Q&A with Jenessa Castano, Voice Teacher of the Year

We asked Lessonface Teachers of the Year about their process and goals for 2025. Here are the responses of Jenessa Castano, our voice and artist development teacher of the year for 2024.

Can you share a story about a student’s breakthrough or notable accomplishment?

This year I attended my student Kiara’s show at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. I helped prepare Kiara for this show and the auditions. She was in the National Tour of Peter Pan. I also have another student Michael Bos who has released two new original songs on Spotify. As well as my student Jane Grandy booking two roles in local regional theaters here in the LA area. I’m so proud of all of my students' progress and dedication!

What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that happened during a lesson this year?

I had a dog howl the vocal warm up scales for me and the dog had a great ear! Though the dog didn’t like the low notes. He would just growl for the low notes.

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge about music—no studying required—what would it be?

A lot of Singers ask me for a quick tip to being the best singer overnight. While I can give a quick tip to improve as fast as possible, I would say to the artist that you are missing the best part of it all. The biggest rewards are along the journey and exist within the work along the way. If you can learn to enjoy sinking your teeth into a song and studying the art of music you will discover more joy and fulfillment than you can imagine.

What’s the first song you ever learned to play, and does it still hold meaning for you?

The first song I remember learning to sing was called My Secret, and Italiano Folk song I still teach this song to the younger singers.

What are some gear items that you wish all your students had?

I wish that my singers could all use headphones with a built-in mic—or a separate mic and headphones.

What exciting goals are your students chasing in 2025?

In the new year I look forward to inspiring my singers to learn more about the piano.

Learn more with Jenessa Castano.