Voice Instructors at the Community Music School
Learn more about private music lessons here! Please note the instructor's level (Apprentice, Master, or Professional) to determine the rates for the lessons.
Apprentice
Cara Lipson, voice
Teaching Philosophy: As someone who grew up around music not knowing what I was hearing, one of my priorities is understanding what you are singing and what you are doing to produce sound, instead of just chasing that good sound. I also think it is most important that singers enjoy the sounds they are making and like the songs they are singing, that is how you begin to spark joy for singing. In each lesson, I strive to create a comfortable environment where the student feels like they have achieved growth in the concept introduced that day, and enjoys the learning process. I look forward to working with you!
Kylienne Basco, voice
Kylienne Basco (soprano) is a senior in Choral Music Education (K-12) in the Hayes School of Music, working with Dr. Gennard Lombardozzi as her applied voice professor. Kylienne has taken part in University Singers, Chamber Singers, Opera Workshop, and soon to be Gospel Choir this Spring 2025 semester! She currently is working as a Teacher Assistant for the Appalachian Youth Chorale and Appalachian Chorale through CMS and is enjoying every moment. In relation to her performing experience, she recently performed as Jennie in Down in the Valley by Kurt Weill this past Fall 2024 semester and will be Suor Angelica in Suor Angelica by Giacomo Puccini in Spring 2025.
Teaching Philosophy: I think one of the most important things to think about in the learning process is how to get out of your comfort zone and have fun. This concept can be intimidating as it deals with the unknown, but that is the beauty of learning. It is also okay to not be perfect as we all learn differently and from each other. For all singers and music learners, I want to make the learning experience both fun and reflective, while working towards a student’s goals. Creating a relaxed, student-centered, and motivating environment for my students is what I truly aim for.
Master
Amber Joy Koeppen, voice
Amber Joy Koeppen (Carpenter), Instructor of Harp at the Hayes School of Music, is a harpist and vocalist and an avid teacher in both disciplines. She has received degrees in Harp Performance and Vocal Pedagogy from UNC Charlotte and a Masters in Music from the University of Michigan.
As a solo performer, she has been a prize winner in a number of national and international harp competitions, including being awarded First Place in the Rosen-Schaffel Competition for Young and Emerging Artists. As a recipient of this award, she has twice been a guest concerto artist with the Eastern Music Festival Orchestra under the direction of Gerard Schwarz. In addition to her extensive solo work, Mrs. Koeppen has also performed with the New York City Ballet, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and the Union Symphony Orchestra, as well as various chamber groups. She has performed across the United States and abroad, including the World Harp Congress in Sydney, Australia, and has lectured at the WAAE music education conference in Auckland, New Zealand.
Mrs. Koeppen also maintains an active teaching career. She has taught at various summer music programs including Interlochen Center for the Arts and the American Harp Society’s Camp Innovation, and she has helped to found and run Brush Strokes and Music Notes’ summer program for children which incorporates a diverse body of students from various backgrounds in a week of arts and music immersion. She has been the Music Director and a member of the vocal and harp faculty of GreenSpring International Academy of Music and also has a private music studio offering harp and voice lessons to both children and adults. Her students are active musicians who have been accepted into notable music programs, performed in venues such as the White House and Biltmore Estate, and have been prize winners in solo competitions.
Professional
Dr. Tyler Young, voice
Dr. Tyler Young is a Lecturer of Voice and Opera at the Hayes School of Music. See his full bio at the link!