Jill Wheat

Jill has been teaching private voice and piano lessons since 1997.  She has also lead preschool groups for the past 5 years.  After taking a maternity and relocation break and then covid break along with short stint teaching in local public schools, she is now re-starting a small home studio in Housatonic (Great Barrington).   Jill has previously taught twelve years of public school general & choral music and drama programs encompassing grades K - 12.  As a soprano soloist, Jill loves to sing!  She has performed with OperaUnMet in Boston, MA and community theaters throughout New England.  She is a public school certified music teacher in the states of ME and MA and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Performing Arts from Emerson College, Boston, MA.  Jill teaches music from the Kodaly pedagogy perspective having studied in the Kodaly Summer Institute at New England Conservatory of Music.

Arts education is a multi-generational process including traditions collected across time.   Younger generations learn the value of the arts and carry it with them adding, altering and experimenting to adjust to our ever changing environment.  To this end Jill has participated within a variety of community arts related organizations including: Berkshire Lyric Choir Member ~ Green Mountain Weavers and Spinners Guild Member ~ New England Folk Festival Association Dance Performances Chair ~ Lancaster Cultural Council Chairman ~ Massachusetts Cultural Council Member ~ Lancaster MA Contra Dance Founder & Organizer ~ Camden ME Civic Theater Board Member.

Jill loves her family of 3 youngsters, husband & dog.  Teaching, weaving, sewing, singing with others, dancing, working in the garden & spending time outside all bring her joy.  It seems that seeing people being kind and creating smiles amongst each other may be some of the best moments that Jill has observed.  As a teacher, performer and crafter, she has learned that creating, sharing and giving are some of the most rewarding and productive tools one can acquire.