Find a Singing Teacher in Chicago

Wish you could be more confident when you speak or sing? ​Do you wince when you hear the sound of your voice? Has anyone ever made fun of your voice? ​Have other methods not worked for you? My mission is to lift unheard voices and help them to SOAR! From absolute beginners to pro singers, SAG-AFTRA actors, contest competitors, and scholarship winners. ABOUT Hi, I’m Karen Lyu (she/her) — a queer, Korean-American Holistic Voice Coach and award-winning jazz singer/songwriter/actor who helps sensitive, creative people speak and sing with confidence, clarity, and joy. Since 1997, I’ve taught over 1,000 students from 17 countries — especially those who’ve been silenced, bullied, or afraid to speak up. Clients call me “Karey Poppins” because I blend science, compassion, and a little magic to help people finally love how they sound. My tools include trauma-informed technique, vocal science, mindset coaching, and creative play. I’ve worked with students in schools, churches, theaters, music festivals, and everywhere in between. * Education: BSS Jazz Studies, Vocal Performance - Cornell College * Certified: TESOL, IMIA, CCHI, TNAOC, New Science of Singing * Author of Singing in Tune: Solutions for 25 Pitch Problems (5-star rated) A creative explorer at heart, I have donned many hats, including—Facilitator of the Female Musician Academy Songwriters Group, Executive Director of West Bank School of Music, Hmong Idol USA judge, Steppingstone Theatre Teaching Artist, and ESL teacher. As a neurodivergent mental health advocate, I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where your voice can heal and shine. I’ve lived and worked across the U.S. and South Korea — and now teach globally online. ​ Let’s connect if you're ready to sound like the strongest, most free version of yourself. ​KAREN'S HOLISTIC VOICE COACH METHOD ​includes: ​ * Solutions for 25 Pitch Problems ~ sing on pitch with methods that work best for you * Mind/Body/Spirit Connection ~ focus your mind/body/spirit to express your songs powerfully * Special Yoga Exercises ~ improve your breath, power, stamina, and range in minutes * A Personal Voice Lesson Tracker ~ keep track of your notes, practicing, and vocal health * Unlimited Lyrics Worksheet Documents ~ learn your songs faster and better * 40 Essentials That Pro Singers Ought to Know ~ learn to work with pro musicians at pro venues * An Ultimate Song List Spreadsheet ~ keep track of your songs and impress booking agents * Chekhov Acting Technique ~ embody emotions using gestures and imagination, instead of memories * New Choice Improv Acting Chart ~ learn to make quick, effective choices in acting/improv * Custom Songwriting Prompts ~ inspiring custom image, word, and theme prompts