Jennifer McCabe - Piano
Jennifer's "Philosophy" - "I meet you where YOU are."
As a performer, I believe in getting out of my own way and serving the composer’s intent as purely as possible. As a teacher, I am humbled to learn from my students and employ a patient, multifaceted approach that tailors the lesson to each student. Musical skills translate into every area of life and I help students to learn the correlation between diligence and success while experiencing targeted praise and increased self-worth. They learn to recognize the importance and beauty of music. My truest goal as a teacher is to foster a joyful musical experience and a meaningful understanding of music.
Jennifer "The Teacher"
In the past, I have taught for the NIU Community Music School, privately as a freelance teacher and currently have a healthy studio of budding pianists at the Morton Grove Park District and the Musical Offering.
I believe in equal access to the arts and volunteer my time to underserved students on a periodic basis. I have more than 12 years of teaching experience and am an enthusiastic adjudicator with the Chicago Public Schools annual Citywide Piano Contest and with neighboring districts.
Jennifer "The Collaborative Performer"
I started playing piano at age 6 and earned my B.A. in Piano at the Northern Illinois University School of Music from 1990-95 where I studied with internationally recognized pianists Dr. William Koehler and Mr. Donald Walker. I pursued graduate studies in Music Education and Performance at both NIU and Middle Tennessee State University where I studied with esteemed pianist Dr. Charlene Harb. Other areas of expertise have included clarinet, saxophone, singing, steel pan and percussion.
My work as a pianist and music director with artists (kids and adults) from all walks of life has deepened my understanding of the creative process and improved me as a musician. I am active in the music theater, choral, instrumental and operatic communities some of which include:
Music Institute of Chicago’s Music Theater “Broadway Bound” program, North Shore Opera Hour, Northwestern University Music Theater program, Actors Training Center, JCC Young Actor’s Ensemble, Big Shot Piano Bar, Davenport’s Piano Bar, and DePaul University, the Chicago Waldorf School and Lincoln Park High School choirs.
*Fun fact (but not so important): once got to run through the Elgar Cello Concerto with Marc Johnson of The Vermeer Quartet.
Jennifer "The Non-Profit Manager"
Artistic/Managing Director and a pianist for Opera on Tap Chicago. We bring opera to the masses in a fun and educational manner. Televised on WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” and WYCC. Publicized in Time Out Chicago and The Reader.
Jennifer "The Recording Artist" (she's done a few...)
- Operatic selections performed with The Musical Offering Divas
- Art song and aria for the MO Faculty Sampler
- Numerous recitals/audition recordings with instrumentalists and vocalists
Jennifer "The Regular Gal"
I grew up in the cornfields of Sycamore, IL-literally- and spent many a happy day on my grandparents’ farm. I am a movie buff and can regurgitate useless entertainment trivia on command. I love animals and have a super cat named Percy-she’s a girl, by the way. I am a staunch supporter of organic standards but am not a food ‘nazi’. (i.e. pizza and ice cream are acceptable, albeit gluten/dairy-free!) I love to laugh and have many good friends who fill my life with joy and love.
To learn more about Jennifer, visit her websites:
operaontap.com/chicago
theoperadivas.com
piano.lifeinharmony.net
linkedin.com/in/harmonypianostudio
jmccabe.pianoaccompanists.com
Please contact The Musical Offering to learn more about private lessons with Jennifer.