Some of my Current and Former Students

“I can confidently say that I learned more in each individual lesson than I did in a month with my other teachers.” ~ Ami Pienknagura

“At 53, I felt I was too old but Jeanette told me you are never too old and she was right!” ~ Rose Marie Garcia

“Upon entering Jeanette’s studio I was mainly a dancer who preferred singing in the background, not realizing that I had more to offer.”
~ Cairo Spencer

Carly Cozad Musical Theater Student, Northwestern University

“I studied with Jeanette for middle school and high school, and she greatly helped shape my musical theatre endeavors at Northwestern University. I am in the musical theatre program there, participate in many productions at the school, and sing in an a cappella group, and I would not have been able to pursue these to the best of my ability without her classical training. Though I primarily do more contemporary musical theatre and belting work in my current study, I would not have been able to do this type of work effectively and healthily without her classical soprano foundation. She focuses on essential coloratura exercises to really solidify the use of the diaphragm and developing strong upper register resonance. I am extremely grateful to her and would recommend that anyone serious about studying and pursuing singing go see her immediately!” ~ Carly Cozad

Dakota Lillie Singer, Songwriter, Producer

“Jeanette taught me back when I was in middle school, but the benefits of studying with her remain with me to this day. She encouraged and motivated my pursuits as a singer, and through her classically-oriented approach, she imparted a firm grasp of technique that has been the foundation of my singing career, first in musical theater and now in pop music. She was exceedingly kind and patient with me during my transformative years, nurturing my musical aspirations during an impressionable period of my life with a grace and wholesomeness that has never left me. For these reasons (and so many more), I would highly recommend her for anyone serious about developing and improving their abilities as a vocalist.” ~ Dakota Lillie

Morgan Menchaca Harvard Law School Student; Musical Theater and A Cappella Performer

“Jeanette’s lessons, both vocal and personal, played a big role in my success in high school, helping me gain admission to Harvard University. I studied voice with Jeanette for many years. Jeanette taught me the fundamentals of vocal technique, starting with exercises and classical music, that that we then built upon to develop my mix-belt and allow me to perform in a wide variety of musical theater roles. As a student at San Mateo High School, I starred in many shows, and I performed the roles confidently, without ever damaging my voice. In college, and now in law school, I have continued to sing in a cappella groups. The transition to a cappella and pop singing was smooth, which would not have been possible without the foundation Jeanette gave me through years of teaching me proper vocal technique. If yours start with Jeanette and commit to the basics, you can sing for the rest of your life!” ~ Morgan Menchaca

Veronique Filloux Voice and Opera Student, Northwestern University

“Currently in my fourth year of my undergraduate studies in Voice and Opera at Northwestern University, I would not be where I am today without Jeanette’s mentorship. She is a skilled vocal technician who understands the difference between pushing a student to work diligently and expressively, and pushing a student’s voice beyond its capacity. As such, I have found that the singing that I do with Jeanette is, first and foremost, healthy and free. When I joined her studio back in 2006, I was singing with a style and color that were forced and did not allow my voice to blossom, but she helped me uncover a very different, much more flexible voice, eventually aiding and encouraging me in my switch from musical theatre to classical music. Beyond her strengths as a pedagog and vocal technician, though, are her abilities to see and nurture the potential in her students and to encourage their growth and creativity. Her spirituality, patience, and perspective have been some of the greatest joys about my relationship with her, and I am certainly very lucky to have her in my life!” ~ Veronique Filloux

Ami Pienknagura Singer-songwriter

“I can confidently say that I learned more in each individual lesson than I did in a month with my other teachers. Jeannette’s extensive knowledge of vocal technique has advanced my singing abilities beyond words. In just a few lessons, she helped me undo many destructive old singing habits and pave the way towards me singing effortlessly with the handle on style and vocal technique that Jeannette possesses. I highly recommend Jeannette to any singer at any level who wishes to improve his or her sound, voice control, and confidence in his or her abilities. I take a lesson with Jeannette whenever I am in the Bay Area and I recommend that you do, too!” ~ Ami Pienknagura

Chynna Cavales Music Education Student, San Jose State University

“I have been singing all my life, but took a couple years hiatus in college after I became too busy with the workload. When I realized I had forgotten much of my vocal technique, I turned to Jeanette, who was teaching a voice class at Skyline College. In just a few months, Jeanette was able to restore my vocal technique. And after a year of studying with her privately, Jeanette helped my voice go beyond what I thought it was capable of. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to study under Jeanette. Not only is she kind to her students and passionate about voice and teaching, but she also goes beyond what is asked of her to help her students reach their goals. She helped me become more confident in my voice and as a person, restore my love for singing, and prepared me for San Jose State University, where I now major in Music Education. Jeanette is one of the best voice teachers I have ever had the pleasure of studying under and I would recommend her to anyone who is passionate about singing.” ~ Chynna Cavales

Anika Krishnan

“I started singing in a professional children’s choir at the age of 7, and for years, I sang in a manner that didn’t harness my sound properly, as a singer with a dark timbre, stuck in the inflexible Alto Land. It was Jeanette who expanded the horizons in characterizing my voice properly (“You’re more of a Soprano,” she said!). Starting from my Sophomore year of High School (four years ago), Jeanette has played an integral role in my vocal development, in that she has encouraged me to perform without the fear of failure, has taught me how to sing healthier (using vocal pedagogy), and has ignited my passion for classical music. After only a few months of studying with Jeanette, I performed as a soloist in the Sydney Opera House. She’s truly passionate about the art of singing and helping others blossom into beautiful songbirds! With her emphasis on technique and expression, she has taught me and others how to develop unique artistry based on emotions and delicately controlled sound. Under her tutelage, I have grown tremendously as a singer, and I know I will continue to grow with the thorough education and guidance she provides. Moreover, Jeanette has helped me through several auditions, which has allowed me to join my University Chamber Choir, Operettas, the National American Choral Directors Association Honor Choir, and perform multiple solo pieces. The care she has for her students, specifically their well-being and vocal health, is truly extraordinary and unmatched by anything I’ve experienced. Thanks to Jeanette, I look forward to pursuing a Minor in Music, and the journey towards becoming the best, healthiest singer I can be (with Jeanette as my teacher, of course)! I recommend Jeanette to anyone who loves to sing, is serious about developing their craft, and is eager to learn from a brilliant artist and teacher!” ~ Anika Krishnan

Lucie Nash

"I found Jeanette at a very important time in my life and her guidance has completely changed the vocal health of my voice. I now feel more connected to my voice and deeply understand how it works. She is one of the rare teachers who not only cares about your vocal progress but also your well being. Her teaching methods are impactful and really aid the progress of your voice. Learning from her is a true gift and anyone who has knows that she is a very special person and teacher. I am deeply thankful for what she has taught me." ~ Lucie Nash, age 18

Meilyn Andrews

"I am incredibly grateful for the patient and thorough instruction I have received from Jeanette during my time taking lessons at Sacco-Belli Studios. She has helped me get rid of unhealthy singing habits and brought out potential in my voice I had no idea was there. Lessons with her are some of the most fun, relaxing parts of my week. Learning classical singing has given me a strong foundation that I feel I can carry into many other musical areas of my life, whether participating in church worship services or singing for fun with my friends. In addition to teaching me singing technique, Jeanette’s skills as a remedial vocal coach have been utterly invaluable. I experienced a nasty bout with an atypical strain of pneumonia in the spring of 2019, a sickness that came with a cough that inflamed my vocal cords for over 6 months. When I was sick, my cords were so racked by the cough that I could only whisper, and for months afterward my entire vocal range was confined to my lower register, entirely uncharacteristic of my natural coloratura soprano voice. Throughout the next year, Jeanette carefully and patiently helped me get my voice back to its original capacity, helping me develop new habits to ensure that I could take care of my voice well in the future, too. Now my voice is back to normal, and I continue to enjoy lessons with Jeanette where I can improve my technique and enjoy developing my instrument!" ~ Meilyn Andrews

Meilyn’s Mother’s Testimonial

"Have you ever had that moment, as a parent, when you thought an unexpected experience could impact your child’s future forever? We were so fortunate that our daughter was studying voice with Jeanette when at age 16 she got sick and “lost her voice”. We had seen several doctors/specialists and they all prescribed vocal rest and to continue working with Jeanette. At first it was very scary and I didn’t know if my daughter’s voice would ever fully recover. She stopped choir, drama and all singing except for lessons with Jeanette. Thank goodness for Jeanette’s professionalism, patience and positivity! She was amazing working with Meilyn for a year to rehabilitate her voice and bring back her coloratura singing voice. Meilyn continues to take lessons on Zoom with Jeanette. We will never forget the incredible gift Jeanette gave our daughter of bringing back her singing voice." ~ Marykaye

Rose Marie Garcia

"Singing has always been one of my favorite hobbies, but I had never taken any voice lessons. I had been singing in my church choir, and even though many other choir members said I should become a cantor, I didn’t think I had the ability to do so. I decided to take a voice class offered at a local Jr. College and that’s when I met Jeanette. She was teaching the class and her patient and caring way of teaching immediately made me feel comfortable and at ease. Upon hearing my voice, she asked me if I ever considered taking private lessons so I could learn how to use my voice properly. At 53, I felt I was too old but Jeanette told me you are never too old and she was right! Now, four years later, I continue to improve my vocal technique which has strengthened my voice and made me more confident and secure while singing. Since working with Jeanette, I have been given many solo parts in my church choir and at the church I work at. In fact, other members of my choir were so impressed with the changes in my voice that most of the soprano section is also taking lessons from Jeanette. Jeanette’s amazing teaching style has taught me to take my voice to places I never thought would be possible. I have even been able to sing some opera arias! In addition to voice, Jeanette is also teaching me music theory, Native American flute, and piano. It is quite evident that Jeanette loves to teach. Her knowledge of music and expertise as a teacher has helped me fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming more adept in singing and music theory. Being taught by Jeanette has been a life altering experience which I will be forever grateful." ~ Rose Marie Garcia

Cairo Spencer Student, San Mateo High School

"I can truly testify to the amount of growth I had during my sessions with Jeanette. Upon entering Jeanette’s studio I was mainly a dancer who preferred singing in the background, not realizing that I had more to offer. After about a year or two with Jeanette, I developed an extensive singing range and valuable knowledge about keeping my voice intact. Without her, I would have never performed as well as I did or surely lost my voice as Seaweed (Hairspray) or George (Drowsy Chaperone) at San Mateo High School. I didn’t believe in my ability to perform vocally, but her endless encouragement and trust was the true X-Factor in my growth. Jeanette’s teachings gave me the utmost confidence in myself as a sure triple-threat and prospering entertainer. And as I continue to perform on stage in college I will always attribute my singing success and onstage poise to her. If you work with Jeanette you’re going to like the way you sound. I guarantee it.”~ Cairo Spencer

Lauren Brollier Pop and Rock Vocalist and Voice Teacher

“Jeanette was my voice coach and mentor for 9 years. Under her tutelage, I received what I believe is the best classical training available in the Bay Area. I am now a pop and rock vocalist and voice teacher, and feel that her training provided me with the greatest foundation to maintain the health of my voice. Jeanette helps students of all levels of experience to find their voice and use it properly, from proper breath support to tone and style. I know it’s because of Jeanette’s expertise and skill that I have such a wide vocal range and capability. Jeanette is a compassionate and accomplished teacher who can help singers of all ages expand their range and take their voices to the next level.” ~ Lauren Brollier

Laura Olivier Student, University of Pennsylvania

“I have been singing since I was five years old. I studied voice with a few coaches before Jeanette, but by far grew the most with Jeanette’s guidance. She taught me the fundamentals of singing, including breathing and support techniques, which have allowed me to sing a variety of styles of music. I have seen friends take from Jeanette and become much better singers with her coaching. Though I haven’t been formally singing for a while, I am complimented on my continued ability to control my voice without practice. I attribute this to the strong coaching I have received. Jeanette’s coaching has allowed me to keep doing what I love without the fear of damaging my voice. When I do begin to formally sing again, Jeanette will be the person I look to for coaching. She is the best of the best.” ~ Laura Olivier

Karen Gernand Soprano

"I have sung in choirs since age 5 and received my first vocal training at age 27. After raising a family, singing all the while, I resumed more challenging choral and solo work and wanted additional vocal coaching. Jeanette Sacco-Belli was a known teacher, whom I’d met and very much liked. Her warmth and generosity of spirit is immediately evident. But what about her vocal technique and ability to teach? I started instruction with Jeanette in December 2019 to help me prepare for an exacting solo in an April concert. Well, we all know what happened in March of 2020. Needless to say, the concert didn’t happen, but I’m still working with Jeanette—now via Zoom. Over this time, she has been able to uncover some significant deficits in my technique, allowing me to make breakthroughs that I thought were impossible at this stage of life. Her thoughtful approach, supported by years of performing and teaching expertise, is a magical combination that has proved very successful. She provides useful exercises that target the challenge du jour and has a vast library of music to suggest, if I don’t have something on the horizon to prepare. I feel fortunate that she had an opening in her studio for me and look forward to our time together." ~ Karen Gernand

Atiya Angleen Shah

"I have always been passionate about singing since I was six years old, and learning with Mrs. Sacco-Belli has not only drastically improved my vocal technique, but it has made me a more thoughtful musician. Mrs. Sacco-Belli is one of the most knowledgeable people on the art of music and the kindest soul you will meet. She welcomes every student with warmth, and fosters a learning environment that allows anyone, no matter what level, to feel comfortable. You will not find a better vocal teacher. I am very fortunate to be mentored by such an amazing woman." ~ Atiya Angleen Shah

Divya Malik

"My daughters have had the privilege of being nurtured under the tutelage of the wonderful Jeanette Sacco Belli. Not only is Jeanette their teacher, but a fantastic mentor as well. A high schooler's life is very stressful these days, and their time with Jeanette is a real stress release. They look forward to every session with her. Jeanette is also a very spiritual person, and that energy spreads to us all. She is now more like an extended family than just a teacher. We have also seen so much improvement in both our girls' voices and confidence level. Anyone would be lucky to train under Ms Sacco-Belli." ~ Divya Malik

Eleanor Monroe

"When I started taking lessons with Jeanette two years ago, I had seen my fair share of voice teachers but had never truly connected with any of them. Jeanette was the first teacher who truly saw me not only as the correct voice type, but also as the person and singer I truly am. Beyond her incredible knowledge of classical singing technique and repertoire, what makes Jeanette such a great teacher is her kind, warm energy: I’ve never stopped feeling supported by her even when she was critiquing my sound or performance, which was an experience I hadn’t had in the past with other teachers. My technique has also tremendously improved under Jeanette’s tutelage. Her attention to detail and effective explanations of how healthy singing should feel have allowed me to gain greater control as a singer and consciously develop my technique, from breath support to framing and placing my sound in the correct place. Working with Jeanette has left me well-prepared to pursue singing at a collegiate level, and has impressed upon me a love of singing that I know will translate into a lifelong passion! " ~ Eleanor Monroe

Dr. Brian Kelly Associate Pastor, Hamilton Square Baptist Church in San Francisco, California

“Jeannette is the finest and most accomplished voice teacher with whom I have had the awesome privilege of studying voice. I began studying with Jeannette after I was invited to be the choir director of the church where I serve as Associate Pastor. I instantly knew that I needed more vocal training for myself and to be able to coach and lead others. After several months of lessons, she told me that I had a huge voice that needed to be developed and began teaching me proper technique along with opera arias in both Italian and German. Her expert knowledge of vocal technique, the primary singing languages, and musical interpretation are outstanding. Her practical teaching and encouragement built my voice and her mentoring built my performance skills. Thanks to her teaching and encouragement, I auditioned for and was accepted into the Master of Music in Classical Voice and Opera program at San Francisco State. I began studying there in the Fall of 2012 and Jeannette has continued to be a help, coach and mentor in my musical studies at school. I can’t sing her praise high enough for all of the wonderful things that she has taught me and continues to teach me at every lesson.”~ Dr. Brian Kelly

David Behling

“For over 25 years I have been coached vocally by Jeanette. I began my vocal training after years of singing in choirs, but with no personal training. I thought I was good, but, as I learned, brought to my singing an athleticism I used in sports – wrong! I wanted to improve. With many years of work and honing, Jeanette has developed my good voice into something far better and had I the time, I am sure I would be performing in musical theatre, the symphony chorus, and other venues. Bad technique will ruin a voice and I understand a true professional who knows her craft. She too, continues to learn and stay on top of her vocation by attending conferences and classes. I would not entrust my gift to someone who was not a true professional. There are those that can perform, and those that can teach. I would not risk a lifetime of disappointment and unfulfilled dreams, by utilizing someone who is simply without the skill set to make my voice become the very best it can be.”~ David Behling

Carolina Guevara

“The first time I ever sang was as Annie (in Annie the musical) when I was eight years old. I would always belt out Disney songs in the hallway when I was little, but I had never actually performed or had any vocal training at all whatsoever. After being on stage for the first time, I realized that I wanted to perform and continue singing. This is when I went to Jeannette. At my first lesson it was established that I needed to work on my singing technique. I was singing way too heavily, so my voice would crack and get all weak when I would try to sing notes that were too high to belt. I could also feel the strain that singing too heavily put on my vocal chords because it was painful and my throat would get tight. Jeannette taught me how to control my voice and have a smooth blend. She also taught me the importance of good vocal care and posture. I recommend Jeanette to people of all ages, because not only is she a phenomenal teacher for technique but she has a tremendous amount of patience, and she is passionate about what she does. I have been with her for eight years now (I will be turning seventeen in May) and I have noticed how Jeannette has always known what to say and when to say it and how to adjust the intensity of each session as I have gotten older. As a singer, it is important to have a good relationship with your private teacher because it is teamwork. I have chosen all of my songs for various competitions with Jeannette, and I trust her completely to help me with my conservatory auditions. With her I have learned the power of the performing arts and what it takes to be a musician.”~ Carolina Guevara

Esther Rosenfeld

grew up in a musical family and love singing for fun. I am not a performer and don’t have any aspirations to be a professional singer, but have sung in choirs and a cappella groups over the years and have worked with a number of different teachers. I studied with Jeanette for only a short time due to a move. Nonetheless, I found Jeanette to be absolutely top-notch in terms of her understanding of the voice in general, and mine as she was teaching me in particular; vocal training techniques; and ability to see what I needed to develop my voice. She has great sensitivity to the needs of the individual student and an ability to intuit what is necessary to bring out their best. As both the teacher and as a person, she is warm, wise and wonderful.~ Esther Rosenfeld

Jane Singhal

I have been taking voice lessons with Jeanette for over 15 years. My first instrument is actually violin, and I have studied and coached with many renowned musicians on the East Coast and in Canada. I can attest to the fact that Jeanette’s musicianship and teaching are as excellent as the most sought-after pedagogues I worked with. Her gift for teaching vocal technique in particular is a marvel: I can go into a lesson with multiple frustrations—things that just aren’t working—and Jeannette will find the one adjustment in posture or lift or imagery that makes everything suddenly fall into place. Because of her insightful guidance, I have been able to take on repertoire I never dreamed I could sing. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have someone of her caliber as my vocal coach. I can’t recommend her highly enough!”~ Jane Singhal