Meet Janine Arecco | Professional Vocalist – Jazz, Rock & Pop, Vocal Coach

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

Hi Janine, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
From ages 4-20, my life was completely focused on making music. If I wasn’t performing, I was in lessons, or at home composing songs. As a young adult, however, I decided to follow a different career path and stepped away from music almost entirely. Because I was unable to make time for my music, this proved to be a very difficult time in my life. Eventually, I adjusted my priorities, and the music returned in full bloom. Now I play and sing every single day, in one form or another, whether it is for 10 minutes, or 20 continuous hours. I teach voice and piano lessons during the week and perform on weekends. It keeps me balanced, and I am in a much happier place in my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Professional vocalist/vocal and piano instructor. I enjoy performing any type of music, and with many different musicians. I also discovered that I thoroughly enjoy teaching! I always said I could never be a teacher, but I have come to really love it! It’s incredibly enjoyable to experience that moment when your student “gets it”.

I moved to Atlanta 8 years ago. It was difficult to create a presence in a new city, but I was able to do so over the course of a few years. One of the most important things I learned as a musician is to not turn down any opportunities, no matter how “small”, as you never know where they will lead in the future.

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?
Atlanta has a lot of great live music clubs. I would tell visitors to look online for live music in Atlanta. There are so many options, and talented musicians play nightly in all parts of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Much of my shoutout goes to my instructors, of which there were many. The most influential teachers were Fay Kaiser, who completely changed my life as a vocalist and introduced me to the world of jazz; Karla Harris, who helped me regain confidence after a long hiatus, and helped me discover my style; Angela Schmeltekopf, my childhood piano teacher, who taught me discipline and hard work, and let me play pieces I wanted to after 10 years of Bach, and Doreen Rao of the Glen Ellen Children’s Chorus, who taught utmost professionalism and believed in me early on, presenting me with opportunities as a soloist around the globe. Another very influential person for me was Rick Harris, who helped me find my keys and styles, as well as introduced me to the Atlanta Jazz/R&B community. Tom Woods has also been quite influential to me, as he is an amazing writer as well as accompanist, and has allowed me the opportunity to sing and record his music regularly.

The greatest shoutouts, however, go to my family. My fiancé, Eddie, taught me how to embrace the life of a full-time musician, and has supported me 100% from the day I met him. I absolutely could not have had the courage to pursue a career in music without the love and encouragement from my mom, dad, siblings, and amazing children. I love all these wonderful people and am incredibly grateful for all of them.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/JanineAreccoVocalistforhire

Instagram: janine_arecco_vocalist

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

Youtube: @janineareccoify

Image Credits
Photo credits: Sally Boice, Annie Jefferson.