Chelsea Tierney – Voice & Piano Teacher

Chelsea Tierney 2023
Voice & Piano

Chelsea Tierney

She/Her/Hers

B.A Music, University of Tampa

Classical, Pop

My name is Chelsea and I’m a coloratura soprano. I’m 29 and have sung my entire life. I studied music performance with a focus on classical voice in college and received a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2015 at the University of Tampa. I worked professionally in a church choir in Tampa from 2015-2020 (ended due to the pandemic) and for a few years before as a volunteer. I also worked professionally as an ensemble member for St. Petersburg Opera in St. Petersburg, Florida for their 2015-2016 season and their 2016-2017 season. After my professional work ended I began to work towards becoming a voice actor. Since 2020 I’ve had a few jobs and continue to pursue that passion. Due to the unreliable income that starting out in voice acting brings I needed to find another avenue for income. When I moved back to Philly last summer, several members of my family asked me to teach them piano and/or voice. After those first lessons I found I had another passion. Teaching music brings me so much joy knowing that I can share my love of the art with another. In my lessons, I hope to help you find the joy in music that I have found.

When did you begin singing, and why?

I’ve been singing since I could talk. Sining has always been a part of my life. When I was 8 I began lessons and continued through all my schooling. Singing has always brought me immense joy and it’s my passion for music that drives me to teach music to others. 

What other instruments do you play, and what is your experience with them?
Like most musicians I play a variety of instruments including voice, piano, acoustic and classical guitar and ukulele. I have the most experience with voice. The second instrument I am skilled at is piano, having taken lessons through all of grade school and have continued to play at an intermediate level since. I am a beginner with the acoustic and classical guitar and ukulele.
What are your personal goals as a musician?

My goals as a musician are to never stop learning and practicing my skills and a dream of mine is to perform an aria with a professional orchestra.

Do you have a memory of a time when a musical concept or technique really clicked?  Something you’ll remember forever?
During a voice lesson, my teacher was explaining to me a new way of thinking about something I’ve always known how to do, but couldn’t do on command. When it finally clicked and I correctly sang the section we were focusing on my heart exploded with emotion. I even teared up. It was then that I knew I would never stop singing. 
What is your favorite piece of advice from one of your past (or current) teachers?

Don’t be afraid to be over-the-top.

What was your most challenging moment learning an instrument

My most challenging moment learning an instrument was first learning how to sing a long vocal run.

What is your biggest musical achievement?

I always dreamed of performing with a live orchestra and in my senior year of college I won a vocal contest and was able to perform my favorite German aria with the university orchestra.

Favorite thing about teaching?

My favorite thing about teaching is watching someone who has struggled with understanding/performing something finally able to understand/perform it.

What is a piece of advice you would like to share with anyone learning music?

Don’t give up on yourself. Keep going even after you’ve reached your goal.

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Philly Music Lessons specializes in connecting students of all ages and skill levels with great teachers in the Philadelphia and Main Line areas.