Marilyn Doore was always interested in music and her earliest musical memories include watching Donnie & Marie Osmond and Sonny & Cher on their respective TV variety shows. She knew every jingle on every TV and radio stations and never stopped singing around the house. She says, “I probably sang more than I spoke!” She taught herself basic piano around 7 years old and then began taking guitar lessons in 4 th grade. She remembers attending Saturday evening guitar services at her church with her dad and falling in love with the sound of the vocal harmonies accompanied by guitar.

Her formal vocal training began at the age of 16 when she studied private voice with a professor at her local university. Since then, she’s earned a BA in Music, worked as a singer/dancer at theme parks and resorts, a lead singer in cover bands, a studio vocalist, performed in regional theater in WI, NY and CT and was a member of two professional choirs; The Milwaukee Choral Artists and The Naples Philharmonic Choir. She’s been teaching privately for over two decades.

She is currently studying to obtain her Vocology Certification through NYU. Vocology is the habilitation of the voice that one has after a vocal trauma or surgery. She explains, “Vocologists bridge a gap between the medical field and the voice rehabilitation experts such as Speech and Language Pathologists. We are the ones that understand how the singing voice works. It’s very up-and-coming.”

Although Marilyn will always love performing, a pivotal shift happened for her while studying with Liz Caplan in NYC. As one of Broadway’s premiere coaches, Liz took Marilyn under her wing and the vocal wisdom that ensued has changed the course of her life. In working with Liz, she realized that she had a gift and a passion for teaching. “I love working with someone who is struggling vocally, teaching them a new technique and then watching their faces light up with delight as their voice comes out differently. Beautifully. It’s such joy to see.”

Marilyn helps adults, teens and children build strong foundational techniques so they aren’t forming habits that won’t serve them well later. Her studio is a safe place to experiment where singers feel comfortable expressing themselves through this really vulnerable art that is music. She recognizes troublesome habits quickly and gives students techniques for their own “toolboxes” – techniques that anchor breathing and give them control over their voice that they’ve never had.

Marilyn’s Teaching Philosophy: “I believe in creating a safe space where students feel free to express their vulnerabilities. The voice is an instrument of the entire body so any held tension is heard in the voice. Once students feel safe, they relax both physically and emotionally so the breath – which is key to supporting the voice – is then free to move. My goal is to have each student recognize and relearn muscle memory, producing a more relaxed instrument in all parts of their range while retaining their authentic sound.”

What’s been the highlight of your professional career — like your biggest spotlight moment to date?
“I was called back for a second audition for Camelot on Broadway. That was pretty exciting!”

What type of student will excel best with you as his/her mentor?
“I think anyone who has a passion for music and really wants to feed it is a great fit for me. I sing and teach anything from country to rock, jazz standards to R&B as well as musical theater and contemporary Christian. And I love working with all ages, including teens and adults! I also teach beginning piano. I want to show students what music can do for them.”

What does being a “Mentor” mean to you and why are you excited to step into this role?
“‘Mentor’ is defined as a trusted guide or experienced advisor. I have been doing this thing called music since I was 5 and I love to share the experience and knowledge I have with others who are finding their way. It’s a right of passage that can be made painful with poor guidance, or super fun and exciting with someone passionate and I want to be that person for students!”

What type of music did you grow up listening to? How did it influence your artistry?
“I listened to mostly Top 40 , R & B and Rock & Roll while growing up. My dad loved Country so I heard that often as well. These genres gave me a feel for rhythm and the diversity of sound in the instrumentation and vocals. I listened carefully to voices and copied the nuances of each one so that I was a diversity of sound as well.”

Where is your favorite local spot? (Venue, restaurant, coffee shop, park, etc.)
“I love spending time hiking in the Warner Parks or watching a sunset at Harlinsdale Farm. For live music, I go to American Tap House in downtown Franklin or The Listening Room in Nashville.”

What is your go-to Karaoke song?
Independence Day by Martina McBride or I Will Survive by Gloria Gainor

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
“I definitely wanted to be a jingle singer!”

If you could meet one author/performer/creator who would it be and what wold you ask them?
“Garth Brooks. I would ask him what he thinks his pivotal moment was when he knew he would be able to make a living doing music.”

Salty Treat: BBQ potato chips of any kind

Sweet Treat: Aussie Black licorice

Fast Food Restaurant: Mojo’s Tacos

Sit Down Restaurant: Thai Esane in Brentwood or Brixx Pizza

Coffee Drink: Chai Tea Latte

Place to Shop: Galleria Mall

Candle: None

Musician/Band: Maroon 5 or Broadway Tunes

Travel Destination: Smoky Mountains

Gift cards I love to receive: Starbucks, Target, A mall