About Carolyn
I am classically trained and most of my performance and teaching experience has been in art song, choral music of various styles, opera, music theater, pop and folk music.
Although some of my students over the years have wanted to become professional musicians (and have), most have had more modest goals: Singing in a group, participating in a competition, auditioning for a musical, or just feeling confident singing in casual settings.
Listen to Carolyn Sing!
Academic Training:
* Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy (CU Boulder)
* Bachelor’s in Music Education (MN State University)
* Graduate, Voice Care Network’s Bodymind and Voice Course
Teaching Experience:
* Forty years teaching private voice lessons
* Twenty-five years teaching vocal and choral music (K-12)
* Five Years conducting the “Cottonwood Choir” (comprised of people with intellectual disabilities)
* Nine Years conducting “Crescendo”, a choir specifically for senior citizens and their friends
* Nine Years as Artistic Director of the Lawrence (KS) Children’s Choir (five-choir organization)
Notable Performing Experience:
* Over four decades as a community & church soloist, in NM, WA, MA, MN, CT, CO, KS.
* Soloist, 1991 Holiday Concert Series, Chorus Pro Musica (Boston)
* Director, LCC Tour Choir, “The Play of Daniel” with The Boston Camerata (2018)
* Director, LCC Tour and Choristers Choirs, “Carmina Burana” with the Kansas City Symphony (2019)
* Currently singing with the Kansas City Symphony Chorus
Lesson Options & Payment Structure
Option 1:
15-minute consultation
FREE (one time)
Option 2:
30-minute lesson
$35
TESTIMONIALS
Carolyn Welch teaches with a gentle and firm guiding hand that showed me how to value myself and others through responsibility, care, and musicianship. Through all my years in the Lawrence Children’s Choir, she always knew what I needed as a musician and as a kid. I can say whole heartedly that I would not be studying at Berklee College of Music now without those years in LCC. Mrs Welch gave me confidence through knowledge and practice; anyone would be lucky to learn from her. — Ellie
Learning to sing or improve your singing as an older adult male can be a real challenge. But Carolyn Welch is outstanding in making this somewhat threatening pursuit a safe and enjoyable journey! Drawing on her many years of experience, Carolyn adapted her instruction to my needs, goals and ability with warmups and exercises that address the areas I need to improve and is accepting of the music I like to sing. She is perceptive and supportive of my efforts, and I am hearing real improvement in just a few weeks under her guidance. I don’t consider myself a music person and don’t really read music or play piano, so we have had to start at a somewhat basic level, yet Carolyn is not judgmental or impatient with me. I can recommend Carolyn as a vocal instructor and coach without reservation. — Michael
Recently, at the age of 64, I managed to reach back to a time of dreamily playing a guitar and singing. However; I needed a ‘boost’ in both skill and confidence. I reached out to Carolyn and was immediately comfortable with her style. She was able to assure me that what I wanted to achieve was indeed possible. Most importantly, she delivered the message, with her words and actions, that it was a wonderful thing for me to take this time in my life … for just me! What a mental gift! I love taking the singing lessons and I was quickly able to recognize my own improvement due to technique changes! — Lynda
I have been singing in choirs for nearly 60 years under countless directors, none better than Carolyn Welch. Talented, knowledgeable and professional, yet always pleasant, she draws out the best in singers, starting where they are and guiding their improvement. Rehearsal after rehearsal, the choir improves and ultimately reaches its potential under her leadership. She will exceed your expectations in any musical endeavor, whether singing, conducting or instructing. You could not make a better choice. — Evan