Jane Monheit (born November 3, 1977) is considered to be one of the most promising American jazz vocalists of her generation. Born in Oakdale, New York on Long Island, Monheit began singing professionally while attending Connetquot High School. At 17, she began studying at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City under the tutelage of Peter Eldridge. At the age of 20, as a senior, she won the first runner-up prize at the 1998 Thelonious Monk Institute Vocal Competition. In 1999, she received her Bachelor's degree in music. Monheit's voice has been compared to that of Ella Fitzgerald, whom she lists as one of her influences.