Singer. Storyteller. Sage.
For 30 years, “Mama Jan” Smith has helped others find their voices, tell their truths, and relate to their audiences. As a grammy-nominated producer, GA Music hall of fame inductee, and renowned vocal coach for chart-topping artists, Jan’s music-world contributions are well-defined. However, while her clientele includes over 10,000 vocalists, musicians, and producers, Jan is now reaching her broadest constituency through inspiring conversations and keynote performances. She has found her voice and is telling her truth with gripping honesty and emotionally compelling dialogue.
Music Meets Keynote
Mama Jan has been known to say, “Music is the only thing that can enter your heart and your mind without your permission.” What better way to deliver a clear message than to include a unique musical performance?
Discussion Topics
The music world is constantly evolving, and with it comes conversations worth having. From new trends to timeless debates, explore ideas that shape the way we listen and create.
Driving Your Purpose
We all have dreams, but a dream is different from a purpose. In this compelling keynote address, Mama Jan discusses how understanding our true purpose is the driving force that allows the pieces of our lives to fall into place. Smith shares how one moment in time can change the entire trajectory of your life and how learning the difference between a dream and your purpose truly defines your life.
Credits include:
LeaderCast inaugural women’s event, The National Prayer Breakfast (Washington, D.C.), Buckhead Church “Work It” series, TAG Digital Media Summit, “Women of Worth” Conference (North Carolina), and Metro Atlanta Chamber “Eyes on Entrepreneurs.”
A Day with Mama J: Vocal Workshop & Master Class
This one-day master class or complete weekend workshop is designed to help take your group or worship team to the next level. Tailored specifically to the needs of your participants, this vocal “boot camp” addresses everything from vocal care and maintenance, performance and stage presentation, worship leading and song interpretation to artist development, recording technique, tour prep and vocal conditioning, rehabilitation for tired, hurt, and damaged voices, and conversations regarding today’s industry. (Sample outline available on request)
Credits include:
Bethel Music, Willow Creek Community Church, The Recording Academy, Mt. Paran Church, Northpoint Community Church, Buckhead Church, HRock Church “Project Light” Conference, Vineyard SE Arts Conference, Grammy in the Schools, Chinese Audio-Visual Association (Beijing), The Grove Church, Jesus Culture, Watkinsville Baptist Church, Destiny Praise, and Travelers Rest Baptist Church Conference.
Run the Other Way
Based on her book Run the Other Way, Jan Smith presents a compelling and memorable performance in word and song. Reading from her personal collection of soul-baring vignettes while weaving her compelling testimony in song, Smith takes us on her own personal journey of surviving an affair, the determination to go forward, and the forgiveness, grace, and redemption found in her faith in God.
Credits include:
Mt. Paran Church, Buckhead Church, “Women of Worth” Conference (North Carolina), Women’s Prayer Breakfast, Willow Creek “Beyond Me Presents,” Vineyard Church, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta “Couples Weekend,” Watkinsville Baptist Church, and Trinity Chapel.
VoxRox: A Vocal Tech Conference
Created by “Mama Jan” for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (Grammys), VoxRox is the first vocal-centric conference of its kind, catering to the specific needs of today’s vocal athletes. The one-day event is hosted by Smith and a team of vocal professionals who bring top-notch training and information to professional vocalists and aspiring artists.
Credits include:
The Recording Academy (LA, San Francisco, Atlanta, Florida, Tennessee, and New York chapters), Kennesaw State University, Eddie’s Attic, and His Hands Church.
Driving Your Purpose
We all have dreams, but a dream is different from a purpose. In this compelling keynote address, Mama Jan discusses how understanding our true purpose is the driving force that allows the pieces of our lives to fall into place. Smith shares how one moment in time can change the entire trajectory of your life and how learning the difference between a dream and your purpose truly defines your life.
Credits include:
LeaderCast inaugural women’s event, The National Prayer Breakfast (Washington, D.C.), Buckhead Church “Work It” series, TAG Digital Media Summit, “Women of Worth” Conference (North Carolina), and Metro Atlanta Chamber “Eyes on Entrepreneurs.”
A Day with Mama J: Vocal Workshop & Master Class
This one-day master class or complete weekend workshop is designed to help take your group or worship team to the next level. Tailored specifically to the needs of your participants, this vocal “boot camp” addresses everything from vocal care and maintenance, performance and stage presentation, worship leading and song interpretation to artist development, recording technique, tour prep and vocal conditioning, rehabilitation for tired, hurt, and damaged voices, and conversations regarding today’s industry. (Sample outline available on request)
Credits include:
Bethel Music, Willow Creek Community Church, The Recording Academy, Mt. Paran Church, Northpoint Community Church, Buckhead Church, HRock Church “Project Light” Conference, Vineyard SE Arts Conference, Grammy in the Schools, Chinese Audio-Visual Association (Beijing), The Grove Church, Jesus Culture, Watkinsville Baptist Church, Destiny Praise, and Travelers Rest Baptist Church Conference.
Run the Other Way
Based on her book Run the Other Way, Jan Smith presents a compelling and memorable performance in word and song. Reading from her personal collection of soul-baring vignettes while weaving her compelling testimony in song, Smith takes us on her own personal journey of surviving an affair, the determination to go forward, and the forgiveness, grace, and redemption found in her faith in God.
Credits include:
Mt. Paran Church, Buckhead Church, “Women of Worth” Conference (North Carolina), Women’s Prayer Breakfast, Willow Creek “Beyond Me Presents,” Vineyard Church, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta “Couples Weekend,” Watkinsville Baptist Church, and Trinity Chapel.
VoxRox: A Vocal Tech Conference
Created by “Mama Jan” for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (Grammys), VoxRox is the first vocal-centric conference of its kind, catering to the specific needs of today’s vocal athletes. The one-day event is hosted by Smith and a team of vocal professionals who bring top-notch training and information to professional vocalists and aspiring artists.
Credits include:
The Recording Academy (LA, San Francisco, Atlanta, Florida, Tennessee, and New York chapters), Kennesaw State University, Eddie’s Attic, and His Hands Church.
The Sound of Success
They say behind every great man is an incredible woman, right? Well, I’m a testament that behind every great artist is Mama Jan.
Usher
Artist
The best voice coach and vocal producer I know is Mama Jan. Intelligent, nurturing, and insightful describe her as a person and her methods.
Phil Tan
Mix Engineer
I can tell you, Mama Jan is my secret sauce. Her guidance, experience, and ability to bring out the best in artists have played a huge role in our success.
Scooter Braun
Talent Manager
Mama Jan is the fourth member of our group. She brings her unique energy and personality to our circle. We’re lucky to have her!
The Band Perry
Artist
All Your Questions are answered here!
Where are lessons held? / Do you offer in-home lessons?
All lessons are by appointment only and are held at Jan Smith Studios in Atlanta, GA.
Jan Smith Studios,
2700 Northeast Expy Ste A-900,
Atlanta, GA 30345, United States
Do you offer online voice lessons or private singing lessons?
Yes! Online/remote voice lessons can be a great way to receive quality instruction from anywhere in the world. Please note that approval for online lessons can depend on the individual’s unique experience, coaching needs, and availability. Inquire for details.
How do you choose an instructor? / Can I choose my own instructor?
We will place you with an appropriate instructor for your unique scheduling and coaching needs. We are happy to consider requests for specific coaches pending availability. All of the JSS instructors are qualified to work with any contemporary style of music and different levels of experienced clientele.
Do I need an appointment? / Are walk-ins welcome? / Can I tour the facility?
You must have an appointment to enter the facility; walk-ins are not accepted. We do not offer tours of the facility.
Do you work with artists below the age of 13?
We are happy to consider working with younger artists on a case-by-case basis. Inquire for details.
I'm a beginner; can I work with Mama Jan?
Mama Jan’s schedule is reserved for major label and touring artists, as well as those under development with indie labels or management commitments. Career/Business Consultations are available for any level of clientele. However, we provide vocal training for beginners too.
Do you offer make-up lessons?
We do not reschedule or offer make-up lessons. If you are unable to attend your lesson for any reason, payment is still expected in full. All of the instructors and vocal trainers of Jan Smith Studios are paid for their time as well as their expertise. Thus, there are no refunds for lessons missed by a client.
Do you work with all levels of singers?
Jan Smith Studios works with singers and developing artists of all levels. Our instructors are prepared to evaluate your specific needs and offer coaching to fit your unique experience level. We provide voice lessons for adults, for beginners, and for anyone who is a music lover.
Are you a management company, booking agency, or record label?
No. If you need advice in these areas, Mama Jan offers Career/Business Music Consultations as a paid service.
Do you offer any discounts?
We do not have any discounted services available.
Can JSS assist me with my travel visa?
We are not qualified to offer assistance with any kind of visa. Many of our international clients visit on a tourist visa or have otherwise acquired a work or student visa.
Will you make me famous? / Can you help me get discovered?
Working with our team will not launch you into stardom. Although we work with many celebrity clients, our goal is to help artists sharpen their skills and prepare for the rigors of a professional and sustainable music career with excellence.