Jillian “Jae” Carelli is an interdisciplinary vocal artist, composer, and voice pedagogue whose practice integrates contemporary classical performance, original songwriting, and research-based approaches to narrative and identity. They are pursuing a Master of Arts in Voice Pedagogy at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (expected 2026) and hold a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, cum laude, from The Boston Conservatory at Berklee (2020).

 

Their creative work investigates identity, belonging, diaspora, and language, as exemplified in their solo project Homeward Bound: A Korean Adoptee Exploring the Longing for Belonging, which integrates original composition, curated repertoire, spoken monologues, and multimedia projections. Jae has premiered contemporary works, including most recently The Passion of Miss DeMarco, Unemployed Stenographer, which premiered at the Flea Theater, collaborating directly with composers and ensembles to realize innovative performances.

 

As an educator, Jae teaches voice and piano across classical, contemporary, and commercial styles, emphasizing identity-affirming pedagogy, performance confidence, and healthy, scientifically backed vocal technique. ​

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Jae is the Founder and Director of Songs of Resistance, a concert series that organizes artists to ignite meaningful change, is proudly produced in partnership with Keepsake House, and also serves on Keepsake House's Artist Advisory Board. Their leadership experience also includes directing multiple community and faith community liturgical music programs, overseeing ensembles ranging from youth and adult choirs to a four-voice treble a cappella group, programming repertoire for weekly services and special events, and coordinating multi-ensemble productions and outreach concerts.

 

Jae’s research and professional development include participation in residencies and fellowships such as the Bespoken Fellowship (2022–2025), Artist Advisory Board at Keepsake House (2023–present), and ongoing transgender voice certification under Dr. Felix Graham. Their interdisciplinary practice encompasses voice, piano, organ, synthesizer, narrative composition, live sound, and recording, positioning them as a dynamic performer, educator, and scholar at the forefront of contemporary vocal arts.