Meet the Teachers Who Make the Magic Happen
Our Faculty
Blayne Ziegenfuss, MM
Voice Teacher & Studio Founder (he/him)
Blayne Ziegenfuss is a voice teacher and singer based in Knoxville, TN, specializing in classical, musical theatre, and contemporary vocal technique. He is the founder and lead teacher at Ziegenfuss Voice Studio.
With over a decade of private teaching experience, Blayne has trained singers at every level — from aspiring high school performers to advanced professionals working in opera, musical theatre, and commercial music. His students have earned placements in top regional and national competitions, gained admission to prestigious high school and collegiate music programs, and received competitive talent and merit-based scholarships, including the coveted Grace Moore Scholarship at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Blayne’s professional students have performed with organizations such as Knoxville Opera, Dollywood, and regional and national theatre companies across the country. He is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), a certified Vocal Health First Aider through Vocal Health Education UK, and has completed 160 hours of training in the Alexander Technique. He is currently pursuing his 1600-hour Alexander Technique teaching certification through the Mind Body Music School.
As a performer, Blayne is experienced in opera, musical theatre, choral, and concert work. Opera credits include Amahl and the Night Visitors, Die Fledermaus, The Magic Flute, La Traviata, Lucia di Lammermoor, Roméo et Juliette, and I Pagliacci, among many others. Musical theatre roles include Guys and Dolls, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Li'l Abner. He has appeared in solo roles for works including Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Dixit Dominus. He has performed with UNCG Opera Theatre, Greensboro Opera, Knoxville Opera, Marble City Opera, the Knoxville Choral Society, and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Blayne holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His ongoing research interests include acoustic vocal pedagogy, the Alexander Technique, and holistic health for singers, including exercise and nutrition for the professional voice user. In addition to his studio teaching, Blayne presents masterclasses locally and nationally and currently studies with acclaimed voice teacher Kenneth Bozeman.
Emma Helmandollar, BFA
Voice Teacher (she/her)
Emma, a proud native of Knoxville, Tennessee, recently completed her studies at Anderson University in Indiana, where she earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Musical Theatre and Public Relations. Her journey into the world of performance began at an early age, when she first discovered her love for singing and dancing. This passion has shaped much of her life, driving her to pursue a career where she can blend her artistic talents with her strong communication skills.
Throughout her academic career and beyond, Emma has showcased her talents in a wide range of theatrical productions. Her impressive list of credits includes performances in Into the Woods, Side by Side by Sondheim, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Edges. Each role has allowed her to develop her craft further, earning her recognition as a versatile and committed performer. Emma’s ability to bring depth and sincerity to her characters is a testament to her dedication to the stage and her love for the art of storytelling.
In addition to her theatre work, Emma is an animal lover who cherishes the companionship of her chocolate lab, often spending her free time outdoors with her furry friend. She also has a deep appreciation for literature, regularly diving into a good book to unwind and stimulate her imagination.
Emma’s artistic journey was profoundly shaped by her mentor, Blayne, whom she began studying with at the age of 15. Their relationship has gone beyond teacher and student, with Blayne becoming a trusted mentor and lifelong friend. Emma often reflects on the invaluable lessons she learned under his guidance, which continue to influence both her personal life and her career. She remains deeply grateful for his support, which has played a pivotal role in shaping her as an artist and as a person.
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