Voice Trainer - Singer & Actress
Hi and Welcome to CoreSound Studio!
I’m Kitty, voice coach/teacher, singer, actor and music director and most of all, a safe and uplifting space holder for you to discover your vocal potential, whatever your age, previous singing experience, style preference and goals.
Meet Kitty Karn
With 40+ years of teaching and performing professionally (I started early!), I combine a ton of street cred (click here for deets) with loads of formal training (see below in case you didn’t catch it the first time) in Classical, Musical Theatre and Contemporary styles.
My clients/students have ranged from young and mature beginners to professionals and everything in between.
Rather than telling you HOW to sing, my superpower is the ability to gently, but consistently guide you to tune into to what you’re experiencing, so you can create a healthy and authentic voice that’s truly your own.
Yup, it can be daunting, and it most definitely requires patience.
But guess what? It’s also a blast!
Now let’s get to it!
Street Cred
I’ve performed professionally in plays (so. many. words.), myriads of musicals, operetta (Gilbert & Sullivan, anyone?) and operas (believe me, it’s not all horns and breastplates) in the Greater Chicagoland and Houston areas as well as my home state of Minnesota. I crank out pop style tunes on the regular, often self-accompanied, at Unity of Fox Valley, where I music direct. I’ve also music directed about a jillion shows, from kids to pros.
Paper Cred:
I have both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance (when I was a wee lass). I’m certified in CCM (Contemporary Commercial Music) from Shenandoah University (2006), the NeuroVocal Method (2024) and began Estill Voice Training in 2026. I have extensive knowledge of vocal therapy for fatigued and inured voices (I experienced this first-hand-ask me sometime), have had many private sessions in Alexander Technique and am a certified yoga instructor (2013). I’ve taught at several colleges/universities (University of Illinois Chicago, Western Illinois University, Sam Houston State University, Houston Community College and San Jacinto Community College…can you tell I like learning?).
What People Are Saying
“I cannot recommend Kitty Karn highly enough. I was working through intense role anxiety after a long period of inactivity. I knew I needed to get back into shape and I was referred to Kitty. WELL! I had no idea how much UNLEARNING is required from a lifetime of overcorrection and misdirection. Working with Kitty has been joyful, educational, and freeing - so far beyond my expectations.”
— Annie R., Chicago, IL
“Working with Kitty Karn has completely changed the way I think about singing. She uses the Neuro Vocal Method, which has helped me better understand my voice and use it with confidence I didn’t know I had. Kitty strikes a rare balance as a coach. She is incredibly kind, supportive, and uplifting, but she also knows how to keep you focused and growing. She has pushed me to build real skills, especially with sight reading, in a way that feels encouraging rather than overwhelming. One of the most impactful parts of working with Kitty has been discovering my true vocal range and learning how to use it effectively. I feel more confident in my voice than ever before. What started as a casual hobby has become something much more meaningful to me, and Kitty has been a huge part of that transformation. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to grow as a singer, whether you are just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level.”
— Zach R., Roselle, IL
“I began taking lessons with Kitty about a year after she was the music director for a show I was in. I hadn’t sang in a more performative setting in over a decade at that point when we first worked together, and even the lessons in the rehearsal setting did wonders for me. When I started taking more formal lessons with Kitty, I knew I would be in good hands. She has helped guide me through honing in on my technique, assisted with audition prep, helped so much with positively pushing me to my best potential as a singer. Kitty is magic. You walk into her space, and she makes you feel like you have agency in leading your lessons. She can help you identify where you are holding tension and how it’s affecting your voice. Her exercises and warmups cater to her students individually based on their needs and she leaves you with countless training techniques that you can carry with you throughout your career. Having a teacher and mentor who genuinely cares about your health and success is simply a gift and I couldn’t feel luckier for not only the knowledge, but the friend I have gained throughout my time with Kitty. Her versatility is rare and I will recommend her again and again!”
— Nikki H, Mongomery, IL
“The most important lesson I have gotten out of my work with Kitty is self confidence. She is wonderful in planning sessions to the individual and their specific needs. This includes song selection for auditions, warm up exercises, and words of wisdom from Kitty’s experience. She is magic!!”
— Julie A., Naperville, IL
“I came to Kitty looking for a teacher who could strengthen my voice, and she has given me so much more than that! She guided me through the musical theatre college audition process with constant encouragement, always believing in me and helping me grow into a stronger, more confident singer and performer. In every lesson, she gave me the vocal tools and technique I needed not only to get into a successful musical theatre program, but to truly thrive in it. Kitty is an incredibly knowledgeable teacher in every genre I brought in, from classical soprano to hard rock, always thoughtful in her rep choices and your biggest cheerleader both in and out of the studio. I couldn’t recommend her more highly.”
— Bella S., Wheaton, IL
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kitty for a couple of years now, and she is awesome! I’m a soprano and a more advanced singer, but she’s also great with all levels and voice types! She’s coached me on musical theatre as well as some opera, while helping me expand my range, release tension, mix belt, discover stylistic choices, and more! She’s also great with other styles such as pop/R&B. Highly recommend!”
— Emma M., Chicago, IL
“Kitty’s wealth of vocal knowledge has transformed my voice over the past year and a half. I truly feel like I learn something new from her during every lesson, and I always feel confident going into an audition or performance after working with her. As someone who has taken vocal lessons from Kitty, and acted alongside her in theatre productions, I can speak to how kind, welcoming, and supportive she is, both during and outside of lessons.”
— Luke H., Wheaton, IL
“I immediately felt a connection with Kitty and her unique vocal coaching style. She’s helped me find the same freedom and range in my voice that I’ve experienced as a dancer. Plus, I felt incredibly connected to her and at ease in her space, which allowed me to express myself vocally in ways I never imagined. It’s truly amazing how her understanding, combined with her skills and comprehension methods, gave me the confidence to audition for things I never thought I’d be ready for in such a short time. Working with Kitty has been incredibly rewarding, and I always look forward to each lesson because her kind encouragement and genuine nature make me feel so grateful to have found her and excited to continue learning and growing with her.”