Jesse Preis
Voice Teacher/Piano Teacher
M.M. Vocal Performance, West Virginia University; B.A. Vocal Performance, University of Montana; B.M. Piano Performance and Pedagogy, University of Montana; A.A. Music Education, Northwest College
Jesse A. Preis is a tenor and pianist from Emblem, Wyoming. Originally inspired and taught piano as a child by his musical great-grandmother, Jesse soon joined choir, learned saxophone in band, and performed in numerous high school musicals and plays. As an undergraduate student, Jesse attended Northwest College in Powell, WY and the University of Montana in Missoula, MT, where he earned double Bachelor of Arts degrees in Piano Performance & Pedagogy and Vocal Performance. Jesse studied voice abroad in Vienna and Graz, Austria (The American Institute of Musical Studies) during the summers of 2015 and 2016. In 2019, Jesse completed an M.M. Vocal Performance at West Virginia University. During his undergraduate and graduate years, Jesse regularly accompanied soloists and choirs, and performed for churches, including Suncrest United Methodist Church in Morgantown, WV and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Missoula, MT.
In 2018, Jesse performed Schumann’s Frauenliebe und -leben as a collaborative pianist in recital with Claire Robertson-Preis. His recent vocal performances include a complete staged recital of Winterreise, performed in 2018, and a chamber rendition of Vaughan Williams Four Hymns, performed in 2019. Jesse has also appeared as the First Priest and Armored Guard in WVU’s production of The Magic Flute, Parpignol in Pittsburgh Festival Opera’s La Boheme Warhola, and roles in numerous opera scenes productions. After relocating to Portland, Jesse works as a piano teacher at Hoffman Academy in Beaverton, the Director of Musical Ministry at Prince of Life Lutheran Church in Oregon City, and a substitute pianist for St Francis Catholic Parish in Sherwood. In his free-time, Jesse enjoys composing new music, hiking, eating excellent food (Mexican, Indian, and Italian are favorites), and yoga.
Q&A
What is your number one goal when teaching?
Making the learning of music fun and attainable. I want every student to know that they are capable of being a wonderful musician through consistent practice and determination.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be? Why?
I would love to be able to fly, because I would like to see the world from above and appreciate its beauty in that way. It would also be a great way to travel!
If you could listen to only three pieces of music/songs on a deserted island, what would they be?
I would listen to Beethoven’s 7th Symphony, “Dancing in the Moonlight” by Toploader, and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto.
