Residing in Montclair, NJ, Jessica Fleming joined The Montclair Music Studio in 2021.
Ms. Fleming graduated from Montclair State University with a degree in Jazz Studies, concentration on jazz voice. She also studied classical piano for a time at Mercer County Community College. She takes an individualistic approach to lessons, using songs the students want to learn as a way of introducing important theory concepts.
Getting to Know Jessica…
What Brought on Your Interest in Music?
My father is a bass player and he had a music room with a keyboard and all kinds of instruments in the basement of the house I grew up in. I remember trying to play songs on the trumpet and keyboard out of my head when I was very little.
When did you start your studies?
When I was around 5 years old I started taking lessons. My first teacher was trumpet and piano, and then we started to focus on just piano. I took private piano lessons from the time I was 5 until about 16. I also played in the elementary and middle school bands playing violin, flute and saxophone.
Was your family involved in music?
Besides my father playing bass in musical groups, my mother sang in the church choir and my older brother played the drums. My brother and I were in a band together for a few years called Output. He played drums and I played synths and sang backup.
Have you participated in any extra curricular organizations or music clubs?
I have been in many bands and projects voluntarily. I am a songwriter. I have worked with dj’s, rappers, other singers, classical and jazz musicians. I love to perform and go to open mics.
What other instruments are in your repertoire?
I sing! While I was in community college for classical piano I started to sing in the jazz band and classical choir. I then auditioned at MSU and studied jazz voice during my time there. I sing jazz, pop, r&b, rock and funk mostly now and I like to accompany myself. I play mainly piano but I also play synthesizers, a little guitar and drums/percussion. I also love singing bowls.
Have You Played at Other Venues?
I went on tour when I was in my first rock band, Output. We toured in Canada, Miami, Barcelona and Ibiza. I’ve played at some great venues in NYC including The Bitter End, Pianos, and Connolly’s Pub. With the band and also with my newer solo material.
What are Your Favorite Hobbies Other than Music?
I love to cook, play tennis and am also a fine artist. I did my minor in painting.