I am proud of my achievements. To date 6 former pupils have completed or are studying a music degree or performing arts degree with singing as a major element. 3 pupils who studied with me have won or been awarded the runner-up prize in the Peterborough Young Musician of the Year. (One of them studied piano with me up to Grade 5, which she passed with distinction. I recommended her to another piano teacher who had greater expertise than I, and she went on to pass Grade 8 with distinction.) Recently a piano pupil passed her Piano Grade 8.
I benefited from a thorough music education, which because the headmaster did not believe that music was important, was privately funded. The teacher, Mr Norman Cutting, was a retired grammar school music teacher and his standards were far higher than you would now find in schools. This attention to details was exacting but necessary for me to achieve passing Music O Level in one year and Music A Level in one year.
I ensure that my singing and piano pupils have a high quality of tuition and understand all elements of music rudiments and the whys and wherefores of all vocal exercises and techniques. I have coached 3 singers who are now themselves professional singers. They benefited greatly from the foundation of a secure and healthy vocal technique. I have coached boys and girls for entry to Peterborough, Ely and Lincoln Cathedrals. Before the credit crunch I was able to visit primary schools in the area and organise singing development courses, the last of these was in Wisbech in 2007. My work was closely inspected and the results praised.
M. F. says,
"To my dearest teacher, I would like to thank you for the support and encouragement you have given me these past few years while completing piano grades 5-8. You have taught me how to become a 'true musician'. I still have the desire to continue playing the piano and develop a varied repertoire and have the confidence to play in front of an audience to communicate my love for music."
Debra says,
"I have really enjoyed discovering more about how to sing. With professionalism and skill, Jonathan tailors every session to develop the voice further and to build confidence. It's good fun too.
MCL says,
"I came to Jonathan as an enthusiastic but untrained, 62 year-old, baritone. After taking lessons for about 18 months, I am now confidently singing Grade 8 pieces, (Sea Fever, The Vagabond and Honour and Arms.) and am about to start on my Trinity grades. Jonathan has a relaxed yet thorough approach to teaching, great patience, and a unique sense of humour - often needed."
To see how Michael's voice has developed go to the Exam Results.
Gemma Rigby says,
"I just wanted to say thank you for helping me build my confidence and and helping me to achieve something I have wanted to do for a long time . . . sing a public solo."
It was recorded and made its' way onto youtube. The video can be seen if you Click here.
Steph - who is a trained Doctor says,
"Excellent! He knows his anatomy and can really explain what is going wrong....
he not just improves singing - he is also interesting and fun!"
Em-Jay - a professional dancer and singer, working on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships says,
"Jonathan Jessop is a well respected teacher, with great insight in to vocal techniques.He has experience and understands how the voice can develop, giving the student hope of dramatic progress."
A. H. - who was a pupil at KAPA said,
"Dear Mr Jessop, Thank you for all your help. Since you took over the singing at the academy the standard has risen greatly."
The parent of G. - who was a pupil at KAPA said,
"I just wanted to say thank you for all your work with G. she would never have got to where she has today without your help. You are an inspirational teacher."
After 2 successful Primary School workshops and public concert at the Key Theatre in 2002 said,
"The singing was excellent, you ought to do more of these workshops. You have found your niche!"
C.S. who attends my 'Singing for Pleasure' classes says,
"I have been in 'Singing for Pleasure' class for 1 year. It has been the happiest that I have ever felt because I've always wanted to sing and Jonathan always encourages me and believes in me. It is electric! So thank you very much."
30. 03. 23 Congratulation to M.C. who has passed her ABRSM Piano Grade 5 with Merit - 126 marks.
30. 04. 23 Congratulation to W. W. who has passed his ABRSM Piano Grade 1.
28. 07.17 Congratulation to M.C. who has passed her ABRSM Theory Grade 4 with Merit - 125 marks.
28. 07.17 Congratulation to C.F. who has passed her ABRSM Theory Grade 5.
22.07.17 Congratulations to S.S. who has passed his ABRSM Singing Grade 5.
25.06.17 Congratulations to S.S. who has passed his ABRSM Piano Grade 2.
10.06.17 Congratulations to M.F. who has passed her Trinity Piano Grade 8.
01.05.17 Congratulations to M.A. who has passed her ABRSM Piano Grade 5 with Merit - 126 marks.
20.03.16. Congratulations to Y.A. who has passed his ABRSM Piano Grade 5 with Merit - 120 marks.
01.05.17 Congratulations to L.H. who has passed her Trinity Singing Grade 4.
12.06.16 Congratulations to M.F. who has passed her Trinity Piano Grade 7.
20.03.16. Congratulations to M.A. who has passed her ABRSM Piano Grade 4 with Merit - 126 marks.
01.12.15. Congratulations to Sophie who has passed her ABRSM Theory Grade 5 with Merit - 84 Marks.
23.07.15. Congratulations to C.F. who has passed her ABRSM Piano Grade 4.
Other Achievements
26.11.21 Congratulations to Allegra, Ethan, Nekudzo and Gabriela who have been successful in this year's King's School Cathedral Choir auditions.
(That is four of the nine places on offer.)
24.11.17. Congratulations to Michaela and Samuel who have been successful in their recent King's School Cathedral Choir auditions.
24.11.15. Congratulations to Sasha and Natasha who have been successful in their recent King's School Cathedral Choir auditions.
28.3.15. Congratulations to Richard Taylor who has gained a gap-year post as Tenor Choral Scholar at Chelmsford Cathedral and also to his sister
Catherine Taylor, who will be Peterborough School's Head Chorister from September 2015.
31.3.15. Congratulations to Catherine Taylor who has passed her Grade 6 Singing.
21.4.15 Congratulations to MCL who has won 2 first place prizes and 1 second place for solo singing in the Oundle Festival this year.
21.6.15 Congratulations to MH who has won a place at the prestigious Purcell Music School. I am pleased to have been able to contribute to her success as her mother writes.
"Thanks Jonathan, Yes we are very proud, it is such an amazing achievement to get into Purcell. She also got offered a main audition at Yehudi Menuhin but we decided Purcell was a better fit. Thanks for all your help too, everyone has made her into the musician she is today in their own way."
Steph - who is a trained Doctor says,
"Excellent! He knows his anatomy and can really explain what is going wrong....
he not just improves singing - he is also interesting and fun!"
Em-Jay - a professional dancer and singer, working on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships says,
"Jonathan Jessop is a well respected teacher, with great insight in to vocal techniques.He has experience and understands how the voice can develop, giving the student hope of dramatic progress."
A. H. - who was a pupil at KAPA said,
"Dear Mr Jessop, Thank you for all your help. Since you took over the singing at the academy the standard has risen greatly."
The parent of G. - who was a pupil at KAPA said,
"I just wanted to say thank you for all your work with G. she would never have got to where she has today without your help. You are an inspirational teacher."
After 2 successful Primary School workshops and public concert at the Key Theatre in 2002 said,
"The singing was excellent, you ought to do more of these workshops. You have found your niche!"
C.S. who attends my 'Singing for Pleasure' classes says,
"I have been in 'Singing for Pleasure' class for 1 year. It has been the happiest that I have ever felt because I've always wanted to sing and Jonathan always encourages me and believes in me. It is electric! So thank you very much."
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© Jonathan Jessop 2023.