Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for Ear Training Jessica Viner

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in Ear Training, Jessica Viner, to share why this often-overlooked skill plays such a vital role in musical growth. In this Q&A, Jessica discusses ear training as the foundation for strong singing, songwriting, and composing, and reflects on her commitment to building confidence and keeping learning enjoyable. She emphasizes steady, incremental improvement and joyful engagement with music as the keys to long-term progress and artistic development.

What drew you to learning about ear training?

Ear training is the foundation of great singing, songwriting, and composing. It’s one of the most overlooked skills in music, yet it delivers some of the biggest long-term rewards. I always encourage my vocal students to prioritize ear-training.

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about ear training, what would it be? 

My goal in every lesson is to uplift my students, build their confidence, and—most importantly—make learning fun. Music is meant to be enjoyed.

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

Aim for a 1% improvement every time we work together and watch those 1%s add up!

What are some of your most indispensable pieces of gear?

Get a pitch pipe app on your phone- this will come in handy to check your work and always have a little keyboard in your pocket. 

Is there anything else you would like to share with potential students about ear training?

Heading into 2026, I’m opening spots for enthusiastic singers, songwriters, and artists who are ready to take their music to the next level.

If you are interested in learning more about Jessica 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!