Vocal coaching

Let’s sing
together.

Voice lessons for people who love singing and are curious about what they can learn.

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Lesson details

Sing with Carolyn
in Emeryville.

Lessons take place near 65th Street and San Pablo Avenue in Emeryville.

In-person lessons are preferred. Online lessons are available as a temporary backup when you are out of town or unable to meet in person.

Ongoing lessons are available in 30-, 45-, and 60-minute sessions.

For your free 60-minute introductory lesson, bring one song you know well and can sing comfortably.

Who lessons are for

From your first song
to your next performance.

You might be singing for the first time, returning to music, or already performing. Carolyn enjoys teaching across that whole spectrum, from young children to older adults.

What her students share is a love of music and a willingness to try something new. Your goal can be as simple as enjoying your favorite songs in a supportive space.

Ask Carolyn a question →
Nervous about singing?

We can begin
together.

Feeling embarrassed about singing is normal. With new students, particularly beginners, I sing along during warm-ups for the first weeks or months. I can also sing with you as you learn a song. You will never be required to sing alone before you feel comfortable.

What we can work on

Your voice.
Your goals.

Book your free intro lesson →
01

A comfortable beginning

Sing favorite songs, try unfamiliar sounds, and get used to being heard with Carolyn alongside you.

02

Range and ease

Work toward singing with less effort through different parts of your range, and explore expanding it.

03

Pitch and performance

Develop pitch recognition and production, or bring your singing into performance coaching.

Carolyn’s approach

Small steps.
New possibilities.

Learning to sing can mean trying something unfamiliar, physically and emotionally. I invite you to take small steps, with gentle guidance and room to practice. I love the moment when a technique finally clicks and a student discovers something new their voice can do.

There is no fixed timetable for a breakthrough. A technique may click after weeks, months, or longer. I value the small steps that lead to those discoveries.

Before your first lesson

A few things
you might wonder.

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Do you teach beginners as well as experienced singers?

Yes! Carolyn teaches complete beginners, people with some singing experience, and very experienced singers. You do not need any previous experience to begin. Lessons are tailored to your starting point and goals, whether you want to enjoy singing your favorite songs or develop your range, pitch control, and performance skills.

Do I need to be good at singing before I take lessons?

No. Carolyn welcomes complete beginners, including people who have never sung before. Lessons begin with what you love about singing and what you want to do—even if that simply means singing a favorite song from start to finish.

What if I’m embarrassed to sing in front of someone?

That feeling is normal. Carolyn sings alongside new students, particularly beginners, during warm-ups for the first weeks or months. She can also sing with you while you learn a song or whenever you’re uncomfortable singing on your own. You will not be forced to sing alone.

Do you teach children and older adults?

Yes. Carolyn enjoys teaching a wide range of ages, and has taught children as young as four and adults in their eighties. Get in touch about lessons for you or your child.

What happens during a lesson?

Lessons make room for trying new things in small steps, with singing together during warm-ups and songs when needed. After your introductory lesson, Carolyn tailors song choices to your goals: you may choose material yourself, or she may suggest and assign songs for you to learn.

What should I prepare for my first lesson?

For your free 60-minute introductory lesson, bring one song you know well and can sing comfortably.

Where are lessons held? Can we meet online?

Lessons take place near 65th Street and San Pablo Avenue in Emeryville. In-person lessons are preferred. Online lessons are available as a temporary backup when you are out of town or unable to meet in person.

What lesson lengths do you offer?

All new prospective students are welcome to a free 60-minute introductory lesson. Ongoing lessons are available in 30-, 45-, and 60-minute sessions. Contact Carolyn for current rates.

How can I pay for lessons?

Zelle is preferred. PayPal, cash, and checks are also accepted.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule?

Please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Health and other emergencies are exceptions to this notice requirement.

With less than 24 hours’ notice, a paid lesson cannot be made up, except in a health or other emergency.

With at least 24 hours’ notice, you can make up the lesson during the same calendar month as the missed lesson or the following calendar month. Arrange a lesson on a different day from your regular lesson day, or add the missed time to existing lessons. For example, a missed 45-minute lesson can be made up by extending three 45-minute lessons to 60 minutes each.

Email Carolyn to arrange your make-up lesson or a change to your regular lesson time.

Your next note

Let’s make room
for your voice.

New students are welcome to a free 60-minute introductory lesson.

Book your free intro lesson Have a question first? Get in touch.