My Approach

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Every voice is unique: living, growing, changing, and creating sounds like no other instrument, and many factors contribute to its capabilities. In my approach, I consider the whole student while training them to sing with ease and skill. I believe that learning the correct fundamentals from the very beginning will ensure a healthy voice capable of enjoying a long and active life of singing. Perhaps the best benefit to solid training is that the voice will improve and sound more beautiful. Through years of study, performing and teaching, I understand the intricate coordination of vocal anatomy that is required to produce reliable and consistent singing. I am trained to hear how the voice functions, to notice underlying issues, and work with students to make their voices function more efficiently leading to a more desirable sound. When singers have reliable technique they are confident and more able to achieve their goals.

Although lessons are based on a variety of scales and exercises, songs of varying genres are used to support and explore the training we are doing. This helps to make the core improvements relevant and interesting. The repertoire may include the student’s music for auditions, shows or concerts and will also include pieces I choose to engage particular challenges we are addressing. Simply stated, my goal is to develop a voice that can sing from low to high and back down again without experiencing breaks, feeling uncomfortable or losing tone quality. Although becoming a fine musician reaches beyond technique, singing well allows us the confidence to move more deeply into our musicality: phrasing, dynamics, interpretation of text, diction, acting and more. Seeing my singers experience growth and success is my greatest joy!

Testimonials

"Carolyn is a joy to work with! Her students are very fortunate to have such a kind, empathetic and supportive teacher. She’s also an excellent musician and understands how to build a solid foundation for singers."

--Linda Balliro, Associate Professor of Voice, Berklee School of Music

"I wanted to let you know how unreal Seamus was in the Loretta’s event last night. I was super proud of his confidence and delivery and loved his new original. His vocals are opening up so much more now. And the biggest change is his motivation."

--Patty Duffey, President, Founder and CEO of “Performers on the Go”

"I have truly loved working with Carolyn for the past 4 years. I started taking lessons before my voice changed, so I have worked a great deal keeping my voice healthy while also trying to find my voice type through continual changes.

I did not know much about the physicality of singing before taking lessons, and have since learned a great deal about the right way to practice, sing, and perform, while also listening to myself for important diagnostic cues. She personalizes warmups and exercises that work with my voice and range, which is extremely helpful for training my voice and working in my higher register. I have learned so much about taking care of my vocal cords while also building strength in my voice. Our lessons include a wide range of pieces to highlight challenges we are addressing, as well as songs from musicals I have been in as well as my own solo repertoire that I have been able to choose.

Carolyn is extremely supportive–attending many of the musicals and concerts I have performed at and cheered me on. This kind of support outside of our lessons is extremely enthusiastic and I can tell that she truly cares about her students succeeding in their performances.

Overall, Carolyn is a supportive and kind voice coach whose main goal is for her students to succeed and feel comfortable with what they are singing."

--Brian Curry

"Carolyn is wonderful. She helped me continue to develop my voice despite significant vocal chord health issues. Thanks to her careful training, my voice is stronger, healthier and more versatile than I thought it could be. I have the skills to sing loudly without hurting my voice, and to make beautiful music I was incapable of before."

--Annika Limaj

"MacGregor music studio has been part of our lives for many years. Carolyn has been teaching my son through High School. The growth and development of his voice has been remarkable, and he has gained an understanding of how best to train his voice, confidence in his abilities, and importantly an understanding of when and how to rest his voice. Carolyn's passion is seen not just in the studio, but also outside, by being extremely supportive around performances, attending performances, advising, and reassuring as needed."

--Paula Craig

"I love my lessons with Carolyn! With her help, I have grown so much as a singer, in so many different areas. She's always supportive, patient, and constructive, and I have learned so much in my time with her."

--Claire Skatrud