Our rolling four week sections of classes are intimate, connected spaces where all genres of music and levels of ability are welcome. Whether artists take class with us for one month or stay for several, they can expect to gain a knowledge of an actual technique, not just tips and tweaks, to get out of their own ways while making music and trust their bodies, voices, and impulses in the moment.
Classes
In-Person
What you'll receive
Upon signing up, artists receive:
Once a Week Classes
Students choose a home class to attend once a week. The classes alternate from a 2 hour Meisner technique class the first and third weeks of the month and a 3 hour singing application hour singing application class the second and fourth weeks of the month.
Communal Support
From monthly happy hours to weekly book clubs, we strive to give Meisner in Music artists not just a class, but a community. Support, inclusivity, and connectesness are at the forefront of our focuses in and outside of classes.
Technique Tailored to You
Whether students have had extensive Meisner experience or none at all, we meet each student where they are. With our rolling format, students learn both individually at their level and from others at all levels. Our class sizes being capped at 9, ensures students ample individual work time and personalized attention.
Where, When, & How
Where We Are
We are located in the heart of New York City's theatre district at The Chain Theatre. You can find us on Google Maps!
When We Meet
Our in-person classes meet on Mondays at 11:00am and 6:30pm, Tuesdays at 6:00pm, and Fridays at 1:00pm. We are expanding so if any times work better for your schedule, let us know! The classes alternate weekly between a 2 hour technique class the first and third weeks of the month and a 3 hour singing class the second and fourth weeks of the month. If a student has a conflict, they may always do a makeup class in another section with 24 hours' notice of their anticipated absence.
How Rolling Classes Work
Once registered, students may stay in class for as little as four weeks and as long as they feel called to. Singers may take a break from class at any time and return within 6 months at their original rate.
What to Expect
Our class format is:
Opening Reflection & Lesson
We begin each class with a meditation and acceptance of ourselves, just as we are that day. In Meisner, nothing has to be left at the door - literally and figuratively. We then launch into group reflections and a prepared lesson on whatever we're working on that weeks. Lesson subjects range from the Meisner & acting to psychology and science surrounding the voice to the spiritual and emotional aspects of singing.
Putting it into Play
After our group connection, we play. In our 2 hour Meisner technique classes, students work with partners on repetition and the Meisner exercise that we're building upon that week. In our 3 hour singing application classes, students sing either accompanied by our pianist, a cappella, or with their own instruments, and work on the week's technical focus in a one-on-one session with their teacher.
Joyful Closing & Homework
It is important that in a space where we may go deep and sometimes dark, we exit full and with some light. We close each class by sharing joys and celebrations of the week. Optional homework and journal prompts are given and we go off into our weeks, hopefully better than we came.
About Your
Paige
Jillian
Tuesday 6:00pm class & Friday 1:00pm Class
Jillian (she/her) is the Founder of Meisner in Music and holds a Master of Music Theatre degree from Oklahoma City University. With years of classical training and experience
writing about psychology and the voice, Jillian approaches her classes with deep empathy and a technical ear. Her specialty is helping singers get out of their heads and in touch with their bodies with patience and research-based insight.
Teachers
Jonathan
Monday 11:00am class
Heller
Jonathan Heller (he/him) holds a Masters in Musical Theatre Vocal Performance and an Advanced Pedagogy Certificate from NYU Steinhardt and a Bachelors in Vocal Performance from Eastman School
School of Music. He has been a semifinalist and finalist in the Lotte Lenya competition & is a Vocal Mentor with the National Children's chorus. Jonathan has a passion for helping singers maintain their vocal technique while finding emotional freedom.
Our Upcoming
Month
"Meisner in Music qualmed my fears about feeling pressured and judged in a class with other actors. This class stressed authenticity and embracing every single thing about yourself and your environment, which cracked me open and gave me permission to let go of perfectionism, suppression, and facades. After taking this class, I am addicted to the feeling of being this
open and aware."
- Lauren U.
"Meisner in Music's supportive and loving environment creates a safe space for all actors that allows us to spread our wings and leave self judgements at the door. It gets you out of your head and into the world of your piece with tremendous
freedom and liberation."
- Savannah L.
Meisner is not just an acting technique,
it's a psychosomatic tool
to help singers with
"Meisner in Music introduced me to performing without stage fright. For the first time, I could sing without an inner monologue of pressure and inferiority."
- Kyle H.
audition anxiety,
"Meisner in Music is what every singing actor needs. It frees them from feeling focused on technique and allows the authentic voice to flow through. I was surprised by the amazing benefits it actually brought to my voice!"
- Anna L.
vocal freedom,
& performance
ability.
"Meisner in Music helped me gain a new sense of trust in myself and love of art and performance. I didn't expect for performance to finally feel easy again."
- Corey T.