Lesson Details
Karmyn teaches
About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 10 to 80 and special needs
- Teaching since:
- October 1998
Hello! My name is Karmyn and I am a professional singer/actress and vocal teacher/technician. In my journey to become a vocal artist, I had to discover the proper techniques to allow me to sing both classical and musical theatre. Being a professional vocalist, I had to find something that worked safely and effectively!
I would love the opportunity to share this powerful technique with you and help you overcome your vocal weaknesses and learn to sing with ease, musicality and strength!
*** My Story ***
When I entered college in the 1993, I had high hopes for my voice. My usable range was quite large for my age: G3 to E6. During my collegiate training I began to notice problems: jaw pain that I had never had before, loss of breath control and forced high notes that used to feel so natural. Unfortunately, because of this training, I left college with a shrunken range: A3 to Ab5, I had lost more than an octave as a result of poor training by a doctorate of music.
In 1995 I won Miss Louisiana (Miss America). I was blessed to received scholarship for the rest of school. One of the colleges that provided money was the University of Louisiana Monroe. I decided to take summer sessions with Dr. Weidman. He realized quite quickly that I had been given the wrong Fach and technique for my voice type and encouraged me to stop with my former teacher and give my voice a break. And I did.
In fact, I decided to focus on acting. The closest acting community was Dallas, Texas. There I was picked up by the Ivett Stone Agency and began booking national commercials, TV spots and films. Along the way I worked with Don Shook of the (then) Actors Company in Dallas, TX. Don listened to my vocal story and told me about his teacher, Bill Bauer.
Bill became my vocal mentor and saving grace. He taught me how to release the tension of poor training and build the technique that lasts a lifetime! I am forever in his debit as my Angel of Voice!
Along with his guidance and genius he helped developed a safe, powerful technique for all vocal genres. I’m so confident that this method will work that I can I guarantee your singing and/or speaking voice will be the best EVER!
In addition to Bill's technique, in 2005, I began incorporating the Gary Catona Method for both my speaking and singing students. It is a powerful Bel Canto vowel method that strengthens and heals all voice types!
Whether you are a beginner and want a solid technique, or you have experienced bad training and need to retrain, I guarantee this method will work for you!
*** How I Can Help You***
I have taught both singing and acting for over 17 years and have the honor of working with some amazing students including, American Idol finalist Rachel Hale, Singer/Song writer Sara Skinner, Bluegrass singer Joseph Hott, Actress Molly Quinn, Actor John R Colley, Ark-La-Tex’s country star, Klancy Johnson, singer/actress Tara Clem and many, many more.
Here are some examples of how I can help: vocal node/polyp elimination therapy, increasing vocal range, eliminating “breaks” in your range, supported sound, natural breathing techniques, body alignment, conquering performance anxiety, stage presence, song interpretation, and positive internal programming.
I began teaching private vocal lessons in 1998. I have taught for two schools of music, First United Methodist Music School in Texarkana, Arkansas and Burbank Music Academy in Burbank, California. In 2007, I began offering vocal lessons online through Skype. My current studio is located in Manhattan.
I've been a member of the National Association of Teacher's of singing for 6 years and am also a member of Actors Equity, SAG-AFTRA, NARAS (the Grammy's) and a lifetime member for the music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota. I hold 2 Fine Arts degrees in Music and Drama as well as a Bachelor of Applied Arts; Sciences in Administrative Leadership with an emphasis in Psychology.
*** Lesson Details ***
In your lesson, I start where you're at. I identify immediate problems and then put you on a regimen to move you toward your vocal best. I am a stern but encouraging teacher. I expect a vocalist to practice.
Whether a beginner or seasoned performer. My goal is to get your voice to a place of ease in production and to articulate your performance in a way to connect with your audience.
Each lesson is recorded and emailed so you can listen and practice. Practicing is imperative to building your vocal muscles and performance skills.
Here is a list of other benefits that I provide: ear training, finding your true voice - not just an imitation of your favorite vocalist, smart career goal setting, overcoming stage fright, audition/interview techniques, positive self-programming, finding your acting "type"career marketing strategies, how to work "where you're at", scene study, monologue preparation, and a building basic musical theatre audition book.
*** Studio Details**
-an Mp3 of your lesson either on CD (you provide), flash drive (you supply) or a download via website,
-music track editing (includes cutting, tempo changes, key adjustments, etc. (I usually do music editing outside of a lesson for a nominal fee.),
-stage choreography/blocking,
-microphone training,
-and studio recording training.
*** Studio Equipment ***
Yeti microphone, H4n Zoom recorder, Audio Technica AT 3035 microphone.
-Music Editing Software: Pro-Tools, Cubase LX, Audacity, Garageband, Sony Sound Forge
-Video Editing Software: Final Cut, Sony Vegas, iMovie
-I also utilize Sing & See in my studio for vocal analysis when needed.
*** Specialties ***
Along with the guidance and genius of Dallas-based vocal teacher and composer, Bill Bauer, I have developed a safe, powerful technique in the art of vocal production for all vocal genres. Some of which include supported belt singing and Bel Canto-style singing.
I am also a trained Opera singer and jazz vocalist and have trained in Vocal Pedagogy both in college as well as with the National Association of Teachers of Singing of which I am a full member.
I am a former Miss Louisiana and talent winner at Miss America. I have judged numerous local, state, and national pageants and talent shows across the country.
Experience
Private Studio
Sep 1998 - Present-Developed proven vocal techniques in collaboration with Dallas vocal teacher/composer William Bauer
-Special training in child vocal pedagogy with Scott McCoy, DMA (NATS)
-Strong background in IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet)
-Successfully coordinate and record live streaming vocal lessons
-Lifetime member of Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity at Centenary College
-Member National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS)
-Member AEA, SAG/AFTRA
Vocal/Piano Teacher
Oct 2008 - Sep 2012Had the most fun experience working at BMA! I worked with some amazing talented (and yes famous) young musicians. Also had a blast working Summer Rock Camp with group voice lessons and mentoring band soloists.
- Vocal Teacher - Beginning to Advanced Contemporary Commercial Music
- Piano Teacher - Level 1 and 2
Stand-in
Oct 2007 - Jul 2011I have worked on several sitcoms, films, television and live TV sets. Both single and multi-camera productions as both utility stand-in and crew member. I was crew member on both the Desperate Housewives and Private Practice sets.
High School Career and Technology Teacher
Aug 2002 - Jun 2003I had the opportunity to teach Broadcast Journalism and Mass Communications at my alma mater with the CATE (Career & Technology) program.
Being a graduate of the Tigervision Media program, I was able to teach both linear and nonlinear editing, story writing, television producing, on-air presentation, diction, filming techniques for media, photography, as well as the history of mass communication and its current role in society.
Classes Taught:
-Intro to Media Technology
-Intro to Visual Communications
-Recognized PDAS (Professional Development and Appraisal System) evaluation score.
-Managed 150+ students in 3 classes of Introduction to Media Technology and 3 classes of Introduction to Visual Communications.
-Professional Development training in Teaching to Multiple Intelligences.
-Co-produced student news show Tigervision syndicated through the Ark-La-Tex
-I was locally certified.
Vocal Teacher
May 1997 - Aug 1998My first experience as a paid vocal teacher. I taught men and women of all ages and skill.
I honed my teaching skills and helped many students prepare for solo performance.
Education
Meisner Technique Intensive Studies
Jun 2008 - Jul 2008B.A.A.S. Administrative Leadership
Jan 2000 - Dec 2003B.M. Vocal Performance program
Sep 1994 - Jun 1996A.F.A. Music
Aug 1993 - Sep 1994A.F.A. Theatre
Aug 1993 - Sep 1994Languages
English
Certifications
Vocology and the Singing Teacher
Jan 2006Specialized vocal pedagogy studies for young children, teens and adults.
Professional Development training in Teaching to Multiple Intelligences
Mar 2003Teaching techniques for all types of students as well as autistic students.
Awards
Grammy Nomination
Jun 2005Grammy Nomination
Jun 2004Miss Louisiana
Jun 1995Affiliations
Actors' Equity Association
May 2003Actors' Equity Association, founded in 1913, is the labor union that represents more than 49,000 Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live theatre as an essential component of our society.
+ Read MoreNational Association of Teachers of Singing
Oct 2001Founded in 1944, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world with more than 7,000 members worldwide.
Photos & Videos
28 Reviews
Write a ReviewExcellent 1st lesson. She was very nice, very knowledgeable, and very understanding. Explain things throughly and actually works with you. She's very organized and has a system that seems fail proof. I feel like I will definitely be making great progress and will achieve all the goals that I set out for myself plus more. I don't usually write reviews but this one was well deserved. Definitely looking forward to my next lesson and many more to come
+ Read MoreKarmyn is an excellent singing instructor and an excellent educator. She has clearly put a lot of thought into how to convey ideas to students of different ages and skill levels. Karmyn has a warm and engaging manner. We couldn't be happier to work with her.
+ Read MoreHer excercises really work and make sense i am already feeling a difference when i sing. Thank you so much Karmyn you are very supportive. I am excited to be working more with you.
Had a wonderful first lesson with Karmyn.. I'm so looking forward to the next. Thank you so much!
thank you! :)
My first spoken voice lesson was great! It was like getting a glimpse on a set of new and totally unknown tools that I could eventually find out how to use them for my expression. Though it was only a short lesson, it felt intense and concentrated and after the first excercises we did, I already felt that my throat had opened up a bit and that everything felt more clear and more connected. In a situation where I had to suddenly speak publicly right after the session, I remembered that I could reach a slightly deeper pitch after the excercises. It helped me relax my voice right in the situation. It's really great working with you, Karmyn! I'm looking forward to the next lesson.
+ Read MoreKarmyn is just incredible. She's personable and works so well with kids. Understanding, patient and encouraging. I found like I found a real gem of an instructor. If I had 5 hands, I'd give her 12 thumbs up. ;)
Karmyn was very sweet and encouraging to my 12 year old daughter.
Karmyn is a joy! Her experience and knowledge is incredible, which makes me feel confident in her teaching. I've grown tremendously in a short time, and am excited to continue down this road with her!
With just only a few lessons I can really tell a big difference, she is teaching me so much more than just singing,how to do great stretches and exercises to get the best sound possible,plus she has a very encouraging and up lifting spirit about her that gives you the confidence you need to do your best with every lesson,I'm truly blessed to have found her and hope that she will be with me on my journey towards a successful career for years to come.karmyn truly wants to help you succeed and that is priceless. Joseph
+ Read MoreI loved how you taught me. I understood what you were teaching me thank you.
Marlee had an amazing first lesson. She made Marlee excited how to use her voice. Can't say enough good things!
She's the best, she's the very best out there. THIS HUMAN BEING, is like no other. She'll make it worth your time and money. I have learned a lot and my voice has become stronger & powerful. She does genuinely want you to get better and she'll help you, she's very patient, understanding, nurturing, she's a GODSEND. If you don't take her, I understand if it's cause of financial issues, but she's very much worth it. I will follow her as far as possible, she's really been a great help. I do not know how will I ever repay her back.
+ Read MoreFirst initial experience was amazing! She was great and teaches a lot. Very kind and funny, glad to be working with her.
I learned so much in my lesson. looking forward to next one.
I liked everything about her and the lessons.
Went well! Gave us some great tools!
Amazing! My daughter enjoys every minute of the session with Karmyn. She is fantastic to work with.
Wonderful vocal teacher! Smart, knowledgeable, sweet and VERY positive.
Karmyn taught me how to sing correctly!
SO grateful to have Karmyn as my vocal coach . I decided to take voice lessons at around 50 after wanting to sing all my life, but never having the courage. I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! And, with much thanks to Karmyn, who has supported me from the start and who has taught me how to sing correctly. I will sing the rest of my life.
Taylored to the Student
Working with Karmyn is a pleasant experience; she's an incredibly nice lady and -- unlike some teachers -- sets her ego aside to focus on the student's desired outcomes. To that end she allowed me to choose my own song for evaluation so that she could help me move in direction I wanted to go. Honestly, it was a little unnerving singing in front of such an accomplished singer, but Karmyn is very kind and gentle with her guidance. I'm not a professional singer, nor do I ever intend to be; I do it for my own joy and entertainment of friends. I sought Karmyn because I wanted to make small improvements in what I was doing, and ensure that I if I had a bad habit or problem, it could be eliminated.
Karmyn is the real deal; one only has to listen to her music (you can find it on line). What she brings to her teaching is her southern kindness, and a genuine desire to help her students reach their goals, no matter what those goals might be.
A dynamic vocal instructor!
When I was ten years old, I was given my first voice lesson from Karmyn, and today, as an 18 year old, I cannot begin to tell you how much my voice has grown: my range has increased, my control has strengthened, and my overall sound has developed in an amazing way. Karmyn is a dynamic vocal instructor who critiques and explains what I am doing wrong with effectiveness. Karmyn has taught me the importance of taking care of my voice and has never pushed me farther than she felt I could go. With her positive attitude and continuous smile, Karmyn has also made a great impact on my life. It is for these reasons and others that I will continue to take voice lessons from Karmyn. Karmyn cares, is a great person, and continues to give me the tools I need to increase my vocal ability.
She is the best!
I would like to say a very special thank you to one of my very best friends, Karmyn for having me try out her new vocal warm-up for tenors! I used them this morning prior to performing in church and I could really feel the difference in my voice. Karmyn, is one of the most talented vocalists and teachers I have ever known and I love her so much! I encourage any vocalist who needs good warm-up exercises or other vocal resources to contact Karmyn or check her out! She is the best!
Unique Professional Vocal Teacher
I have had the pleasure of working with Karmyn for over 20 years. As her manager I am constantly overwhelmed with her versatile talent in singing and acting. I have also seen her work with students to bring them to a level of professionalism without losing who they are as an artist. She teaches a student to tap into their uniqueness as an artist and not become a carbon copy of someone else. I have even signed a few of her students into my agency. Simply put: When you take lessons from Karmyn, you take from the best.
Rita Edwards, Manager
An excellent teacher and mentor!
f you have the opportunity to take vocal or piano lessons with Karmyn you should jump at the chance. Karmyn has years of experience working with a variety of age groups. She is patient yet detailed in what areas need improvement and practice techniques. She will discuss the goals with the parents and the students and work toward those goals. She has real world experience with students in competition shows like American Idol, live theatre and television actors working on auditions and shows. While living in Los Angeles, she had a steady gig singing and playing and had a loyal following. She understands the demands of the entertainment industry and has great resources for her students. Karmyn is organized, reliable and motivating. We were lucky enough to have her as a teacher here at Burbank Music Academy and were very sad to see her move to New York. Her students miss her and the teachers that took over her students see a solid foundation they continue to build on. Karmyn will be an excellent teacher and mentor to students of all genres and backgrounds.
First Class Teacher
Having had Karmyn as a student, then a colleague, I can say, without reservation, that she is a gifted performer and top-notch teacher. Her vocals are impeccable, and she has the pedagogical skill to impart her own method to other singers. Karmyn is a delight to work with, and will ensure her students a bright future in music, whether the goals are professional or personal.
The best of the best!!!
I would not be the vocalist I am today without Karmyn!!! I started taking voice lessons from her when I was just 6 years old (I am in my early twenties now). Every time I establish a goal, Karmyn is there for me every step of the way until I achieve that goal!! Through her instruction, I have won many awards including several talent awards in the Miss America system, placed top 10 at the state level, placed 2nd in Loretta Lynn's talent search, and debuted my first CD with original songs at the age of 13. I wouldn't trust anyone else. She's AMAZING and truly the best of the best. Her methods are genius. Karmyn can and will help you reach your full potential. And Karmyn is more than just my vocal coach, she has been my friend and mentor for many many years. If I "grow up" to be even half of the honest, caring, smart, and talented woman she is, I will be ecstatic!!
Singing and Piano lessons
Karmyn is amazing beyond words! She is so passionate about what she does. She is a great instructor and even greater role model. She is very inspiring and engaged with each student. She is patient, kind, and amazingly talented.