I’m honored to have joined the faculty of California State University Los Angeles as a lecturer in the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance during this current Winter Quarter. It’s a privilege to introduce, for the first time in the school’s history, the course “Coaching for Pop and Commercial Singers.”

Cal State LA’s motto is “Vox Veritas Vita” — Latin for “Voice Truth Life.” I can’t think of three more fitting words to live by.

Congratulations to Season 9’s winner, the amazing Jordan Smith, and outstanding runner-up: Emily Ann Roberts.

Emily, working with you and coaching you through the Blind Auditions was a defining moment for you as an artist and I’m honored to have been a part of that for you.  I look forward now to seeing you writing more country/bluegrass music because that is truly You, and who you are.

Bring it! You’ve just run a country mile, and beautifully. How far you go is in your heart, your art and your truly exceptional voice.

Madi Davis, Shelby Brown and Zach Seabaugh.

You made it to the Final 9 of Season 9!

How amazing! Working with all 3 of you through The Blind Auditions was a special time of growth, and watching you reach new levels of openness was inspiring.

Congratulations on coming this far. This is not goodbye. I can’t wait to hear more from all of you.

Well done!

I’ll never forget when Pharrell, after a 4-chair turn at The Blind Auditions, said:
“I would love to have you on my team, but I’m so proud to be a part of this show, because even if you don’t end up on my team, I get to watch this amazing thing happen.”

I couldn’t have said it better, Pharrell.

Coaching Sawyer through Season 8’s Blind Auditions was exciting, and brought me joy. I always looked forward to our sessions, with him and his beautiful mom Kirsten.

Sawyer, your shyness is endearing, your humility inspiring, and your talent exhilarating.

You make me proud.

Congratulations, Hannah Kirby — you made it to the Top 8!

Working with you through the Blind Auditions and those exciting moments backstage before you went on to be the last artist chosen to complete the teams for Season 8 was thrilling. What a ride!

I’m so proud of all you’ve accomplished. This is just another beginning for you. Fly!

You’ve already shown us you can.

Did you know I teach on two different coasts?

My home studio is located in California’s Burbank/North Hollywood area, and I teach quarterly in the Tampa area of Florida.

Feel free to inquire about my availability in either location — sound travels, and so do I.

I’m proud and exhilarated to have coached some truly amazing talent through The Blind Auditions.

So get ready my friends…

Season 8 of The Voice begins Monday, February 23 on NBC.

When Sally Kellerman sings, she tells a story; sometimes hers, sometimes yours, and always with soul and spirit.

I’m grateful to work with this celebrated singer, author and Emmy- and Oscar-nominated actress, who knows that staying teachable is vital to meaningful performance.

Last night, her act at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood shared Sally’s talent, humor and love. What a gift.

I’m grateful that 2014 has been such a rewarding year for my work – with new and continuing students as well as with The Voice, for whom I coach rising talents through their crucial Blind Auditions. This year saw two winners for The Voice, and I’m fortunate to have coached both of them.

In May, Team Usher’s phenomenal Josh Kaufman won Season 6, and this December, Team Blake’s sensational Craig Wayne Boyd won Season 7.

I’m eager to hear and see more of what these two stars do with their talents – just as I love hearing and seeing each and every one of my students grow as an artist. Remember, your voice is unique and no one else’s – so guide it, protect it and share your heart with it.

Happy New Year!

The Voice Season 7 runner-up Matt McAndrew calls himself a “lucid dreamer” and it’s that sort of personal philosophy — along with astounding talent — that continues to take him to new heights of accomplishment. Earlier this month, his original single “Wasted Love” debuted at #14 on Billboard’s Hot 100, making him the highest-charting The Voice recording artist to date. I’m honored to have worked with Matt through his captivating Blind Audition. He’s a true artist with a soul for learning, creating and sharing.