Our Story
Your Lessons Now was founded in 2019, our goal is to provide effective, customizable, and cost efficient gender affirming vocal coaching for transgender or non-binary people undergoing transition, as well as to provide a judgment free learning environment. Inclusivity benefits everyone involved, that is why we think the latter is important in other places as well, which is why we make sure to provide that in our music lessons as well. We conduct our lessons online through Zoom, so that you can learn in the comfort of your own home!
Our Vision
Your Lessons Now is dedicated to offer our service, and is committed to providing aid and support to the LGBTQIA+ community. While are services are certainly LGBTQIA+ centered, we aim to provide effective lessons that are tailored and unique to you. Inclusivity is important to us, and we want to make sure our students know that they are all welcome, and will be provided with a safe and judgment free learning environment. We’re here to help.
Our Team/Instructors
The instructors on our team posses years of experience teaching in their fields and are dedicated to making sure their students achieve greatness. Through their expertise, students learn proper technique, performance, and theory in a lesson plan tailored to fit the student’s needs and capabilities, all while making sure every lesson is a positive, fun, and judgment free experience.
Tris Ogram Buckley
Elite Voice Instructor
Skill Levels: All
Pronouns: She/HerNic Brannen
Vocal Instructor
Skill Levels: All
Pronouns: Ze/ZemMia Tamburrino
Vocal Instructor
Degree: MA – Vocal Performance
Pronouns: She/HerMelodi Alper
Vocal Instructor
Skill Levels: All
Pronouns: She/HerMargarita Barcomb
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Law
Pronouns: She/HerLily Grace
Vocal Instructor
Skill Levels: All
Pronouns: She/HerKit Krull
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Pronouns: He/Him, They/ThemKaydee Cage
Vocal Instructor
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Pronouns: She/HerIvy Phairchyld
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Audio Engineering
Pronouns: She/HerEstelle Scullion
Voice Instructor
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Pronouns: She/TheyDenise Brown
Elite Voice Instructor
Degree: Master’s of Music
Pronouns: She/HerChristi Brekke
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Master’s Degree in English
Pronouns: She/HerCharlotte Abbot
Vocal Instructor
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Pronouns: She/HerBryn Colodny
Vocal Instructor
Skill Levels: Any
Pronouns: She/herBrandon Tuzio
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Music
Pronouns: He/HimAndrew Scott
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Pronouns: He/HimAlexandra Exeter
Lead Director and CEO
Degree: Bachelor’s Degree
Pronouns: She/HerAdrian Soliz
Elite Vocal Instructor
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Music
Pronouns: He/Him
Tris Ogram Buckley
Elite Voice Instructor
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
A close-up and stage magician since 2009, Tris knows well that even when something seems impossible, there’s always a method. With enough practice, that method can become effortless. So when she began her transition in 2018, she approached it like a magic trick, but for real. Magic requires a meticulous understanding of perception, and since voice is one of the largest components in the perception of gender, she focused hard and early on mastering it. It’s hard to be a beginner in anything, but it helps to feel understood.
With a wide variety of interests (all kinds of science, art, film and video [B.A., Penn State University 2012], and such niche crafts as whipmaking, miniature painting, and chainmail), Tris is intimately familiar with how it feels to be a beginner.
Obtaining a gender-congruent voice as a trans person is undoubtedly a difficult and frustrating task, but no matter how impossible it seems, it takes only diligent practice, coupled with the right instructor. Having grown up in a family of teachers and keeping a continuous beginners’ mindset, Tris has a talent for patiently teaching difficult skills, always meeting the student where they are.
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Nic Brannen
Vocal Instructor
Pronouns: Ze/Zem
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Piano
Nic’s art practice is a creative play of the “politics of meaning” and “social sculpture.” Exploring how we silence sounds, Ze curates social situations for zir art allowing the audience to contemplate meaning and how it emerges. Zir art practice has entwined its way through various disciplines: dance, poetry, photography, sculpture, film, and music. Mirroring the three ecologies (mind, social, and environmental), Nic’s sonic works have a background in piano performance, trans-voice, and experimental jazz.
Nic has an MFA in Experimental Sound Practices & Composition from The California Institute of the Arts and a BFA in Jazz Piano Performance from Cornish College of the Arts. Nic is a piano faculty member at Idyllwild Arts Academy. Ze is a member of the free music collective God’s Favorite. Ze is a Transgender Vocal Coach at YourLessonsNow and a Music Teacher at Green Brooms Music Academy. Nic’s work reflects the social potential of pleasurable creation and creative compassion.
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Mia Tamburrino
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Masters Degree in Vocal Performance
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Singing
As an Opera singer of many years, Coach Mia understands the practice and consistency it takes to train a voice. Through this experience, she also understands the vulnerability that comes with working on the voice. It is because of this that Mia can understand her students quite well and help them overcome any insecurities about the voice. Mia believes that transforming your voice takes time, practice and *believing in yourself*. Coach Mia is excited to help and encourage you with every step along the way.
Mia holds a Masters Degree in Music. She specialized in Vocal performance and vocal pedagogy (the science of teaching the voice). She is also certified in Teaching English and is a Diction Coach as well. Lastly, Mia is fluent in three languages (Spanish, Italian and English). With this background in music and linguistics, Mia has an extensive knowledge of the inner workings of speech and vocal production.
She has 7+ years of experience teaching the singing and speaking voice. As a performer, Mia has performed in many stages across the US and Europe.
As an educator, Mia has worked with students of all ages, backgrounds and levels. For gender-affirming speech work Mia takes a pedagogical and musical approach. Her students will each have their own tailored lesson full of explanations and exercises. Mia tailors her lesson based on each students individual need and learning style. Mia is a strong believer that consistent practice, dedication and fun while learning will produce the optimal results. For singers, Mia is versatile in teaching wide variety of genres including: opera, musical theatre, pop, art song, contemporary and more.
Mia’s students always meet their goals in a healthy and efficient manner. As a coach, Mia considers herself to be a positive, creative, energetic, kind and enthusiastic teacher. She can’t wait to start working with you in meeting your voice goals.
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Melodi Alper
Vocal Instructor
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Singing, Piano, Flute, Guitar
Melodi Alper is a voice instructor from Izmir, Turkey. Her classical music education started at age 5 with solfege training, continued with playing the piano at age 6, and began guitar training at age 10. Melodi continued her voice and music studies into her adult years, seeking to be the best teacher and vocalist she can be!
Since 2015, Melodi has been teaching private lessons with a passion for both music and LGBT acceptance. She loves helping people and is proud to be involved in the LGBT community. As a member of the LGBT community herself, she is very passionate about being a part of the journey to find your best sounds.
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Margarita Barcomb
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Lima – Law
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
I believe you should be who you are and how you are. For yourself and not for any body else. This includes what you wear, look and sound like. I believe all these things are part of your power, and sometimes, the source of it. If you need a little help to get there, that is what we are here for.
If you do not find me reading or walking our two little beasties, you can find me painting or watching a movie. I was born in Lima, Peru. Learned English and French early on with the intent of teaching. I went to the National Conservatory in Lima when they still held trials to get admitted at age 6. Learned piano and Music Theory. After finishing high school, I went to college at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Lima to study law.
On how I got to the USA, I met my husband at a park one day, in between classes; he was a pilot stranded in the city, waiting for his plane to be serviced. I was sitting at a café preparing an English lesson, reviewing my French class, and checking my prelaw books (lots of books on the table). He insisted on trying to speak in Spanish, I answered in English and we got to know each other; we fell in love, and as the saying goes, “the rest is history”. We were blessed with one angel, my enby child, who has opened my eyes to a new world.
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Lily Grace
Vocal Instructor
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Lily is a transgender voice instructor from Oregon with two years teaching experience and a practical, transparent approach. She has more than a decade of experience performing in bands, singing in choirs, and doing voice over for short films, instructional videos, and other projects.
As a transgender woman, she understands the complicated feelings and frustrations involved with perfecting a voice that’s really yours, and is invested in creating a classroom free of judgment or pressure where you can really focus on yourself. Her primary goal as an instructor is to focus on your specific needs as a student based on your own goals, experience level, and confidence to achieve your own unique voice.
Skills
Kit Krull
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Pronouns: He/Him, They/Them
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Subjects Taught: Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice, Guitar, Singing, and Voice Acting
Kit Krull is a Washington, DC based actor, singer, and musician. Kit has been in some variety of vocal training for well over a decade, with extensive experience in classical, musical theatre, and contemporary music. Much of his teaching experience revolves around voice and diction for the actor, as well as dialect coaching, and we find that his background is extremely well suited to gender-affirming voice training. Kit‘s experience and training has been essential for his own transition, and he is excited to share his perspective to students at various stages of their gender journey.
He’s highly skilled and passionate about acting and voice coaching with a strong background in theatre, focusing on inspiring and guiding students in developing their vocal talents, building confidence, and achieving their performance goals.
Kit is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where students can explore and develop their authentic voices. He participated in various theatre productions, showcasing versatility in musical theatre, classical acting, comedy, and dramatic performances. Kit has demonstrated strong vocal abilities and acting skills through character portrayals and memorable performances.
Kit collaborated with directors, choreographers, and fellow actors to create cohesive and engaging productions. He adapted to different styles and genres of theatre, maintaining professionalism and commitment to excellence. He provided one-on-one vocal training and coaching to students of various ages and skill levels. Incorporated phonetics and International Phonetic Alphabet to enhance students’ overall understanding of voice and dialect work.
Designed personalized lesson plans tailored to each student’s goals and abilities. Taught and refined vocal techniques, including vocal range expansion, diction, and articulation. Prepared students for auditions and performances through teaching stage presence and technique.
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Kaydee Cage
Vocal Instructor
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Lessons: Guitar
Kaydee is a transgender voice coach with 14 years of music and vocal teaching experience.
“As a transgender female, I recognize and highly respect the importance many of us place on finding just the right voice to match our gender expression. Working with other trans women, helping to build confidence in their voices is a deeply fulfilling way to represent our community, and I am very proud to be able to contribute to each and every one one of their transitions.”
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Ivy Phairchyld
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Audio Engineering – Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Piano, Audio Engineering, Voice Acting
Ivy has played piano for over 25 years, and made her own music for over 20 years. She’s spent a significant amount of her time learning how to improvise and write songs as well as sound design.
Her main musical focus is piano, a variety of electronic and rap genres, with strong elements of orchestration, as well as composition with a focus on tv / film / and video games.
Ivy taught herself voice feminization, and takes her personal experience, music, voice acting, and speech therapy concepts to craft individualized lessons to help students achieve the voice they’re most comfortable with in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
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Estelle Scullion
Voice Instructor
Pronouns: She/They
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Estelle Scullion strives to push the boundaries set in place for her by societal expectations, and as a transgender person raised in the South, she knows how to do that well.
She has experience singing in both women’s AND men’s choirs, so she has not only heard all types of different voices but LIVED them too. Going from Baritone to Mezzo Soprano was not easy, but Estelle achieved what she once thought was impossible with time, dedication, and much practice. Now she aims to share the gift of vocal gender euphoria with all who seek it, and with over five years of experience as a music producer/singer-songwriter under her belt, she’s ready to help you meet your vocal goals.
In her spare time, Estelle likes to hang out with friends, play video games, listen to hyper pop, collect cute things, and create content on TikTok as an artist and public figure.
Denise Brown
Elite Voice Instructor
Degree: Master of Music in Pedagogy and Performance
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Singing, Piano, Voice Acting
Denise Brown, mezzo soprano, has been teaching private voice and piano for 10 years. Denise completed her Master of Music in Pedagogy and Performance at the University of Texas at San Antonio and is currently a certified EC-12 music instructor. Her favorite student is anyone who wants to sing or improve themselves and has worked with many “tone deaf” beginners, who all have learned to sing in tune and give their first performances within several months.
Denise has experience with helping students with diagnosed vocal faults, and rehabilitating tired, stressed voices back into vocal health for singers and speakers. Her experience also includes working with non-binary and trans students to develop voices that are healthy and reflect who they truly are. This includes building consistent technique and taking cues from your own body.
Her piano students learn to be functional musicians and bold sight readers, whether their goal is to move on to classical works, or just learn to play along with their favorite pop song. Her students are also active in the musical theater community and on the classical stage. Denise Brown performs regularly with the Opera San Antonio chorus, in solo recital, and is music director for her local Episcopal church. Denise Brown is a current member of Texas Music Educators Association and the National Association for Teachers of Singing. She is currently and adjunct college instructor with Alamo Community College District in San Antonio, TX.
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Christi Brekke
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Master’s Degree in English
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Guitar
Christi Brekke is a transgender voice coach driven by her advocacy for the trans community. She has a BA and MA in English and has years of experience teaching voice, piano, and guitar in both 1 on 1 and group settings.
She has experience in voiceover work and is currently the host of TRANS CHAT WITH CHRISTIANA, a podcast that celebrates the lives and highlights the struggles of everyday trans people. Christi wrote and published her first trans memoir (I Want to Be Her) in 2016. She co-founded the Diversity Pride Center Trans Support Group in a conservative region of Eastern Washington State in 2019.
Versatile, experienced and passionate, Christi is dedicated to helping her students find their voice. She is currently based in South Texas, USA.
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Charlotte Abbot
Vocal Instructor
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Charlotte is transgender voice coach located near Atlanta, Ga. As a transgender woman herself, she understands the anxieties and obstacles that many of her students may have when it comes to their voice. On a personal level, she connects with how tied to your identity your voice may be.
Early into her transition, she learned how amazing it can be to truly be able to feel like yourself. This led to her decision to help as many people as she can with obtaining that same feeling of relief that helped her find happiness.
As a teacher, Charlotte’s favorite way to teach is to train students to find a voice to practice and play with, and then have conversations using that voice!
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Bryn Colodny
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Bachelor’s of Music in Songwriting
Pronouns: She/her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Piano, Singing
Bryn Colodny was a senior vocal principle at Berklee College of Music and earned her Bachelor’s of Music in Songwriting. Bryn also attended the reputable, LaGuardia High School in New York City as a vocal principle with a secondary instrument of piano.
Being a part of the LGBT community herself, Bryn is excited to help students become comfortable within themselves. She is excited to share her passion for voice, piano and songwriting with her students. Her goal is to create a safe and open environment for all!
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Brandon Tuzio
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Music
Pronouns: He/Him
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Piano, Guitar, Singing
Brandon Tuzio is a music instructor and transgender voice coach based in New Jersey. He began his music education at a young age and graduated from Berklee College of Music as a Voice Principal with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. He writes and produces his own music, as well as composing music for film and video games. Brandon also has an extensive performance background in Musical Theater, performing keyboards and vocals in numerous wedding bands, and is a part of many bands performing original music.
As a music teacher, he has had years of experience teaching voice, guitar, piano, bass, and music theory. He truly enjoys getting to know students. Brandon focuses on the student’s goals and he works hard to help achieve them. Brandon is an enthusiastic and adept transgender voice coach. He says, “I’ve found it to be an incredibly fulfilling experience.
To be an integral part someone’s life and journey in such a particular way. I’m grateful that the skills I’ve learned and taught in the past have allowed me to be able to adapt them into a new direction that will be useful for individuals in day to day life.” He continues, “One of my personal goals with teaching is to connect with and specifically cater to each student. Everyone is unique, has something to offer back to the teacher that we can learn from, and learns in their own way and at their own pace. I am looking forward to continuing working with students, and hope to be nothing but a positive presence in their lives.”
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Andrew Scott
Vocal Instructor
Degree: Bachelors of Science in Music Business, Minor in Audio Production
Pronouns: He/Him
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate
Subjects Taught: Masculine Voice, Guitar, Metal Screaming
Andrew Scott is a Music Business graduate from MTSU, who has been running his own music studio since 2019. Based in the Nashville area, Andrew has had ample experience in the music industry. He has produced, sang and played guitar on many albums over the years, leading to a very diverse musical skill set. The experience he gained from working closely with many different artists has been invaluable to his career. He currently works as the distribution manager for a Nashville based record label, and continues to sing with his metal band. Andrew has a deep passion for learning and teaching. His goal as a vocal coach is to help people feel comfortable with who they are, to grow in their musical ability and to have a safe place to express their talents and goals.
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Alexandra Exeter
Lead Director and CEO
Degree: Bachelor’s Degree
Pronouns: She/Her
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Singing, Piano, Music Theory
Alexandra Exeter is a 3rd generation protégé of Claude Debussy, she is a master of the French Classical piano technique. She boasts 13+ years of experience as a music educator with numerous contest winning students. Alexandra has directed numerous musicals, and has a Bachelor’s in Piano Performance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Alexandra is the CEO and Lead Director of Your Lessons Now. She trains other instructors in addition to having students of her own. Alexandra has been a transgender voice coach for several years now and developed a great deal of material to contribute to the company’s curriculum. She has served as a vocal coach and director for productions of Sweeney Todd, Addams Family, Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Into the Woods. She’s held performances of the 24 Italian Songs and Arias and other pieces of operatic repertoire.
Alexandra has extensive experience in French and Italian vocal repertoire, and she has training in a variety of genres including jazz/rock/pop/metal. Alexandra has experience in bands and local groups, and has served an instrumental role in several music programs and institutions in both St. Louis Missouri and Denver Colorado. She owned and operated Exeter Music in St. Louis. Alexandra taught for and served as the music director for the Metro East Montessori School, served as an music instructor for Flagstaff Academy in Longmont Colorado, as well as several other private institutions including Schmitt Music in O’Fallon, Illinois.
Whatever your voice goals, Alexandra can help.
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Adrian Soliz
Elite Vocal Instructor
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Music
Pronouns: He/Him
Skill Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Subjects Taught: Feminine Voice, Masculine Voice, Androgynous Voice
Music Classes: Singing, Piano, Metal Screaming
Adrian Soliz is a graduate from UTSA (Bachelor of Arts in Music) who has been teaching in the San Antonio area since 2016. He has taught all levels of singers, from 6 years old to adults, many different genres of music, and transgender voice training. He is an advocate for using science to better understand how the voice works to allow his students to have much more vocal freedom/expression, and to achieve a voice they are most comfortable with.
His biggest project right now is being the president of the Young Professional Opera Guild, where he seeks to be an advocate for community members and performers. This nonprofit works bring opera education to the community through various popup performances, recitals and opera education watch parties. “My goal as a voice teacher is to create an environment where my students feel safe and secure enough that they can allow themselves to unleash the artist that is in everyone. In just the past few years the field of voice science has grown exponentially in its use to help people understand how the human voice functions.
I want to use this knowledge that we use to help singers become much more aware and confident in their singing voices, and transfer it to helping the trans community find their own true voice. As a fellow member of the LGBTQ community I understand what is was like to not feel comfortable in my own skin before i came out, so I would like to help any individual going through this same process in any way that i can.”
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More About Our Vocal Coaches
We understand that transitioning is often difficult and undeniably stressful for many people. While Dysphoria affects everyone differently, having an affirming voice that feels right for you can be a major factor in managing dysphoria.
Our vocal coaches help you find your voice by:
Dependable
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Diligent
Having an advanced contact and booking platform to be sure that Your Lessons Now is always there for you, and our admin staff will always be here to help.
Helpful
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Human
Providing a human touch to your scheduling and inquiries, our vocal coaches and also our admin team will assist you every step of the way.
Loud
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Proud
Understanding the importance of providing a judgment-free and empathetic and caring environment, since many of us are LGBTQIA+ ourselves.
Secure
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Respected
Our vocal coaches have extensive training, experience, degrees, and awards to further ensure the best learning environment for our students.
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