News Articles

Daily Inspiration: Meet Alissa Steffens

NashvilleVoyager - July 5, 2022

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alissa Steffens.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Alissa Steffens Vocal Studios – I started singing solos in the church in West Michigan at the age of 5. Through the years, I continued to sing all over west Michigan. I released my first album at 17.

I then went to music college in Grand Rapids at Grace Christian University and joined various bands and honed my craft-Studying Voice and the music industry. After graduating in 2002, I followed my heart to Nashville.

I started an internship at the Songwriters Guild of America on Music Row. And eventually got a job at BMI as a music licensing executive. I met some of the most amazingly talented and inspiring people. I absorbed everything around me. And worked hard. I took many years of voice lessons with some top coaches in the Industry. And continued performing and songwriting.

I also, become a studio singer and was paid by songwriters to sing the vocals on their recordings. I was also singing and songwriting all over Nashville. I became a signed singer/songwriter with Feature Music Publishing. I released music, toured nationally, and had music on various radio stations.

My sweet daughter was born and I decided to step back from touring and focused more on local performing, songwriting, worship Leading/Directing (at my church), and being a voice coach. I saw a need to blend voice lessons with music career consulting. So many vocal artists knew the creative side but didn’t know how to navigate the waters of the music industry or their careers.

They didn’t have anyone on their side or anyone to mentor them. So that became my mission. I also started coming down to Destin, FL and discovered a wonderful music community here as well. So after many years in Nashville on Music Row, I now spend most of my time here (by 30a) as well as Nashville and also work with students all over the world online.

I work with beginners to the seasoned vocal artist-helping them grow and train their voices, develop their own sound, build vocal stamina and achieve their career goals. My heart is to give them a voice and a platform. As well as help them achieve their goals and dreams.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I was just a little girl who grew up in a small town on Lake Michigan. People didn’t move to Nashville. But I had it in my heart from the age of 8 years old ‘to go where the music was’.

I worked very hard in college and my husband and I worked very hard and paid my way through private Christian College. And saving money to move. At the age of 22, we packed up and moved to the Donelson area of Nashville on Percy Priest Lake in Nashville.

Every step of the way was work but so worth it. First moving to Nashville was a challenge because everything was new but it quickly became home. (My parents moved down a few years later and I already had family in and around Nashville). Eventually, we built a house just south of Nashville.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Music Industry Professional, Vocal Performer, Pro Vocal Coach, Acting and Speaking Coach, and Mentor. I have spent years working in Nashville and on Music Row both creatively and in business. I have students worldwide in person and online.

I teach four levels of voice lessons-From the beginner to the advanced Career Vocal Performer. I teach students to grow in confidence & range, develop their unique sound, create vocal dynamics, achieve good vocal health, create a strong belt, develop good Mic techniques, own the stage, express their feelings, get into character, and learn tips of the industry.

I work on singing, songwriting, Artist Development/Music Business consults, Acting and Speaking. I take all of my experiences to help each student achieve their goals. I also get to share this with my almost 14-year-old daughter Faith. She loves to sing and has been able to sing alongside many of my regular voice students. I love seeing her passion as well as the passion of my students.

What set me apart is that I truly care… and also, that I am not only a Vocal Coach but a music business professional and integrating that into what I offer. I love seeing people gain skill, understanding, and confidence, and achieve their goals! I truly care about my students and they become like family.

People and music are my passion. I feel so blessed and honored to work with the students that I do.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
When I first moved to Nashville, I was 22 and put so much pressure on myself to succeed.

I was surrounded by greatness. One day a producer came into the Songwriters Guild of America (Music Row) and he said to me, it’s not about achieving this or that..it’s all about the journey. Enjoy the musical journey.” Those words changed my entire perspective.

I also tell people, to have patience with themselves..that vocal development, songwriting, etc is a process, and just enjoy it. And give yourself permission to take time to grow and develop. Also, keep going! Don’t give up. You have something to share and the world needs it!