Jessica James

Jessica James is a classically trained vocalist, actress, and teaching artist whose expertise spans Musical Theatre, Pop, R&B, and Contemporary Christian Music. As a performer, she captivates audiences with her rich and expressive artistry, while as an educator, she is dedicated to nurturing vocal development, fostering authentic expression, and guiding students through vocal rehabilitation with care and expertise.

Jessica’s teaching journey has deep roots in her community, beginning at New Bethel CME Church where she worked alongside her mother, then the church’s music director. In this nurturing environment, Jessica assisted with voice and music lessons for choir members while also leading music classes for Vacation Bible School and summer programs. Through these early experiences, she discovered her passion for cultivating young voices and fostering musical growth within her community.

Jessica’s dedication to her craft is reflected in her comprehensive educational background. She earned two Associate of Science degrees in Music and Sound Recording Technology from Finger Lakes Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Sound Engineering in the Performing Arts with a music business emphasis from SUNY Potsdam. She continued her studies at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, where she completed a Master of Music with an Advanced Certificate in Classical Vocal Performance and Vocal Pedagogy. During her time at NYU, Jessica had the privilege of teaching voice lessons to non-music majors, an experience that deepened her passion and skills as a vocal instructor.

Currently, Jessica serves as a voice instructor at The Hochstein School, where for the past five years she has had the joy of guiding singers through their vocal and artistic development. Her work encompasses musical skill building, audition and college program preparation, as well as NYSSMA preparation, supporting students as they reach their full potential. Jessica has also contributed her talents as a music director at both Agape Fellowship UMC and New Bethel CME Church. Her own musical foundation was shaped through formative training in vocal music at The Rochester School of the Arts and participation in the prestigious Eastman Pathways Program at the Eastman School of Music.

As a performer, Jessica has had the privilege of sharing her voice with esteemed ensembles including First Inversion, the Rochester Oratorio Society, the Rochester Philharmonic, and the Rochester-Eastman Chorus. Her recent theatrical work showcases her versatility and artistry: she understudied the role of Church Lady in The Color Purple at Geva Theatre, brought depth to the character of Janice in a play reading of Ripple: The Wave That Carried Me Home at Blackfriars Theatre, and performed in the chorus of Aida with Finger Lakes Opera. Additional credits include understudying the roles of Asaka, Mama Euralie, and Erzulie in Once on This Island at Blackfriars Theatre, and portraying Chilindron in Gardenias. Jessica also delights in performing regularly in Hochstein School faculty showcases, celebrating the artistry of her teaching community.

Through her unwavering commitment to both performance and education, Jessica James continues to enrich the lives of audiences and students alike, inspiring growth, artistry, and a lifelong love of vocal music in all who have the privilege of experiencing her work.