Voice Studio
Kristina Terwilliger is a voice professor, performer, and pedagogue known for her interdisciplinary approach to vocal training. She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy from New York University, where she also served as an Adjunct Instructor of Voice. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance with a minor in Experimental Physics from the University of Washington. Her background also includes professional experience in audio engineering, working across genres including jazz, rock, rap, and contemporary commercial music.
She currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Voice and Vocal Ensemble and head of the voice department at Ocean County College. Under her leadership, the vocal ensemble has doubled in size, and her students regularly perform in recitals and professional engagements, with many continuing on to pursue advanced music degrees.
She is a published contributor to the field of voice science, having authored a scholarly book review of Angelika Nair’s The Tongue as a Gateway to Voice, Resonance, Style, and Intelligibility in an international journal. Her independent research investigates resonance strategies in the upper head register, with particular focus on the role of velopharyngeal opening in high sopranos. She is regularly invited to present voice workshops and masterclasses at high schools and professional conferences, including at The Juilliard School.
Committed to ongoing professional development, she actively adjudicates and participates in national conferences through National Association of Teachers of Singing and National Association for Music Education. She has completed specialized training at the Shenandoah Conservatory CCM Institute and additional coursework through Berklee College of Music focused on accessible and inclusive music education.
In addition to her collegiate work, Kristina specializes in audition preparation for high school and undergraduate singers, equipping students with the technical foundation and strategic tools needed for successful entry into competitive programs. Her studio also includes adult and senior singers, with a focus on vocal health, longevity, and sustainable technique at every stage of development.
Teaching Philosophy
Kristina Terwilliger is a voice teacher and performer dedicated to developing technically grounded, expressive, and versatile singers. Rooted in classical training and informed by vocal science, she builds sustainable and efficient technique that translates seamlessly across opera, musical theatre, pop, and jazz.
Her teaching focuses on developing each singer’s unique qualities alongside establishing strong vocal fundamentals. She integrates evidence-based practices with accessible tools to demystify the voice, giving singers a clear understanding of and agency over their instrument.
Most importantly, her studio is a place to explore, take risks, and have fun! She believes anyone can sing; and she’s just there to help them learn how.
