Find a Singing Teacher in Chicago

Transform Your Voice. ​Step into the Spotlight. Do you dream that you could speak or sing with confidence and passion? Maybe you're tired of struggling with your voice. Maybe your throat closes and your knees shake. Maybe past lessons didn’t deliver the breakthrough you hoped for. That ends here. Your voice was never meant to be hidden. It was meant to soar. Whether you’re ➢ singing for an open mic ➢ recording in a studio ➢ auditioning for something big ➢ performing on stage — your voice is the key. My mission is to lift unheard voices and help them to SOAR! From absolute beginners to pro singers, SAG-AFTRA actors, contest competitors, and scholarship winners. ABOUT Hi, I’m Karen Lyu (she/her) — a queer, Korean-American Holistic Voice Coach, award-winning jazz singer/songwriter/actor, keynote speaker, and integrated mindset coach who helps creative neurodivergent kids and adults learn to speak, sing, act, and live with confidence, clarity, and joy. Since 1997, I’ve taught over 1,000 students from 17 countries — especially those who’ve been silenced, bullied, or afraid to speak up. Clients call me “Karey Poppins” because I blend science, compassion, and a little magic to help people finally love how they sound. My tools include trauma-informed technique, vocal science, mindset coaching, and creative play. I’ve worked with students in schools, churches, theaters, music festivals, and everywhere in between. * Education: BSS Jazz Studies, Vocal Performance - Cornell College * Certified: IMIA, CCHI, TNAOC, AVP, TESOL, EMF, LMA, SMA, LMAFT, The New Science of Singing, and Expert Coaching * Author of Singing in Tune: Solutions for 25 Pitch Problems (5-star rated) A creative explorer at heart, I have donned many hats, including—Facilitator of the Female Musician Academy Songwriters Group, Executive Director of West Bank School of Music, Hmong Idol USA judge, Steppingstone Theatre Teaching Artist, and ESL teacher. As a neurodivergent mental health advocate, I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where your voice can heal and shine. I’ve lived and worked across the U.S. and South Korea — and now teach globally online. ​ Let’s connect if you're ready to sound like the strongest, most free version of yourself. ​KAREN'S HOLISTIC VOICE COACH METHOD ​includes: ​ * Solutions for 25 Pitch Problems ~ sing on pitch with methods that work best for you * Mind/Body/Spirit Connection ~ focus your mind/body/spirit to express your songs powerfully * Special Yoga Exercises ~ improve your breath, power, stamina, and range in minutes * A Personal Voice Lesson Tracker ~ keep track of your notes, practicing, and vocal health * Unlimited Lyrics Worksheet Documents ~ learn your songs faster and better * 40 Essentials That Pro Singers Ought to Know ~ learn to work with pro musicians at pro venues * An Ultimate Song List Spreadsheet ~ keep track of your songs and impress booking agents * Chekhov Acting Technique ~ embody emotions using gestures and imagination, instead of memories * New Choice Improv Acting Chart ~ learn to make quick, effective choices in acting/improv * Custom Songwriting Prompts ~ inspiring custom image, word, and theme prompts Karen's Integrated Mindset Coaching As someone who went from a shy, bullied wallflower to an award-winning jazz diva, I help creative neurodivergent women stuck in overwhelm find courage, clarity, and joyful action so they can build lives and work they truly love. Using a blend of expert coaching, somatic work, psychology, holistic well-being, and trauma‑informed support, we gently untangle the patterns that keep you stuck, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect you with your creative voice. The result is more emotional steadiness, clearer direction, and the courage to make art and life choices that actually feel like you again. This is a growth-focused coaching space designed for forward movement and empowered action, and while it can be deeply transformative, it is not therapy or a substitute for mental health care. LIFE COACHING TESTIMONIALS ”I have been working with Karen Lyu as my life coach. Her approach is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Karen gently guides you through thought-provoking questions. She skillfully guides you to look from a different perspective. Mentally and emotionally. In the past, I just survived. On autopilot. Not really living. Relationships were challenging. I was depressed. After working with Karen, I feel that I can face difficulties. I feel a competence, an ability to handle life and be involved in it. In the past, I lived in survival mode. Doing just enough. Not really engaging much. Reacting to everything and nothing. A living stress ball. Now I am more present in my life. I am actively engaged taking care of my body and my emotions. I have a different perspective. I take responsibility for my actions. I have a change of perspective. I make different choices today because Karen has helped me to see and understand that today I have choices. I am calmer and more peaceful. I catch the negative thoughts, situations, and interactions and make the choice for what is best for me. I am more in touch with who I am. My creativity has returned. I am singing. I have new ideas. I want to try new things. I thank you, Karen, for your guidance. I am finally living my life instead of surviving it.” ~ Sybil Joy Lee “I met Karen through an event that we were both taking. I have never consulted with a life coach before, and she has such a calm presence that she set me at ease immediately. I am a mom, professor, and not for profit leader who is passionate about helping others and making a positive difference in the world. And I feel so strongly about helping others and I am so energetic, that I also have a history of pushing myself very hard, sometimes too hard, and often not making time for myself to rest enough. Karen took me through her visioning exercises using “The Expert Coaching Belief Breaking framework” it helped me reframe my habits to visualize how I could make more time for myself and to empower me to set appropriate boundaries. Karen also shared the “Formula for Setting a Boundary” which helped me to more easily communicate my personal boundaries with those who are closest to me so that they would help support for my new habits. Karen’s coaching style is joyful! She even sang to me at times, and this is a real treat because she is a professional singer. It was such a pleasure working with her as my coach. Having someone who “gets you” and helps you with doing something important to your personal well-being is very empowering and has improved my quality of life. I often reflect on her advice and methodologies to pause and center myself to ensure that I am considering my own wellbeing. I recommend Karen very highly!!” ~ Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed aka ”Jac Tranquil Anne”