"I believe that music and sign language have the power to connect people from all walks of life. As a dedicated artist, I use my skills to create meaningful connections to promote music, education & inclusivity in our community."

Ms. Janine

 

Janine LaMendola has performed for thousands of children, adults

& the elderly for over 30 years.

 

Janine started off her musical career in her family's kitchen at age 7 when she received her first guitar. It wasn't long before she began playing and singing at coffee shops and public gathering spaces. 

 In 1992, while raising her 2 young children, Janine began taking classes in American Sign Language (ASL) at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in their Deaf Studies Program.

 

As an already established Musician based in New England, Janine quickly realized the benefit of being able to communicate in a secondary language and how easy it was to learn it through music.    "Music is so Magical", says Janine, "It has the power to bring everyone together in one unified harmony. The ability to learn and retain information is greatly increased with rhythm & rhyme".  

 

In 1994 Janine began to incorporate sign language into her musical programs for children and parents. It was a smash hit! 

 

As her clientele grew, she began designing programs to specifically educate The Aging, Care Givers & People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, while maintaining an entertaining experience, which is the core of her success.

"Ms. Janine" has been “Singing & Signing” ever since. 

 

 Being able to communicate through sign language helps to take some of the frustration and stress out of everyday activities, especialy for those ESL students and children, and adults with special needs.

 

Ms. Janine performs in both Private & Public Child Care Centers, Elementary Schools, After School Programs, Park & Recreation Programs, Retirement Communities and Activity Centers, IDD Communities, Churches, and a host of other venues. 

 

Janine is centrally located in Connecticut, where she enjoys her 2 adult children who are both naturally gifted musicians. She spends her spare time creating music, singing with The New World Chorus and working on her own line of children's books about her experiences throughout her career.