Voice · Piano

Kristy S.

Musical theater performer and founding member of the Philadelphia Opera Collective who keeps lessons judgment-free and confidence-building.

Teaches at Collingswood, Merchantville and Haddonfield
In studio or online

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“If you stick with it, you will get better and better!”

About Kristy

My name is Kristy Joe, but you can call me KJ! I love teaching voice and piano to students of all ages. I have my bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from Rowan University, where I studied theater and musical theater. I was a founding member of the Philadelphia Opera Collective, and I’ve performed professionally in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area for many years. My main art form is musical theater, but I love all types of artists and music.

My favorite thing about teaching is that I can cultivate a safe space for us to explore our instrument. There is no judgment in my room, and I try to use my students’ interests to guide us toward learning new things! I love to build confidence with my techniques and build up the support we need to sing or play in the best way possible. It is so cool to watch my students grow and believe in themselves more with each lesson!

What Kristy teaches

Voice
Piano

Lessons in studio at Collingswood or online.

Also plays ukulele and guitar.

Get to know Kristy

How I got started

I started taking more formal lessons in 6th grade, but I had always been singing Celine Dion for fun! I grew up on Motown and funk and fell in love with how playful music could be. I love that so much of the human experience is told through music. I was drawn to lessons because I wanted to learn how to sing so I could do theater!

What I love to play

Musical theater! I love to tell stories, and I think the way our emotions can be written into music is fascinating. There isn’t a style I don’t like, but I’m very partial to my musicals!

My advice for beginners

You can gain skills! It’s easy to count ourselves out of things that don’t come easily at first, but I always encourage my students that if you stick with it, you will get better and better. You can learn to sing, you can learn to play an instrument, you can train your ear. You can do it, and we would love to help you!

A favorite teaching moment

When my students can recognize the growth they’ve made through their hard work! I love creating a place to grow and get better without being so hard on ourselves along the way. It’s really special to me.

An obstacle I overcame

The nervousness of singing soprano. For a long time my voice teacher believed in me, but I got so stressed whenever I went to sing a high note. Over time I gained confidence and learned to relax into my high notes.

What’s next for me

I want to keep advancing my voice and piano skills. With my voice, I would love to be able to belt. On piano, I’d love to keep improving and play some easy Billy Joel songs (I think he’s so great!). And the instrument I’d love to learn next is the mandolin!