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.”
“Higher Voice has been like a second home to me. My years studying voice developed and strengthened my singing techniques, but my lessons have also shown me how important practice is, and believing that you can do it. I’m not afraid to “fail” or “mess up” when it comes to trying something new in my lesson, which is something that I can take with me as I try new things in the future.”
“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!”
“As I graduate high school, I will take with me the challenges and accomplishments in which Hilerie has stood by me. I learned how to reshape the way I view singing and break into my artist mindset. It’s so easy to judge yourself while you sing, but Hilerie taught me to put that energy into my performance and find confidence. She constantly pushes me to go beyond what I think I’m capable of—like when she keeps me going up during scales, past my doubts, past my limits, until I find and trust my voice. My biggest advice to other singers is: don’t be afraid to change your old habits. Outside your comfort zone is where you will truly begin to grow.”
“Higher Voice Studio has taught me so much and helped me through all of my college auditions. In my lessons with Kate, I learned not to let my performances define me. Whether it’s PMEA or a panel of college professors, I’ve learned to let go of being absolutely perfect and focus instead on being the best version of myself I can be.
I’ll never forget one lesson with Kate where we were messing around with straws and she told me, ‘Keep going.’ I ended up hitting notes way above anything I thought I could do. It’s simple advice, but it reminds me to always push myself to grow.”
“I first started at Higher Voice when I was 11 years old, but I was completely unaware of the impact this studio would have on me. It has not only made me a better singer but also a more confident person. The amazing teachers at HVS have helped me develop an extremely strong mix and have worked with me as I struggled to master my head voice. The support and encouragement I’ve received from everyone in this studio have taught me to persevere when I’m struggling and to always stay positive.
I would tell new students to take advantage of all the open mic nights, performances, and competitions the studio offers. When I first began lessons, I struggled a lot with stage fright and anxiety. Looking back, I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve overcome that fear. The countless opportunities HVS provides to perform have made me more confident—not just in singing, but in myself.”
“Through my lessons at Higher Voice Studio, I’ve learned techniques and methods that have completely transformed how I sing. Kate has helped me improve my breath control, stay in time with a track, and expand my range so I can comfortably hit notes that were once out of reach. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how much more confident I feel in my voice.”
“Working with Kate has taught me that asking for help is always a great decision. With her guidance, I’ve grown so much as a singer and gained confidence in my vocal skills with every lesson. She makes it easy to ask questions and try new things, and that’s helped me improve faster than I ever expected. One of my proudest moments was telling her that all our hard work paid off—I scored really well, and it felt amazing to celebrate that success together.”
“Being at Higher Voice Studio since sixth grade has truly shaped who I am as a performer and a person. I’ve grown not just in my vocal ability, but also in my confidence, discipline, and ability to express myself through music. My teacher, Caitlin, has been such a big part of that growth—she’s helped me prepare for everything from singing at my aunt’s wedding to performances throughout the years. I’m so grateful for the opportunities, guidance, and encouragement I’ve received at HVS.
My advice to current and new students is to be patient with yourself and trust the process. Growth takes time, and every lesson—even the tough ones—gets you closer to your goals. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that’s how you learn. Ask questions, take risks, and soak up everything your teachers offer. Most importantly, enjoy it. Singing should bring you joy, not stress. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember how far you’ve come. You’re in a place that wants to see you succeed—believe in that, and believe in yourself.”
“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!”
“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.”
“Tiffany has helped me so much! She’s taught me how to expand my range and move smoothly through it, how to breathe more efficiently, and how to strengthen my vibrato and chest resonance. She’s an amazing voice coach—always supportive, encouraging, and patient, especially when it comes to finding your voice again after being sick. Thank you, Tiffany! You’re truly the best voice coach I’ve ever worked with!”
“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!”
“There’s so much I’ll take with me from my time at Higher Voice Studio. I learned how to fight for what I want and to ignore anyone who tried to pull me down—whether other people or the voice inside my head. This was the first place I ever felt like I could make mistakes and learn from them; that’s all mistakes are! Most importantly, I will remember that I’m not alone.
I’ll never forget my first Open Mic. The theme was the ‘80s, and I almost didn’t get in line to sing, but Carolyn encouraged me. It was my first time performing alone in front of strangers, and for the first time, I was proud of what I’d done. My senior recital was another huge milestone—I worked hard, gave a performance I was proud of, and didn’t tear myself down over the flaws. I never could have done that without Carolyn.
My biggest advice to other students: don’t listen to that voice in your head telling you that you can’t do it. You wouldn’t say those things to someone else, so don’t say them to yourself. And as Carolyn always says, ‘I bully with love.’ I never would have had the courage and strength to pursue an education in performance if it weren’t for her.”
“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.”
“While Carmen has taught me how to train my voice in a healthy way and improve my singing ability, his life lessons will always resonate with me even more. Whether it’s helping me work through problems at school or in life, guiding me through the college process, or telling me which Sonic the Hedgehog games to play (or avoid!), his influence will forever remain a part of me as I move forward.
My advice to new students is to embrace change—even when it’s scary or unexpected. Singing was something I hated for most of my life, but that changed the summer before my sophomore year. That change opened doors I never could’ve imagined. Remember to work hard and enjoy what you do, but don’t rush the process. Live fully in each moment, because every day you get to do what you love is a gift.”
“I’ll take with me all of the amazing lessons Carmen and my other teachers gave me—lessons that trained both my voice and my mind. Carmen taught me how to be more confident in my abilities and to believe that what I have to offer matters.
My advice to new students is simple but important: be yourself, no matter what. Don’t let anyone make you feel smaller. Your skills and talents are needed in this world—make sure people know it.
My most memorable moments at Higher Voice Studio were the times when Carmen and Hilerie made sure I was okay when life was rocky. They gave me a safe space every single day, and I’ll never forget that. I don’t know where I’d be without them.”
“Working with Carmen at Higher Voice Studio has taught me that you can still improve at things that don’t come naturally to you. For me, that was singing—and learning that lesson has meant a lot. I’ve always been the kind of person who picks things up easily, so finally having to work at something and see myself grow has been a real help.
One of my most memorable moments was moving away from purely musical theatre songs and exploring other forms of music. It made me enjoy singing more and showed me that progress can come from trying new techniques and styles outside your comfort zone.
My advice to new students is this: it’s okay to try something different if what you’re doing doesn’t feel right anymore. Making that decision can actually make you more determined to follow through—and help you rediscover your love for music.”
“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.”