Music is a discipline, not just a passion.

Jane Jessamine is a classical harpist, pianist, music theory teacher, and composer whose work spans performance, scholarship, and original composition.

Welcome to Jane’s corner of the musical world!

Expertise

Music Education

Jane believes that everyone deserves access to great music. Music education should lead every student to success, not only within the musical arena, but in all areas of life. The discipline and critical thinking developed through classical music training are skills that transfer far beyond the practice room.

Science supports this idea! Want to learn more? Read this article from Harvard Medical School.

Performance & Adjudication

Jane has been on the stage since an early age, competing and placing in regional piano competitions and adjudicating them in more recent years. She is a member of several professional music organizations, including the Music Teachers National Association. Her studies at Portland State University culminated in a senior thesis comprising original compositions for harp and piano and accompanying scholarly analysis. She continues to serve as organist and pianist at a local church, and remains constantly engaged in performance.

Collaborative Projects

In addition to performing harp in orchestral settings, Jane Jessamine is an experienced collaborative pianist, accompanying singers and instrumentalists across a wide range of repertoire. One of her most cherished ongoing projects is a duo with her sister, an accomplished pipe organist. Together they perform regularly for special events throughout the year — weddings, sacred festivals, business gatherings, and more — bringing a distinctive blend of harp, piano, and pipe organ to every occasion.

The Studio

Jane's teaching life has a home of its own. Bongiorno Music Studio offers private instruction in piano, harp, and music theory — in person and online — rooted in the same classical values that shape her work as a performer and composer.

Testimonials from The Studio

“I feel very grateful to have this opportunity to learn music with Jane because of how accessible, organized, and fun it is. I can tell that there is a lot of effort put into making my piano lessons as convenient and accessible as possible, and lots of care put in by my teacher as well. The organization makes it very easy to stay learning and productive, and it's a lot of fun, too.”

Josie, Age 15

"I have been taking lessons with Jane for many years. Online classes are awesome because I pick a time that works for me since I am not commuting to and from my lessons. I can make a point to practice as long as I want to before my class begins. After I am done with my lesson, I can practice right away on my own for better attention on the lesson covered. I also appreciate the time Jane takes to find songs that I would enjoy playing as well as challenging my playing abilities.”

Gam, Age 82

“One word to describe Jane and the studio: harmonious. I took piano lessons previously, but once I started working with Jane I instantly felt refreshed. Jane’s studio has a relaxed, yet focused demeanor, perfect for students involved in multiple activities, sports, and school work. I always loved the flexible and understanding nature that Jane had to offer; I felt comfortable going to lessons, and Jane made that possible by being open to unique scheduling, acknowledging the stressful nature of life, and online lessons. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the studio has offered online lessons in addition to in-person lessons, which I enjoyed as it lessened commute and increased safety. Despite the online lessons, I still noticed progress, evident by the multiple skills and pieces I would learn every season for the recitals. Jane’s upbeat presence and reassuring words aren’t typical for a serious piano teacher, and you will notice exponential growth and satisfaction in your work."

Skylar, Age 18

“As a busy student, I don’t have a lot of free time. Jane has been wonderfully flexible and understanding with her lessons—in terms of both timing and expectations for practice. I truly love playing piano (for reasons not limited to it being a great method of procrastination on schoolwork!) Thanks to Jane; she has fostered my ear, skill, and passion for music. She has helped turn piano practice from a chore into an activity I genuinely enjoy. I’m happy, my family is happy, and the neighbor’s dog is especially happy with my magnificent piano teacher.”

Rose, Age 17

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