Kristen M. Murdaugh

Style: Pop; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Rock; Classical; Musical Theatre

Title: Voice Teacher | Singer | Researcher

Bio:

My primary goal as a voice instructor is to help students discover and develop their most authentic, individual voices. I firmly believe that through intensive technical work rooted in traditional and scientific vocal pedagogy and aligning with the students unique goals, students can develop well-coordinated, sustainable, efficient, and effective singing voices.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, with online lessons available globally, my voice studio is open to students of all voice types, ages, and skill levels. My studio is a student-centered, identity-affirming, and judgement-free zone, open to trial and error and the beauty of imperfection. I aim to help students breakout of prescribed expectations and discover their individual goals, ensuring that they always have a seat at the table in the co-creation of their vocal training journey. Through vocal technique relevant to a student’s style preferences, exploration of the entire voice, and diligent practice, students not only find their individual, one-of-a-kind voices, but also have the tools to explore a variety of vocal avenues if they so choose.

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Kristen Murdaugh (she/they), mezzo-soprano, is a voice pedagogue, voice scientist, singer, and activist. An evidence-based, identity-affirming, student-centered voice teacher, she believes in helping her students find their most authentic voices through the intersection of cutting-edge voice science and tried-and-true voice pedagogy. Kristen’s notable publications and presentations include: Correlating Perceptual and Spectral Aspects of Chiaroscuro in Singing; In-Person or Virtual: Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on the Teaching Habits of Voice Pedagogues; That’s What He Said: Gender Bias in the Fundamental Models of Sound Perception; and in 2017, she presented a TEDx Talk titled, Talking about Talking: The Science of the Voice. Kristen has a particular research interest in the intersectionality of gender studies and voice science, and through her work, she hopes to foster a more equitable, transparent, and diverse world of singing. With a passion for contemporary repertoire, her notable solo performances include the role of Estelle in Musto’s opera Later the Same Evening, and the contralto solos in the world premiere of LaRosa’s oratorio Joshua. Kristen’s affinity for musical collaboration has led her to performances in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Washington National Cathedral, and Duke Chapel, and she is particularly honored to be a founding member of the service-oriented vocal ensemble Servire.

Kristen is a doctoral researcher and PhD candidate in voice science at the University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Austria. She holds a Master of Music degree in vocal pedagogy from the New England Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance and German studies from Furman University. She is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA), and Voice Foundation, and serves on the NATS Boston Board as Vice President where she continues to advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in the field of singing. Through her work with Servire, community organizations, and her own research and teaching, she aims to facilitate constructive dialogue and work alongside her community to foster social change. Outside of music, Kristen enjoys spending time with those she loves, listening to copious amounts of podcasts, drinking coffee, and playing with her cat Rascal.

Voice Type: Mezzo-soprano

Music Styles Taught: Pop; Opera; Jazz; Folk; Rock; Classical; Musical Theatre

Availability: I am available as a performer; I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter; I offer lessons in a group environment

Contact Information