I’m KrisAnne (she/her). I’m a singer and voice teacher based in Minneapolis, MN. I’m on the voice faculty at St. Olaf College, and when I get a breather from that glorious schedule, I teach private lessons (online and in person in St Paul). I have a doctorate in music performance and I’ve served on the faculties of Luther College, Lawrence University, the University of Minnesota, Lutheran Summer Music Festival and Academy, and Carleton College. I’ve performed as a soloist with opera and concert organizations throughout the Midwest, but these days keep it extremely local, focusing on my relationships with artists and organizations in the Twin Cities. I was trained as a classical singer, but I’m passionate about and inspired by many different musical styles. To put things in perspective, two of my major lifelong musical inspirations are Kate Bush and Björk.
As a performer, I’m into authentic storytelling, genre-bending collaborations, and superb musicianship. I strive to move way past the idea that beautiful singing is my main currency onstage, and love it when I’m challenged to make sounds beyond my operatic training. I aim to be a generous colleague with my fellow performers and a generous host to my audiences.
As a teacher, I foster an atmosphere of trust, exploration, and general goofing around in the voice studio. I am always learning from my students, and seeking additional knowledge because of the questions, experiences, and interests they bring to lessons. My favorite teaching tools–besides sound voice science and physiological reality–are empathy, imagination, and hilarity. We can take the work seriously without taking ourselves so seriously.
I’m an LGBTQ+ ally and highly competent around issues of gender identity and the voice, both in terms of physiology and in terms of gender presentation. I have worked with countless trans and non-binary singers over the years, and am very experienced working with people who take testosterone (both currently changing and settled voices)–I love shepherding singers through this process. All are welcome in my studio.
Contact me for more information about lessons, potential collaborations, or hiring me to sing.
KrisAnne Weiss 