Jennifer Cleary (zie/hir & she/her) developed her unique holistic voice lessons and her ExploreVoice vocal improv curriculum after training in vocal improvisation at Hamshire College with Susan Barkan and working with Bobby McFerren in his circle songs methodology at the Omega Institute.

 

She trained in classical voice at Wesleyan University and studied rock techniques with Mick Jaggar's vocal coach in New York City.  She received a certificate in Sound, Voice and Music Healing from the California Institute for Integral Studies.  She holds a masters in Speech-Language Pathology with a focus on Voice Therapy and has extensive knowledge on vocal hygiene, anatomy and physiology, and rehabilitation.

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A founding member of the Trans Voice Initiative, a volunteer professional organization dedicated to advocacy and training for trans and gender expansive Speech-Language Pathologists, Jennifer has lead trainings nation-wide, worked with advocacy groups, and coached individuals in Gender Affirming Voice training for the speaking and singing voice.  Zie/she also works as a voice clinician at Kaiser Oakland, Head and Neck Clinic.

 

During voice instruction, Jennifer incorporates the knowledge of alignment and somatic awareness she gained at the Alexander Institute in New York City.  She also draws from her extensive knowledge of art and music therapy and Intuitive Healing.

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Jennifer has performed professionally throughout the US and Europe, and has an extensive background in jazz, rock and musical theater.  Most recently, she fronted San Francisco's Jenni and the Jerks, a vintage cover band.  She was a member of The New Group a cappella choir, The Lesbian Overtones comedy choir and directed The No Name Orchestra, an experimental vocal ensemble.  Her soul and funk repertoire was developed with composer Rob Darnell, author of the funk opera, "The Pen is Mightier Than The Sword," with whom she recorded the EP "Believe."  

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Jennifer is a queer and nonbinary person and is deeply 

committed to supporting the LGBTQ+, transgender and gender expansive community.

 

Her goal is to create a safe, supportive environment for all singers and voice users to explore their creativity and find a voice that feels authentic to their self-expression!