Testimonials
“…let me preface this by saying I may be a little sentimental in my discussion of this topic. I can’t help it. Those four plus years of lessons were the years I was figuring out who I wanted to be and those 30 minutes to an hour were critical, acting as a foundation for all the singing and artistry that has happened since. I can’t be the only one that you’ve taught that was inspired to take singing beyond the initial goal when they walk through the door for their first lesson. I learned that singing grows with you. It can go from fun and games to a tool for soul searching and all that’s in between. Without your lessons I never would have thought that singing was a valid and worthwhile art form and career path, though certainly difficult. I learned about trying to have patience with myself and accepting that some things are a constant battle (see: tongue tension). It’s never ending! What didn’t I learn from you? I could write an essay on all the things I got out of lessons with you. Technically? Like I said, a foundation for all the work I continued – breath, posture, phonation… All pondering on the matter aside, this seems like a good time to thank you. You were a great voice teacher, but beyond that you became a great mentor. I owe you more than I could ever say.”
“Hilerie is a fantastic teacher. I remember coming in when I was around twelve years old and feeling so nervous that I was gonna have to sing opera or that the teacher that my mom had set me up with was gonna be mean or harsh to me. But that wasn’t the case. Hilerie was friendly and down to earth. She saw my potential and was as excited about my singing as I was. When I was having a hard time motivating myself, she was there to push me forward to be the best that I could be. As time went on, she became more than a teacher. She became a mentor and a friend. I miss and love her dearly and I don’t regret a single thing that I did while I was under her teaching. I am still inspired by her to this day and I’m so excited for what she’s doing in Pittsburgh. She definitely changed my life for the better, in more ways than one.”
“Hilerie has been an incredible, inspirational, teacher, friend and mentor for both of my daughters, encouraging them to be their best in all of life’s struggles and adventures through the pursuit of music and excellence.
Hilerie manages her lesson times and plans effortlessly- with time for friendly and purposeful chat, constructive critiques, instructions to prepare for the next lesson, to cover lesson goals and, of course SING! Lessons are truly just plain fun, and we always completed the class with a sense of having accomplished something significant.
Hilerie takes the time to get to know and listen to her students and families, developing goals about what is wanted and needed from vocal lessons- preparation for festivals, auditions, performances, recitals, choral rehearsals, family duets, or just self-satisfaction- she is a unique and extremely gifted teacher! Great for beginning or advanced vocalists of any age!
Personal, Private, Challenging, Inspirational- time with Ms. Klein Rensi is time well spent.”
“I LOVE Hilerie, both as a friend and a coach. I was reluctant to start taking lessons in my mid-50s because I was convinced that nothing could be done to mend or improve my aging voice, especially since I had never before considered the proper method for caring for and using my vocal chords. Boy, was I wrong! Since I started working with Hilerie, my band-mates have commented on my progress. My toughest critic – my wife – has noticed, too. I’m more comfortable singing on stage and my stamina has improved tremendously. Hilerie is patient, encouraging, and most of all, she knows her business. Her bright personality, sharp wit and delightful sense of humor all help to make lessons an enjoyable experience. I would very highly recommend her to anyone – at any age – who is interested in improving his or her confidence and singing voice.”
“As both a friend and a teacher, Hilerie is inspirational, encouraging, knowledgable and positive. We have learned so much in the 18 months we have taken lessons from her. As singers who are performing every weekend, our vocal health is critical to our career and Hilerie has made our voices stronger and healthier. We are constantly thankful for her guidance and support each week as she strives to make us better singers and performers. She is an amazing mentor and we feel so blessed to be her students!”
“In the short time we have been with Hilerie, Kara has developed so much as a singer AND person. She has helped her tremendously! Can’t wait to see what the future holds!”
“I love studying with Hilerie. I have experienced a marked improvement in my technique and singing has become easier than it ever has been. Hilerie also has a wonderful way of making music come alive – she is as excellent a coach as she is a technician. She also has a positive and uplifting attitude that is infectious.”
“Hilerie is not just interested in your growth as an artist; she is also interested in your growth as a person. The two go hand in hand. She breaks down singing into something relatable and makes you fully aware of every aspect of your body, and how it connects to singing. Over the past year, being a part of Higher Voice Studio has changed my voice for the better. I would not be where I am today without her incredible teaching technique and guidance.”
“As an adult male with a weekly show, as a vocalist and performer of children’s music, I wanted a vocal coach who understood the theatrical elements of performance and would take my children’s music seriously. Hilerie could do both and with such insight, that along with improving my vocal technique, she was also improving my shows with suggestions that ranged from nutrition, to audience perception, to developing and keeping a winning attitude.
If Hilerie was the vocal coach for a president of The United States, not only would the president use much better breath control during his speeches, but he would legislate that all supermarkets carry nothing but organic food harvested using sustainable farming techniques, his foreign policy would be so good that it would usher in a whole new era of world peace, and we’d all have such a winning attitude that the economy would be going straight up with no sign of stopping!”
“I started going to Hilerie in June of 2012. Ever since then, I have been making significant improvements at each lesson. Not only has my voice become stronger, but when I sing, I am singing in a healthy way. At first, I was nervous to go to lessons because I had never done them before. I just sang without thinking of how I was using my voice. Hilerie helped me to realize that if I am not using the correct and healthy technique while singing, then I can potentially damage my singing career. I cannot express how helpful going to voice lessons with Hilerie has been for me. I have heard such a strong improvement in my voice and I am so glad that I have the opportunity to work with such an amazing woman!”
“I am a guy who is well over 50 and had never performed or taken voice lessons, but had always loved to sing. Music had always been a source of inspiration and personal growth for me. My goals were to sing more often, to sing better, and to explore my potential. Working with Hilerie was a WONDERFUL experience. She is very positive and encouraging. She creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere, where you feel like it is ok to take chances and challenge yourself. I learned so much from Hilerie, which helped me to improve my range, tone and confidence in singing solo. Studying with Hilerie is good for your heart and your soul!”
“My daughter started with Hilerie when she was just 5 years old. Over the four years that she took lessons she learned a wide variety of music along with many vocal warm ups and exercises to enhance her singing. She really looked forward to working with Hilerie every week, and has been singing on a regular basis at our church ever since. In her own words, ‘Miss Hilerie Rocks.'”
“Hilerie is such an awesome voice instructor, but more than that, she is a great person and friend. She becomes her students’ friend and mentor, helping and encouraging them along the way. Of all the instructors I have had in the past, Hilerie is my favorite. She was able to teach me things that none of my other instructors ever did. She really cares about each of her students. When my daughter was experiencing some major health problems, Hilerie was a great friend and encouragement to me. She took time to find information about doctors and diet that she felt would help, and she kept in touch even when we stopped lessons for awhile. She was genuinely interested in our lives. Even though she has moved her studio to Pittsburgh now, she still keeps in touch with us and offers to give us lessons whenever she comes in town. I love Hilerie and truly miss her!”
“Caitlin is by far one of the best mentors I’ve had the pleasure of working with on my vocal adventure. She is always making sure that you are given the correct technique, the perfect song for your voice and opens your mind to going outside of your comfort zone. Being a student of Caitlin’s for over a year now, I’ve noticed so much growth and strength in my performance and I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done for me. She is also a great person to go to when it isn’t vocal related. I couldn’t be happier to have Caitlin in my life.”
“Caitlin is a great teacher and makes everything so much more fun than you think it could be. She always has the best advice and is so supportive. She pushes me to be better all the time, and even in a small amount of time I know I’m growing as a singer more and more.”
“I was extremely boxed up before I came to Higher Voice and I never really explored my voice. I had my first lesson with Caitlin, and within 2 months I was belting (I didn’t even know that was a thing), and I had really come out of my shell. I feel so comfortable around her and I really appreciate how she can relate to her students. The highlight of my week is coming to the studio and getting to sing something new with her. Caitlin is very accepting and is always willing to try new things with me, which I love. She’s really helped me grow as a singer and a person in general, and I’ve even had the courage to sing at both a masterclass and OMN. 100/10 would recommend.”
“Caitlin has not only taught me vital techniques on how to become a better singer, but has also instilled in me much greater confidence in my talents.”
“I like studying with Caitlin because she makes it really fun and a welcoming place to learn how to sing. Every week when I go I find myself being challenged by something new, which is really neat because I’ve learned so much from that.”
“Caitlin has been an amazing teacher that has helped me to improve my voice in just a few short months. She takes the time to listen to what problems you may have about your voice and what you feels while singing and helps you to understand why the problem is happening and how to fix it. She has helped me gain more confidence in my voice than I ever thought was possible, and has become a great friend in the process. Caitlin has been the perfect match and exactly what I’ve wanted from a vocal teacher.”
“Miss Caitlin is super awesome!!! She is so much like a friend to me. She helps me with whatever I need and gives me awesome tips that work really well. She is such an easy person to talk to and I really like her fashion choices too (okay fine, back to the vocals). Miss Caitlin is an AMAZING singer and is extremely talented. She has such a beautiful voice and it’s a lot of fun to sing along with her. She is always really happy, and that just makes me so happy when I go to see her. Every lesson is something new, and I can’t wait to see what it will be!”
“Caitlin- what an incredible teacher! She is patient and kind and extremely knowledgeable! I always feel comfortable learning new techniques and stretching my abilities when I am with her. I really can’t say enough about her!”
“My first experience with Higher Voice Studio was as a parent: my daughter took voice lessons with Hilerie for three years and has grown tremendously as a singer and as a person as a result. At some point during that time, inspired by the wonderful experience my daughter had, I started taking occasional lessons with Hilerie myself because I have always loved to sing and wanted to improve my vocal technique. And although I am a busy middle-aged math professor, I figured it is better late than never. I have been incredibly fortunate to have Devan Balaguer as my voice teacher for the last two years. Devan is a fantastic teacher! Her gentle but firm teaching style, professionalism, well-structured lessons and multiple useful tips have been instrumental in helping me considerably improve my vocal technique and performance skills. Devan is also a very warm and friendly person who always supports and encourages her students on good and bad days. I really look forward to each lesson with her! I also love attending the masterclasses with Hilerie and the guest artists, where I always learn so much, and performing at the open mic nights. As I told Hilerie, as hectic as my life is, I cannot imagine it without Higher Voice Studio, and I will be forever grateful to her for offering me these wonderful opportunities to develop as a singer.”
“Devan is a wonderful voice teacher. My daughter has learned so much from her and has really grown as a singer. Devan takes time to focus on what is needed for each student. She is supportive and patient. Her lessons have not only given my daughter more confidence when she sings but more confidence in life in general. Thank you, Devan!”
“Devan has taught me so much. She helps me to open my voice more when I’m singing. She helps me to “dive into the deep end.” I really enjoy my lessons with her and look forward to them each week.”
“As someone who has performed my whole life without professional training, I can say Devan has been just what I needed to continue to develop vocally. She has taught me how to take my talent to the next level. I’m singing and performing songs confidently that I never thought I would be able to perform. She is a talented coach. She offers creative exercises and techniques to challenge me and break old habits. Most of all, I am thankful for the time we spend together. As a business owner and mother of 4, my lessons are not only personal development but self-care. She is a great listener and has become a good friend. She appropriately offers suggestions of songs to sing and knows just how hard to push, depending on my stress level and mindset that day! I highly recommend this studio whether you are a seasoned musician or have a kiddo who is just starting her musical journey. I am incredibly grateful to have found Higher Voice Studio and Devan.
“Devan is a great voice teacher who keeps me inspired and motivated. She is also very patient. I feel comfortable singing with her.”
“Ava has been taking voice lessons with Devan for the last few years. As a parent, I appreciate her constant communication about Ava’s progress and other opportunities to perform through Higher Voice. Devan is also very flexible when we need to change our lesson time. Ava has come a long way not only in her vocal ability, but I have also seen her confidence soar since taking lessons with Devan. She connects with her students and has taken Ava out of her comfort zone and challenges her.”
“Devan is such a motivating and kind individual who always encourages me to step out of my comfort zone! I have improved so much with her because she constantly instills confidence within me and my voice and always pushes me to keep working hard. She is also just such a bright personality who is always so interested in whatever I have to say! I would never have gotten through any auditions or performances without her, and I’m so excited to continue to become a better singer with her impeccable guidance!”
“My daughter Brooke has been with Higher Voice for over four years, and I can’t say enough about the experience there. Her voice instructor Devan has been not only a great coach but also a caring mentor. Always giving thoughtful advice but also challenging direction. I could only hope that more parents find a Higher Voice environment for their children.”
“I started voice lessons with Devan in January 2020. Ever since then, I have made many improvements in my singing. Starting voice lessons, I thought I was gonna go in there and only do my favorite genre, which is pop music. Little did I know I was going to do way more than that. Some genres I’ve done so far are pop, musical theater, jazz, and even Italian opera! I would’ve never thought I would have been doing all these different genres. Devan got me out of my comfort zone, and now I love tons of genres I never thought I’d be singing. Devan is an amazing teacher, and I have learned so much in the past almost three years. I cannot wait to continue my singing journey with Devan!”
“Devan has been my daughter’s voice instructor for almost three years now. I couldn’t be happier with how she has progressed since starting. When my daughter first came to Higher Voice Studio, she was shy and not confident in her abilities. In just a short time, Devan was able to get her to come out of her shell and really shine. Now my daughter performs at the open mic nights, recitals, and NATS competitions. It really has been amazing to watch her grow these past few years under Devan’s mentorship. We feel extremely lucky to have found such a wonderful and caring voice instructor in Devan as well as a family in Higher Voice Studio.”
“I love Devan! She is not only a professional in both singing and teaching but also a good friend and therapist to relax your body and mind before you start to sing. I have made obvious progress since taking her class, though I know there is still a long way to go to be a good singer and storyteller. Don’t hesitate to start to sing if you really love it, and Higher Voice Studio is a perfect place to make your first step! I hope everyone will enjoy your journey here. Hug the melody and lyrics.”
“From my first conversation with Devan, I felt genuinely seen, heard, and understood by her about my relationship with music, and that has been most important to me. The progress I have made in a relatively short time, not just as a singer but as a performer of songs, is remarkable. With a very natural grace and ease about her, Devan has been able to tap into not just the mechanics but the SPIRIT of my voice and has helped me to bring it forward to present to the world around me with strength, confidence, and sheer enjoyment.”
“I have only good words about Caitlin’s lessons. My daughter Violet has been taking lessons for 3+ years, and she is still making visible progress. Caitlin can adjust her teaching styles to what best works for the students. She does a great job of trying different things to help your brain relate to what you’re trying to do with very precise movements that you cannot see easily. I was very impressed with her patience as well. I have noticed that my daughter’s breath support, tempo, closure, pronunciation, posture, registers, and voice, in general, has matured and grown so much. If you are looking for an amazing, talented, caring teacher, look no further. Caitlin is it.”
“I cannot sing Caitlin Carlisle’s praises high enough (pun intended). My daughter has been studying voice with her for over five years. In that time, not only has my daughter made tremendous strides in her vocal technique, but her confidence has soared to previously unimaginable heights. In addition to being a voice teacher, Caitlin effortlessly fulfills the role of an experienced coach, #1 cheerleader, trusted counselor, wise therapist, and loving friend. Because of this, lessons with Caitlin are perhaps the one hour each week most favorably anticipated among all others. From nondescript ensemble to smashing leading roles, Caitlin has been an unfaltering stalwart in the audience. Her congratulatory hug and trademark cake pops are always a highlight of each and every production. Caitlin’s impact is simply immeasurable, and our family is so incredibly grateful for her presence in our lives.”
“My daughter, Haylie has been a student of Miss Caitlin’s for over 5 years. She has grown leaps and bounds from where she started! Miss Caitlin has even helped prep my daughter for big Broadway auditions, including helping her get to the final callbacks for “The Music Man” on Broadway in NYC. We look forward to many more years with Higher Voice & Miss Caitlin and are forever grateful for her guidance!”
“I love having Caitlin as my teacher. She is one of the most understanding and funny people I know. She is also a very talented teacher. She encourages me to try more difficult songs and that encouragement helps me a lot. She has helped me improve my talent and my love for singing.”
“My daughter has been Caitlin’s student for about six years now. I think that says a lot right there! We absolutely love her! My daughter’s knowledge, skills, and confidence have grown so much with Caitlin; it’s been a joy to watch and listen to! Caitlin even has her singing songs in Italian! Her time with Caitlin is something she looks forward to each week. I couldn’t be happier that we found Caitlin to encourage and develop my daughter’s love of singing.”
“Matty is an exceptional instructor with a great deal of talent. He works with each of his students to challenge their training, and also to make their lessons fun. He works well with both younger and older students. I would highly recommend Matty to any student.”
“Matty has not only a deep understanding of vocal technique but an incredible ability to communicate this understanding and create a path to improvement. Working with him has greatly developed not only my singing ability but also my awareness of my voice and how to apply it to new songs.”
“As a mom, I am so grateful to Matty. He has been wonderful with my son. He has helped not only Ash’s voice but also his self-confidence. Ash came home from his audition for the spring musical and told me that it was the first time he had ever left an audition feeling confident that he did a good job. And he credits Matty’s help for that. We have seen Matty perform many times, and I know that he is the perfect instructor for Ash’s needs and ambitions for performing. Thank you for pairing them.”
“I like that Matty can show me what I’m currently doing with my voice and how it sounds vs. how it should sound and explains different ways to think about how to make it happen. And I like that he adds the acting aspect of singing into our lessons to make the songs feel more like performances.”
“My son David has been attending voice lessons for several years now through Higher Voice Studio located in Carnegie, PA. When Matty Thornton became his instructor, there was an immediate connection. Matty was very interested in working with and assisting David with his High School musical performances. Many lessons were focused on practicing audition songs to perfecting his musical talents during the shows for which he has attended to show his support. Currently, Matty and David are completing college applications, filming prescreens and preparing for live auditions for colleges. Matty, you are very talented, a wonderful teacher, and we look forward to another year of greatness!”
“I met Tiffany when we were both performing in a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. After experiencing her impressive performance, I was excited to discover that I could take music lessons (voice and piano) with her. I’m so happy that she took me on as a student. She is a skilled and patient teacher, and I have noticed an improvement in my singing ability since I started taking lessons with her. As a retired physician, I especially appreciate her knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the oropharynx and larynx, which informs her teaching technique. Anybody who wishes to improve their singing, whether beginner or more advanced, will benefit from studying with Tiffany.”
“Tiffany has been an amazing part of my daughter’s ability to find her voice and confidence! She is positive, encouraging, and relatable.”
“I first started going to Tiffany at age 12, and I had no prior experience. She taught me how to use my voice and pushed me to become the singer I am today. Three years ago, the thought of getting up on a stage and singing was terrifying, but now I find it exciting-thanks to Tiffany! She had me sing during open stage by getting me out of my comfort zone. Tiffany has been an amazing teacher in my singing journey, and I am forever thankful for her lessons.”
“Maggie’s very first music lesson in 4th grade was with Ms. Tiffany and how lucky we were. Three years later, just when Maggie was going to graduate to advanced piano, Ms. Tiffany got this great new job at Higher Voice. We lucked out as Ms. Tiffany had given Maggie a great foundation to move on. Ms. Tiffany was our savior through Covid virtual lessons; she was always reliable and always the half-hour Maggie looked forward to most. Ms. Tiffany was great through Maggie’s delayed speech and motor skills, providing excellent finger power exercises and encouraging Maggie to perform on stage. Tiffany was always teaching Maggie the French and Italian meanings of the music words, providing the history behind the music and never rushing until Maggie had her pieces polished. Tiffany was a great inspiration for Maggie as Tiffany is such an active performer. We looked forward to all of Tiffany’s performances and will never forget her performances with the Bach choir and the Pittsburgh Savoyards. Tiffany is the whole package. Not just a great music teacher with tons of experience and knowledge of music but also has an extremely kind and non-judgmental heart. She is someone who makes a child grow musically, happily, and confidently. We were lucky to have Ms. Tiffany in our lives. Thank you, Tiffany.”
“Carolyn Smith is hands down one of the best voice instructors I’ve ever worked with. She’s a great teacher who genuinely cares and believes in her students. Carolyn did not only help me become more confident in my singing but she taught me how to accept the areas in my voice that others may have seen as a weakness to see as a strength. Her guidance has also prepared me for professional opportunities that a year ago I would not have imagined happened. In a little over a year, studying voice through Carolyn’s guidance turned my passion from a hobby to a profession.”
“My daughter has been part of the Higher Voice family for almost two years. During those two years, she has been under the instruction of Carolyn Smith. I could see a difference in not only the range in which she could sing but the confidence that Carolyn instilled in her. She is an amazing, supportive, and all-around fantastic person. We are so grateful to have her as an instructor. Carolyn also makes it a point to attend the open mic nights to assist students in their performances. It helped Lucca to see her friendly face in the crowd cheering her on. If you are looking for someone to give you that special one on one care and attention, she is the best! Lucca has really developed a passion for music and singing because of Carolyn and the rest of the Higher Voice crew!”
“Such a great place to learn and grow vocally!! I take voice lessons with Carolyn. She is amazing and has really helped me get out of my comfort zone.”
“Carolyn is always so supportive and has played a big part in building my confidence. Carolyn is always patient with me when I get frustrated and works with me to make needed adjustments. Her coaching is clear and relatable. She is always flexible and quickly responds to requests to change a lesson due to my school theatre schedule. Carolyn is the best!”
“Carolyn is an absolutely wonderful voice teacher! She has such a positive personality. My daughter is learning so much from her and really enjoys her lessons.”
“Ms. Carolyn is a wonderful teacher. She understands her student’s needs and works accordingly. She keeps the class interesting and fun. As a parent, it makes you happy that your child is excited and looks forward to attending the class every week. Thank you, Ms.Carolyn!”
“Ms. Carolyn is a wonderful voice teacher! She always plans her lessons in a kind and efficient matter. When I was preparing for my musical auditions, she made me feel immensely prepared, and I am forever grateful for her.”
“Miss Liz is amazing! She clearly ‘knows her stuff,’ but she’s so much more than that. She is so welcoming and makes it easy for even a very shy child to feel comfortable enough and, eventually, confident enough to express herself through music. Our daughter says that Miss Liz ‘is always so patient with her, even when I have a hard time figuring out something. I always have fun during our lessons, and I always learn so much!’ We highly recommend it!”
“Miss Liz is the most kind piano teacher. I love doing piano lessons with her! It’s so much fun!”
“I like when Miss Liz practices piano with me when we play music games!”
“Liz is so well suited to work with children. She is incredibly thoughtful and patient. She caters to each child’s lesson to their interests and capabilities. My kids have truly grown to love piano and music, and it is in no small part due to how wonderful their experience has been with Liz!”
“Liz is incredibly intuitive and patient with Mabel (5yrs old), encouraging her in all the best ways. Mabel started lessons as a shy 4yr old and and we always say that her lessons with Liz have been a very worthwhile investment. Mabel’s time spent learning to read music has no doubt contributed to her early reading skills in kindergarten. More importantly, thanks to her time with Liz, Mabel loves music and feels empowered to experiment with it. In her free time Mabel sits at the piano to plunk out sounds and draws music notes into “songs.” Liz kindly takes Mabel’s work and helps her apply it to new songs and skills.”
“Liz is a fantastic teacher! She provides great feedback and customizes lessons for all of her students. She helped me go from knowing almost nothing about music to where I am today. Couldn’t ask for a better piano teacher!”
“Zach is so fun to work with! He’s knowledgeable, patient, and a kind person. He has taught me how to take a piece and make it feel manageable to learn.”
“Jonah absolutely loves Zach as his piano teacher! Zach has much patience for a 9 year old boy. He talks to Jonah about Jonah’s interests and includes them in his lessons. For example, Jonah was to make up a Zelda video game theme song. Jonah thought that was great! Jonah has learned so much about piano in the few months he has had Zach. Zach is the best!”
“Fantastically positive and professional. Knows how to pull the talent out of the artist. Motivates them with kindness and positivity!!!”
“In the few months I’ve been a student of Carmen, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with his knowledge, dedication, and professionalism. He has an ability to identify and introduce corrections that make a significant impact on my voice. Carmen is engaged in helping me to achieve my goals, he genuinely cares about, and is committed to his students. Most importantly, he’s been able to help me build confidence. It’s been a pleasure to study under his tutelage.”
“I came to Higher Voice Studios looking to take my vocals to the next level and Carmen has been great in helping me reach my goals while pushing me to go further. Lessons are always fun, and he knows how to work with my voice/style. He is a great active listener and knowledgeable teacher who is without a doubt helping me become a better artist.”