Frequently asked questions
I’ve never taken Meisner! Am I allowed?
Absolutely! Our students range from Meisner newbies to seasoned pros. Meisner in Music is the premiere class to put this technique into song so whether you’ve had zero Meisner training or years of it, you will benefit from our class.
How many students are in each class?
Our classes are capped at 8 students to ensure that each student receives personalized attention and ample time to work.
Can I audit a class?
In order to promote the safety and sanctity of each class (the shit we do gets REAL, y’all), we don’t allow audits. We do, however, offer a free workshop each semester that you can attend to get a really good idea of how class works (our next one is February 11th!). We also post videos of class on social media weekly so that you can get a glimpse of the magic that you’re in for.
Do I have to audition?
You don’t have to audition but in order to register, you will have an interview with Meisner in Music’s teacher Jillian to make sure it’s a good fit for your needs.
How is this class different?
Meisner in Music is a class to
"leave self-judgements at the door." It is a unique musical theatre class to not just work your songs but to gain a usable technique that you can apply in any setting to any song. Unlike a lot of classes in New York, Meisner in Music creates a safe space to work, not to show off for one other. Our classes are kept small and intimate. One of the BEST differences of our class is that students receive videos of their singing each week!
Why do you provide video?
This technique is so different from anything we’re typically used to that it can feel disembodying, like we’re not “doing” anything, or like a complete blackout from being so present. Because of that, we film each student’s singing so that they can trust in the technique, learn from how their performance felt and looked, and build on that weekly.
Why do I need this class?
Auditioning is psychologically draining. Often we get trapped into survival mode, not allowing for our minds to be present and for our true selves to shine through. Meisner in Music frees us from these mental blocks, taps us in to our bodies, and allows us to trust our raw instincts as we sing in settings as unnatural as auditions.
Who should take Meisner in Music?
You should take this class if you’re feeling stuck in your singing, exhausted by the industry, or want to
take your craft to the next level. Meisner in Music is a technique that helps us remember why we fell in love with performing in the first place. This class is for you if you’re wanting to bring fresh life to old material or work new songs with a new idea of what acting through song can feel like.
Who teaches it?
Class is taught by Meisner in Music founder Jillian Paige.
Jillian has a Masters in Musical theatre from Oklahoma City University and is a second generation Meisner student, having learned the technique from Terry Martin who studied directly under Sanford Meisner. Jillian is now entering her sixth season of teaching Meisner in Music and coaches individuals locally and virtually. She is endlessly amazed at the impacts of the freeing technique in both her performances and personal interactions.
What’s the point of this technique?
"I'm a very nonintellectual teacher of acting. My approach is based on bringing the actor back to their emotional impulses and to acting that is firmly rooted in the instinctive. It is based on the fact that all good acting comes from the heart, as it were, and that there's no mentality in it."
- Sanford Meisner
As singers, we’re in our heads enough as it is. The aim of Meisner in Music is to equip you with a technique that centers you in the present moment, shifts the focus off of yourself and into your instincts, and allows you to enjoy the beautiful art form of singing while acting.