Embrace Your Creativity
About our Music Instructors
Each of our music instructors have gone through an extensive training program to ensure you are able to achieve your goals as well as to get the best possible experience.
We offer beginner and advanced lessons for several instruments including singing and music theory.
Adrian Soliz
Alexandra Exeter
Andrew Scott
Brandon Tuzio
Bryn Colodny
Christi Brekke
Denise Brown
Ivy Phairchyld
Kaydee Cage
Kit Krull
Melodi Alper
Mia Tamburrino
Nic Brannen
Adrian Soliz
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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Alexandra Exeter
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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Andrew Scott
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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Brandon Tuzio
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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Bryn Colodny
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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Christi Brekke
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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Denise Brown
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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Ivy Phairchyld
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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Kaydee Cage
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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Kit Krull
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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Melodi Alper
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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Mia Tamburrino
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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Nic Brannen
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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Feeling a little overwhelmed?
That’s okay! You can schedule a free consultation with a member of our team to discuss your goals, we will do our best to find what works best with you!
More About Our Music Lessons
We understand that learning music can feel like a daunting task, but we make the process easy and straightforward. Our instructors have tremendous experience, awards, degrees, and also additional training from Your Lessons Now.
If you are currently taking voice lessons, learning music can be an invaluable tool in further developing your voice. While taking lessons, know that we’ll help in any way that we can.
Our music instructors help you 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 music instructors 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 music instructors have extensive training, experience, degrees, and awards to further ensure the best learning environment for our students.
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