Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Jazz Voice Isabella Mendes

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Jazz Voice, Isabella Mendes, to share insights into her connection to singing and her approach to teaching. In this Q&A, Isabella reflects on the creative freedom that draws her to jazz voice, how she supports students with diverse musical interests, from the American Songbook to modern jazz, and the thoughtful structure of her in-person and online studio. She emphasizes playful, exploratory technique, practical practice guidance, and creating an environment where students feel empowered to grow artistically and confidently as singers.

What drew you to learning about jazz voice?

I love the freedom that comes with teaching jazz voice! Vocal technique is exploratory and creative in nature, and the study of vocal jazz adds another beautiful creative layer to it, which I believe draws students to it. Over the years 'jazz' has become a broad definition when it comes to music, so we find students interested in jazz voice who are interested in the 'classics', American songbook type or those more interested in 'modern jazz', such as Norah Jones or Laufey. 

How would you describe your teaching studio?

At my studio I have several resources that are useful for different students. When teaching in person, I ensure students have ample space for stretches and warm ups and movement, and set up with good microphones and a tuned piano or keyboard. I also have a library - both paper and digital - of songs and jazz voice pedagogy resources. For online students, in addition to the digital library I make sure students have recordings of lessons and that they know how to practice at home. I provide students with weekly lesson notes for most students - some adult students keep notes themselves - so that they know what to practice during the week.

What’s one lasting takeaway you hope your students will carry with them from your teaching, even years from now?

- Make warm ups playful and exploratory 

- Be playful

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

Piano/keyboard, Musescore subscription, good microphones, good amp, good vocal books and lead sheets! 

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential jazz voice students?

Oh man! I'd love to share more, but I've been a busy mom to a toddler :D but I'm so happy to be Jazz Voice Teacher of the year! Thank you!! <3 :) 

If you are interested in learning more about Isabella or would like to book a lesson with her, please visit her Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!