Hi, I’m blayne!
I am a voice teacher and singer based in Knoxville, TN. My pronouns are he/him/his.
As a voice teacher, I have taught privately for ten years and have experience teaching classical, musical theater, and contemporary singing. My students have been admitted into special high school musical arts programs, Belmont University, Point Park University, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Anderson University, and Marymount Manhattan for classical voice and musical theatre performance. Many of my students have received talent and merit-based scholarships to study voice at the collegiate level, including the coveted Grace Moore scholarship at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. I regularly work with advanced, professional singers in opera, musical theatre, and commercial music. My professional students have sung with Knoxville Opera, Dollywood, and with local and national theatre companies around the country. I am an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and a certified Vocal Health First Aider through Vocal Health Education UK.
I am a seasoned performer in opera, musical theatre, choral, and recital settings. My opera credits include roles and ensemble work in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Die Fledermaus, Trial by Jury, The Mikado, L’Enfant et Les Sortilège, L’Enfant Prodigue, Cendrillon, Help, Help, The Globolinks!, The Magic Flute, La Traviata, Lucia Di Lammermoor, Roméo et Juliette, and I Pagliacci. My musical theatre credits include roles in Guys and Dolls, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Lil Abner. On the concert stage, I have performed as a soloist in Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and Handel’s Dixit Dominus. I have performed with UNCG Opera Theatre, Greensboro Opera, Durham Children's Choir, Knoxville Opera, Marble City Opera, Knoxville Choral Society, and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. I currently study under the acclaimed voice teacher, Kenneth Bozeman.
I hold a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. My research interests include acoustic vocal pedagogy, the Alexander Technique, and exercise and nutrition for the professional voice user. In addition to my private studio, I regularly teach master classes locally and nationally.
My Approach
As a teacher and mentor, I strive to teach each of my students to be a complete vocal musician. I believe in working with the whole student to achieve vocal and artistic freedom. I aim to provide excellent vocal training through the combination of old and new techniques, individualized lesson planning, and technology to help each student achieve their vocal goals. I teach a range of singing styles including classical, musical theatre, and commercial singing.
VOCAL Health
I have a strong understanding of vocal health and the factors that can affect vocal wellbeing. Through my career as a voice teacher, I have developed the skills necessary to spot the signs of vocal dysfunction and imbalance. I have an understanding of how to prevent vocal health issues from occurring in the workplace.
safe space
Every student deserves a safe and welcoming environment. My studio offers a supportive and affirming environment to all students who enter its doors.