Welcome to

LYDIAN STUDIO

by Holly Thornton

Interested in taking lessons? Contact me

  • Description: Lessons are typically split between warm ups/ technical exercises and repertoire. Styles taught: Musical Theater, Pop, Rock, RNB, Singer Songwriter. The majority of my students are adults interested in learning contemporary styles, but I cross-train my singers in various music genres. Great care and attention is given to mental health in the studio. Students’ growth in confidence as singers and people is encouraged. Laughter in the studio is welcomed to keep singing heartfelt, playful, and joyful!

    Location: Lessons are either in-person or virtual

    Length: Voice lessons offered are 30, 45, and 60 minutes long. Weekly lessons are most common but I allow drop-ins and schedule as you go.

    Availability: Voice lessons are available to new and experienced singers age 9+

    Visit the FAQ page to learn more about scheduling, studio policies, and first lesson preparation!

  • Description: Lessons are typically split between technical exercises, scales/chords/arpeggios, and repertoire. Styles taught: Western Classical, Musical Theater, Singer Songwriter, Pop, Rock, and Jazz. I also help students learn to accompany themselves while singing. Great care and attention is given to mental health in the studio. Students’ growth in confidence as players and people is encouraged. Laughter in the studio is welcomed to keep playing heartfelt, playful, and joyful!

    Location: Lessons are either in-person or virtual

    Length: Piano lessons offered are 30, 45, and 60 minutes long. Weekly lessons are most common but I do allow drop-ins and schedule as you go.

    Availability: Piano lessons are available to new and experienced students age 9+

    Visit the FAQ page to learn more about scheduling, studio policies, and first lesson preparation!

  • Description: I have been helping and preparing musicians for performance for close to twenty years. I have worked with singers prepping for TV voice competitions, dancers, rock musicians, models, and musical theater actors.

    With permission I record video of our rehearsals so performers walk away with something tangible to help their at home practice tasks. I help with stage presence, announcing, fricatives, dynamics, musicality, emoting authentic passion, and overall polishing. Great care and attention is given to mental health in auditioning and performing. Students’ growth in confidence as singers and people is encouraged. Laughter in the studio is welcomed to keep performing heartfelt, playful, and joyful!

    Location: Lessons are either in-person or virtual

    Length: Lessons offered are 30, 45, and 60 minutes long. Weekly lessons are most common but I allow drop-ins and schedule as you go

    Availability: Lessons are available to new and experienced performers age 9+

    Visit the FAQ page to learn more about scheduling, studio policies, and first lesson preparation!

  • Description: I have been teaching music theory for almost 20 years. I integrate basic principals of music theory (scales, chords, inversions, cadences) along with sight reading, rhythm language, ear-training, and conducting. I also can help with structural form and analysis and song writing. Great care and attention is given to mental health in the studio. Students’ growth in confidence as musicians and people is encouraged. Laughter in the studio is welcomed to keep playing heartfelt, playful, and joyful!

    Location: Lessons are either in-person or virtual

    Length: Lessons offered are 30, 45, and 60 minutes long. Weekly lessons are most common but I allow drop-ins and schedule as you go

    Availability: Theory lessons are available to new and experienced singers age 9+

    Visit the FAQ page to learn more about scheduling, studio policies, and first lesson preparation!

  • Description: I have worked with actors, court attorneys, musicians, sales associates, therapists and ESL students helping to develop and reach full command of their unique voices. I teach a step-by-step approach focusing on alignment, breathing, forward focus, and intonation. I also help students to understand vocal control and how it relates to diction, enunciation, and plosives. We will explore the voice from the inside out with journal prompts about your voice and the voice as metaphor.

    With permission I record video of our rehearsals so performers walk away with something tangible to help their at home practice tasks. I help with stage presence, announcing, fricatives, emoting authentic passion, and mic technic. Great care and attention is given to mental health in the studio. Students’ growth in confidence as singers and people is encouraged. Laughter in the studio is welcomed to keep performing heartfelt, playful, and joyful!

    Location: Lessons are either in-person or virtual

    Length: Lessons offered are 30, 45, and 60 minutes long. Weekly lessons are most common but I allow drop-ins and schedule as you go

    Availability: Lessons are available to new and experienced students age 9+

    Visit the FAQ page to learn more about scheduling, studio policies, and first lesson preparation!

Interested in taking lessons?

I currently have spots available for voice and piano lessons and would love to work with you!

  • Julia R.

    May 31st, 2024

    “If you are looking to develop your vocal or music skills in a loving, supportive, knowledgeable, and super fun atmosphere — look no further than Holly. Wherever you are starting, she will work with you to grow not only your sound, but truly your musicianship and artistry. You will learn more about the science of your voice, the fundamentals of musictheory, and also be able to just embrace the joy of music. Lessons with Holly are a blast, and you will absolutely become a better singer and artist under her guidance.”

  • Dylan F.

    May 29th, 2024

    “I decided to take the leap to learn piano as an adult student. Holly has been amazing since day 1! I’ve been able to play classical, jazz, pop, and even country. She is always receptive to letting me play what I want to play, but is there to also provide grade-appropriate pieces that I would never be able to find on my own. Additionally, I know more about actual musictheory now than I ever thought I would, which helps immensely in learning piano. Recently, I started mixing in singing lessons with piano, which Holly was very happy to help with!”

  • Duncan D.

    May 30th, 2024

    “Singing is something I always enjoyed doing but never had made the space to explore more seriously. Before starting lessonsI thought that performing for a crowd was out of the question for me, but Holly has helped me gain so much confidence in myself! She is also extremely knowledgeable about music and the vocal anatomy involved in singing. Attending my lessonwith Holly is always a big highlight of every week!”

  • Luis D.

    Jun 2, 2024

    “Holly is one of the most influential music educators in the Seattle scene. During our lessons I learned more than just singing - I learned artistry, musicality and practical skills to perform in front of an audience. I would highly recommend taking lessonswith Holly based on my experience because I grew as an artist.”

  • Charlotte L.

    Jun 3, 2024

    “I have loved studying under Holly! I took a break from singing for 8 years and decided to get back into it. My weekly lesson is now one of my favorite parts of my week and my voice has improved so much this year!”

  • Jack S.

    May 31, 2024

    “I have taken lessons with Holly for almost 10 years now. She has adapted to my learning style and enabled me to embark on an adult journey of learning piano. I am still her student, and I still look forward to my weekly lessons! She has built a super cool and supportive community of musicians as well.”

  • Bhavya P.

    May 30, 2024

    “I've been taking piano lessons with Holly for over two years now. She is patient, kind, and incredibly supportive. She also has great insticts for musical performance, which I've found to be a highly beneficial skill to learn. I would recommend her lessons to anyone looking to get started on their musical journey!”

  • Osvaldo O.

    May 29, 2024

    “Holly is just the best!! She is super knowledgeable about music as a whole and has helped me grow as a singer for years now. She also introduced me to playing piano and reading music which is something that I really value! I highly recommend her!”

  • Pablo G.

    May 29, 2024

    “Holly is the best. I was so insecure with my voice and she helped me to not only be comfortable with it, even to like it and enjoy singing. Now days I feel so confident to sing in front of crowds. Her lessons are so fulfilling in every sense. Consider her as ur best option.”

  • Raul L.

    May 30, 2024

    “I have been attending vocal lessons with Holly for the past year, and she has proven to be an exceptional instructor. Her guidance has significantly boosted my confidence in my singingabilities. Holly consistently provides detailed, constructive feedback, along with a clear action plan for improvement, which has been instrumental in enhancing my vocal performance.”

  • Rebecca

    August 16th, 2023

    “Holly is outstanding! She is very knowledgeable in the vocal instrument and provided excellent exercises and feedback on my vocal technique. I have classical training and was nervous to make the switch to Broadway, but she made it click for me! I am already looking forward to my next session :) “

  • Chelsea B.

    Jan 31st, 2024

    “Very knowledgeable and supportive. I’m happy to have found a teacher so helpful! Always a great lesson!”

  • Myriam L.

    Jan 27th, 2023

    “Great singing teacher! Knowledgeable, competent, and professional. Go for it!”

  • Michael P.

    Dec 1, 2021

    “Holly is the best! I came to her in 2020 as an absolute novice after hearing about her through a friend. I had no idea where to start and Holly was such a great instructor for a total beginner like me. She is smart and encouraging and always has great direction for me to improve my ability. She’s really helped me find my own singing voice and inspires me to continue even when my lessons with her have to end. I’ve learned so much from her. Even outside of music instruction, Holly is a great person and a joy to be around!! Looking back at how I’ve improved over the last year and a half, I know I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Holly.”

  • Jennifer

    Mar 6th, 2021

    “Very happy with my lessons. She is an excellent teacher.”

  • Tarani D.

    Nov 3rd, 2020

    “Excellent first lesson. Holly makes piano and voice feel less intimidating. I feel confident and excited for more.”

  • Pauline

    April 10, 2019

    “Holly is a wonderful vocal teacher. I already noticed improvements after 2 lessons.”

  • Tatiana D.

    Mar 21, 2019

    “Holly is very technical and an amazing teacher! She makes me very comfortable to sing and is helping me a lot with my voice!”

  • Elizabeth H.

    April 6, 2018

    “Holly is super sweet and very willing to help any student that wants to learn!”

  • Evan

    Dec 20, 2017

    “It’s been an great experience!”

  • Tony E.

    Sep 14th, 2016

    “Great teacher. She was very patient with me and answered all my questions. Also she knows the subject very well and appeared ready to help me out because I am brand new.”

  • Howard S.

    Sep 12, 2016

    “Great result on day 1 with technique to improve the quality of my speaking voice.”

  • Alexander E.

    Aug 16, 2016

    “She helped me after one lesson, teaching me the Alexander Technique. I can’t wait to take more lessons later.”

  • Paul C.

    Sept 10, 2015

    “Holly turns the frustrations of learning the piano into fun. I highly recommend her as a teacher. Her instruction has greatly enhanced my enjoyment of trying to learn to play the piano as an adult. She is active in instruction, giving an excellent demonstration of the material and sometimes singing along. When she is enjoying herself teaching, I can’t help but enjoy learning. She ensures that whatever is being learned is mastered before proceeding. She gives clear directions as to what I should practice next, and even loaned out a book she thought I might enjoy, I did.”

  • Raymond S.

    Feb 27, 2023

    “Only one lesson so far but off to a great start. Like her approach. Felt comfortable.”

  • Brent O.

    Feb 17, 2023

    “Amazing, knowledgeable, patient, and fun. I can’t wait for the next lesson.”

  • Mandy S.

    Apr 16, 2015

    “We love Holly’s enthusiasm and skill as a teacher.”

  • Xing G.

    Dec 7, 2014

    “As a student, I take vocal and piano lessons from Holly. I look forward to our lessons each week and I love the kind of flexibility she gives me. I often find myself motivated by her lessons to practice on my own. She has introduced a lot of new music to me this year — some genres which I did’t think I liked.”

  • Ly T.

    Mar 19, 2013

    “Best instructor ever, indeed! My daughter takes lessons from Holly. My daughter who cried when I would sing to her as an infant, who begged me to stop singing when she was in elementary. My daughter who would not participate in annual caroling, who early on in her academic instructions learned to mouth “watermelon” to give the impression she sings along. Now in high school, she takes lessons from Holly. My daughter enthusiastically belts out the words to songs! Holly is helping her to find her voice- musically, and in life. My daughter will now let me sing! THANKS HOLLY!”