Jessica Petersen

Jess is excited to return to USDAN in her new role as senior vocal director! Prior to starting her career as an educator, she had a career of 8 years at sea working for Carnival Cruise Line performing as a showband pianist, music director, piano bar entertainer, and finally, teaching the shows on board as a vocal supervisor. Jess also music directed and stage directed shows outside of Chicago and New York in between cruise ship contracts. Moving back to New York, she taught a large private studio with approximately 50-60 piano and voice students while completing her teaching certification and Master's Degree. She also had the opportunity to work as a piano accompanist for multiple school choral ensembles, sparking her desire to become a school music teacher. She is currently an elementary music/chorus teacher in Lindenhurst, NY. Fun Fact: When she's not creating music, she loves playing video games, especially the Legend of Zelda!