Last week, the Hollywood Vocal Foundation and Hollywood Vocal Studios Conservatory hosted an inspiring acoustic session with professional vocalist and vocal coach Katja Koren at The Village Studios in West LA. The event brought together conservatory artists, scholarship students and mentees, along with friends of the foundation, for an evening of live music, mentorship, and transformation.
🎵 1. From Performance to Feedback
Katja opened the session with a live acoustic set of five original songs, showcasing her refined artistry and offering students a glimpse into what decades of professional vocal experience sounds like on stage.
After her performance, each of the conservatory singers took the mic to perform a song of their choice for Katja and Adreana Gonzalez, HVS Conservatory’s Founder and Lead Vocal Coach. Together, they provided thoughtful feedback that went beyond vocal technique—focusing instead on what turns a performance into an experience: stage presence.
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🎭 2. The Importance of Stage Presence
While every student displayed strong vocal skill, the most common critique wasn’t about pitch or tone—it was about connection. Katja and Adreana encouraged singers to:
- Keep their eyes open and establish genuine eye contact with the audience.
- Engage emotionally with the lyrics and meaning of the song.
- Move with intention and take up space on stage.
- Most importantly—have fun and let personality shine through.
These small but powerful adjustments helped the performers bridge the gap between “singing well” and truly captivating an audience.
👉 Discover how we put this into practice this through our Performance Lessons.
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🎤 3. Improvement in Real Time
After receiving feedback, students were invited to re-perform a section of their song—this time applying the performance notes. The difference was extraordinary.
Within minutes, the singers appeared more confident, expressive, and connected. The room’s energy shifted from nervous anticipation to vocal freedom, demonstrating how quickly focused feedback can elevate a performer’s craft.
👉 Learn More: Explore how our comprehensive curriculum creates professional-level opportunities for emerging singers.
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CONCLUSION
For developing vocalists, stage presence can be the missing piece between strong vocals and unforgettable performances. Our Acoustic Session with special guest Katja Koren reminded us that music isn’t just heard—it’s felt.
Through real-time feedback, our students left as more confident performers who better understand how stage presence defines professional vocal success.
At HVS Conservatory in Venice, CA, our vocal and performance coaches teach modern techniques that help emerging vocalists build sustainable, confident careers.
👉 Ready to take your artistry to the next level? Apply Now.
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❓ FAQ
Q: Who can participate in Hollywood Vocal Foundation events?
Our sessions are open to the public! Please be sure to join our newsletter or check our website frequently for seasonal events to catch the next one! Space is limited so RVSP’s to these events are required.
Q: Do I need to be a professional to join?
No. Our goal is to help developing singers gain professional-level experience, regardless of where they are in their journey.
Q: How can I get involved with Hollywood Vocal Foundation?
Visit our website to learn more about our mission, donate, and scholarship opportunities.
Q: How can I learn more about Katja Koren?
You can find more information about Katja on her website.
At HVS Conservatory we specialize in mentorship, vocal training, and career development for emerging singers. If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey, explore our programs and resources under our “Courses” section here.
QUESTION FOR READERS:
What’s one thing you’ve learned is essential to connecting with an audience during a live performance?
#HollywoodVocalFoundation #VocalCoaching #ArtistDevelopment #PerformanceTraining #EmergingArtists #StagePresence
https://youtu.be/Il1wmyGObmg