As a Composer:
Not only is his work incredibly high quality, but he writes quickly and with precision.
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"Jeffrey is more than just a talented composer (though he no doubt is). Not only is his work incredibly high quality, but he writes quickly and with precision. He is a perfectionist and a hard worker, he knows how to take elements of music he likes and make it his own, and most significantly, out of all the composers I’ve worked with as a lyricist, Jeffrey is by far the easiest to collaborate with. He’s fantastic at both taking notes and giving notes in a way that builds his own creative vision without ignoring someone else’s. Because of Jeffrey, 'Furniture: The Musical' is both the musical I am proudest of writing and the musical that was most fun to write. If you’re looking for a collaborative composer who will get you high quality music quickly and without a fuss, then look no further, because you’ll never find anyone better than Jeffrey Schmelkin."
- Natalie Lifson
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Jeffrey evokes countless emotions using distinctive harmonic and rhythmic structures that tell stories through contemporary musical theater music without being derivative.
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"Jeffrey is a brilliant composer and lyricist who has a unique compositional voice. Jeffrey evokes countless emotions using distinctive harmonic and rhythmic structures that tell stories through contemporary musical theater music without being derivative. When you hear his music, you know it's him! I am excited to continue working with Jeffrey on new projects and building on the wonderful working relationship that we have."
- Patrick B. Phillips
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Jeffrey’s help and expertise was paramount in the success of my project.
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“Working with Jeffrey was absolutely flawless, he is brilliant. He was able to work with me and compose the music around the lyrics I had for a viral video project of mine. Not only was he able to deliver a beautiful final product, his input and professional opinion brought it to another level. Jeffrey’s help and expertise was paramount in the success of my project, and I will continue to use him on all future projects!”
- Michael Valentino
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Jeffrey is not only a brilliant song writer, he’s also captured what it takes to be a successful creator: free and spirited collaboration.
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"I’ve known Jeffrey since 2016, when we worked on our first project together. Since then, I’ve come running back to him time and time again when presented with an opportunity to work with him. Jeffrey is not only a brilliant song writer, he’s also captured what it takes to be a successful creator: free and spirited collaboration. He understands that the road to a finished product is not linear, and is willing to walk that winding path with you from start to finish.
Above all else, I admire Jeffrey’s dedication to finding his own musical voice. The way that his mind has traveled to seemingly different dimensions to source his musical, combined with the unprecedented effort that I personally witness him pour into his projects leaves me stunned with admiration and respect." - Ryan Hudzik
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As a Teacher:
A wonderful teacher and mentor working with young artists.
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"A talented composer and musician; his energy and passion emerges from his work effortlessly. He’s also a wonderful teacher and mentor working with young artists."
- Jerome Vivona
American Theater Dance Workshop |
Jeffrey was always a life saver when I needed help in my music classes.
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“Jeffrey was always a life saver when I needed help in my music classes this past year. Not only is he reliable but he’s given me so many little tips and tricks to make the concepts I’ve struggled with far easier to understand. What I think is so helpful about his tutoring is all of the questions he asks. Instead of giving you the answers he leads you towards the solutions in a way that allows you to still be the problem solver. By doing so Jeffrey helps you not only get the answers you’re looking for but he makes sure that you understand where your mistakes came from and how to fix them. I highly suggest that anyone who is having a hard time wrapping their head around certain music concepts should get help from Jeffrey.”
- Jack Goodman
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Jeffrey is an excellent tutor who goes the extra mile.
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"Jeffrey is an excellent tutor who goes the extra mile every tutoring session. He was very patient and encouraging when it came to tackling new topics, along with helping me in areas of the classes I struggled with. Not only was Jeffrey helpful in identifying what I struggled with, but he was able to adapt to the teaching and learning styles that would help me best. He is approachable, always willing to clarify anything, and committed in making sure I understand a topic. These qualities resulted in a great tutoring experience. It was a pleasure working with Jeffrey!"
- Nikhita Rupnarain
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As a Music Director:
Jeffrey’s youthful and empathetic spirit allows the room to radiate with a sense of comfort, safety, and value that is simply refreshing.
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"What sets Jeffrey apart from other music directors I’ve worked with on varying scales is that Jeffrey takes the time to listen to the artists who are bringing his work to life. I’ve never once felt used, or like I was just a body and voice reproducing someone else’s material. Jeffrey’s youthful and empathetic spirit allows the room to radiate with a sense of comfort, safety, and value that is simply refreshing.
If you are fortunate enough to find yourself in a creative space with Mr. Schmelkin, do not take a second of it for granted; because his music will teach you something about yourself. Even better, you will leave the project with not only a credit that is going to mean something quite significant some day, but also with a talented, dependable, and admirable collaborator, and friend." - Ryan Hudzik
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I would work with Jeffrey again in a heartbeat.
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"Jeffrey’s talent as a Music Director is one which I would highly recommend. I’ve worked with him during one musical revue production as a violist, as well as playing music he’d written for a small chamber orchestra. He is incredibly talented and skilled in his musical direction, as well as clear and concise with the conducting and overall organization of the small ensemble.
I’ve been music directed by quite a few people before, but Jeffrey has the most clear and professional musical direction I’ve seen thus far. He is incredibly capable of adapting and adjusting when we came across problems within our scores, and was patient when errors arose. I would work with Jeffrey again in a heartbeat. His talent is beyond compare, as is his kind attitude and passion for his work." - Rachel Beauregard
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