Our Vocal Coaches
Experienced. Passionate. Dedicated to Your Voice
Choose you vocal coach and sign up today for an incredible singing experience!
STEPHANIE LIPPMAN – TEACHES VOICE, SONG PERFORMANCE, SONGWRITING AND MUSIC PRODUCTION.
Stephanie is a singer, pianist, voice teacher, and performance coach with a passion for the arts, music advocacy, and New York City’s vibrant culture. In addition to her vocal career, she is also a composer, actress, recording artist, and international touring musician. Her versatility extends to songwriting, producing, hosting, MC work, and audiobook narration—bringing creativity and professionalism to every project she takes on.
Professional Experience
A specialist in vocal styles, Stephanie has built a dynamic career as a professional session singer and voice-over artist. She has performed as a backing vocalist for legendary performers including Cyndi Lauper, Taylor Dayne, Sandra Bernhard, Nancy Sinatra, Ana Gasteyer, and many more. Her stage credits include Broadway National Tours, European and regional musical theater productions, and appearances at world-renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.
Training & Education
Stephanie earned her BFA in Musical Theatre with a minor in Directing from the prestigious Boston Conservatory at Berklee/Berklee College of Music. Her diverse training laid the foundation for a multifaceted career that bridges performance, composition, and vocal coaching.
Teaching & Coaching
At Voice Academy NYC, Stephanie is thrilled to share her expertise with singers of all levels. As both a teacher and mentor, she helps students develop strong vocal technique, explore a variety of vocal styles, and gain the confidence to shine on stage.
We sing when words alone no longer suffice. That’s the magic of music - and what I strive to share with every student.
TATE CHU – CLASSICAL/OPERA, MUSICAL THEATER, AND POP PERFORMANCE & VOCAL TECHNIQUE
I believe music has the power to bring empowerment, hope, and motivation to people from every walk of life. I’m thrilled to share my passion for voice and piano at Voice Academy NYC, and I look forward to helping students of all ages discover the power of music in their own lives.
Tate is a professional opera singer, performer, and voice and piano instructor from San Diego, California. Classically trained, she has brought to life some of opera’s great soprano roles, including Musetta (La Bohème), Gilda (Rigoletto), and her upcoming performance as Nedda (I Pagliacci) with Opera New York. Beyond opera, she has also starred in musicals such as Phantom of the Opera (Carlotta), Grease (Rizzo), and Once on This Island (Mama Euralie), and has directed multiple productions as the founder of her own company, The CoOperative.
Professional Experience
Tate’s career has taken her to some of the world’s most prestigious stages. She has sung alongside Andrea Bocelli at the Hollywood Bowl, performed with Kathleen Battle and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and recorded with major labels including SONY Classical Records. With an extensive background in dance and acting, she brings a multidimensional artistry to every performance and teaching setting.
Training & Education
Tate earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from California State University, Fullerton, where she studied with world-renowned artists and directors including Deborah Voigt, Frederica von Stade, and Tito Capobianco. She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Opera Performance at the Manhattan School of Music.
Teaching & Coaching
Since 2018, Tate has been a dedicated instructor with Voice Academy NYC, teaching voice and piano to students of all ages and skill levels. While she is a specialist in opera, Tate also teaches pop, musical theater, and a variety of contemporary styles, helping each student explore their unique sound and artistic identity. Her approach blends strong technical training with a focus on stage presence, performance, music theory, and aural skills, ensuring that students not only develop their craft but also perform with confidence and authenticity.
ROBERT WIGGINS- TEACHES POP, R&B, DOO-WOP , ORIGINALS , BLUES, ROCK, VOICE TECHNIQUE, SONG PERFORMANCE & STUDIO RECORDING
“With more than 20 years on tour as a lead and background vocalist for the world-famous Drifters, Robert Wiggins now brings his wealth of experience to students as a dedicated coach and mentor.”
Robert Wiggins
Professional Experience
Robert Wiggins is an accomplished musician, vocalist, and retired NYC Board of Education paraprofessional with decades of experience in performance, ministry, and education. For over 20 years, he toured internationally as both a lead and background vocalist with The Drifters, bringing his voice to audiences around the world. Throughout his career, he has also shared the stage with celebrated artists including Barbara Joyce of BT Express and Oliver Lake.
In addition to his work as a performer, Robert has served extensively in ministry, working as a keyboardist, organist, and choir director at Greater Emmanuel Baptist Church, Christian Cultural Center (Rev. A.R. Bernard), Crenshaw Christian Center (Apostle K.C. Price), and Changing Lives Ministries (Rev. Creflo Dollar). Today, he continues his active music ministry with the Mama, I Want to Sing Foundation and with both the Sanctuary Choir and Men’s Choirs at Convent Avenue Baptist Church.
Teaching & Coaching
At Voice Academy NYC, Robert helps students develop strong vocal technique, improve stage confidence, and connect with songs on a deeper emotional level. With his extensive performance background, he brings real-world insight to his coaching, offering students practical tools for both live performance and studio work. Robert teaches a wide range of styles including gospel, R&B, soul,doo-wop, pop, and rock. empowering each student to find their own authentic voice.
Training & Education
Robert is a graduate of Music & Art High School and holds certifications in Audio Engineering and Media Synthesis from the Center for Media Arts and Bronx Community College. His diverse training has provided him with both the technical and artistic foundation to excel as a performer, educator, and mentor.
Beyond Music
In addition to his professional work, Robert remains deeply committed to his ministry and community, using music as a way to inspire, uplift, and connect people. His lifelong dedication to the arts, education, and faith continues to shape both his career and his contributions to future generations of musicians.
“Music has the power to cross generations and bring people together—I’m grateful to keep sharing that gift with the next generation of singers.”
MELANIE SCHOLTZ – TEACHES VOICE, SONGWRITING, GARAGEBAND, BASIC MUSIC PRODUCTION
I am excited to have joined the amazing team at Voice Academy NYC and to be working with all the wonderfully diverse voices this city brings.
Melanie Scholtz is a South African–born, multi–award-winning jazz singer, composer, and educator who teaches both intermediate and advanced students in person and online.
Professional Experience
Melanie began playing piano at the age of five and later studied opera at the University of Cape Town Opera School, where she graduated cum laude with a Performer’s Diploma in Opera in 2000. Since then, she has built a remarkable international career spanning more than 20 years. She has released five acclaimed solo albums and has been featured as a guest artist and songwriter on numerous projects both nationally and internationally.
Her performance career has taken her across the globe, with appearances in South Africa, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland, and the United States. Recent highlights include touring with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra during their 2019–2020 season, with performances in New York, Chicago, South Africa, and Vienna. In 2021, she released her latest album, Kindred, during a successful tour through the Czech Republic and Poland.
Training & Education
Performer’s Diploma in Opera, University of Cape Town Opera School (cum laude)
Ongoing professional work and collaborations with internationally acclaimed jazz artists and ensembles
Teaching Experience
Alongside her performing career, Melanie has been a dedicated educator for nearly two decades. She has taught at the University of Cape Town (2004–2005) and contributed extensively to youth development programs in South Africa, including the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (2008–2014) and the Artscape Youth Jazz Program (2006–2013). Internationally, she has taught at annual jazz camps in the Czech Republic, where she lived for two years.
Since 2022, Melanie has also been an integral part of Voice Academy NYC, where she teaches private lessons, group classes, and workshops, and mentors students in songwriting and recording.
Now based in New York’s East Village, Melanie develops and leads workshops in songwriting, music production, and visual arts at the 92Y Center for Arts Learning and Leadership. She is also a frequent guest artist at Jazz at Lincoln Center, where she conducts workshops and performs for conferences and events.
For the past three years, Melanie has also worked with The Leadership Program, a DOE-approved teaching artist organization in New York, teaching music and visual arts to students from kindergarten through high school. She has led workshops in music production, electronic looping, improvisation, and visual art at institutions including CUNY, the University of Pennsylvania, and Smith College.
Beyond Music
In addition to her accomplishments as a musician and educator, Melanie was also a South African Junior Champion in Ballroom Dance and spent more than 10 years training and performing in both Latin and Ballroom styles.
MICHAEL LONGORIA – MUSICAL THEATER, ROCK, POP, STAGE & VOCAL PERFORMANCE
“My goal is to help students find their true voice, and give them the confidence to step on stage like they belong there.” — Michael Longoria.
Michael Longoria
Singer, Actor, Songwriter, Broadway Star, and Vocal Coach
Professional Experience
Michael Longoria is best known for his star turn on Broadway as Frankie Valli in the Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys. He also made his Broadway debut in Hairspray (2003 Tony Award for Best Musical), originated the role of Joey in Jersey Boys before taking over as Frankie, and later created the role of Freddy in the original Off-Broadway cast of The View UpStairs.
Beyond Broadway, Michael is a founding member and current star of The Midtown Men, a celebrated concert tour and PBS documentary showcasing the hits of the 1960s. With the group, he has toured internationally and released the acclaimed album Sixties Hits and the holiday single All Alone on Christmas, produced by Steven Van Zandt with members of The E Street Band.
As a solo recording artist, Michael’s albums include Broadway Brick by Brick (#2 on iTunes Vocal Album Chart), Merry Christmas Darling (2018), and Like They Do in the Movies (2019). His original songs have been performed at Joe’s Pub, The Cutting Room, CB’s Gallery, and Caroline’s on Broadway.
Television appearances include the America’s Got Talent Season 9 Finale with Cirque du Soleil, Broadway Under the Stars: A Tribute to Harold Prince, the U.S. Open Opening Ceremonies, and multiple voiceover roles on Dora the Explorer.
Training & Education
Michael trained at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and continued his studies at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. His training combined classical vocal technique with rigorous acting and performance studies, preparing him for a successful career on Broadway, in concert, and beyond.
Teaching & Coaching
Michael has been a valued member of the Voice Academy NYC faculty, where he helps students strengthen their vocal technique, develop stage presence, and perform with confidence. Drawing on his Broadway and recording career, he teaches pop, musical theater, and a variety of contemporary styles.
Michael works with singers on every level, from beginners to professionals, offering personalized guidance in:
Vocal technique and healthy singing
Song interpretation and emotional connection
Performance confidence and stage presence
Audition preparation and career insight
His mission is to empower students not only to sing well, but to perform with authenticity, passion, and artistry.
ASHLEY MORTON – TEACHES VOICE & SONG PERFORMANCE Recently: Waitress at John W. Engeman Theater! She is NOT Available Sep 8-Oct 28
“Every singer deserves to feel confident in their voice—I help students trust themselves, break past limits, and find joy in the process.” — Ashley Morton
Ashley Morton
Performer, Voice Coach, and Musical Theatre Specialist
Professional Experience
Ashley Morton is a New York–based performer and voice coach with over eight years of professional experience. She has toured nationally with hit productions including Legally Blonde: The Musical and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and continues to perform at regional theaters across the country. As both a singer and actor, Ashley brings depth, authenticity, and technical skill to every performance, drawing from her extensive background in musical theatre.
Training & Education
Ashley studied with the Institute for Somatic Voicework under renowned vocal pedagogue Jeanie Lovetri, where she developed a strong foundation in healthy, sustainable singing. She continues to expand her practice through ongoing training, integrating principles of voice science, body awareness, and performance psychology. Her approach combines solid vocal technique with storytelling and emotional connection, giving her students the tools to become both skilled vocalists and compelling actors.
Teaching & Coaching
Since joining Voice Academy NYC, Ashley has become a sought-after coach for singers of all levels. Her mission is to make singing joyful, fulfilling, and easy—helping students break through mental barriers, expand their comfort zones, and unlock their full potential.
Ashley’s teaching emphasizes:
Reliable, healthy vocal technique
Song interpretation and acting-through-song
Overcoming performance anxiety and self-doubt
Building confidence and authenticity on stage
Students often praise Ashley for her blend of personal care and technical expertise, noting her ability to explain not only how the voice functions, but also how it serves the story within the music. She inspires singers to challenge themselves, take risks, and grow as both technicians and performers.
SAM WOOLF – TEACHES VOICE, SONG PERFORMANCE, SONGWRITING AND MUSIC PRODUCTION.
“Music is about connection—finding your own voice and sharing it in a way that moves people. My goal as a teacher is to help students build technique, but also the confidence to tell their story through song.” — Sam Woolf
Sam Woolf is a singer-songwriter and performer known for his heartfelt original music, soaring vocals, and natural stage presence. He first gained national attention as a Top 5 finalist on American Idol, where he was praised as “a natural singer whose soul and passion are undeniable in every note he sings.” His performances have since reached millions worldwide, earning him a loyal fan base affectionately known as the “Woolfpack.”
With over a decade of success in the music industry, Sam has built a thriving independent career as a recording artist, songwriter, and live performer. His professionalism, adaptability, and artistry extend beyond performance into songwriting, production, contract negotiations, and creative marketing.
Music & Songwriting
Sam has released a 5-song EP, Pretend, which debuted at #9 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart, as well as a 10-song acoustic album, Acoustic Village (2023). He has also released numerous singles and collaborations with artists such as The Como Brothers, guitarist/producer Orion Meshorer, artist Stephen Puth, and producer Noah Conrad. His work has connected him with renowned musicians and producers, including Aaron Sterling, Andy Burton, and Grammy-winning producer Danny Blume.
Live Performance
Sam has toured extensively across the United States, including a 44-city arena tour following American Idol, where he performed for thousands of fans each night. He has headlined festivals such as the Bradenton, Florida Winterfest—sharing the bill with legendary acts The Doobie Brothers, War, and Jefferson Starship—and has performed at celebrated venues including Webster Hall, Mercury Lounge, Casa Cipriani, and the Hard Rock Hotel.
Training & Education
Sam studied at Berklee College of Music on scholarship (2016–2017) and trained for four years in classical voice under renowned opera singer Robert Lischetti. His experience across multiple genres allows him to help students build strong vocal technique while discovering their unique style. Whether working with beginners or advanced singers, Sam offers personalized lessons designed to meet each student’s goals.
JONNA CHRISTENSEN – TEACHES POP, R&B, SOUL, ORIGINAL MUSIC. Available on Wednesday's only!
“I want my students to discover not only their sound, but also the confidence to share their true selves through music.” — Jonna
Jonna Christensen
Singer, Songwriter, Recording Artist, and Vocal Coach
Professional Experience
Jonna is a Finnish-born singer, songwriter, and recording artist whose career spans more than 20 years. She first rose to fame in 2002 as a member of Finland’s first PopStars group (the reality format that inspired the Idols franchise). Shortly after, she became the first Finnish artist to blend American R&B sounds with Finnish lyrics, opening a new era of Finnish pop music.
As a solo artist signed with Sony Music, Jonna released three albums, earning multiple Finnish Music Award nominations, major radio play, and chart-topping hits. She later crowdfunded, produced, and released her first English-language album Sound Mind (2015), which she toured across Europe before relocating to the U.S.
Her diverse career includes TV hosting (Voice Out!, TV2), performing in musicals (Hair, Grease, Hello Dolly!), voiceover and studio work (including the Finnish theme song for Disney’s Kim Possible), and competitive dance. A three-time Finnish “show dance” champion, Jonna performed with professional dance companies and was a national semifinalist for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 with her song Puppets.
She has performed internationally, including U.S. venues such as Shrine, Pianos, The Bowery Electric, Scandinavia House, Silvana, and The Kaye Playhouse.
Training & Education
Jonna earned her Bachelor’s degree in Pop and Jazz Vocal Performance from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in Helsinki, Finland. She also studied jazz vocals at the Royal College of Music (Kungliga Musikhögskolan) in Stockholm, Sweden. Her extensive background in both voice and dance gives her a unique, multidisciplinary perspective on performance and artistry.
Teaching & Coaching
Since 2018, Jonna has been part of the Voice Academy NYC faculty, where she teaches voice and performance. With over two decades of experience as a professional performer, she helps students strengthen their vocal technique while also developing stage presence, confidence, and artistry.
In addition to voice, Jonna has taught dance (commercial, hip hop, jazz, musical theater, Latin) in schools and studios since she was a teenager, bringing her teaching experience to multiple disciplines of the performing arts.
Jonna believes in nurturing the whole performer—coaching students not just in singing, but also in the art of expression, interpretation, and authentic stage presence. After focusing on raising her young children in recent years, she is excited to begin writing new music and reconnecting with performance in 2025 while continuing to inspire her students at Voice Academy NYC.
AZUDI ONYEJEKWE–Specializes in vocal technique, performance coaching, and song interpretation.”
At Voice Academy NYC, I help students unlock their voices, build confidence, and discover the joy of telling their own stories through music.”
Azudi is a Brooklyn-based actor, singer-songwriter, and educator whose artistry is deeply rooted in his Nigerian heritage and lifelong passion for music.
Professional Experience
Azudi’s career spans Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional theater, and the New York music scene. He has been a proud member of the original Broadway casts of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812 (starring Josh Groban) and Violet (starring Sutton Foster), and has performed in dozens of productions across multiple Tony Award–winning regional theaters nationwide.
As a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Azudi has appeared at some of New York City’s most iconic venues, including 54 Below, Joe’s Pub, Pete’s Candy Store, The Parkside Lounge, The Shrine in Harlem, and Carnegie Hall. He is currently working on his debut EP of original music.
Fun fact: Azudi has performed in more than 300 Off-Broadway shows and over 300 Broadway performances—a true testament to his artistry and dedication.
Teaching & Coaching
Azudi has been part of the Voice Academy NYC faculty since 2018, where he offers lessons both in person (by request) and online. He helps students strengthen their technique, build performance confidence, and connect authentically with their artistry. In addition, he has been a faculty member at Molloy College–CAP21 since 2015, teaching acting and vocal performance.
Training & Education
Azudi is an honors graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he double-majored in Theatre and Africana Studies. He also trained extensively in voice and music theory under renowned vocal coach Dr. Pamelia Phillips.
Beyond Music
The youngest of six children of Nigerian immigrants, Azudi’s upbringing was steeped in infectious melodies, soulful basslines, and African diasporic rhythms that continue to shape his music and storytelling today.
Katarina Nolfe (Founder) – Teaches Pop, R&B, Musical Theater and Singer/ Songwriter style!
"My greatest passion as a coach is helping singers discover their authentic voice and use it with freedom, confidence, and expression—whether on stage, in the studio, or simply for the joy of singing." – Katarina Nolfe
Katarina Nolfe is the Founder of Voice Academy NYC, a Swedish-born singer, songwriter, and vocal coach who has been teaching voice in New York City for more than 15 years. She works with students of all backgrounds and levels—from complete beginners to aspiring professionals—helping each singer unlock their unique voice with confidence, artistry, and joy.
Professional Experience
Before founding Voice Academy NYC in 2006, Katarina built a career as a professional singer and songwriter. She has collaborated in recording studios with producers and musicians including Catalyst (Lady Gaga, Chris Brown) and guitarist Willie Brown Jr. (Alicia Keys). She began performing as a child, trained as a teenager at Kulturama—one of Sweden’s most respected music academies—and later studied vocal technique, song performance, and music theory at The New School University.
She has also studied privately with world-renowned voice teachers Dr. William Riley and Don Lawrence, whose clients include Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and Usher.
On September 27, 2017, Rachel Platten (of Fight Song fame) joined Katarina as a surprise guest vocal coach, where together they coached eight cancer survivors as part of Ford’s Warriors in Pink: More Good Days Tour—an event covered by AMNY.com and CBS News.
Teaching & Mentorship
For more than fifteen years, Katarina Nolfe has been a vocal coach in New York City, working with people from different background – professionals, aspiring performers, complete beginners, and everyone in between. Her students have included kids, teens, professionals architects, lawyers, brain surgeons, ambassadors, social workers, and pilots. Katarina has helped countless students succeed in auditions for prestigious performing arts schools including LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and PPAS (Professional Performing Arts School)—with nearly all of her students being accepted.
She also worked closely with Shannon Gibbons, helping her prepare for her American Idol audition, where Shannon went on to place in the Top 40.
Beyond auditions, Katarina has guided many young singers in songwriting, studio recording, and artist development—helping them write original songs, develop their personal style, and discover their unique artistry. Katarina is also developing a production company as an extension of Voice Academy NYC, where she continues to discover and nurture new talent.”