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.
My name is Carolyn Russell, and I’m passionate about helping people just like you figure out your next steps to reach your goals!
“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
Get to know me!
Most days, you can find me outside enjoying nature and watching all the butterflies that live in my backyard. I also really love researching new ways to lead people, or hop on my piano for spontaneous worship sessions in my living room. I diffuse my favorite essential oils, look at the window at all the butterflies that live in my backyard, and set my goals for that day. Most weekdays you can find me in the studio giving vocal coaching to clients, and you can definitely find me in church on the weekends!
The thing is, I haven’t always been this way! It took me a long time to come to a place of goal-setting daily, and rest. That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others get to this place — I know it’s a place where God has desired everyone to be. Walking in their purpose, and finding rest in the hustle.
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 am the author of the Vocal Journal, which has helped many of my students succeed vocally! I am highly sought after from beginners to professionals. I am also a member of ASCAP, BMI, GMA, ACDA, and LMEA. I am also a certified Oola Life Coach, and I use that knowledge and leadership through everything I do!
“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, 26, LA
More About Carolyn Russell
Carolyn has a passion for the science behind singing and sharing it with others so they can sing to their fullest potential. Her passion for singing and piano began when she became a Christian at the age of 7, and started writing songs at a national level by the age of 9. You could say God and music have been a foundational part of her life.
During her teen years, Carolyn fell in love with music that had positive life-giving themes, like worship music. Having great music and great lyrics in her life inspired her to draw closer to God through music as a youth.
Her Education
Carolyn graduated college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Music Education and has been teaching teenagers and adults for over 25 years through choirs, ensembles, private lessons, workshops, seminars on vocal health and professional vocal coaching in recording studios. God now has her doing the three things she avoided and said she would never do: sing, public speaking and writing. She quickly learned that God often works through us in the areas we resist the most!
Her Love for Music
That perfect timing happened in 2007 with the launch of CR91 Ministry. Christ Restores is founded on the principle that only Jesus can rescue and restore relationships, health and life. We cannot change people, but God can change the hearts of people.
Her First Music Album
In 2004, Carolyn started working on her debut album in Nashville. In the middle of the project, hurricane Katrina came and stalled the completion of the debut CD. She then turned her focus on doing relief concerts to help 89.1fm Lifesongs Radio get back on the air after losing their transmitter in the hurricane. The week prior to Hurricane Katrina, Carolyn was able to complete the recording for three songs and those songs were placed on an EP in December of 2005. It wasn’t the full debut album she had planned, but in time she learned that the full album was in God’s hands in His perfect timing.
Carolyn’s full album "By Your Side" was released in June of 2008 by Creative Soul Records of Nashville, TN. Carolyn is persistent in following God’s purpose for her life in sharing her story God has given her through music, life coaching, speaking and teaching. Carolyn's heart is in sharing her story with women and teens who are going through some of life's toughest times. She wants to use her past as a key to unlock other’s future! Also to help shape the next generation of worship leaders in the church. Carolyn has a passion for vocal health, sharing it with others so they can sing to their fullest potential, and helping everyone find their beautiful voice and unique style.
Her Performances
Carolyn has performed all over the US and Internationally. Currently, Carolyn is an active part of the Worship & Creative Team at Church of the King. She helps lead worship during the weekend services, assists with seasonal productions, coaches and develops the vocalists on the worship team. She is also a private piano teacher and vocal coach in the Greater New Orleans area.
Carolyn is available for concerts, festivals, leading worship, women’s events, vocal clinics for churches, vocal coaching, health classes and speaking engagements.
“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