And smart singers, producers, and label executives everywhere call her when they need a vocal coach / vocal producer par excellence.
For twenty years Jan Smith has been a prominent figure in the music industry as a singer / songwriter, a producer / consultant and, most notably, the vocal coach / vocal producer who has tended to some of the most distinctive voices in the music industry.
Smith's skills on the mic are well-set, perfectly honed over the years in cozy recording booths and dimly lit stages all over the southeast. As a singer, her voice resonates with a rich purity and down-home honesty that can only come from the deepest caverns of the soul. And as a teacher, she doesn't just impart knowledge to her students; she dispenses wisdom. She doesn't just give of her time; she gives of her heart.
Jan has a sincere heart for people and an undeniable call to ministry. In concert and conference settings, she shares not only her extraordinary vocal talent but is brutally honest in sharing her personal story. Jan's book Run the Other Way / The Other Way is due for release in late 2009.
FOREWORD (Forward)
Run the Other Way / The Other Way by Jan Smith
I love the Lord my God and do not apologize for the brutal, raw, ugly, honest, beautiful, and redemptive writings in this book.
The essays in the first part of the book (Run the Other Way) were written as a cathartic journey from a very dark place, as I dealt with the pain and desperation of life lived in the absence of restraint. At times the language, circumstances, or descriptions might prove too hurtful or offensive for you to continue reading. Sin is ugly. What I've written is the truth about my sinfulness and the very real experience of rooting it out of my life. Initially, I had no intention to share this collection of writings; therefore, I felt no need to self-edit in order to avoid offending or otherwise repelling anyone from reading further.
I would want you to know, though, that should you choose to stop short, you will never know the beauty of the redemption God has played out in my life-redemption He provided despite all the choices I made in my fall from His grace (The Other Way). And it is by God's grace that I humbly decided to offer this body of work as an attempt to encourage others who may believe they, too, can never walk in His light again-to tell them not to ever give up, give in, or let go of The One great goodness who will never let them go. God's grace, love, and mercy are available to all those who call on His name and believe. Be still and know that He is God.
Jan's Signature Sessions . . .
Hip. Intense. Dynamic Relevant.
Keynote Speaking Engagements
With over 30 years of performing, teaching, failing, and succeeding, Jan captivates audiences and hearts alike with stories, songs, and experiences of life and love.
Worship Conferences
Being a Christian woman in the music business allows Jan to bring a unique perspective and instructional style to the worship realm. High-intensity vocal coaching and consultations for groups, hands-on individual sessions, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and testimonial discussion are all offered with a servant's heart and professional's expertise.
Singer / Songwriter Nights
With an abundance of songs and stories, Jan offers awe-inspiring vocals in an intimate, private performance setting. Hosted by Jan or added to an existing lineup.
Churches, Choirs & Community Groups
Christian-contemporary, gospel, rock, classic, pop, hip-hop, and everything in-between, Jan brings expert techniques to groups in a vibrant and informative manner.
Music Industry Events
As one of the few vocal coaches / producers credited on multi-platinum recordings, Jan extends distinctively experiential views on topics such as vocal maintenance and endurance, studio and stage techniques, songwriting, touring, vocal "thumb printing," production, and artist development.
From large-scale events to private forums, Jan Smith brings you high-level expertise with a desire to perfect your artistic vision. She is the personal trainer for today's vocal athletes.
Professional Affiliations . . .
National Academy of Recording Arts Sciences, Inc. (NARAS), Trustee (2000-present)
BMI writer and publisher (Homegirl Music) since 1995
RIAA multi-platinum certified for work with matchbox Twenty, Usher, etc.
Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI)
Southern Women in the Performing Arts
Atlanta Musical Arts Collective
Georgia Music Industry Association (GMIA)
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A "Fun Fact" About Jan . . .
You may remember Jan from her appearance on the Bravo TV hit series Real Housewives of Atlanta. Jan is the vocal coach who was kind enough to tell 'Housewife Kim' the truth about her vocal abilities. |
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Testimonials . . .
"She's the bomb! Jan has really taught me the subtleties of singing. Since I met her, I have gained two octaves on my voice. I'm from the school of 'I can sing and I don't need anybody to show me,' but Jan has made all the difference in the world."
Rob Thomas
Recording artist and lead singer of matchbox twenty
"Jan Smith is not just a vocal coach, she is a vocal builder. By sharing her God-given talent, she has made me understand the true meaning of singing from your soul! She not only encourages vocal control but demands vocal perfection."
Usher Raymond IV
Multi-platinum selling recording artist
Laface Records
"The best voice coach and vocal producer that I know is Jan Smith. And it really isn't because of her knowledge (although her know-how at what she does is unparalleled). It's because she respectfully treats each of her clients first as people and individuals. In other words, she's more interested in each person developing and finding their own identity as vocalists. Hers is not a cookie-cutter approach. Intelligent, nurturing, insightful, and supportive are all words I would use to describe her as a person, as well as her teaching methods. I speak of her from both professional experience and as a friend."
Phil Tan
Multi-Grammy Awarded engineer
"I have seen, I have heard, and I believe! Jan's ability to pull the best out of a singer is truly a unique gift ... she's the best!"
Scotty Wilbanks
Grammy Nominated, Dove Award Winning Producer
"Jan Smith is an awesome teacher who understands how to get the most of a singer's natural ability. Her work with me gave my vocal performance more power, expression and range. She's the best around and I recommend her to everyone who is serious about going to the next level."
Dr. David Cooper
Senior Pastor, Mt. Paran Church
Singer / Songwriter / Musician
"For years, the name Jan Smith has carried with it a reputation for excellence in vocal training. It has been our privilege to have her work with our singers, to show us how we can get the most out of them. She has certainly lived up to the hype. She knows what she's doing!"
Danny Stephens
Music Director, Buckhead Church
Atlanta, Georgia
"Jan Smith was a huge hit at our Southwest Regional Vineyard Worship leaders conference. Her sessions were exciting and packed with valuable information. Many attendees said her sessions alone were worth the price of the entire conference. Both of her breakout sessions were standing room only and her hands-on clinic style of teaching gave vocalists of all levels practical tools to take them to the next step. Ironically, in a ministry that depends on the voice so heavily, the worship community has overlooked the importance of good technique and maintenance of this instrument. Jan gives tools that will help worship leaders enhance and bring longevity to their ministry."
Diane Thiel
Worship Leader / Songwriter
National Worship Task Force representative
Vineyard Music USA
"At a recent seven-day recording session, I implemented several of Jan Smith's techniques and made a huge difference in my stamina and ability to keep my voice in top shape for such a long stretch. I have shared these same techniques with the worship singers at Northpoint and they are implementing them as well with good results."
Karyn List, Vocal Director
Northpoint Church
"I have to say that working with "my Mama" (Ma Jan) is one of the many blessings that I thank God for - she was heaven sent to me! Not only has she taken my voice to the next level with her techniques, but has also taught me conditioning methods to give my voice the longevity I need. I got four words for you," I luv my MAMA!"
LeToya Luckett
Multi-platinum recording artist
"I had NO IDEA of my own vocal potential before Jan Smith studios. I had been singing for 15 years prior to Jan Smith and now I have a much wider range, increased vocal stamina, way better breath control, and my tone has improved dramatically. Jan has not only taught me how to sound better, but also how to sing correctly. My music style is rock vocal based and Jan has helped me conquer my vocal sound as well as instructing me on how to preserve my voice for years to come. Jan is passionate about helping singers who are passionate about their craft. Thanks Jan."
Steve Fee
Worship Leader
Songwriter/Recording Artist
Atlanta, Georgia
"Mount Paran Church of God in Atlanta hosted "Christian Women in the Workplace" with Jan Smith as our guest speaker / performer. Jan gave a wonderful testimony weaving her story of God's redemption through her songs, her humor, and by reading her original writings. She speaks from her heart with such spontaneity that we all felt as if we'd known her for a long time. All of the women left so inspired from Jan's performance stating that it is one of the best events we've ever had. I feel truly blessed to have called Jan my friend for many years now."
Rachel Styles
Mount Paran Church of God
"Jan, caught your session on Friday at GMEA. You were the best thing there!!! I've got your video and I can't wait to watch it. I am a choral director at a middle school here in Savannah. Needless to say, my voice gets really tired. But, I will quit teaching in a heartbeat if it means that I will permanently damage my voice. My plan tomorrow is to sit down with your video and a notepad so I can really learn some things about protecting it. Your tip on cooling down was the best. I never do it, but I'm going to start. They don't teach you these things in college! So, thanks!"
Jennifer
"Hey Mama Jan - I just got all the feedback forms from the conference last week ... thought you'd be interested in what people had to say about YOU! I think you totally made the conference. I heard chatter about how having you come was pretty much the bomb - in a good way. Thank you so much for pouring into our worship community. What you do is sorely lacking in the church setting - I hope we can rectify that ... together. You ROCK!"
Cathy
Re: Music Conference at The Vineyard
Following is Feedback from Attendees of Jan's Vocal Master Class:
"Jan gave good warm up exercises which are very similar to the ones classical instructors give. I don't believe I was ever given cool down instructions for my throat, which was great!"
"Jan is very dynamic and interesting. The information she shared was very valuable to me."
"So much valuable information - just wish we could have had a hand out for the warm ups and cool downs. Loved the practical and loved how Jan answered questions - never putting anyone down! Thanks, Jan, for being a sweet sound for Jesus."
"It was an amazing class. Jan explained how to use the voice so clearly and passionately. It was very informative and inspiring. She was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions! I loved the class so much I took it both times."
"Jan was great! This made the weekend! She got personal, answered questions and helped where we were. I can't believe other worship conferences never have this. I wish Jan was at the National stuff."
"This session should be mandatory."
"It was great to have someone of Jan's caliber to teach us. There was a little too much time taken up with audience participation. Her practical advice was so good - would have like a little more."
"As a singer it was extremely beneficial to learn warm up and cool down exercises, including breathing exercises and such. It was delightful to further the discussion we had had that morning! It was very hands on, so we learned! I loved it!"
"This was an extremely informative session! I had a vocal coach for one semester of college - and Jan reiterated what I had learned, but forgotten - as well as presented ideas and techniques that I had no experience with. I only wish it could have been a much longer session - Ha! Bravo for the enlightenment on what being a vocalist requires. Thanks!"
"5 Fives - Need I say more?"
"She rocked!!!! Need more like this!!!"
"I agreed with and appreciated all she had to say. She was very knowledgeable and communicated effectively. "
"This speaker was worth the entire seminar! This was by far one of the best sessions I have ever been to at a Vineyard worship conference. The instructional help and spiritual training Jan incorporates into her lecture and interaction were so helpful. Thank you. You are phenomenal and so beneficial to me personally and to our team from Vineyard Inverness."
Scroll down for more about Jan, including client list.
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More About Jan . . .
"When I work with an artist, I love taking all the pieces and putting together that puzzle and having the artist do the best they can do," Smith says. "Then I use that as a road map to help them become better vocalists and to show what they are capable of. That's the coolest thing in the world."
A native of Atlanta who wears her southern roots like a badge of honor, Smith is an eclectic whose vocal repertoire is as homogeneous as music itself, comprising rock, blues, and southern gospel. As a vocal coach who has worked with artists in almost every conceivable genre, her range is even wider. She's the first to laugh at the notion of a southern white woman giving vocal advice to a hardcore rapper like Young Jeezy, who is, indeed, one of her clients.
"I talk about this not to distinguish it as black and white but to almost poke fun at it because some people think about the south as being separated and segregated and prejudiced. I understand the history and I do appreciate that oppression still exists in our nation, but for me and in an industry where color is not an issue, it hasn't been. I have been allowed the luxury and the privilege to float across those lines and it is odd, it is unusual but I think it goes back to the original premise that if God is love, then those lines become blurred and we're all the same color anyhow."
Through the doors of her 4,500-square foot Atlanta office / studio have strolled some of the brightest stars in the music industry's solar system - Usher, Rob Thomas, Keyshia Cole, India Arie, Chilli, LeToya Luckett, Omarion, etc. - followed closely by wide-eyed newcomers who dream of finding their own place in the universe of musical success. They are among the more than 4,000 students and national artists who have, over the years, sought out Smith - some of them again and again - for her special brand of good-natured professionalism and integrity.
Whether it's a newbie searching for her voice or an established artist who needs to be prepped for master recording sessions or major tours and appearances, singers who value their craft always seem to find their way to Mama Jan and they always get exactly what they expect - and more.
"When Keyshia Cole's manager initially called me, he said 'I'm gonna bring her in and let her tell you what she needs'," Smith recalls. "I said, 'No, you're gonna bring her in here and I'm gonna evaluate her and tell you what I see and hear and what we need to work on and then we can decide if we're gonna work together'."
Whether it's being a "security blanket" for Rob Thomas or the voice of reason for Usher, Smith has found that her honest interaction with her clients has endeared her to them and won their trust. So when a superstar wants to make a potentially risky detour from his established vocal path, Smith is there to ride shotgun.
"With established artists we know what their strengths are but sometimes they want to go in a different direction, as artists tend to do from album to album, and need vocal help to attain their goals. My job is to evaluate where they are and where they say they want to be. I'm the bridge builder."
Suffice it to say, Smith's bridges are sturdy and reliable. They never sag, never sway and they always lead to a familiar place. "My clients know when they need me," she lends. "I don't think Tiger Woods goes to golf lessons once a week but his coach is there for the tournaments. His coach is the person he goes to when he needs to work on whatever and I think that's the relationship I have with most of my clients."
The concern that Smith shows for her clients is rivaled only by the expertise that she shares with them in the studio. She offers an extensive range of services, including vocal techniques, maintenance / endurance and trouble-shooting, voice maintenance and preservation, vocal repair and recovery from vocal chord damage or surgery.
She also consults with labels, vocalists, and producers on in-studio vocal production and endurance, works with producers to facilitate vocal pre-production for recording, acts as an intermediary between producer and artist as needed and instructs the artists on vocal pre-production and ongoing vocal endurance while recording and touring.
Clearly Jan Smith is not your run-of-the-mill vocal teacher who is content to limit her students to a tedious succession of warm-up exercises and breathing techniques. She is a versatile and knowledgeable vocal counselor and practitioner capable of addressing her clients' every vocal need.
A testament to her skill is not only found in the fondness with which she is regarded by her clients but in the quality of their voices as well. Her expertise has resulted in their success, hence, making her one of the few vocal coaches / producers ever credited on multi-platinum selling recordings.
Still Smith says she has more to accomplish. Not only does she look forward to the day when she can launch her own superstar artist from scratch but she also wants to pave the way for vocal producers to get the respect and recognition they deserve for the role they play in the record-making process.
"When I am in studios with producers who are making $30,000, $60,000 or $80,000 a track and they call me in and I do their work for them and I'm credited as a vocal coach? That's not okay with me. It's not about the money and it's not about them getting theirs; it's about being honest about what's really going on. It took me five years working within the Academy to help bring about recognition for vocal producers as Grammy recipients. We're doing the main thing that people listen to on the record and the producer and engineer are getting Grammies and I was like 'wait a minute.' All the people who do vocal production should be saying 'Thank you, Ms. Jan.' I may never see that but it really wasn't about that for me. It was about process and making it fair. We work hard and I'm not the only one."
Smith's confidence in her skills is definitely warranted. Her thumbprint is indelible and undeniable. Just ask Usher. Ask Rob Thomas. Ask Keyshia Cole. "I'm good," she says, matter-of-factly and without even the slightest hint of arrogance. "I'll put my skills up against anybody. I do vocals all day every day. I might not be the best at tweaking a kick drum, but you wanna mess with me on vocals? Bring it on."
Partial List of Jan's Clients . . .
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Rob Thomas
Collective Soul
Usher
matchbox twenty
Sugarland
Terrence Howard
Sevendust
B5
India Arie
London
Diana DeGarmo
Injected
Jessie James
Stacie Orrico
Melinda Santiago
LeToya Luckett
Teairra Mari
Chasen
Sissie Sebu
Rod Michael
Margaret Durant
Brit & Alex
Trinket
Kristen Hall
Shinedown
Heidi Higgins
The Exiles
The Honeyrods
Billionaire
Vanessa Olivarez
Johnny Colt / Supernova
Jennifer Nettles
Jene' Spears
Elvis White
Bryan-Michael Cox
Keri Hilson
Sterling Simms
Dan Talevski
Jadyn Marie
Mastodon
Just a Girl
1-15
MAE
Jamia Simone Nash
Sunshine Anderson
Maestro
Kandi Buruss
Another Man Down
Young Jeezy
Steve Fee
Chrystina Fincher
Grade 8
Noel Hartough
Mandy Lauderdale
Pretty Toni
Spare Change
Khalil Shareiff
Six Against Seven
RJ Helton
Fight Paris
Sunday Munich
The Working Title
EeDe
Red
Althea Eaton
Drop Sonic
Skyler Day
"Uncle Dell" Conner
Madison Park
Brent Jones
Danity Kane
Rev. David Cooper
Randy Newton
Rich Girl
Kwiet Storm
Edwin McCain
Omarion / B2K
Ciara
Keyshia Cole
Sean Garrett
One Chance
Young Steff
Cool for August
Rehab
SCAR
Evan & Jaron
Chili / TLC
Monica
City Sleeps
Nikki Warner
Ray L.
Justin Bieber
Lil' Shun
Jadyn Marie
Gloriana
Gaelle Adisson
Color
Angie Aparo
Zuni Whels
Little Red Rocket
Aslyn
Collapsis
Crash Radio
Analogue
Geoff McBride
Reversing Hour
Los Lonely Boys
Asia Cruise
Stef Jones
Saving Abel
Dirty Rose
Ryan Leslie
Unmasked / Deb Estes
American Revolution
Soul Stash
Yianni Terzi
Lynam
As Cities Burn
Click Five
Mayday Parade
Red Dirt
Courtney Jaye
Michele McCray
Diane Thiel
Phamily Force 5
Edith's Wish
Something Five
Tina Harris
Ingram Hill
The Band Perry
Dondria Nicole
Garrison Star
Azure Ray
Mars Electric
Kimberly Perry
Michael Tolcher
Cloud Ten
Mica
Mosaic
Hope Partlow
Heston Francis
Jill Paquette
Ashton Allen
Echoing Angels
Gabriel
Dear Jayne
Candi Pye
Casey Darnell
First Blush
A Few Degree
Agent Cooper
Adventures of Kayla & Steve
Alan Yates
Alex Cordoza
Ari Zelig
Angela Motter
Asia Bryant
Bend
Beggars & Chooser
Ben Holley
Big Fish Ensemble
Big Trouble
Bill Gentry
Black James Dean
Bliss Blitz
Blood Poets
Blue Jays
Blue Prayer
Bluestring
Borneo
Brad Cox
Bradley Cole Smith
Brighter Shade
Bubba Lewis
Cadillac Voodo Choir
Cameron Connerty
Candice
Cari Hilton
Carol Albert
Carol Sbarge |
Caroline Evans Chantri Harper
Charlie Mars Charli DeShazer
Chopper Johnson
Christian / Durand Circus Wolfboy
Cooper Tisdale
Crave
Cristal Cue
Dayroom
Dear America
Dee Dee Cooley
Deep Blue Deke Dean
Destiny Praise
Diamond Blue
Distant Sun
Dixie Tramps
Doll Squad
Donkey
Dragon Fly
Dry County
Echo After
Eden
Elevation
Emerald City
Empire 44
Energy Face of Concern
Faerchild
Fa-Sho
Film
Five Way Friday
Flat Earth
Flights From Egypt
Fly
Francisco Vidal Band
Fused
Garrison Field
Gr'
Gina Leigh / Delton Moon
Ginger Vixen
Gracie Moon
Greta Lee
Gwen Hughes
Hal 9000
Heather Mitchell
Heidi Hendrix
Heroes & Madmen
Herringbone
Hillside Manor
Hip Heavy Lip
Hydroshine
Isaac Curry
Jovan Dais
Jana Rae
Janah
Jason Coley
Jeffrey Butts
Jiva
Johnny Hude
Jon O'Shaughnessy
Joni's Butterfly
Jupiter Symphony Justin Rosolino
Kaizer Soze
katelyn Tarver
Kathy Fly
Kayla Taylor
KChari
Kelley Can't Park
Kelly Andrews
Kenda Johnson
kinetic Dissent
King Johnson
Kurios
Lamont Dozier, Jr.
Lava Love
LeTecia Harrison
Lithp
Lotustarr
Lounge Fly
Crista Lynn
Patty Mack
Marching Two Step
Masada
Matt Stillwell
Matter of Fate
Melissa Callander
Mercy Street
Mess of Bones
Messenger
Michael Karp Band
Michelle Rhea
Miles to Marston
Milhouse
Minus
Mishap
Modern Hero
Moriah Martin
Mrs. Robinson's Daughter
Naked Truth
Never Never
Nova Flow
Old Path's Trio
Omar Loopez-Cepen
One Without
Overlook
Over October
Palomino
Peggy Still
Perfect World
Peter Vogl
Plain Chastain
Problem Chyld
P.S. Jonah
Rainey Shane
RAMSEY
Randy Newton
Red Shift
Rick Hoeye
Ryan Krasney Sabatortoise
Salamander Tales
Salina & Clark
Beasley
Sam Thacker
Scott Mikell
Section 8
Senona
She Said
Shock Lobo
Sick Speed
Sierra Johnson
Skin Deep
Sklyer Stonestreet
Snow White
Sometimes X
Sonya Vetra
Soup
Southgang
State-of-Man
Stereo Popsicle
Steve Moore
Stokeswood
Stone Heart
Talisman
Tease the Moose
Ten Zen Men
The Barns
The Basement Poets
The Bedrockers
The Bend
The Blondes
The Gentry's
The Less
The Luddites
The Plaid Camels
The Pleasantdales
The Pigs
The Senators
The Tempted
The Wood
Tim Acres Band
Tina Pettman
TK Roxx
Todd Wesley Smith
Torch
Toxana Ninashi
Tre' Halliburton
Under the Above
Unhindered
Velvet Buzzsaw
Velvet Jones
Wild West Picture
Show
Wood
Zach Carr
Zack Myers Band
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