Taylor Stilson

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

Bio:

Innovative voice pedagogue, published researcher, and master lecturer, Taylor Stilson (LMT-MA, NASM-CPT, NCBTMB-AP, NACBT-CLC, KORU, MM) (he/him) is the founder of The Stilson Institute, The Stilson Method™, and holds adjunct faculty of voice positions at Harvard University and Boston Conservatory at Berklee. Mr. Stilson was previously seen as assistant professor of musical theater voice at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and an eight year adjunct position of Applied Music in Voice at Brown University. He currently teaches undergraduate and graduate students in musical theater, opera, and vocal pedagogy.

Mr. Stilson has crafted a unique career as a voice instructor and is trailblazing a new paradigm of mind-body voice pedagogy. The Stilson Institute is a first in the world dedicated solely to holistic voice modalities, biomechanics, myofascial release, and acoustic strategies. In 2023, Mr. Stilson is launching the innovative Biomechanics and Bodywork for Singers and Voice Users workshop series. Compromising of Levels 1, 2, and 3, this workshop is a pre-cursor to the launch of the Stilson Method™ teacher training certification program. A summer 2023 in-person Workshop for Bodywork and Biomechanics will launch in Florida. The Stilson Institute at CCM Summer 2022 launched at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, a complete voice, body, and mind experience. Course offerings for The Stilson Institute at CCM include Alexander technique, Bodywork for Breathing, Fitzmaurice Voicework®, Integrative Health Coaching, Myofascial Release of the Jaw and Larynx, Science-Based Mindfulness, Self-Care: Bodywork for Singing, Vocal Combat, Vocal Health, Hygiene, and Laryngological Care, Voice Flexibility Masterclasses, Yoga for Singing, and Zumba®. Mr. Stilson holds certifications in massage therapy (LMT-MA), personal training (CPT-NASM), craniosacral therapy (CE), KORU Mindfulness, National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork Approved Provider (NCBTMB-AP), myofascial release for throat, neck, and swallowing disorders, Ericksonian hypnosis, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) life coaching. As a forever-learner, he has significant experience in Gyrotonics®, Fitzmaurice Voicework®, myofascial release, biomechanics, kinesiology, psychological aspects of singing and performance anxiety, Alexander technique, Reiki, functional movement strategies, Yin and Iyengar yoga, meditation and mindfulness, Neurokinetic Therapy, voice habilitative modalities, and acoustic/psychoacoustics components of speaking and singing. As vocal pedagogue, Taylor has presented lectures and workshops on vocal anatomy, physiology, myofascial release, and specialized voice topics at Harvard University, departments of Dance, Musical Theater, and Alexander Technique at The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, University of Arizona, University of New Mexico, Butler University, University of Kentucky, University of Miami, Brown University, Arizona State University, UARTS, Puerto Rico Conservatory, Willamette University, Portland State University, Rider University, and NATS Boston. His recent essay “Hypnosis as a Supplemental Treatment for and Prevention of Muscle Tension Dysphonia” can be found in the 2021 publication of VASTA (Voice and Speech Training Association), an affiliate of Routledge/Taylor and Francis Group. In addition, a voice pedagogy op-ed entitled “Resiliency in the Era of Covid-19” can be seen in Boston Conservatory’s online winter publication of STAGES.

Taylor Stilson completed his first year of D.M.A. studies in Vocal Pedagogy and Performance at University of Miami in 2018. He received a M.M. in Vocal Pedagogy with Collaborative Piano Studies and a B.M. in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory. He taught for The Boston Conservatory’s Vocal/Choral Intensive from 2007-2011 and in 2020 and The Boston Conservatory's MEIP Voice Program in 2012. Mr. Stilson has completed additional studies in voice, opera, and piano at the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival, Michigan Opera Theatre, New York Opera Studio, Spring Arbor University, and Interlochen Center for the Arts. He has studied voice with Kevin Wilson, Jayne Sleder, Bill Cotten, and Dr. William Christensen, and has coached with Dr. Karl Paulnack, Andrew Altenbach, Michael Strauss, Allison Voth, and Nico Castel. His former and current students have placed finals in the Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions, Classical Singer Convention, NATS, and have been seen in regional and broadway theaters as well as international tours.

As singer, Mr. Stilson has been seen as Valentin (Faust), Prince Igor (Prince Igor), Marcello (La Bohème), Falstaff (The Merry Wives of Windsor), and Ariodate (Serse) at The Boston Conservatory. He has been a featured soloist with The Boston Conservatory Orchestra in Dr. William Cutter's Spring Ritual, Haydn’s Theresienmesse, Hindemith’s Apparebit repentina dies, Lizst’s Via Crucis with the Boston Conservatory Chorale, and with the Orchestra of Trinity Church, Boston in the Messiah and Saint- Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël.

He maintains very active private voice studios in Boston, Orlando, FL, and online.

Voice Type: Baritone

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

Availability: I am currently accepting private students; I am available as a clinician or presenter; I accept students through a college or university program

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