Meet Vanessa Graniero | Vocal Coach & Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanessa Graniero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanessa, how does your business help the community?
As a vocal coach, I foster and empower my students to share their unique voices with the world. We work to unlock and develop self expression, evoke honest emotion and soul into all of their musical endeavors. I believe music is a massive tool for self development, communication, and it brings people together by encouraging collaboration.

I work with local and international students of all levels and contemporary styles to fuel their creativity and vocal athleticism. Making sure it’s a unique experience that focuses on the individual, I guide them to implement healthy techniques, improve vocal hygiene, express their artistry, and boost their confidence and persistence.

It’s the coolest thing to see students have those moments when something just “clicks,” and they hit the high note, write the honest song, or nail the audition. I believe that music is such an important part of community and culture – I’m honestly thrilled to be a part of it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began pursuing an artist career in the music industry at a very young age and have had some amazing opportunities along the way. I’ve sung as a session vocalist, released an independent album at 17, performed as a solo artist, worship leader, and a former member of the Atlanta psychedelic funk band, Voodoo Visionary. Additionally, I landed a spot in the final four of The Voice on Snapchat, representing Team Blake. My journey in the music industry has also had some huge challenges and disappointments but they’ve taught me some hard lessons in persistence. My artist heart is still at the core of everything I do in music and coaching. All of the uncertainties and difficulties that come along with pursuing music have made me a better artist, which ultimately has made me a better coach.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is a lot of heart in this city and so many options to explore. I would definitely check out some live music and get some good food. Terminal West is one of my favorite venues, it always sounds great and they have tasty snacks. Some other great venues that I love are Aisle 5, Smith’s Olde Bar, and Eddie’s Attic. Some restaurants I’d recommend are Top Spice Thai & Malaysian Cuisine in Toco Hills, Argosy in EAV, and this last one is outside the perimeter but it’s definitely worth a mention, Woo Nam Jeong Stone Bowl House in Doraville.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to my mentor and boss, Mama Jan Smith! I’m so grateful to be a part of the team at the renowned Jan Smith Studios and Mama’s Music House in Atlanta, GA. Mama Jan (jansmith.com) is a celebrity vocal coach and producer, most known for working with artists such as Justin Bieber, Usher, The Band Perry, Rob Thomas, and many more. I first met Mama Jan in 2009 when I came to her for vocal coaching. Since then, she has been such an important role in my life as a mentor and now what I would consider family. In 2015, I became her studio administrative assistant, and after an extensive mentorship, I transitioned into a coaching position in early 2020. The wealth of knowledge that Mama Jan has poured into my life is something that I will always treasure. Her talent, honesty, and realness is unmatched.

Another mentor shoutout goes to the amazing, Heidi Higgins, master vocal coach at Jan Smith Studios, who played a huge part in my transition into coaching at the studio. She helped me learn on a deeper level how to assess the needs of each vocal client and meet them where they are. Heidi has worked alongside Mama Jan for 3 decades and is such a kind, nurturing, and encouraging mentor to so many. I’m so grateful for her guidance!

Website: https://vanessagraniero.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vangran

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanessagraniero

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessagraniero

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/vanessagraniero

Image Credits
Rachel Reagan, Drew Stawin Photography