Who else wants the confidence to walk in their God-given purpose?
Life is not black and white.
Sometimes, we just need to figure out the right steps to take to continue walking in OUR unique purpose. You see, we are all created with specific gifts and talents. There is no black and white way to do life.
This is where I come in.
I'm Carolyn Russell, a vocal producer, coach, worship leader and songwriter based in New Orleans, specializing in Christian and worship music.
For 30+ years, I've been teaching singers - over 4,000 voices. For 20+ years, I've worked professionally in the music industry.
Your voice is uniquely designed. My job isn't to make you sound like somebody else. It's to help you discover your own voice.
I'm not just a vocal coach - I'm a vocal producer who works in the industry. My work spans vocal coaching, studio production, and artist development. I help non-singers become confident performers AND I help pros reach industry standard.
“I’ve had voice lessons with Mrs. Carolyn for a year and I’ve had so much growth not only as a singer and an artist, but as a person. I look forward to going to the studio every week leaving inspired and motivated to create.”
— Danielle Garbarino
What Makes Me Different?
I understand both the spiritual AND scientific side of voice. I know the theology
of why your voice matters AND the mechanics of how it works.
I've worked with over 4,000 voices in 30+ years - from people who thought they couldn't sing at all to professional artists recording at industry standard.
I bring real-world industry experience to every session. I currently work with Tim Davis, the Grammy-winning vocal arranger from Glee, and I've performed at Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center alongside some of the biggest names in Christian music.
My Journey
Music and faith have been woven into my life since I was young. I grew up in a musical family - my dad played banjo, and my grandfather was a radio station manager who helped Loretta Lynn get on the radio. We're actually distant cousins!
When I was 7, I became a Christian. That same year, I got my first cat and started playing piano. To this day I laugh at how, cats, piano, and Jesus always go together for me! I started writing songs at the age of 7 and had one of my songs recognized nationally at the age of 9.
God and music have been a foundational part of my life ever since. During my teen years, I fell in love with worship music and music with positive, life-giving themes. Having great music and great lyrics in my life inspired me to draw closer to God. I have always loved being in His house, the local church.
Now God has me doing the three things I said I'd never do: singing, public speaking, and writing. I quickly learned that God often works through us in the areas we resist the most!
Professional Experience
Performed/Collaborated With:
Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Lauren Daigle
Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes
Twila Paris, Greg Norman
Hezekiah Walker, Donnie McClurkin
Matthew West, Mark Lowry, Russ Taft
Anthony Evans, Hope Darst
John Rutter, Mark Hayes, Lloyd Larson, Moses Hogan
Performance Venues: Performances at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and venues throughout the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and internationally - including St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow, Russia.
Mentors/Training:
Sandi Patty (worship certification, 2017-18)
Sara Groves & John Thurlow (songwriting)
Todd Fields & Meredith Andrews (through Worship Circle)
Vocal Coaching Network:
Tim Davis (Grammy-winning vocal arranger from Glee - ongoing relationship)
Chris, Beatty, Kim Woods Sandusky, Diane Sheets
Kerrie Obert (current active work)
Noteable Recording & Studio Work:
Dark Horse Studios (Nashville)
Sunset Boulevard Studios (Nashville)
Voctave - "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen 2020
Fred Hammond - "Love Never Fails" live video in Dallas, 2025
Ministry & Worship Leadership:
Active worship team member at multisite church (20+ years,
Vocal director and producer and worship consultant for churches
Industry Affiliations:
Worship Circle member
SongShare Music Member
Gospel Music Association (GMA)
ASCAP member
BMI member
Education & Credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Music Education
Lifetime Certification in Vocal Music Education
Certified Life Coach
Integrated Vocal Concepts training
Estill Vocal Method training
Ongoing training with Kerrie Obert
My Approach
Whether you're discovering you can sing for the first time or you're a professional looking to refine your skills, I meet you where you are and help you get where you want to go.
I help people figure out when and why their voice was suppressed - because the cry of your heart IS the song of your heart. That's where real freedom begins.
My work includes:
Vocal coaching for technique and confidence
Studio production for recordings
Artist development for albums and projects
Songwriting and vocal production
Workshops and consulting for churches and organizations"
“Before meeting with Coach Carolyn for vocal coaching, I was terrified of singing in front of others. I knew I wanted to sing, but I just didn’t have the confidence I needed. Carolyn showed me how to best sing with MY unique voice — she tailored every lesson around ME! She took time to explain things (so clearly), and I quickly made the worship team and started singing! I am forever grateful for her. Not just because I learned to sing the way I’m supposed to, but also because she helped me have the confidence and support I needed to do something that seemed like it was my purpose, but it was too scary for me to take the next step. She truly cares about people, and wants them to do what God’s calling them to do! No matter what that looks like. I thought I was going in to sing better, but I learned so much more than that. I grew vocally, spiritually, and emotionally.”
— Michelle Henderson, 32, LA
A little more about me…
I am best known for customizing vocal coaching and vocal health plans for each client with great care helping each person reach their full God-given potential. I help each client learn how the vocal instrument works and use a wholistic approach to singing. After all, you are your instrument! I am the author of the Vocal Journal, which has helped many of my students succeed vocally! I am sought after from beginners to professionals. Currently working on pioneering a new way to see a vocal coach and to be coached, so stay tuned for more on that soon! For the last several years, I work with a production company that host Christian Artists in iconic concert halls. I also love helping people get their voice in film and tv and being a working vocalist. I have a passion for the science behind singing and sharing it with others so they can sing to their fullest potential.
“I started taking vocal lessons from Carolyn around 4 years ago. When I first started, I always had a desire to learn how to sing better, but lacked the confidence (plus vocal knowledge) to challenge myself and believe in my ability. With Carolyn’s saintly-like patience and extensive knowledge base, she has helped me grow beyond what I thought was possible. I have gained more confidence in my singing ability, along with learning new techniques. She is not only a great teacher and life coach, but also a great friend. I would highly recommend CR91 Worship to anyone looking to learn, but also have fun at the same time!!”
— Maria Gatto