Innovative voice pedagogue, published researcher, and master lecturer, Taylor Stilson (LMT-MA, NASM-CPT, NCBTMB-AP, NACBT-CLC, KORU, MM) (he/him) is the founder of The Stilson Institute, The Stilson Method™, and currently teaches voice at Harvard University. Mr. Stilson was previously seen as an adjunct professor of voice at Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Brown University, and as an Assistant Professor of Musical Theater Voice at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He currently teaches undergraduate and graduate students in musical theater, opera, and vocal pedagogy.

Mr. Stilson has crafted a unique career as a voice instructor and is trailblazing a new paradigm of mind-body voice pedagogy. The Stilson Institute is revolutionizing modern voice pedagogy, fusing holistic voice modalities, biomechanics, myofascial release, flexible acoustic strategies, and science-based mindfulness. In 2023, Mr. Stilson is launching the innovative Biomechanics and Bodywork for Singers and Voice Users workshop series and The Stilson Method™, a teacher training certification program. The 2023 Institute summer workshop series will launch in NYC. The Stilson Institute at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Summer 2022 integrated a complete voice, body, and mind experience. Course offerings for The Workshop included Alexander technique, Bodywork for Breathing, Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Integrative Health Coaching, Myofascial Release of the Jaw and Larynx, Science-Based Mindfulness, Guided Bodywork for Singing, Vocal Combat, Vocal Health, Hygiene, and Laryngological Care, Voice Flexibility Masterclasses, Yoga for Singing, and Zumba®. 

Mr. Stilson has explored and experienced voice, body, and mind-work including Gyrotonics, numerous yoga practices including Yin, Forrest, Iyengar, Asthtanga, Anusara, and Kundalini, Tai Chi, Alexander Technique, Reiki, hypnosis and hypnotherapy, psychotherapy and EMDR, physical therapy and functional movement modalities, massage therapy and Thai yoga massage, voice and manual therapies, acoustic therapies and voicework such as Fitzmaurice® Voicework, Lessac Madsen Resonant Voice, and Linklater technique, as well as muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) therapies and flexible singing strategies. Mr. Stilson has attended and presented at conferences, universities, and conservatories across the Western Hemisphere, with presentations varying from voice science, myofascial release for singing, alignment strategies, psychology of the teaching studio and MTD mitigation, and specialized voice topics at University of Nevada Reno, NYU Steinhart Summer Voice Intensive, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music departments of Musical Theater, Trombone, and Summer Programs, Harvard University Holden Voice Program, Radcliffe Choral Society of Harvard University, MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Cambridge Chinese Choral Society, departments of Dance, Musical Theater, and Alexander Technique at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, University of Arizona, University of New Mexico Opera and Musical Theater, Butler University, University of Kentucky, University of Miami, Brown University, Arizona State University, UARTS, Puerto Rico Conservatory, Willamette University, Portland State University, Rider University, NATS Boston, NATS Central Florida, Interlochen Arts Academy, and Phillips Andover Academy. His published work “Hypnosis as a Supplemental Treatment for and Prevention of Muscle Tension Dysphonia” can be found in the 2021 publication of VASTA (Voice and Speech Training Association), an affiliate of Routledge/Taylor and Francis Group. In addition, a voice pedagogy op-ed entitled “Resiliency in the Era of Covid-19” can be seen in Boston Conservatory’s online winter publication of STAGES.  

Mr. Stilson is licensed in modalities that have been integrated in his methodological protocol, including massage therapy (LMT-MA), continuing and further education in Craniosacral therapy and myofascial release for throat, neck, and swallowing disorders as well as a National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Approved Provider (NCBTMB-AP); personal training (CPT-NASM) with continued studies in behavior change, psychology of exercise and movement, bodybuilding, emotions and intuition in movement, cardio and metabolic training, neuromuscular stretching, timing in nutrition, and myofascial release; KORU Mindfulness and certifications in Ericksonian hypnosis, hypnotic induction, and cognitive behavioral therapy life coaching (NACBT); certification and protocol building for gender identity for the Transvoice with a specialty in transmasc individuals, as well as significant work with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) mitigation in speaking and singing populations. 

I am a forever learner and will continue to explore modalities and licensures that validate and challenge my approach to the protocol. I am expected to complete yoga and polyvagal certifications within the 2024 calendar year. The goal in my continued adventures in the Method are meant to challenge and bend my understanding of bodywork and how the mind can all influence each other in linear and non-linear ways. It is my hopes that this protocol can ignite a flame within you and to encourage a new, unique approach to voice work that you never thought possible. Thank you for going on this journey with me.

Taylor Stilson completed his first year of D.M.A. studies in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance at University of Miami in 2018. He received a M.M. in Vocal Pedagogy with Collaborative Piano Studies and a B.M. in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory. He taught for The Boston Conservatory’s Vocal/Choral Intensive from 2007-2011 and in 2020 and The Boston Conservatory's MEIP Voice Program in 2012. Mr. Stilson has completed additional studies in voice, opera, and piano at the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, Michigan Opera Theatre, New York Opera Studio, Spring Arbor University, and Interlochen Center for the Arts. He has studied voice with Kevin Wilson, Jayne Sleder, Bill Cotten, and Dr. William Christensen, and has coached with Dr. Karl Paulnack, Andrew Altenbach, Michael Strauss, Allison Voth, and Nico Castel. His former and current students have placed finals in the Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions, Classical Singer Convention, NATS, and have been seen in regional and broadway theaters, as well as international tours.

As singer, Mr. Stilson has been seen as Valentin (Faust), Prince Igor (Prince Igor), Marcello (La Bohème), Falstaff (The Merry Wives of Windsor), and Ariodate (Serse) at The Boston Conservatory. He has been a featured soloist with The Boston Conservatory Orchestra in Dr. William Cutter's Spring Ritual, Haydn’s Theresienmesse, Hindemith’s Apparebit repentina dies, Lizst’s Via Crucis with the Boston Conservatory Chorale, and with the Orchestra of Trinity Church, Boston in the Messiah and Saint- Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël.

He maintains a very active virtual studio.