Conversations with Jennifer Hoover

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hoover

Hi Jennifer , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have loved making music and performing for as long as I can remember, including homemade “shows” where my siblings, friends, and cousins would perform for all the adults. I grew up in Topeka, KS in a musical family and wanted to be involved in anything and everything to do with music & singing from a super young age. In elementary and middle school I was in band and choir. I always dreamt of being in the elite & renowned choirs at Topeka High School – especially the Madrigals (an advanced chamber group). By the time I went to high school, I was ready to try out for everything and do it all and I did! My mom and I look back and laugh because in my final few concerts senior year, I was in just about every group that performed on stage.

When it came time to choose a college, I wanted to continue my music education and training and I was faced with a hard choice: pursue a performance degree or choose a path that allowed me to give back through church ministry. Growing up in a family with a strong faith background, I chose the latter and went to Southwest Baptist University for a vocal degree in Church Music. I also got to use my clarinet skills from band and earned some scholarships. It was an exciting time of growth and new experiences and it solidified for me that music had to be my career.

After graduation in 2007, it was unclear what I should do next and I took a gap year to return home and help support family. After some consideration and lots of encouragement from my amazing college advisor and friend, the late Dr. Martha Hicks, I decided to pursue a masters degree at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. I wanted to keep using all my musical knowledge and skills but I especially wanted to study the Bible and go deeper into the Christian faith and my service through ministry. While working on my Masters of Divinity in Church Music (vocal emphasis), I fell in love with the field of Christian Apologetics. The term “apologia” in Greek translates to “a reasoned defense.” I was fascinated with getting the answer to many lifelong questions and helping others answer their own questions. I also loved studying world religions and belief systems. The registrar granted me permission to work on both degrees simultaneously so I decided to add a second Masters program. I completed & earned both degrees in December of 2014.

I had already been working and serving as a worship leader for several years in New Orleans when I graduated so I continued on that path. I served on the church staff at three local churches and worked odd jobs on the side to make ends meet. My dream and life’s passion was worth it but it was hard work. I was far from my Kansas family for many years and still single. Groups of friends and classmates came and went several times over and I began to think on what was next for me. I knew I wanted to use my music skills to teach others but I didn’t know where to start.

As it happened my Alma mater, NOBTS, needed some help with adjunct vocal instructors and that was the perfect fit! I also applied for a local private lessons job at Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts and thus my teaching career was born. I successfully taught for 5 years with both organizations, helping undergraduate students complete their senior recitals and investing in over 80 private students.

Teaching & ministry were incredibly rewarding but with 2-3 jobs keeping me running, I was also exhausted, not to mention weathering the storm that was 2020. I realized I didn’t want to stay in Louisiana forever since my family was still in the Midwest. And I was interested in potentially completing my collection of degrees at some point with a doctorate, which would take several years and likely some more debt. So I began thinking and planning for a cross-country move.

In July of 2022 I said goodbye to my Southern home and all my wonderful students, church family, and friends and made the move back to Kansas. After living in the New Orleans metro, I needed to be in the hustle and bustle of the city so I chose to settle in Roeland Park, KS. A quiet neighborhood just steps from all the excitement KC has to offer.

Starting over is incredibly hard, even with the support of friends and family. I’ve spent the past 2 1/2 years getting my feet under me and establishing myself as a teacher and musician in the KC metro. I have been making music almost every Sunday as a musician with the Artist Community Project which connects churches in need with musicians in the area. I have met, jammed, and performed with some amazing local musicians. And I have taught for Music & Arts and Music House School of Music and met so many wonderful students and families. I have loved building this amazing community and network of students, friends, and colleagues. It’s taken a lot of work, long days, and side jobs to make ends meet and continue pursing music as a career, but I wouldn’t trade it.

A career in the arts is not for the faint of heart but it’s runs deep in my soul to create music and help others do the same. My dream is to be able to teach and perform full time and sometimes you just have to take a leap and do the hard thing. So I decided it’s time to step out on my own and start my own private music studio. The support of my network has been incredible already and I’m so excited to see what this first year of running my own studio brings. I’m creating my new studio schedule now and lessons will begin in January 2025. I know it’s just the beginning of so much more and I can’t wait to see it all unfold.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No dream is handed to you and a life/career in music is a hard road. Many people told me that growing up and I saw it first hand in my dad’s life among others. You will work yourself to the bone at times doing things that don’t matter to you so you can keep doing the only thing that really does. But in truth, it’s still worth it. Our society sadly doesn’t value arts or education the way they should and it’s often a challenge to support myself so I can keep doing it. But every time I have considered another career path or even applied for full time jobs in other fields where I have experience, God redirects me to music and teaching. And every time I hear, “you’re my favorite teacher” or “I love working with you, you’re the best!” I feel a huge sense of accomplishment and confirmation that drives me forward.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the “fun” teacher and performer because I believe life is better when you’re having fun. And learning/performing should be fun! Of course I want to work hard and make progress while learning but the motivation and results are always better when you enjoy yourself. In fact, working hard and feeling a sense of accomplishment has always been fun for me. I strive to instill this in others as well. I have had parents tell me “I never would have quit music lessons if I had a teacher like you” because they had someone strict who didn’t allow fun in the process.

Before I moved to KC, I had already applied to tue KU opera program for a doctorate and went through the audition process. I absolutely loved working up all that music and being on that audition stage. I was beaming from ear to ear and just enjoying myself. I didn’t end up being selected for the program, but I will never forget what the head of the audition panel said to me after I performed, “I’ve never seen someone have so much FUN at an audition.”

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I have always had an outgoing and boisterous personality. I love being sociable and making friends and I’ve always been told how “bubbly” and fun I am. I always wanted to perform and be creative from starting my own handmade earrings business in the first grade to diying gifts for friends and loved ones. I’ve loved every subject that engages my creativity, including poetry, writing, and reading. But music always drew me in the most and music made with friends or loved ones is even better!

Pricing:

• Piano or vocal: 30 minute lessons are $35/hr
• Piano or vocal: 60 minute lessons are $70/hr
• 45 min lessons available upon request – $52.50/lesson

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhoovmusic?igsh=dXczbzhtNm56Zmd4&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BPYJbcWbZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jhoovmusic?si=lcUizlFRK5KKOMvv