Inside the Studio
I have always worked with students of all ages and abilities, guiding them as they increase their practical and theoretical skills. I love sharing my passion with others and am so grateful that I get to do this incredible job every single day. As someone who had to practice incredibly hard to get where I am today, I know the importance of having the right voice instructor. I’ve taken everything I have learned over the years and combined it into an approach that is friendly, approachable and effective.
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I am a social person and love to connect those around me. Students who join my studio are invited to studio parties throughout the year to encourage friendships with other musicians their age. In addition, I plan recitals for the students to participate and practice their performance techniques. I want my students to grow musically but also to make connections and have a wonderful experience making music with those around them.
Outside of the Studio
I live in Fairview Heights, IL and teach out of my home. I have a small, tail-less cat named Ollie and a bigger, fluffier kitty named Leo and love to enjoy my patio on beautiful summer days. I love to have game nights, binge watching tv shows, trying out new artsy endeavors, and most of all making connections with new people! I love to travel and explore new places whether someone is by my side or I am planning a solo adventure. When I am not singing, you can catch me playing Animal Crossing or taking walks in the park!
Letters of Recommendation
Dr. Maribeth Crawford
Maribeth is a music educator and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Voice and Opera at Murray State University in Murray, KY. A native of Mississippi, she received her Bachelor of Music degree from Mississippi College and her Master of Music and Doctoral of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. Maribeth Crawford is also known in the performing community for singing roles like Josephine in HMS Pinafore, Virginia Poe in Voyage of Edgar Allen Poe, the Sandman in Hansel and Gretel, and Musetta in La Boheme o just name a few. Maribeth served as Jennifer Rea's voice professor from 2016 - 2019.
Dr. Andrew Jensen
A native of central Illinois, Dr. Andy Jensen began teaching at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in the fall of 2011. As Director of Choral Activities, he conducts the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers in addition to teaching Music Theory, Music Appreciation, Private Applied Voice, and Music Literature. In addition to his duties at SWIC, Dr. Jensen serves as the Director of Music Ministry at First United Presbyterian Church in Belleville, IL and the artistic director of No-Name Chorale, a project-based ensemble dedicated to sharing the joy of inspired choral singing with each other and the community. Dr. Jensen is also Assistant Director of the St. Louis Chamber Chorus. He was Jennifer Rea's choir director, voice teacher, and mentor for her first two years of study.