TESTIMONIALS
“I am proud to call Taylor Stilson a colleague and I would recommend him to ANY student, from the foundational beginner to the working professional. His insight into the vocal apparatus—and the physical, psychological, and social modalities that comprise a good voice—is without parallel. I have witnessed his masterful teaching firsthand, both in the studio and the classroom. His decade-plus of professional success has propelled him into the highest level of teachers of singing, evidenced in his current position at one of our nation’s elite institutions. His appetite for learning, along with steadfast intellectual rigor, and the growing skillset from which he draws and continues to expand (including body mechanics, massage, hypnosis, and psychological training), has put him at the bleeding edge of the modern craft of voice teaching and vocal artistry.”
Charles Dugan, DMA, SLP-A
Voice and Language Development Consultant, Pittsburgh Voice and Speech Partners; University of Tampa, Former Voice Faculty
“The Stilson studio has been such a pivotal point in my experience at the Conservatory and all-around growth as an artist. Coming from a classical background and immediately launching myself into the musical theatre world, was a challenge for me vocally. I've witnessed how Taylor Stilson takes the necessary time to build upon the foundation of each individual mechanism and to mold the instrument to become stronger and more sustainable for a successful and demanding career. The tremendous focus was spent on the physiology of the body and the connection of the breath flow to produce a clean and free sound quality. I discovered proper bodywork tools in the studio, addressing and correcting vocal tension in the mechanism. I'm grateful for this experience and excited to apply all the nuggets in my toolbox.”
Dwayne P. Mitchell
Dennis Edwards in Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations National Tour, Boston Conservatory at Berklee MFA ‘20
“I have had the pleasure of working with Taylor Stilson as a colleague at both Boston Conservatory at Berklee and Phillips Academy of Andover. Taylor is a dynamic pedagogue whose approach is rooted in a solid understanding of the vocal mechanism that he derives from his background as a pianist, singer, and massage therapist. I have witnessed Taylor’s effective approach in the studio and in masterclass settings. He is able to break down incredibly complex topics on vocal anatomy to students of all ages. What sets Taylor apart is the way he incorporates bodywork and myofascial release into his pedagogical practice. As both an in-person and virtual presenter, his instruction on laryngeal and jaw bodywork for singers has helped my students make huge gains in articulator dexterity and awareness. He has aided me and countless colleagues on how to incorporate physical release into student vocal development. He is truly a teacher’s teacher.”
Katherine Parker
University of Nevada Reno, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Voice Faculty
“Taylor is an energetic and technically demanding teacher. His work is specific and tailored with much pedagogical practice and his results are incredible. His impeccable piano skills qualify him as a teacher of not simply vocal technique but of rich musical substance.”
Desiree Maira
Palm Beach Opera Chorus; Rider University, UARTS, Rowan University, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Former Voice Faculty
“I have been working with Taylor off and on for over two years now for voice coaching. I am not a singer but am a speaker and presenter, so it is important that I am able to access the pathways within myself which allow me to speak clearly, from a place of connected inner power, and without straining my neck or body. Taylor has taught me tools and techniques to breathe more fully, speak from my power center (and get over my fears that I'm speaking too loudly!), release tension, access a greater register, and develop my annunciation. He masterfully combines the art of teaching singing with techniques from yoga and the Alexander Technique.”
Amanda Patti, CYT, LMT
Holistic Movement and Wellness Coach
“One of the many things I love about working with Taylor is that he always updates his knowledge and approach to the work. We always end up applying new teachings to vocal techniques while staying true to the fundamentals. The variety he has in his toolbox is also something that always makes the class engaging and fresh, such as his myofascial work which is both therapeutic and effective. I have to also really acknowledge his strong presence through online classes. His ability to spot all that needs to be worked on through the webcam was extremely on point. Lastly, he is very involved in caring for one’s vocal progress as he creates long-term strategies on where he wants to take your voice. A teacher and a friend I am absolutely glad I met in my career.”
Rashed Alnuaimi
Boston Conservatory at Berklee MFA ‘20; TED TALK Presenter and Viral Middle-East Public Figure
“Rarely does an artist with a mastery of their craft also display a propensity for teaching at the same level of proficiency. Taylor Stilson is an artist of such, one who has helped guide me on my own path to discovering my voice and strengthening my abilities. I learned more about my voice in one lesson with Taylor than I did in an entire semester studying voice in college. He's a wonderful teacher that truly cares about the progress of each student.”
Rachel Borovik, LMHC
Singer-songwriter
“Being a part of Taylor’s Institute and teaching has opened my mind to just how connected our bodies and voices are, not only physically but psychologically as well! I think his work is at the forefront of mind and body awareness for singers and professional voice users, and I can already see improvement in the freedom of my sound after taking his class and implementing some of his techniques. I cannot recommend Taylor enough!!”
Hanna Brammer
American Soprano
“Taylor’s exquisite teaching pedagogy facilitated a knowledge and comfort that is trailblazing a new industry standard. He incorporates the mind, body and voice to meet the needs of all participants. The Stilson Institute was an experience that was greatly informative and supportive to both the participant and the teaching artists.”
Darnell Roulhac, MM
Assistant Professor of Musical Theater Voice, University of Arizona
“Through scientific evidence and heartful compassion, Taylor brought together an all-star faculty with varied experiences and wisdom to inspire a new generation of eager teachers, singers, and artists to ensure healthy body, mind, and voice as they move through the complexities of the music, particularly, singing profession. The topics Professor Stilson organized were valuable to the understanding of the science of vocal pedagogy as well as the intricacies of the mind and body that drives the physical mechanism. It is cutting edge pedagogy that addresses the whole person rather than just the physical instrument.”
Elizabeth Packard Arnold, DMA
Associate Professor and Dean of Voice, University of Kentucky, Certified KORU Mindfulness Instructor
“I had the distinct pleasure of working with Taylor at his inaugural Stilson Institute at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and I can say without hesitation that it was one of the most illuminating and creatively affirming weekends I have ever experienced! Taylor is a leader in this field; he is changing the pedagogy through science based and empathetic instruction. Taylor has such a wide breadth and depth of knowledge; he is a truly skilled, multi-faceted practitioner. He cultivates deep body awareness which translates into actionable tools to support the voice through both physicality and breath. Most importantly, he understands that the goal is always transcendent performance; every interaction with a student is geared towards sustainable, joyful, and creatively impactful singing.”
Ashleigh Reade, MFA, Fitzmaurice®
Assistant Professor of Voice and Speech, Boston University