Jesse Palter
Jesse Palter is the creative force behind Tunezies. With a background in jazz and a passion for early music education, Jesse brings a unique blend of talent and expertise to every class.
Her musical journey began at an early age, singing before she could talk, giving her first public performance at five, and studying piano at six. She is living proof of the lifelong impact of early musical exposure — the spark of creativity ignited in childhood became the foundation for a career dedicated to music. By 13, Jesse was already in the studio, recording her first songs and writing alongside the legendary Andrew Gold. Soon after, she was signed as a young artist to a production deal with the Bass Brothers, whose Detroit studio was the epicenter of some of the city’s most groundbreaking music. This early immersion in songwriting and recording set the stage for a lifetime devoted to artistry, expression, and the belief that music belongs in our lives from the very beginning.
Jesse’s passion for music led her to the University of Michigan School Of Music as the sole vocalist in the jazz department, where she honed her skills. Soon after her tenure, she won Outstanding Jazz Vocalist at three consecutive Detroit Music Awards. Throughout her career, Jesse has graced stages alongside genre legends and headlined at renowned venues like NYC’s Blue Note and festivals such as The Red Sea Jazz Festival and The Detroit Jazz Festival, to name a few. Her original music has been featured on popular television shows and commercials, including The Real World, 90210, and Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
In 2019, Jesse released her album, Paper Trail, on Artistry Music, a division of Mack Avenue Music Group, to critical acclaim, selected as LA Weekly’s Album Of The Week. Since the Covid pandemic, she has been writing, producing, and independently releasing music, including her quarantine-inspired singles “Better Days” and “2020 Vision.” Her self-released jazz record, featuring original compositions honoring the Great American Songbook, has garnered over 5.1 million streams and was selected for Spotify’s Best Vocal Jazz Songs of 2022 playlist.
During the Covid pandemic, Jesse ventured into teaching group music classes for children and their caregivers, leading to the development of the proprietary Tunezies curriculum. She received a Jazz Road Creative Residencies grant from South Arts, which she used to expand the curriculum into a collection of original recordings designed to be experienced by all ages. In 2025, she was also awarded the Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant, further supporting her work as a composer and innovator. As someone whose own life was transformed by early music experiences, Jesse built Tunezies to give that same spark of creativity and discovery to today’s children. Her teaching approach has introduced her music exploration program to audiences in Los Angeles, Detroit, and beyond, with partnerships with Burbank Parks and Recreation and several early childhood centers.
Jesse’s dedication to crafting original music for all ages, in all genres, is evident in her commitment to creating meaningful and engaging music experiences. Her debut children’s album, recorded with a high-profile cast of musicians and funded by a grant from South Arts, is slated for release in August of 2025. Jesse continues to inspire audiences with her creative spirit and passion for music discovery and exploration. Her dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment ensures that every child feels valued and supported on their musical journey.
Jesse currently serves as Governor of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Recording Academy. She is a proud recipient of the South Arts Jazz Road Creative Residencies grant and the 2025 Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant.
For more information on Jesse's artistry, visit: jessepalter.com.
