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 students have been admitted to leading college and conservatory programs including Cincinnati Conservatory of Music (CCM), Ball State University, Anderson University, Molloy University / CAP21, Marymount Manhattan College, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. He has also coached high school students who were selected to participate in the Jimmy Awards (The National High School Musical Theatre Awards) in New York City, presented by the Broadway League Foundation. His professional students have appeared with 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.
Jordi Lawless, MM Candidate - UTK
Voice Teacher & Mezzo-Soprano (she/her)
Jordi Lawless is a mezzo-soprano and voice teacher based in Knoxville, TN, specializing in classical, musical theatre, and jazz vocal technique. She has taught privately since 2012 and has worked with more than 250 students across all experience levels — from young beginners to seasoned adult performers.
Jordi currently studies in the Master of Music in Vocal Performance program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she will graduate in Spring 2027. In addition to her academic work, she is an active performer and educator in the Knoxville community.
For over a decade, Jordi has guided students to success in school and community theatre, classical competitions, and commercial music auditions. Her students have earned top placements in regional contests, won state solo awards, and secured dream roles in musicals. She has coached singers preparing to audition for The Voice and American Idol, and she regularly teaches youth performance and audition workshops. As a singer herself, Jordi is a three-time Idaho State Solo Champion and an eight-time vocal scholarship recipient.
Jordi is also a volunteer youth and young adult choir director for her church, bringing choral and community engagement into her work as a voice professional. Her teaching emphasizes healthy technique, stylistic versatility, and confidence-building for developing artists.
As a performer, Jordi has appeared in opera, musical theatre, and concert repertoire. She has sung as a soloist for Vivaldi’s Gloria and Handel’s Messiah and has performed a variety of principal operatic and theatrical roles — her favorite being Hansel in Hansel and Gretel. She has also directed music for youth and community productions including Newsies, Seussical Jr., The Lion King Jr., and James and the Giant Peach.
Originally from the Phoenix, Arizona area, Jordi now calls Knoxville home. She is passionate about vocal pedagogy, healthy and expressive singing, and helping singers build confidence, skill, and artistry in their voices.
Ready to Work with a Teacher Who Gets You?
Whether you're preparing for auditions, building your technique, or just starting your vocal journey, our faculty is here to help you grow with clarity, confidence, and care.
Let’s find the right teacher for your voice.