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Meet our team
“Jennifer Shanin values the importance of vocal anatomy and vocal health when she approaches the art of singing. Performers can be confident that the skills and approaches taught in their lessons are rooted in research-based techniques designed to cultivate a healthy voice built to last a lifetime. I'm deeply impressed and would recommend her to anyone seeking voice lessons.”
- Meg Burkart, M.A., CCC-SLP
Jen Shanin (she/her) is proudly the Founder and Singing Artistry Coach for Versatile Voice Academy in Janesville, WI. An accomplished singer, she has been seen on stages across the country including singing backup for The Rolling Stones and as an Advanced Artist for OperaWorks in Los Angeles.
Jen is a founding executive team member for Pride Theatre Productions where she serves as the Vocal Director. Pride Theatre Productions is committed to bringing resilient, rebellious productions to the stage while celebrating representation of all people. Previous vocal direction includes the all-LGBTQ+ casts of RENT and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Each production produced nearly $15,000 in donations to DEFY Domestic Abuse of Rock County.
Jen has a Master of Music in Vocal Performance of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Jen is also certified to teach contemporary styles like pop, country, and rock vocals through The Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute of Shenandoah Conservatory. She currently works as a Professor of Voice at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Jen passionately pursues evidence-based vocal pedagogy to keep voices healthy, versatile, and functional. Borrowing concepts from speech therapy, Singing Voice Specialists, and well-studied vocal pedagogues, Jen enthusiastically celebrates all that her Artists can and have yet to do with their unique instruments. She believes that learning to sing diverse styles of music is the key to becoming a true Versatile Artist.
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"I absolutely love working with all styles of singing. I welcome a little rebellion when it comes to the status quo and the “way we’ve always done things” especially around classical music. I value science-backed teaching for the voice that has been proven to keep voices healthy, versatile, and functional. " -Jen
Jacob Krueger
Versatile Voice Academy Teacher
Piano, Music Fundamentals
Jacob Krueger teaches piano, voice, and music fundamentals at Versatile Voice Academy. Jacob recently graduated from UW-Whitewater with a degree in Music Education. He is the Choir Director at Delavan-Darien High School. Jacob has been singing since he was in 6th grade​, and has been playing piano since he was 7. Jacob is super passionate about music, and firmly believes everyone deserves a chance to figure out what music means to them. Jacob is so excited to work with you!
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"I chose Jacob because he is an excellent musician, a skilled pianist in addition to a great singer, and has a way of simplifying music for anybody to understand. He’s confident and well-prepared to take on any musical task." -Jen
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Sarah Parker
Versatile Voice Academy Teacher
Voice, Music Fundamentals
Sarah Parker, soprano, has been involved in music for her entire life. Sarah studies Music Education at UW-Whitewater where she is active in choirs, voice lessons, recitals, and more. Sarah looks forward to teaching high school choir before pursuing her doctorate so she can train future musicians. Recently, Sarah was the Assistant Music Director for Little Shop of Horrors with PRIDE Theatre Productions and Co-Music Director for Willy Wonka at Spotlight on Kids. As an alumna of Parker High School, Sarah was involved in musicals, choir, and band. She is so excited to help Versatile Voice Academy students learn their voices, prepare them for auditions, and guide them on their vocal journeys.
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"I chose Sarah because she is a passionate teacher who engages
beautifully and authentically with our littles. She has an angelic, sweet voice." - Jen
Jen Shanin
Founder and Singing Artistry Coach
Celebrating our Versatile Artists
We are so proud of the accomplishments our Versatile Artists have made!
Check out our talent and see what you can be a part of!
The coaching I received here has helped with my confidence and my ability. And I feel more comfortable auditioning for roles. I am very grateful for all of the opportunities to come. I would 100% recommend taking voice lessons here. - Madeline M.