Jazmin DeRice

Teaches: Voice

Teaching Philosophy: Each student is on their own musical journey, at their own pace. The goal is finding joy in practice and routine.

Music Influences: Bizet, Poulenc, Ravel, Marian Anderson, Jessye Norman, Tatiana Troyanos, Margaret Yauger, Margaret Bonds, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, Roberta Fleck, Minnie Ripperton, Donnie Hathaway, Chaka Kahn, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Thundercat...

When I’m not making music: If I'm not practicing or spending time with my family, I can be found blissfully lost in my gardens, snuggling with my rescue dogs, sketching, eating too much cheese, and most likely listening to music.

Favorite place in Maine: A little spot in the woods near my house where it feels like I'm in the 'Shire and I can sit on a rock and sketch lichens.

Jazmin DeRice, is a Maine-based performing artist and teacher, ranging from classical to jazz, pop, and RnB. Most recently, she has been an Artist in Residency at Colby College, working on Post Pardon: the Opera, with composer Jessica Jones and librettist Arisa White. (postpardon.org).

Jazmin is a regular soloist with several midcoast and central Maine music ensembles including the Amethyst Chamber Ensemble, Sheepscot Valley Chorus, Down East Singers, Lincoln Arts Festival, Maine Music Society, and Snow Pond Arts. She also gigs with several local bands and tribute groups regularly, including her own band, BobaFUNK. She teaches voice at her home studio in Woolwich, and is adjunct voice faculty at Bates College. She is an active member of the Portland Rossini Club, a mentor in the Amethyst Project and is part of the Maine chapter of NATS. DeRice received her Bachelors and Masters in Vocal Performance from the University of Southern Maine, and PSD in Vocal Performance from Mannes School of Music. She has received awards from the Bay Chamber Concert series and multiple Maine NATS recognitions, including the Lillian Nordica Award. She studied with the late and great Ellen Chickering, the magnificent Margaret Yauger Smith, Margaret's late husband Malcom Smith, and Bonnie Hamilton.