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’re here.

My name is Charlie, and I am a vocal coach, performer, and educator with a deep passion for helping singers find confidence, freedom, and authenticity in their voice.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Toledo and a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Adrian College. Alongside my training, I maintain an active performance career that continues to shape and inform my teaching, from musical theatre and classical repertoire to contemporary styles and crossover work.

I founded Authentic Vocal Expression three years ago with the goal of creating a supportive, modern, and artist-centered studio where singers of all ages feel seen, challenged, and empowered. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of students, especially young artists developing their craft, audition skills, and artistic identity.

My approach to teaching is rooted in both technical excellence and personal expression. I believe vocal training should not only build strong, healthy technique but also nurture individuality, creativity, and confidence. Every singer brings something unique, and my role is to help uncover and strengthen that voice.

Authentic Vocal Expression is more than a studio to me. It is an evolving space for growth, artistry, and lifelong learning. I am grateful to continue building this community and to support singers as they step into their full potential both on and off the stage.

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.