. I've worked with many voice teachers and coaches, and Kathryne is far and away the best I have ever seen. In addition to being a fantastic teacher, she was also a wonderful collaborator. She has a tremendous gift for nurturing talent, both in her voice students, but also for those working with and around her, like me. I grew so much as a musician, and I've done my best work--the work I am most proud of--under her tutelage. I recommend her for anyone. Nick Healy 2017 graduate, Brown University
COLLEAGUES Kathryne Jennings is the best singing teacher I know. Her technique is precise and accessible. Having the chance to listen to her sing is one of my favorite things about having a lesson with her. Her teaching returns the singer to the primary joy of being vocally expressive absent of the tyranny of perfectionism. Thom Jones Head of Voice/Speech with the Brown University/Trinity Repertory MFA Program Voice/Speech Director at the Trinity Repertory Company
Kathryne Jennings is a remarkable teacher. I had the good fortune to accompany many of her voice lessons when I was an undergrad at Brown, which allowed me to watch her in action with a variety of students. Her technique work is stunning. She has a laser focus ability to untangle people from whatever may be blocking their natural voice from coming out — all with a beautiful spirit that inspires passion, artistry and joy in her students. I now work on Broadway and around the country as a music director, and her technique work became the foundation of my own understanding of the voice. I owe her a huge debt of gratitude for starting me down the right path in my own work with singers. In short: she is brilliant, and an absolute joy! Charlie Alterman Music Director, Pianist, Vocal Coach Music Director for Broadway productions of Next to Normal, revivals of Pippin & Godspell, and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me Currently Music Director for Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (touring production)
Kathryne Jennings is a remarkable teacher who gently leads students at all levels of training to the next step in their development. From introductory singers to those who already work professionally, Kathryne's insights, techniques, and methodologies invariably bring her students to the next level of performance. Her clear instructional guidance, combined with a full understanding of the vocal apparatus and a deep knowledge of vocal music, is a unique combination and a gift to any singer. Stephen Berenson Founding Director of Brown University/Trinity Rep MFA Programs in Acting and Directing Resident Artist, Trinity Repertory Company
KJ, as her friends call her, knows how to have fun. I have worked with many professionals for 45 years, but none that offer the confidence, joy, and ease that Kathryne presents. She knows the proper key for a song, yes. But she also knows the key to unlocking the heart and the soul of an individual or group. I had the pleasure of working with KJ in creating a program at Brown Trinity Rep for the grad students and spent many hours watching her work tirelessly and kindly with singers, actors, teachers, management, and her two lovely daughters. I resist praising her talents; others have talents. None have her charisma. Dennis Buck Vocal Coach, Master Teacher www.DennisBuck.com
A most important quality in a voice teacher is that you have to want to work with them. As the student, you look forward to working with them week after week, you listen to and trust what they say. As a colleague at Brown University, I looked forward to working next door to Kathryne Jennings every week and I knew her students really wanted to work with her, too. Through the wall, I heard a combination of rigorous vocalises, solid, artistic performances and hearty laughter. Teacher and student were having a good time, but not too good of a time: her students consistently showed improvement every semester in juries. I invited Kathryne to listen to my students to share her valuable advice with them - and with me. When I had to travel for singing engagements, she graciously took some of my students and worked wonders with them. Andrew Garland Baritone & Assistant Professor of Voice, University of Colorado Boulder www.andrewgarland.com