Best vocal coaches in Nashville: Top 1-on-1 singing tutors, costs & how to choose

Nashville isn’t just the heart of country music, it’s a city that breathes melody. From the Grand Ole Opry and Broadway’s honky-tonks to Belmont University’s renowned music program, this city is packed with opportunities for vocalists to shine.

Whether you’re a beginner trying to hit your first clean note, or a gigging artist prepping for auditions and studio sessions, 1-on-1 vocal coaching in Nashville can help you level up fast and with confidence. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best vocal coaches in Nashville, real student transformations, and how to get started.

Why work with a singing tutor in Nashville?

Some of the most iconic voices like Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, and Kelsea Ballerini found their sound right here in Music City, shaped by years of performance and dedicated vocal coaching.

Whether you dream of stepping onto the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, recording your first demo on Music Row, or just singing with confidence at The Bluebird Cafe’s open mic night, personalized voice lessons in Nashville can give you the tools and confidence to make it happen.

Here’s what 1-on-1 coaching can unlock for you:

• Customized vocal warm-ups and technique drills tailored to the unique demands of country, folk, gospel, or contemporary pop, all genres that echo through Nashville’s most beloved venues like Exit/In and 3rd & Lindsley.
• Real-time feedback on pitch, breathwork, and tone, especially important if you’re preparing for Nashville’s many talent showcases like Nashville Rising Song or songwriting rounds at Commodore Grille.
• Confidence-building in a supportive space, so you’re not just hitting notes, you’re telling your story on stage with authenticity and power, whether at a church gig, a songwriter’s round, or even a “writer’s night” at The Listening Room Café.
• Flexible learning to fit your lifestyle, ideal for students, touring musicians, or artists juggling side gigs and studio time.

Note: In Nashville, singing isn’t just a skill, it’s your voice in a city that listens. Working with the right coach can help you cut through the noise and shine.

How to choose the right singing tutor in Nashville

With hundreds of voice teachers and vocal coaches in and around Nashville, how do you find the right one for your goals?

Start by asking:

• Genre fit: Nashville is known for its country roots, but it’s also home to indie-folk, Americana, gospel, and even rock scenes. Whether you want to sound like Maren Morris or channel Johnny Cash, you’ll want a coach who specializes in your preferred genre and performance style.
• Format: Some singers prefer in-person lessons at local studios in East Nashville or near Belmont, while others thrive with online flexibility especially useful between rehearsals or if you’re commuting from Franklin or Murfreesboro. Many tutors offer a hybrid approach, so you don’t have to choose one forever.
• Flexibility: Look for coaches who offer trial lessons, easy rescheduling, and the freedom to pivot if your goals change like moving from open mics to studio recordings or preparing for auditions like American Idol or Nashville Star.

Pro tip: All Wiingy tutors are expert-vetted, genre-diverse, and committed to your progress. With free trial lessons and no commitment, you can explore what works best for your voice and your Nashville journey.

Top-rated singing tutors in Nashville

Finding the right coach is about more than just skill, it’s about finding someone who understands your voice, your goals, and your learning style. 

Whether you’re starting from scratch or preparing for the big stage, here are some of the best 1-on-1 singing tutors in Nashville who offer personalized support and expert instruction.

1. Calypso Norwood – Personalized singing instruction with a focus on music theory and vocal training

• Specialties: Music theory, music production & recording, scales and modes, music performance techniques, harmony & counterpoint, sight singing, ear training
• Qualifications and experience: Bachelor’s degree in Music; over 4 years of teaching experience
• Ideal for: Students of all levels seeking customized vocal lessons that integrate music theory and performance skills

What makes Calypso stand out?

Calypso creates a supportive learning environment that emphasizes relaxation techniques and breath control to build vocal confidence. She utilizes digital tools such as DAWs, ear training software, and vocal pitch training apps to enhance the learning experience. 

Her curriculum is adaptable to various educational standards, including A-Levels, AP, and IB, ensuring structured guidance for over 200 students across different age groups, skill levels and genres like classical, pop, jazz, rock, movie, folk, and country.

Students describe her as engaging, encouraging, and adept at making each lesson enjoyable and productive.

2. Carrington Johnson – Comprehensive singing lessons with an emphasis on music theory from Princeton

• Specialties: Music history, sight singing, music theory, ear training, melody & pitch
• Qualifications and experience: Bachelor’s degree; over 3 years of teaching experience
• Ideal for: Students at all levels aiming to explore various singing styles with a strong theoretical foundation

What makes Carrington stand out?

Carrington offers personalized lessons that focus on building confidence, mastering breathing techniques, and enhancing musicality in genres like classical, pop, jazz, movie, blues, and folk. 

He incorporates technology such as DAWs, ear training software, and vocal pitch training apps to create interactive sessions. His curriculum aligns with educational standards like A-Levels, AP, and IB, providing comprehensive learning tailored to individual needs.

Students describe him as patient, insightful, and effective in helping them achieve their vocal goals.

3. Martina Galli – Specialized singing instruction with a focus on music theory and performance techniques

• Specialties: Music theory, harmony and chords, melody & pitch, ear training, improvisation & composition
• Qualifications and experience: Diploma in Music Composition; over 10 years of teaching experience
• Ideal for: Students seeking a holistic approach to vocal training that combines technical skills with creative expression

What makes Martina stand out?

Martina provides personalized lessons that emphasize performance-focused, engaging, and technique-driven instruction in classical, pop, jazz, rock, blues, metal, folk, and country singing.

She leverages technology such as DAWs, digital sheet music databases, ear training software, and vocal pitch training apps to enhance the online learning experience. 

Her methodology integrates elements of various curricula, including A-Levels, AP, and IB, ensuring a comprehensive educational approach. Students describe her as dedicated, inspiring, and instrumental in boosting their musical confidence.

4. Oluwatosin Adigun – University-level vocal training with a comprehensive music theory curriculum

• Specialties: Harmony & counterpoint, scales and modes, rhythm & beat, music theory, ear training and imporvisation
• Qualifications and experience: Bachelor’s degree; over 6 years of teaching experience; specializes in pop, rock, blues, and folk singing
• Ideal for: Students of all levels looking for structured vocal training that fosters confidence and musical growth

What makes Oluwatosin stand out?

Oluwatosin offers a harmonious and expressive teaching style that caters to students of all levels. He utilizes a range of tech tools like DAWs, ear training software, and vocal pitch training apps to create an engaging and interactive learning environment. 

His curriculum includes various educational standards such as A-Levels, AP, and IB, ensuring a comprehensive learning journey aligned with individual goals. Students describe him as supportive, motivating, and effective in helping them unlock their vocal potential.

5. Stephen Contreras – Singing lessons with a focus on music theory and vocal training from the University of Northern Colorado

• Specialties: Ear training, music technology, melody & pitch, harmony & counterpoint, music production & recording
• Qualifications and experience: Bachelor’s degree in Musical Theatre; over 3 years of teaching experience
• Ideal for: Students aiming to build a strong vocal foundation and enhance their performance skills

What makes Stephen stand out?

Stephen prioritizes building a strong vocal foundation through interactive exercises and vocal techniques. 

He incorporates technology such as DAWs, ear training software, and vocal pitch training apps to provide a comprehensive and enriching learning experience in jazz and rock singing. 

His approach focuses on refining aesthetics, storytelling abilities, and incorporating movement to elevate performance quality. Students describe him as innovative, encouraging, and skilled at making complex techniques accessible.

Inside a 1-on-1 singing lesson: 3 real student stories

Want to know what a private vocal lesson actually feels like? These real stories from vocal lessons students at Wiingy show the transformation that can happen when personalized coaching meets consistent practice. 

From breath control to emotional delivery, here’s how three singers found their voice.

1.“Low notes, high confidence” – Oliver

Oliver struggled with clarity and support in his lower vocal register and often hesitated during expressive phrases. 

With Samara’s help, he focused on breath support, posture, and diction, learning how to ground his voice and convey emotion with precision. By the end of their sessions, Oliver could tackle deeper notes with both strength and feeling.

What you’ll learn: Low note control, breath support, emotional delivery, diction clarity

2. “Fast and fearless” – Jessica

Jessica had trouble keeping up with rapid vocal transitions and often lost clarity in the process. 

Victoria guided her through slow, focused practice to build muscle memory and vocal control, helping her sing faster without compromising accuracy. Jessica now feels confident handling fast-paced songs with clean, expressive phrasing.

What you’ll learn: Vocal agility, breathing for speed, vocal confidence, pacing exercises

3. “Breathe better, sing stronger” – Sarah

Recovering from bronchitis, Sarah found herself short of breath and tense during high notes. 

Daniela introduced her to core-based breathing and relaxation exercises, which eased the strain and opened up her tone. With new techniques in place, Sarah began singing with more power, stability, and self-assurance.

What you’ll learn: Diaphragm support, vocal relaxation, tone control, volume confidence

Singing lesson costs in Nashville

Vocal coaching in Nashville can vary widely in price depending on the coach’s experience, lesson format, and your learning goals. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand your options and choose the best fit for your budget and needs.

Option	Price range	Format	Best for
Budget-friendly tutors	$15-$40/hr	Online	Beginners, hobby singers
Mid-level private tutors	$50-$100/hr	Online or in-person	Intermediate students, audition prep
Celebrity/high-end coaches	$120-$200/hr	Studio or in-person	Recording artists, competitive performers

Note: Wiingy offers a free trial, no contracts, and flexible scheduling. Try before you commit!

Online vs in-person singing tutors in Nashville

Both online and in-person lessons have their advantages and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, learning preferences, and performance goals. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you decide which format is right for your voice journey.

Format	Pros	Cons
Online	Convenient, affordable, access to national talent, flexible scheduling	Less real-time adjustment for posture
In-Person	Great for stage coaching, better acoustics, local studio feel	Higher cost, travel time

Note: With Wiingy, you can start online and switch to in-person (or vice versa) anytime.

How to get started with a singing tutor on Wiingy

Ready to take the first step? Getting started with Wiingy is simple and commitment-free. Whether you’re testing the waters or diving into serious vocal work, here’s how to find the perfect tutor and begin your singing journey today.

1. Browse singing tutors based on your goals, genre, and vibe
2. Book a free trial to test the chemistry
3. Start learning with someone who gets your voice, your pace, and your dreams

FAQs

How much does a vocal coach cost in Nashville?

Vocal coaching rates in Nashville typically range from $15 to $200 per hour, depending on experience and format. Budget-friendly tutors ($15-$40/hr) are great for beginners and casual singers, usually offering online lessons. 

Mid-level coaches ($50-$100/hr) cater to intermediate learners or audition prep, with online or in-person options. High-end coaches ($120-$200/hr) work with professionals and offer in-studio training tailored for advanced performance.

Can you vocal coach yourself?

Yes, to an extent, you can train your voice on your own using online videos, books, or apps. Self-coaching can help you build consistency and basic technique, especially in the beginning.

However, working with a professional vocal coach offers distinct benefits:

• Personalized feedback on your tone, breathing, pitch, and posture
• Faster progress with structured guidance
• Support in overcoming bad habits or tension
• Accountability and motivation to stay consistent
• Tailored exercises for your voice, genre, and goals

Think of a vocal coach as your vocal GPS. You can reach your destination solo, but the journey is faster, smoother, and far more effective with a guide.

How do I find a professional vocal coach?

Finding a vocal coach today is easier than ever. You can explore coaches through music schools, local studios, referrals, or online platforms. 

Look for someone whose style, experience, and teaching format match your goals and don’t hesitate to try a few sessions before committing.

With Wiingy, the process is even simpler:

• Browse a diverse selection of expert-vetted singing tutors by genre, skill level, and teaching style
• Book a free trial lesson to test the chemistry before committing
• Learn 1-on-1 with tutors who understand your unique voice and help you grow with personalized feedback

Conclusion

In a city like Nashville, where every corner echoes with melody and every stage holds a story, your voice has a place, it just needs the right guidance to rise. 

Whether you’re preparing for a life-changing audition, recording your first song, or simply rediscovering the joy of singing, the right coach can make all the difference.

Working with a dedicated vocal tutor isn’t just about hitting the right notes, it’s about building confidence, unlocking creativity, and learning to express yourself in ways that feel true and powerful.

So if your voice is ready to grow, vocal coaches at Wiingy are here to help it soar.