How Do You Know Which Coach Is Right for You?

Every voice is unique, and so is every coaching journey. Whether you want to strengthen your range, master a specific genre, or build confidence in your sound, we’ll help you find the perfect coach to meet your goals.

Meet the Coaches Who Bring Out the Best in You

Our world-class coaches are hand-trained and continually mentored by Tara Simon herself. Tara is deeply involved, providing weekly feedback for students through the coaches and staying hands-on throughout your entire journey. Every lesson is tailored to your unique goals and style.

Nikki Hollins

Celine Larque

Yitz Shmidman

Ellie Atkins

Vocal | Piano | Songwriting

Nikki Hollins

Introduction

Why Coach Nikki?

Powerhouse Vocalist: Incredible range and a bold, soulful voice.

Signature Style: Helps you stylize your voice to make a lasting impact.

Versatile Expertise: Specializes in Broadway, pop, R&B, and soul.

Energetic & Inspiring: Brings passion, power, and spunk to every lesson.

Young Adult & Adult Focus: Tailored coaching for serious vocal growth.

Listen to Coach Nikki

Coach Nikki

Nikita (Coach Nikki) is a singer/songwriter who hails from Detroit, Michigan. After winning several talent shows, vocal competitions, and obtaining titles in college such as “Best Singer” and “Wayne State Idol”, she began recording her EP and worked as a songwriter for major industry artists.

Nikita is currently coaching voice, songwriting and piano at Tara Simon Studios and is also songwriting for Mbakop Films. She will also soon release an educational children’s album where she has taken popular songs and rewritten them with educational lyrics to create a fun, upbeat way to learn elementary facts. Some singles (The Solar System, Counting Money, Parts of a Cell, etc.) are already available on iTunes, with lyric videos on YouTube. Nikita has collaborated with several industry producers, and popular singers from Sony and BMI to make this project a success.

Nikita effortlessly spreads her industry experience, talent, and love of music to each student in each lesson, because she vehemently believes that if you love to sing and you’re willing to put in the work, you can be a wonderful singer. She teaches not only the technical aspects of singing, but encourages artists to discover the passion behind it. Nikita also assists in vocal production during studio sessions for artists and helps with the entire process of getting your original music out of your head and into the speakers. Whatever your reason is for wanting to get better, Coach Nikki will create a clear path for you to achieve your goals.

Coach Nikki is the Head Coach of Tara Simon Studios and has been a TSS coach for over 6 years now. She is the most popular coach at Tara Simon Studios with over 50 students, and also teaches songwriting & acting lessons!

Vocal

Celine Larque

Introduction

Why Coach Celine?

Trilingual: Fluent in French, Spanish, and English.

World-Class Vocalist: Over 12 years of professional jazz performance experience.

Versatile: Specializes in jazz, scatting, soul, pop, Broadway, and contemporary styles.

Encouraging: Kind, compassionate, and fun-loving teaching approach.

Simplifies Learning: Makes challenging techniques easy and enjoyable.

Goal-Focused: Dedicated to helping students achieve real progress.

Listen to Coach Celine

Coach Celine

Celine, a French native living in Spain, boasts over twelve years of professional stage experience as a singer. Her captivating vocals have delighted audiences on international cruise ships and at prestigious hotels, with performances worldwide for MSC, Carnival, Princess, and NCL, as well as at venues in Spain and South Korea. She served as Band Master of the Manhattan Jazz Band aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, where she not only performed but also oversaw fellow musicians and curated the ship’s music program.

Celine's musical journey began at the Jazz School of the “Aretha Franklin” College in Marciac, France. Immersing herself in jazz, she drew inspiration from the renowned Jazz Festival and studied under the mentorship of Wynton Marsalis, the godfather of the school and the well-known festival. Over time, she specialized in vocal coaching and refined her vocal technique through national and international programs, including Berklee Online. In 2022, Celine completed the “Teaching Contemporary Voice” course with Clare McLeod, an associate professor at Berklee's Vocals Department in Boston. Her commitment to vocal excellence led her to pursue a Master's in Vocal Therapy, a collaboration between TECH University and the Universidad Madrileña CEU. She furthered her understanding of the connection between well-being and singing by exploring the Circlesong movement pioneered by Bobby McFerrin, and she has since been extensively trained by Tara Simon with her proprietary coaching methodology.

Celine tailors personalized learning experiences for students of all musical backgrounds. She is passionate about sharing her dedication to music, teaching, improvisation, and vocal health to inspire her students to find their own voice and creativity. Fluent in English, Spanish, and French, she enjoys coaching students all over the world to be empowered with their voice and to sing with confidence.

Vocal

Yitz Shmidman

Introduction

Why Coach Yitz?

Classical & Cultural Expertise: Deep roots in classical music and Hebrew cantillation.

Repertoire Mastery: Knowledgeable in classical, pop, and American standards.

Precision Coaching: Detail-focused, quick problem solver who drives vocal progress.

Studio & Performance Ready: Prepares students for both the stage and studio success.

Bilingual: Fluent in Hebrew and English.

Dry Humor: Adds wit and fun to every lesson.

Listen to Coach Yitz

Coach Yitz

"Sing to Him, make music to Him, and voice of all His wonders." This quote perfectly encapsulates Coach Yitz's passion for music. Originally from Philadelphia, Coach Yitz has been immersed in singing from a young age. Whether performing in front of a crowd, singing solo in a stairwell, or harmonizing with friends, music has always been a central part of his life.

Coach Yitz first joined the Tara Simon Studios family in 2019 as a student, training under three different coaches in Tara’s renowned singing methodology. Since then, he has seamlessly transitioned to the role of vocal coach. His diverse musical journey includes performing at countless venues, creating demos for artists, crafting comedy songs, and continuously finding innovative ways to engage with music.

While Coach Yitz loves live performances, especially at weddings, his true passion lies in the studio. He thrives on layering harmonies, exploring new musical concepts, and deepening his understanding of music. A firm believer in leading by example, Coach Yitz is dedicated to becoming a more knowledgeable and active artist every day. He brings this same dedication to his students, encouraging them to reach their full potential.

As a vocal coach, Coach Yitz aims to help his students unleash the music within their own lives. His enthusiasm, experience, and commitment make him an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their vocal skills and find joy in their musical journey.

Vocal

Ellie Atkins

Introduction

Why Coach Ellie?

Youthful Energy: Brings excitement and positivity to every lesson.

Fun & Engaging: Knows how to bring out the best and make lessons enjoyable.

Master of Riffs & Runs: Expert in advanced vocal techniques.

Specialized Expertise: Focuses on pop, worship leading, Christian contemporary music, and songwriting.

Multi-Instrumentalist: Plays both piano and guitar to enhance lessons.

Great with Kids & Young Adults: Connects easily with younger students to inspire growth and confidence.

Listen to Coach Ellie

Coach Ellie

Elliana, affectionately known as Coach Ellie, is a dynamic vocalist and performer from South Florida. As Tara Simon's personal protégé since the age of ten, Ellie has honed her talents and passion for music under years of Tara's direct mentorship, coaching, and guidance at Tara Simon Studios.

Ellie is now a prominent worship leader at her church, having led worship for the past three years and completed two worship internships. Her love for the stage extends beyond worship, with standout performances in musical theater, including roles in Newsies, Annie (as Lily St. Regis), and most notably, as the lead role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid. Her talent has also been showcased in prestigious settings, such as singing the national anthem at The Breakers in Palm Beach, various sporting events, and charity functions.

Dedicated to using her voice for good, Ellie frequently performs at nursing homes, hospitals, the Kids Cancer Foundation, and local children's programs, bringing joy to people of all ages.
Now a vocal coach at Tara Simon Studios, Ellie is passionate about guiding singers, whether beginners or seasoned performers, in finding confidence in their voice and taking the next step in their musical journey. She thrives on helping vocalists connect with music on a deeper level, continuing the legacy of excellence she developed as Tara Simon's protégé.

Hear the Transformation

See how our simple, results-driven approach has transformed voices.

Angelica Hale covers SKYFALL | Crazy VOCAL TRANSFORMATION

Jeff Lynch covers Love is a beautiful thing | VoiceOn Project

Candance Cameron Bure: My Vocal Makeover

Happy Students

“I’m very happy with what I’ve learned from Tara. She’s not only passionate and dedicated to teaching, but manages to make the learning process fun.”

Amy R.

 

“I’m 2 months in and I don’t regret it at all. I’m starting to learn and master singing without straining my vocal chords.”

Brayden Scott Dukes

I don’t think that Tara will ever understand how much she has changed my life and the confidence she has given me. She believes in me so much and shes helping my career so much. So thankful for Tara Simon Studios. She is my big sis, my pageant coach, my mom on set, my acting coach, and most of all MY VOCAL COACH!

Loren L.

 

“We signed up our daughter because we wanted to give her a good foundation. I’ve noticed the most that she has so much stage presence now and she’s learned so much with her voice.”

Cameron Harrison

 

“I’ve been learning from Tara Studios since I was 3 years old! I love the lessons because I learn so many techniques that make my singing better and I really really love it.”

Ana Morani O'Keefe

We have just started with Tara but we can already tell Tara has a gifted voice and a gift for teaching children. She is patient and really keeps by daughter focused. We highly recommend her!

Allison W.

 

“You never know what you’re capable of until you try. I thought I had control of my voice before coming to Tara Studios but that has really changed for me.”

Olivia Dien

Tara Simon Studios has been great. Tara and I had a lengthy conversation about her services and the needs of my daughter. She has been in lessons for 3 weeks now and is loving it!

Stephanie G.

Ready to Sing Better?

Enroll in private lessons (available worldwide via video call, or in-person at our Atlanta studio) with our team of pro vocal coaches OR learn directly from Tara via our affordable online courses.