With a passion for both teaching and performing, Jessica Yafanaro continues to inspire and shape the next generation of musicians while making her mark in the vibrant music scene of Cleveland and beyond. Her unique blend of vocal and instrumental talents, coupled with her extensive experience, has made her a sought-after instructor and collaborator.

Jessica Yafanaro is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist based in Cleveland, Ohio, whose sound blends influences from jazz, R&B, rock, and gospel to create something uniquely her own. Born in 1991, Jessica’s musical gift was evident from an early age. At just seven years old, she began to recreate songs on the piano by ear, impressing her close circle of family and friends. Recognizing her extraordinary gift, her parents enrolled her in private piano lessons, where she discovered that she had absolute pitch– the rare ability to identify or replicate musical notes without any reference tone. It is estimated that 1 in 10,000 people have this ability.

Jessica’s deep passion for music only grew from there. By the time she graduated high school in 2009, she had taught herself several instruments, including saxophone, flute, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitar, and drums. Alongside her self-study, Jessica held multiple musical leadership positions at churches and extracurricular performing arts programs. She also pursued classical voice studies on scholarship at the Cleveland Music School Settlement under the guidance of Kimberly Lauritsen.

While pursuing a degree in music education with a focus on jazz voice and bass, Jessica fully immersed herself in the professional music scene, studying with renowned artists and producers like Diana Krall, Janis Siegel, and Tommy LiPuma, while also performing alongside some of Ohio's most respected musicians.

Jessica’s voice and playing can be heard across a diverse range of albums and projects, including album Things Eternal by guitarist Dan Wilson, produced by 9-time GRAMMY® winner and bassist Christian McBride, released on Mack Avenue Records in 2023. She is also featured on albums by local and independent artists, such as Collin Miller & the Brother Nature, Peachcurls, Tall Black Guy, Jul Big Green, Patrick McCafferty, and many others.

With a passion for both teaching and performing, Jessica Yafanaro continues to inspire and shape the next generation of musicians while making her mark in the vibrant music scene of Cleveland and beyond. Her unique blend of vocal and instrumental talents, coupled with her extensive experience, has made her a sought-after instructor and collaborator.