Hello, my name is Caitlin Duckworth, and I am the founder of Houston Voice Studio and a Contemporary Commercial Music Specialist! I founded Houston Voice Studio in 2021 to give the singers of Houston access to the highest level of professional vocal training, performance opportunities, and artist development.

As a function-based instructor, I train my singers like athletes. Functional training focuses on targeting muscle groups in the voice, training for strength, increasing and mastering coordination, providing practical techniques, and ultimately giving my singers the tools and methods they need to sing in any genre they want. My favorite styles to teach are contemporary commercial music, including anything requiring the mastery of belting and mixed voice. My ultimate goal is for my singers to feel equipped and empowered to become the singers they’ve always wanted to be.

I am my singer’s number one fan and love supporting them in crushing their goals. Whether it’s landing a leading role, winning Tommy Tune Awards, recording their EP, preparing for a performance, connecting their singing to instrument playing, performing with confidence, trying new genres outside their comfort zone, or just singing their “bucket list” songs, I’m ready to provide the tools, encouragement, and support they need.

After completing my Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance at New York University’s Steinhardt School and performing around New York, I decided to dive deeply into singing science to demystify singing for myself and my future students. I completed my Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where I studied vocal anatomy/physiology and motor learning science, developed teaching methodology, and received mentorship from esteemed pedagogues.

As a life-long academic, I am in constant pursuit of knowledge. I have continued my study of voice science, artist development, and genre-specific pedagogy through courses at the Contemporary Commercial Music Institute at Shenandoah Conservatory, certifications in Functional Training, and the Mechanics of Mix and Belt with Maddie Tarbox, methods in Adolescent and Teen with Dr. Shannon Coates, and more. This specialty training is vital to ensuring the Houston Voice Studio singers receive the most relevant, functional, and genre-specific training so they can master their instrument and explore the music they love most.

I have enjoyed performing professionally in classical and musical theater works across the northeast, including performances in New York City’s esteemed Provincetown Playhouse and Baltimore’s Theater Project. My most impactful performance projects have been in working with composers premiering new works centered on social justice, including the world premiere of the role Mariola in Jake Heggie’s Out of Darkness: Two Remain, a contemporary opera about the aftermath for survivors of the Holocaust, and the U.S. Premiere of Anon by Errollyn Wallen, an opera about shedding light on survivors of human trafficking.

Since moving away from performing professionally, I enjoy singing jazz, screlting any song I can, singing guilty pleasure musical theater songs, and songwriting. I am currently mentored by Jess Baldwin of True Colors Voice and Artistry Coaching in contemporary commercial music-specific styles, unblocking creativity and redefining my artistic identity. I hope to give all my singers balance in pursuing audition-based performances and programs and honoring their creativity and artistry.

You may have seen me previously as a Professor of Music at Lone Star College-University Park, voice faculty at Vivaldi Music Academy, or program developer at Suzuki School of Music- Maryland. I am a proud culmination of all of the singers I have had the pleasure of working with.

When I’m not teaching or focusing on the future of Houston Voice Studio, I enjoy cooking, reading, listening to audiobooks/podcasts, shaking like a chihuahua at Pilates, and walking my pups, Andie and April!