1:1 VOCAL COACHING

MY APPROACH:

SOMATIC, INTUITUVE, TRAUMA-INFORMED

This is not one-size-fits-all vocal training.

My work blends:

  • Proven vocal technique

  • Somatic and body-based practices

  • Nervous-system awareness

  • Intuition, curiosity, and deep listening

Every session is shaped around you — your body, your history, your voice, your goals.

I work in a trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ affirming, neurodivergent-aware space, where you don’t have to explain yourself or fit a mold. As a queer, non-binary artist, I understand firsthand how much conditioning lives in the voice — and how liberating it is to let that conditioning go.

This work isn’t about fixing you.
It’s about uncovering what’s already there.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

  • “Jess creates such a steady, caring space to explore in. Their coaching helped me feel more grounded in my voice and more confident taking up space week after week.”

    - Ego Nwodim, SNL Alum

  • “Jess helped me reconnect to my voice when I was feeling really stuck. Their warm-up is still part of my practice — it helps keep me grounded, open, and creatively alive.”

    - Lío Mehiel, Actor

  • “Working with Jess was such a gift. They helped me feel relaxed, confident, and supported in my voice in a way that carried straight into my work.”

    - Heidi Gardner, SNL Alum

  • "Jess has been more than extraordinary in my vocal endeavors. I've worked with many vocal coaches in the past, and none of them can even compare to working with Jess. I came to Jess looking for a vocal coach who would really see ME, not just the voice. It's a personal exploration of voice and self every session. Jess opened me up into places with my vocals I've only ever dreamed of, but were too scared/unsure of to try. Incredibly, they've gone above and beyond by coordinating opportunities for me (as well as other clients) to perform at professional venues like The Bitter End, as well as supporting my songwriting and producing. I've recommended Jess to several of my own clients looking to work on their voice. 10/10 heavily recommend working with Jess"

    - Megan M., New York

  • "Working with Jess is one of the best decisions I've ever made for my personal and artistic growth. They deliver as a voice teacher but go well beyond that in ways I did not expect. They are a holistic guide to your development. They know what you need to hear not just to be a better singer, but to take risks, trust your own abilities, and explore your own creativity. Jess has made me a better musician because they recognize and push you past barriers whether they be technical, emotional, or mental. Bonus points for being a kind and genuine soul."

    - Nathan D., New York

  • "My daughter worked with Jess to get prepared for her high school auditions and we couldn't have done it without [them]! Jess found songs to show her abilities in their best light. Jess is such a pleasure and made the process fun and low pressure. [Their] techniques for teaching breath, volume, and range are fresh and simple. Jess was my partner in this process and I cannot thank [them] enough for all [they] did to help us through the madhouse that is high school admissions in NYC. Thanks, Jess!"

    - Lynn L., New York

  • “I had never taken singing lessons before contacting Jess. I didn't know what to expect when going into vocal training- but Jess has been more than I could have hoped for. She is not only an extremely talented singer but is also a great human, that shares common ground in believing that everyone has a voice, it's just knowing how to share it. I am still taking classes with her and cannot wait to see what comes next! I have never felt this trustful of my voice until I took lessons with Jess. Thank you thank you thank you!”

    - Allegra V., New York

  • "Working with Jess is one of the best investments I've ever made in myself. Our sessions have helped me rebuild my understanding of breath, body, and resonance from first principles, and redefined the realm of possibility for using myself as an instrument. The chance to study under an artist at this level is a rare opportunity. If you want to explore the place where music, meditation, and knowledge of yourself intersect, get in touch immediately."

    - Ana N., New York

  • "Jess had the ability to pinpoint exactly what I needed in order to get to where I wanted to go, her constant patience in my beginning stages, support, infectious enthusiasm and obvious natural ability to teach, made my sessions with her an absolute delight. I would highly recommend her to beginners through to seasoned musicians... she has something for everyone.”

    - Renee B., Melbourne

  • “The spectacular thing about Jess is that everything she gives you is real. There are no unchecked compliments or glossy praise. She recognises your flickering inner artist, perhaps even more clearly than you can yourself, and works to release it, beautifully imperfect and unapologising. Jess McAvoy gave me the courage to be myself.”

    - Anna B., Melbourne

  • "After 10 years of creative musical block, 10 hours with Jess opened me up and hooked me into the flow and the songs haven't stopped coming ever since. She has a subtle and nurturing teaching style that makes you feel safe to express anything yet pushes you where it counts. Canada, send her back, we miss her."

    - Steve D., Melbourne

  • "When I contacted Jess about her services I thought I'd be learning the basic mechanics of songwriting. Much to my surprise and delight it was about so much more than finessing lyrics and working out good song structure. It became about overcoming a lifelong fear of stage fright, about finding my true voice and unleashing it. Her no-nonsense, honest approach is equally inspiring and constructive. What I learned from her is invaluable to me as an artist and a person and I utilize many of her lessons every day. I cannot more highly recommend Jess's service to anyone ready to find their true voice!”

    - Maria R., Toronto

  • "After one session with Jess McAvoy, I walked away fundamentally changed. As a creativity coach. Jess combines her vast experience in both art and life with her ability to hear what is inside you - the thing that is screaming out to be allowed into the world but for one reason or another is stuck. With both her heart and her head fully engaged, she applies her hard-earned wisdom, perceptiveness and creative genius to bring down the walls that are stifling your gift, empowering you to share it with courage and grace."

    - Peter F., Melbourne

  • "Before meeting Jess I had no idea that song writing could even be taught. She showed me that we all have these songs coiled inside our hearts, uniquely ours and ready and eager to emerge like butterflies when the environment is conducive. She creates that environment. Eternal thanks."

    - Adam S., Melbourne

  • "When I first started lessons with Jess, I lacked confidence in my ability and didn't have any real direction about what I wanted to do other than just learn guitar. However, with lots of encouragement and guidance, I have now got focused goals around my music including stage performance and song-writing. She told me to write, write, write and that's what I did... Now I even have a song about it!"

    - Lauren T., Melbourne

  • "Jess McAvoy doesn't teach you how to just sing better; they teach you how to be better. I cannot stress that enough: with their lessons, you not only gain invaluable technique, knowledge and vocal exercises, but you get Jess' unwavering compassion for music, people and life, itself. They have this ability to look deep inside someone, find what makes you happy or scared or dream, and unlocks it. Jess is so open and inviting--allowing you as the student to get comfortable in the uncomfortable, and free yourself from your own expectations. I've never been supremely confident in my voice, masking my insecurities with volume. Jess immediately helped me own this, focusing on exercises to lower my volume, feel vulnerable and ultimately become way more confident with my voice. Jess will force you into a creative unknown without ever letting you feel alone. If you're thinking about vocal lessons, take this leap. And do it with Jess McAvoy. They'll teach you to enjoy the free fall as much as the landing."

    - Cory F., New York

  • "Jess is an insightful vocal coach and the first to 'unlock' my voice. I've worked with teachers who were also quite capable, but what sets Jess apart is their unique philosophy which allowed me to tap into a truer, more natural vocal style that sounds amazing for the pop and rock bands I sing in, not just for musical theater. Truly remarkable hearing my voice blossom and take up space after decades of locking it up. Thank you for being the key."

    - Bayard R., New York

  • "Working with Jess has been the best experience. As someone who was a complete non-singer coming into this, finding and letting out my voice was about so much more than learning how to hit the right notes. It's been a profound somatic experience in connecting with my body. Lessons have been fun, connective, productive, and honestly some of the best therapy I've ever had. Couldn't recommend more."

    - Cole N., New York

  • "I stumbled across Jess while researching 'vocal coach for bipoc artists nyc', and every day I thank their SEO targeting for leading me to them. The act of singing/vocalizing is so personal and raw, and the process of learning adds its own layer of vulnerability, so working with a coach you trust and respect is imperative. In Jess I've found that and more - a friend, confidant, clown, philosopher and mentor. Jess's approach is more holistic than other training experiences I've had - don't be surprised if a session also feels like therapy (in the best way). They're someone who will meet you where you're at, work with what you've got and encourage you to push beyond your limits. I'm so grateful for the impact Jess has had, not just on my voice, but on my life. Highly recommend!"

    - Bree T., Michigan

  • "Jess is one of the most unbelievable vocal coaches I've had the opportunity to work with, their unique and informed technique honors each individual client where they are, and takes them on a journey to finding their true voice and sound. Jess toe's the line perfectly between gently holding space, and constructive directism while making completely tailored sessions to fit the needs of each client. If you have burn out from traditional vocal coaching, or are wanting to change your relationship with your voice: look no further. I have not only used Jess personally, but also as a professional with my own business, there's no one else I would trust my clients with."

    - Katherine D., New Mexico

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