MockingBird Music employs 25 teachers - more bios will be added soon!

Jessica Cooper, Voice instructor Jessica Cooper is currently on maternity leave! • Bachelors of Music in Voice Performance from University of San Diego Masters of Voice and Opera Performance from New England Conservatory of Music • Singing for 20 years. Also plays piano. • Has been teaching voice since 1997. • Has performed with the La Jolla Symphony, the Portland Symphony, the Providence Opera Company, the Nashua Symphony, the Boston Cecilia and has been featured on WGBH Radio’s “Classics in the Morning” program. Jessica Cooper is a noted specialist in the vocal music of Handel and Mozart. That doesn’t keep guitarist Joe Satriani, R&B star Mary J. Blige and jazz legend Clifford Brown from being high on this singer’s list of favorite artists. Jessica explains that the study of music has provided her with a deeper appreciation of and connection with the many ways music serves as a vehicle for self-expression. Hence her interest in everything from Germanic vocal music of the 15th Century to Afro-Cuban folk music to contemporary electronica. She sees this diversity reflected in the advent of the internet as an engine of growth for existing and new musical genres. "We are all in charge of the future of music,” says the soprano. “As long as we’re willing to put 100% of our energy into it and live it and breathe it. You get out of it what you put into it.” Jessica looks forward to continuing performing, teaching and seeing more of the world. She also loves horseback riding, cooking, camping and foods that start with the letter “a” including asparagus, avocado, artichokes and arugula.

Lauren FlahertyVoice Instructor Bio coming Soon...

Julia Roche, Clarinet, Sax, Flute, Voice & Piano Instructor • Has been studying and playing flute ince 1997, has been studying and singing formally since 1997, has been studying and playing piano since 1999. • Bachelor of Arts Candidate, Music Major, Rhode Island College • Favorite artists: Mozart, Kenney Chesney, Bach, Justin Timberlake and Rascal Flats To say that Julia has lived a life in music is an understatement. At age four she dreamed of playing the French Horn. Since then she has studied not only that instrument, but also the clarinet, oboe, trombone, bassoon and drums. Her area of expertise, however, lies in the flute, piano and voice! From elementary school through high school she has been a member of the band, orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz band, drum corps and chorus. By the time she graduated she had taught music as a substitute teacher and was Assistant Choir Director in the Bellingham elementary, middle and high schools. Now in her third year at Rhode Island College she is studying flute under Maryellen Guzzio-Kregler, piano under Lila Kane and Modern Voice under Eric Whittaker. She is a member of the Rhode Island College Women’s Choir. “Music is a never ending learning process”, states the multi-instrumentalist. “Everyday I gain a greater appreciation for it. My favorite part of teaching is passing on the knowledge I have gained and seeing students apply it and love it.”