Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alissa Steffens. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I have always loved music and the performing arts and have spent many years in the music industry in Nashville. I noticed how many vocalists would move to Nashville and be completely overwhelmed. Many didn’t know how to sing correctly and/or how to navigate the waters of the music industry. Some people wanted a career as a gigging musician and others wanted an independent music career and others would have loved to be signed. I felt giving the option to pair voice or acting lessons with music career planning/artist development would help others achieve their goals. Also, So much of what is done in Vocal Performance also involves getting into character. Performing involves telling a story with your eyes, body language, movements and voice. Having a background in music as a signed vocal artist/songwriter, in theatre, TV, acting, performing, songwriting and music business paved the way to opening Alissa Steffens Vocal Studios. Instead of just offering singing or acting lessons: I mentor my students and offer them lessons in Singing, Songwriting, Performing, Acting, Speaking and Music Business/Career planning as well as Artist Development. It was exciting to think about how I could use my experience to help others achieve their dreams. I spend much of my time in the 30A area of Florida and also in Nashville. Its been incredible to be able to bring my studio here to Florida! I truly care about each and every one of my students and feel so blessed to be a part of their journey!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Alissa Steffens and I am a Music Industry Professional, Vocal Performer, Pro Vocal Performance Coach, Acting and Speaking Coach, Mentor and Music Business consultant. I own Alissa Steffens Vocal Studios. I have spent most of my life working in the performing arts and many years working on music row both creatively and in business. I have students world Wide and in person.

My love of music started at the age of 5 when asked to sing a solo for church. Once I picked up the microphone, I never put it back down. I spent early years singing solos and performing in various theatrical performances. I also took hip hop dance through high school. I started singing various modern styles of music all over west Michigan in my teen years and released my first Album entitled “Alissa’. I went on to get a Degree in Voice and Music Business from Grace Christian University. During college, I was involved in multiple bands and did many studio recordings. I studied classical and opera but my greatest love was modern music. I love how expressive and free you could become while performing Pop, Rock, Jazz, Blues, Soul, R and B, Worship music, etc. After college, I followed my heart to Nashville and started an internship at The Songwriters Guild of America on world famous music row. I continued songwriting, performing and getting work as studio vocalist. I attended various songwriting workshops and lead various songwriting workshops. I was involved with various companies such as BMI, ASCAP, NSAI, CMA, GMA and was on CMT live. I worked the Dove awards and various artist events. I eventually got a job at BMI on music row as a Music Licensing Executive. I also continued voice lessons with 2 world class Pro Celebrity Voice coaches in Nashville. This was a game charger and many doors opened for me. One door, was being signed as a singer/songwriter. I released music, toured and had music released on various radio stations. I have released 11 albums with various professional music producers. Many Grammy award winning producers.

Once, my daughter Faith was born, I stepped back from touring and put my focus on her and choose to become an independent artist. I started working as a Worship Director and also continued to write, record, release music and perform. It was during this time that I started to consider coaching. I got excited over the thought of all that I could bring to the table to help someone else. I love people and knew that no one else was offering so much. I saw a need to offer voice, acting, performing, speaking and music business/career planning. So many vocal artists know the creative side but are unsure how to navigate their goals or the industry, They don’t know how to get their music out or even where to start. Many Actor don’t understand how to create an acting reel or what to do to launch their careers. I saw that students had no one on their side or anyone to mentor them. So, that became my mission. I realized that if I could make a difference in one students life, it would cause a ripple effect. I have helped students expand their vocal range and performing abilities, write, record, release music, work part-time and full-time in music. I have also helped Actors grow in their talents and get various roles in Theatre productions, Commercials, TV and Movies. I also work with Doctors, Authors, speakers, real estate agents, etc. on presenting and becoming a better communicator.

I also, started coming down to 30A/Destin area and discovered a wonderful music community here as well. Everyone was very welcoming. I started hosting my own TV show called Vocal Sessions with 30a TV, lead various songwriting workshops in the area and was given many opportunities for performing (Baytowne Wharf Amphitheater, 30 A songwriter radio and Music, Mattie Kelly, Festivals, various music Venues) and for students to perform. I was offered various studio locations in the area. So after many years in Nashville on music row, I now spend much of my time here (by 30a) coaching (www.30avocalcoach.com/courses) and performing. I still do projects back in Nashville. I work with students all over the world in person and online. I work with beginners to professionals; helping them grow their voices, acting skills, speaking, songwriting and music business plans. We train vocally; building, strength, vocal stamina, etc. Students learn to develop their own sound and achieve their goals and dreams. I am most proud of my students and I truly care about them so much. They become like family. Watching them grow and accomplish their hopes and dreams is amazing! If you would like more information, I can be reached at www.30avocalcoach.com or 850-830-8855/[email protected]

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation is build on the fact that I love people and I love the Arts. I truly care for my students and want to see them succeed. When people work with me, they discover that I treat them like family and we walk the journey together.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Most of my students come to me by word of mouth. I feel that being genuine, consistent and being good at what I do has allowed me to obtain the most clientele. I look at each student individually and use various methods based on that students specific needs. I stay booked most of the time and I know this is because people can tell that I really care about them and their goals. (no matter how big or small)

Contact Info:

• Website: www.30avocalcoach.com/courses
• Instagram: instagram.com/alissa_steffens_vocal_coach
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/singdestin
• Other: Phone number-850-830-8855 [email protected]

Image Credits
Ken Stigler Photography Edward McGrath Photography Transcending Dreams Photography