Meet the Team
Jody Joseph
Founder - Lead Musical & Theatrical Instructor
Lance Welch
Musical Instructor
My journey began here in 2015 when I started voice lessons with Jody. Her lessons strengthened my vocal technique and stage presence, greatly enhancing my skills and performance ability. As my passion for music grew, I expanded my skills by learning guitar and piano under the guidance of Nick Piescor and Matt Fernicola. Additionally, I had the opportunity to learn more about theatrics and theatre performance from Johnna Orrico, which helped shape my theatrical abilities. In 2019, during my freshman year of high school, I realized that I wanted to do more than just perform. Inspired by Jody, I developed a passion for teaching and sought to cultivate the same skills to guide others in their musical journey. I began interning under the mentorship of Jody every day after school. This hands-on experience allowed me to build skills in vocal and instrumental instruction while also gaining insight into the business side of music education. In 2023, I expanded my skills further by completing a certification program in music production at Garnish School of Music and Production in Manhattan. Teaching music is something I’m truly passionate about. I love working with my students, building strong connections with them as individuals, and helping them grow both musically and personally. At Jody Joseph Music, I teach piano, guitar, vocal lessons, and work in the recording studio on music production with students. I’m always excited to share my knowledge, creativity and love for music with every student I work with.
Johnna Orrico
Background Vocalist - Major Shows Theater Production Assistant
Johnna has been deeply involved in the world of musical theater production. A former student of Jody Joseph since the age of 7, she became Jody’s first apprentice at 19 and went on to serve as a student teacher for over 10 years. Her extensive experience in vocal training and stage performance naturally led her to work behind the scenes as a production assistant for all major shows. Johnna plays a key role in bringing productions to life, ensuring that every performance runs smoothly from rehearsal to curtain call. Her expertise spans vocal direction, stage management, and technical coordination, making her an essential part of any production team. With a diverse musical background—including musical theater, metal, and country—she understands the demands of live performance and works closely with artists to help them deliver their best on stage. Passionate about storytelling and the magic of live theater, Johnna thrives in the fast-paced world of production, dedicated to creating seamless, high-quality performances.
Jody and her instructors not only encourage her students to excel at their craft, but are a part of cultivating her students’ talents and encourage them to go beyond any limits or boundaries that they may have pre-set for themselves. By expanding their boundaries, students come away from vocal instruction with renewed self-esteem and heightened creative inspiration. They will be equipped with strong foundations and principles that they will own and be able to utilize as the backbone to every future endeavor they seek in their personal and professional lives as singers and performers.
VOCAL LESSONS IN MONMOUTH COUNTY
Students are also invited to perform in front of their peers and families, on a large stage, under the lights, and with the technical support of stage crews and other helpful members of the extended family. The annual student show usually takes place in December, with a benefit theme, giving students the chance to give back to the community. The show is held at a large venue such as The Stone Pony or the Paramount Theater in Asbury Park NJ. The most recent show drew over 600 in attendance. The media and talent scouts are invited to these shows.
VOCAL TECHNIQUE:
-Strengthening and expanding the range
-Working pitch, tone, vibrato, breathing, and support
STAGE THEATRICS AND CONFIDENCE:
-Microphone technique
-Stage presence (turning from a singer into a performer)
-Confidence to feel comfortable in any stage environment
INSTRUMENT AND MUSIC THEORY INTRODUCTION:
-At some point Jody will suggest introducing basic guitar or piano
-Also adding some basic music theory
SONGWRITING AND STUDIO RECORDING:
*Jody believes songwriting is a great tool for students to have
-Students will learn songwriting as they grow in their lessons
-Using it as an outlet to express themselves
-Learning to turn their feelings into a song.
-They will have the option and resources to record their music with an engineer and producer
PERFORMANCES:
*Jody has built a wonderful relationship with some very famous local venues and artist galleries
-Opportunities to perform are usually available once a month
-At any of Jody’s major shows, she shares her stage with her students
**All the above are included in the student's training**
Jody believes that it is extremely vital to give a student exposure and reward them with an experience on stage, after all their hard work.
THE STUDENT'S COMMITMENT:
-It is required that students do their vocal homework 3 times a week, at minimum, for approximately 30 minutes per session.
-Come to their session with their binder and their flash drive.
Students, ages 11 and under, will have games and incentives to challenge them. They will receive rewards for their efforts.
We are looking forward to the opportunity to cultivate your or your child's talent.