Jesse Myers-Wakeman is a Maine native, born and raised on Penobscot Bay in the blossoming coastal community of Belfast. He holds a Master’s degree in choral conducting and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine and is an alumnus of the Berklee College of Music. He has had the privilege of working and studying with some of the greatest conductors, teachers, and directors in New England, including Dr. Robert Russell, Dr. Peter Martin, and Dr. Robert Lehmann.
Jesse has been teaching voice for well over 10 years, focusing on healthy practices, sensitive artistry, and strong musicianship. He has worked at the collegiate level, with semi-professional musicians, high school singers, and those who simply wish to expand their experiences later in life. His teachings foster healthy tone production rooted in classical techniques, but can be applied to any and all styles of music, from opera to pop and everything in between. His students have gone on to pursue successful careers in performance, education, and composition.
As a vocalist, Jesse has been hailed for bringing his rich, powerful tone and sensitive interpretations to every performance. He has been a featured soloist with groups across northern New England, including the Portland Symphony Orchestra, OperaMaine, ChoralArt, Amethyst Chamber Ensemble, St Mary Schola, and various community groups, such as the White Mountain Musical Arts Bach Festival, and the Lincoln Festival Chorus.
In addition to performing and teaching, Jesse is the Music Director for the Greater Freeport Community Chorus, serves as the Chorus Master for the White Mountain Musical Arts annual Bach Festival, has worked as the Assistant Chorus Master for several OperaMaine productions, and is also an active composer. His catalog includes works for choirs, chamber ensembles, and solo voices and instruments. His compositions have been performed in numerous venues, locally and internationally, including honors festivals and collegiate tours.