The Vision for Authentic Vocal Expression (AVE) is to encourage young musicians to grow and develop their vocal skills by connecting with and learning about their unique voices. Our goal is to help students find their own authentic sound and lift them to reach their goals through continuing their education.

About Charlie:

Hello! I’m so glad you are here!

My name is Charlie, and I’ve been teaching voice lessons for the past four years!

I have a Master’s in Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Toledo and a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Performance from Adrian College.

My educational experiences have offered me a unique outlook, and I understand the responsibility that voice teachers have to create a positive impact.

My voice teachers have genuinely changed the trajectory of my life through their mentorship, and their different perspectives on the voice. I want to be able to give back to the music community after all it has done for me and to help to provide a positive experience for student musicians. It is my goal to be able to empower young musicians and help them progress in their vocal studies.

AVE Studio has been a dream of mine now for many years, and I’m so excited to see it come to life! Education is a constant factor of life, and I endeavor to partake in it both as a learner and educator and hope to continue applying my skills and contributing to the local arts community through the power of voice.

—

Charlie Johnson
Owner & Operator

Artist Bio: 

Charlie Johnson is a soprano whose artistry bridges classical and commercial music, recently recognized with First Place in the Advanced Commercial Music category for the Great Lakes Region in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Competition.

She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Toledo and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Adrian College. As a passionate educator, Charlie strives to help students find their authentic voice through healthy vocal technique and body awareness. While at the University of Toledo, she served as a graduate assistant, teaching private lessons and supporting vocal area classes to help students pursue their goals in music.

Charlie’s performance credits include both international and collegiate productions. In 2019, she studied and performed at the Brancaleoni International Music Festival in Piobbico, Italy, where she appeared as Suor Dolcina in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Other notable roles include Belinda in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and a featured soloist performance in Ariel Ramírez’s Misa Criolla with the University of Toledo Chamber Singers. She also returned to Adrian College as an alumna soloist for the Lessons and Carols concert, performing Max Reger’s Maria Wiegenlied with the college orchestra.

A strong advocate for representation in music, Charlie was awarded the Adrian College Undergraduate Research Grant for her project on the visibility of female composers in art song. Her research, which surveyed performers internationally, aims to promote broader inclusion of women composers in vocal repertoire. She was also named Outstanding Senior in Voice Performance at Adrian College and placed second in the Barbara Rondelli Perry Competition at the University of Toledo.

In the commercial music sphere, Charlie teaches young singer-songwriters, records original music, and performs at events and venues throughout Michigan. She currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Jackson College and Adrian College, where she teaches Music Production, Music History, and Applied Voice.

For more information about Charlie or to book her for your event please click here.