Meet Corinne DeVries of Corinne DeVries Voice and Piano Studio in Valley Village

Today we’d like to introduce you to Corinne DeVries.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Corinne. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my music journey as a five-year-old in school plays and pursued every opportunity I could get my hands on in rural Michigan. This led to my Bachelor of Music in Jazz Vocal Studies and singing the National Anthem at Detroit Tigers games (and more recently, a Lakers game!). Later, I would move to New York to pursue musical theatre and performed on cruise ships and in regional productions. In 2009, I moved to Los Angeles, and wanted to live a life that was less transient, but would still allow me to keep music in the center of my life. I opened my teaching studio in 2011 and feel so grateful to have a job that I look forward to every day. My students give me joy and I learn from them every day. My studio has grown from one piano student to a full time schedule of kids and adults each week.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a business is never completely smooth sailing. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the ups and downs of a business that depends on a school schedule. For example, many of my clients leave for several months at a time in the summer, so I’ve learned to use that time for my vacations and planning for the next year. I’ve also learned to save my money so I don’t end up broke by the middle of July.

Corinne DeVries Voice and Piano Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I aim to give 110 percent to my clients at an affordable rate for middle class kids and adults. I listen to my students and find their strengths and kids love me. My approach is friendly, caring, and I provide a stress-free learning environment. I teach all vocal styles, levels and ages, including pop, musical theatre, classical, and jazz.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
One of my piano students, I’ll call him Joe*, has a form of autism that makes it uncomfortable for him to touch people. One day, about two years after he’d been taking lessons, he completed a particularly difficult piece. He was so happy that he threw his arms around me for a hug. His mother cried and told me that I was the first person he’d ever hugged outside of their family.

Pricing:

• $64 One hour lesson
• $32 30 minute lesson

Contact Info:

• Website: corinnedevries.com
• Phone: 8188500734
• Email: corinne.devries@gmail.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/corinnedevriesvoiceandpianostudio
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/corinne-devries-voice-and-piano-studio-valley-village-2

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.