Bio & Performance Resume

Julie Kinscheck: Singer-Songwriter/Guitarist, Assistant Voice Professor, Author….. Queen of Scat!
On a daily basis, she’s a Mom of College aged twins, cooking for her family, walking with her husband (Keyboardist and audio engineer Ralph Kinscheck) and teaching her students. But that music which is her lifelong passion, which has taken her to big stages at conventions across the country, to the streets of Europe, to little coffee houses and churches across New England- That Spirit continues to overflow. She play gigs as a solo or with her various groups, leads worship at church and always… writes songs. In those songs she expresses the struggles of coming of age, parental divorce, infertility, love, failures and faith.

Julie Kinscheck plays her own style of soulful, inspirational Folk/pop, acoustic guitar driven and sprinkled with sweet harmony and jazz vocal improvisation and groove. As a teacher, she covers all genres from her vast experience playing cover gigs. As an artist, storyteller at heart, she barrows from her folk and country roots to make you laugh, cry, think and feel. At once socially conscious and spiritual, her desire is to “Let Her Light Shine” through her songs and bring the hope she has found to a hurting world and pass it on through her teaching.

Download Performance Resume

Extended Biography: Julie Kinscheck was born Julie Alice Gibbons, daughter of a minister, to a very musical family in the college town of Ithaca, New York. Her father sang in local operas while Mom wrote feminist poetry. She began writing her own music and singing with her guitar publicly at churches and talent shows at age nine. She learned tons of folk songs from her music teacher that still show up in her solo gigs today! At that time she was heavily influenced by the talents of Joni Mitchell, Carol King, James Taylor and the Beatles. Around that time, her family moved to a commune in the country exploring those crazy 70’s lifestyles. This led to her parents’ painful divorce. Meanwhile, Julie was soaking in the funky stylings of Earth, Wind and Fire, The Doobie Brothers and Chaka Kahn all played by her brothers’ band, Crossroads. As a teenager she teamed up with Rye Bread, folk trio, playing coffee houses and bars around home before heading off after high school she took off on a street musician tour of Europe, where she stretched her wings and did things she hopes her daughter never will.

From there, Julie went to hone her skills in composition and arranging at Oberlin Conservatory. While there she discovered vocal jazz! She loved to SCAT sing, learning from heroes like Bobby McFerrin, Manhattan Transfer and Ella Fitzgerald, and began integrating improvisation into her folk style. She eventually transferred to Berklee College of Music in Boston where she achieved her Bachelor of Music, cum laude on a full scholarship, and received various vocal and songwriting awards. At Berklee she also met her future husband, and collaborator, keyboardist Ralph Kinscheck and a mutual friend who consistently invited both Ralph and Julie to his church. Neither were interested at the time in church- or becoming friends. It took six years and several miracles to bring Julie to Christ- then another miracle to bring Ralph to the same arts ministry- where they met again eight years later and fell in love! Her journey to faith is another long and worthwhile story. Ask her!

As Julie went after making a living in music, she immersed herself for a time in the pop sounds of Bonnie Raitt, Madonna, Gloria Estefan, and Whitney Houston; later she took a ride on the country tide, covering hot country singers like Carrie Underwood, Martina McBride, Jamie Evans and Shania Twain. New England Performer reviewer Debbie Catalano compared Julie to Sheryl Crow, or Edie Brickell, but better. Having played in many original and cover bands over the years, she can cover most anything and knows how to please a crowd. She was even the musical director of the all woman a cappella gospel/ jazz group: Faith in Action for several years, collaborating with Bobby McFerrin, the Boston Ballet and others. In 2006 this group released: Faith In Action Live, a fun and yet worshipful a cappella CD.

Finally, after stints with Christian and cover bands: Rescue Squad, Centerpiece, Sound Doctrine and Main Attraction, Julie recorded a Christian Rock CD for Kids with the band PTB, produced by Ralph. This CD, The Force, came out of the love and leadership Ralph and Julie poured into the music ministry for the Preteens in the Boston Area. In everything she does and writes there has always been a love and concern for kids. This love took her into a side career as a music teacher in the public and private. Schools and to private teaching.

Along the way God pulled Julie through struggles with infertility, mothering twins, fears from a stalker, financial challenges, church transitions and career insecurities… all can be found in her songs. In 2008, in between caring for 4 year old twins, she released her first solo artist CD: Grace With Jazz On Top which was a dream come true. This took her away from the club scene and off to sing at conferences around the country and Canada playing for audiences of hundreds and thousands. Several of the songs were theme songs for women’s events such as “Secure in Heart” inspired by Author Robin Weidener’s book by the same title. Her song “Precious” about her yet unborn twins (when composed) spoke to mothers and all those who value life. Cuts from this release played on thousands of mostly international radio stations and “Coffee Song” charted #37 on the country charts in Austria!

Her most recent release, Let My Light Shine, came like a musical child-birth! Most of the songs were co-writes with her husband Ralph and performed with him, her two brothers on bass and drums and a good friend, John Vicaire on lead guitar with challenges at every turn. But after two years in production, at last it went live everywhere on January 15th, 2014!

Julie started to work on a new album with her brothers Gary and Chris Gibbons in 2019, but when the pandemic hit, that project ended up getting shelved. Julie started working on some new electronic/ rock relsease with her husband under his Ralphykeys brand.

The lockdown of 2020 was not wasted! During this time Kinscheck birthed another bucket list project; she worte her first book: Vocal Training For Praise Singers. Gathering together her many years of singing on worship teams, in choirs and bands combined with over 20 years teaching voice she put together this comprehensive work. Like her songs, the content is vulnerable, exposing her own struggles and victories while imparting vital instruction in vocal technique, anatomy, vocal health and so much more!

While writing the book, she also enrolled in a masters program in vocal predagogy at Westminster Choir College on line. Assuming she would apply for jobs in higher education after graduation, she was thrilled and humbled to be invited to begin teaching as an assistant professor of voice at Berklee College of Music in fall of 2021! She graduated with her Masters in Voice Pedagogy Spring of 2023.

Projected release in 2024: “Masterpiece” the single is slated for release in the near future, followed by “I Still Do” and “You Listen to My Prayers” recorded with famed producer Neal Merrick Blackwood, Black Mountain, NC. Plan to finish a complete CD before the Christmas rush!

The Songs: Look for several songs on her new production inspired by her and concern for kids in general and specifically her students at the St. Ann’s Home School. These are Kids at Risk, many in the foster system or with severe behavioral challenges. Listen for “Someone To Dry Your Eyes” and “God’s Children Are Not For Sale” inspired by the recent Angel Studios film about Child Traficking: Sound of Freedom.

Her latest finished CD: Let My Light Shine with the band LIFLIGHT shows earlier development in her desire to spread hope in song. With songs like “Where is the Boy” and “Hope Faith Love” you see the lost-ness of a child followed by the light of new hope. Many of her lyrics bring personal stories of love and struggle to life as heard in the jazzy “He Called”, “Coffee Song”, and “Grace”or the oft requested “Always Kiss Goodnight.” You also find the universal themes of growing up, raising a family and facing ourselves coming alive as found in the tender “Precious,” “Nothing Like the Love” and “Memory Lane”, or the introspective “Waiting on You” or “Martha, Martha,””Can You Hear Me Now” or the anthem “American Memory.”

And let’s not forget humor! Enjoy clever lyrics and funny stories from Julie’s life that you just might relate to! Listen for “Secure In Heart”, “I’m A Mess,” “EPIC” and “Get in the Water” and more.

Women’s Events: Julie’s music speaks very personally to the struggles and joys women face… with insecurities, relationships, raising kids and keeping faith.

Charity Events: “Hope Faith Love” was inspired by the volunteer work Julie and her husband Ralph have done for Hope Worldwide for over a decade. Other songs like “American Memory” (written after 911) have been used over and over in support of causes to help those near and far.

*Custom Songwriting: Julie enjoys writing custom songs for weddings. Dozens of happy couples have been inspired by a personal love song written and performed by Julie about their own love stories. Contact her to learn more and order this special gift for your upcoming wedding or anniversary! She has also written many songs for specific holidays and conference events including: “Martha Martha”, “Breath” and “Secure in Heart” for women’s conferences, “Are We Thankful?” for Thanksgiving, “The Greatest Gift” for Christmas, and “Our Hearts Burned Within Us” for Easter!

Teaching Children: Because of her extensive work teaching music to children, (Go to the “Lessons & Coaching” button on this site for information of private voice/ guitar and songwriting lessons,) both in church and the public schools, there is special attention given in many of her lyrics to the challenges faced by the next generation. Listen for “Colorgate” and “Where is the Boy”.

JULIE ALICE KINSCHECK

5 Eastview Avenue, Billerica, MA 01821 | Cell: (617) 686-7075 | E-Mail: julieksings@gmail.com | Web site: www.julieksings.com

SINGER-SONGWRITER-GUITARIST

DISCOGRAPHY

Masterpiece CD Projected release Thanksgiving 2024
“Fighting Through the Storms”, “Sing To You” “The Kingdom” releases with Ralphykeys 2022, 2023
Let My Light Shine CD 2014
Grace With Jazz On Top CD 2008
The Force CD 2007
Faith in Action Live CD 2006
Indian Summer Cassette EP 1992
Love is Wild Cassette EP 1990

Additional Recording
Performed lead and back up vocals on radio jingles on air for Toyota, General Electric, Sargento Cheese, Hollywood Bank and more.
Recorded vocal tracks for local artist CDs and songwriter demos for David Coate Band, Robert Duncan, Ralphykeys and more.

Founding Partner, Kinscheck International Productions, 1987- present

Vocal Performances; Vocal coaching and vocal production for artists; Recording studio and live performance; Produce demos and CDs; Produce videos; Write, design and distribute promotional materials, press releases and proposals for funding; Write scripts and screen plays; Research industry trends to meet market demand; Social Media Marketing; Compose songs and film scores; Promote, book and perform in bands and vocal groups.

SOLO ARTIST

Solo Singer/Guitarist: Original artist, weddings & events, clubs, nursing homes, funeral, children’s parties
Vocalist for hire for conferences, studio sessions, freelance gigs, benefits, church events
Extensive songwriting library

BANDS

Director Numerous Faculty and student concerts fr Berklee Colleg eof Music 2021-Present
Vocal Director & Soprano, The Harmony Jewels (A cappella Group) 12/2014-Present
Soprano Vocalist/Guitarist NW Mission Center Praise Band, Lowell, MA 11/2004-Present
Band Leader, Lead Vocalist, Songwriter, Guitarist for LIFLIGHT (Original Christian band) 3/2013-Present
Lead Singer, Guitarist for Moon Glow (Jazz function duo) 12/2002-Present
Lead Singer, Guitarist for PTB (Christian Rock Band) 1996-2007
Vocalist/ Guitarist for Main Attraction (wedding band) 9/2002-1/2005
Music Director/ Soprano Vocalist, Faith in Action, (Award winning a cappella gospel/ jazz group) 1995-2006
Lead Singer, Guitarist for bands: Persuasion, Sound Doctrine, Rescue Squad 1991-2003
Lead Singer, Guitarist, Centerpiece (original/ cover pop rock band) 7/1986-12/1990

THEATRE, TV & FILM

Acted in numerous musicals and plays including: Pippin, Oklahoma, Carousel, A chorus Line, Ground Zero and Our Town, Upside Down.
Showcased performer on FOX News and numerous local Cable TV programs.
Harris TV Interview and performance, Nov 2020
Topic Time TV Interview, 2020
Revere TV: “All About Jesus.” Dec 2023, Oct 2017, May 2019
Entertainment Tonight interview: Feb 2014
Entertainment Now TV interview, June 2014
WGBH TV, Televised Master Class with Bobby McFerrin & Faith in Action 1/2001
Extra work on major motion picture: Amazing Grace and Chuck and TV series: Spenser: For Hire
Performances on Brockton, Burlington, Peabody, Billerica and Quincy Cable shows
Wrote Script, asst dir mini movies: The X Project, Mission Possible, S.P.Y. Kidz 2000-2003

RADIO & PODCASTS

Women of Substance Radio songs included to over 10 playlists 2020-Present
Profitable Musician’s Academy Interview on topic of multiple incomes for musicians, Apr 2024
Panal Discussion Member on subject of Vocal Health for Profitable Musicician’s Academey PODCAST With Bree Noble, July 2023
Living Our Faith Podcast Interview with Meli Solomon, Jan 2023
God & Gigs PODCAST interview with Allen Paul, Apr 2022
Tune In Radio braodcast, Nov 2021
Regular Facebook Concerts throughtout 2020
PODCAST interview with the Boston Church of Christ, July 2019
Radio Interview with Max Bowen on Citywide Blackout, Nov 2015
“Coffee Song” from our Grace With Jazz On Top CD charted #47 on the Country Charts in Austria August 2009
WERS Radio, ALL A CAPPELLA Show featuring FIA, April 2000
Showcased on radio stations: WBOS, WERS, WBRS, WOBC, WCGY, WNYU…and thousands of international stations through Triple Strand Productions
Radio host Dancin’ on a Goldmine Radio Show, WOBC Oberlin College

SELECTED AWARDS

Cover Story Metronome Magazine March 2010
East Coast A cappella Sweepstakes 1999 3rd place winners: Faith In Action
National Academy of Songwriters Most Promising New Songwriter Award 1991
Honorable Mention Nashville City and BillBoard Songwriters Competitions 1984,89,91,93
Winner Berklee Summer Songwriter Competition 1985
Recipient Cleo Laine Jazz Incentive Award and Jazz Masters Scholarship to Berklee.

SELECTED PRESS

Billerica Minuteman, “Kinscheck Celebrates 10 Years of Teaching Music in Billerica” 11/6/2015
Billerica Minuteman, “Billerica Festival for the Arts Showcases Student Talents” 5/14/2015
Billerica Minuteman, “Billerica Candlelight Vigil Was a Night of Remembrance” 10/14/2014
Billerica Minuteman, “Billerica Singer Letting Her Light Shine” 1/9/2014
Metronome Magazine, CD Review, Let My Light Shine 6/10/2014
Mom’s Morning Coffee Blog, CD Review 5/15/2014
Billerica Minuteman, “Caring For Your Voice Part 1” 2/23/2012
Billerica Green, “Singing in the Summer” July 2011
Billerica Green, “Wedding Tunes and Talent Shows” March 2011
Skope Magazine, Artist To Watch Interview 2/1/2011
The Lowell Sun, “Music To Inspire” 7/15/2010
Billerica Minuteman, “Kinscheck’s Debut Album Looks at Faith and Family” 6/10/2010
Metronome Magazine, CD Review, Grace With Jazz On Top 3/18/2010
HOPEworldwide.com, Review of Night of HOPE Fundraiser 3/18/2010
Indie Enzine, CD Review, Grace With Jazz On Top 1/13/2010
Metronome Magazine, Cover Story 1/11/2010
Wildy World, CD Review, Grace With Jazz On Top 3/6/2009
Billerica Minuteman, Feature Artist Article 2/27/2008

SELECTED PERFORMANCES

Gemeinde Christi, Berlin, Germany, May 2024
Executive Director, “BNOW2” Berklee College of Music, Apr 2024
Featured vocalist and choir conductor, “Behold” Christmas Concert, Lowell Memorial Auditorium, Dec 2023
14 Christmas Carolling shows between Thanksgiving and Christmas with The Harmony Jewels A cappella Carolling Band 2015-Present
Director/ Performer, “Two R Better Than One” Concert, Berklee College of Music, Oct 2023
Original Christian Concert, “Let My Light Shine”, Berklee College of Music, Sept 2023
Colorado Springs Church of Christ, Worship concert, Aug 2023
Berklee Performance Center, Vocal Summit Concert, June 2022, 2023, 2024
Director, Berklee Worships, Berklee College of Music, Mar 2023
Lowell Memorial Auditorium, “Joy” Christmas Service, Dec 2022
Berklee College New Faculty Improv Spotlight, Oct 2022
VBS Worship Leader, Boston Church of Christ, Arlington, MA Summers 2016-2019, 2022
Singer/ Guitarist, Dukes, Kauai Marriott Resort, Hawaii, Jan 2020
Tsongas Arena, Generation to Generation Sept. 2020
Musical Missions Tour Europe Part 1 Aug/Sept 2018
Thrive Northeast Christian Conference, Providence, RI July 2018
Reach North American Conference, The America Center, Saint Louis, MO July 2016
Featured Artist at over 25 Women’s Day Celebrations across New England 1991-Present
Lowell Memorial Auditorium Christmas Concerts 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024
Billerica Vigil Against Drug Abuse May 2014
Julie Kinscheck and LIFLIGHT CD Pre-Release Concert: The Stable May 2013
AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX, Showcasing Artist, World Discipleship Summit July 2012
Featured Artist at Worship Conferences in Washington DC, Chicago, Providence, RI,Worcester, MA 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Showcasing artist at Arts & Ministry Convention, Atlanta, GA July 2010
Grace With Jazz On Top CD Release Concert, The Bull Run, Shirley, MA June 2010
Ed Follies, Hamilton, MA Apr 2003
Franklin Institute, Community Music Center Annual Scholarship Benefit Apr 2002
John Hancock Hall, The Giver, Easter Production, Mar 2002
Tsongas Arena, Lowell, Musical theatre production of Upside Down May 2001
Clark University: A cappella Against Abuse with Faith in Action, Apr 2001
Lowell Auditorium, “Better to Give Than To Receive” Christmas Musical Dec 2000
Berklee Performance Center, African Drum and Dance Concert Dec 2000
Berklee Performance Center, South Central Mass Gospel Concert Oct 2000
East Coast A cappella Summit Showcase, U Mass Boston, 3rd place win with A cappella Group Faith in th Action, Sept 2000
Boston Ballet, “Dance on the Top Floor” with FIA Apr 2000
Peace Games Festival, Hynes Auditorium Spring 2000
Community Music Center of Boston, Julie Kinscheck Faculty Concert Oct 1999
Washington Square High School, NYC, Celebration of Black Music History May 1999
Madison Square Garden, NYC, East Coast Church Conference Aug 1996
Wang Center, Boston, “Something to Believe in ” Concert, Mar 1991

Benefit Shows for: Bike for Hope, Hope for Kids, Pine Street Shelter, Walk For Hunger, Suicide Prevention, Toys For Tots, Special Olympics, DSS Foster Programs, the elderly, Ithaca alcoholism Counsel, Oberlin Cancer Society, Peace Games…

Additional shows at Clubs, Conferences and churches in Chicago, Washington DC, Coloado Springs, Nashville, Atlanta, NYC, Los Angeles, Toronto, Canada and more…

European street tour with folk duo Rye Bread to Munich, Salzburg, Vienna, Venice, Rome, Nice, London, Summer 1982

Various area venue performances: Great Woods, The Wang Center, Bay Side Expo Center, World Trade Center, Strand Theatre, Hynes Convention Center, The Fleet Center, The Hatch Shell, Passim, Middle East Cafe, Kendall Cafe, Johnnie D’s, Ryles, Club 3, The Paradise, The Blue Stone Bistro, Capones, The Depot, Union Street Pub, The Kinvara Pub…

TRAINING

Private Voice Training:
Brett Manning, Mary Klimex, Mark Baxter, Marilyn Evans, Bob Stoloff, Jeannie Deva, Charlie Sorento, Oberlin College Voice Faculty.
Various workshop/ seminars on vocal health and production/ working with young voices/ Opera and musical theatre applications for young singers.

Instrumental Training:
Studied and played guitar since age 9, also lessons with Jim Kelly at Berklee; Private Piano instruction through Community Music Center of Boston;

EDUCATION

Westmister Choir College, Rider University, Masters in Voice Pedagogy 2023
Shenandoah University, CCM Vocal Institute, Summer 2020
Boston Conservatory Pedagogy Workshop, Summer 2019
NE Conservatory, Acoustic Vocal Pedagogy Workshop, Summer 2018
Gordon College, Teaching Kids to Sing I & II Summer 2003
B.M. Professional Music, Berklee College of Music, Cum Laude Dec 1986
Oberlin College, Music & Social Science 1982-1984