Singers Workshops at TC

The Original Singers’ Workshop

Led by Dr. Jeanne Goffi-Fynn and assisted by Columbia doctoral and graduate students, this ensemble welcomes all singers, including transgender and non-binary singers, ages 11–18. Participants will develop musical skills, vocal confidence, and vocal technique, with specialized opportunities for TBB (tenor/baritone/bass) singers navigating voice changes. Students will sing a variety of repertoire in multiple styles and work in preparation for solo, ensemble, and audition opportunities, including the Specialized High Schools in NYC and the College Audition process. The semester concludes with collaborative performances at Columbia University and Carnegie Hall.

• Ages 11–18
• Meet Times: September 18 - December 11, 2025 from 4:30-6:00pm EST on Thursdays
• Final performances at Carnegie Hall and Teachers College, Columbia University
• Format: In-Person Only
• Tuition: $400 per semester
• Need-based scholarships available.

Jazz and Gospel Sing!

Led by Tim Smith, Jazz and Gospel Sing welcomes all singers interested in exploring jazz and gospel styles. Guided in a supportive environment, participants engage in solos and ensemble singing, developing musicianship and vocal confidence through healthy vocal techniques. As with all Singers' Workshops ensembles, singers will cultivate their individual, authentic voices, building vocal skills while deepening their appreciation of these vibrant musical genres.

• Ages 11–18 PLUS Intergenerational participation
• Meet Times: September 17 - December 10, 2025 from 4:30-5:30pm EST on Wednesdays
• Final concert at Teachers College, Columbia University
• Format: In-Person Only
• Tuition: $400 per semester
• Need-based scholarships available.

Singing for Adults

Due to popular demand, Singers' Workshops introduces its first adult ensemble, directed by Dr. Jeanne Goffi-Fynn and Dr. Colette Young. Open to singers of all experience levels, participants explore solos and ensemble songs across diverse genres. Through guided instruction emphasizing healthy vocal technique, singers will develop musicianship and vocal confidence, cultivating their authentic voice within an engaging and supportive musical community while exploring their authentic sound.

• Meet Times: September 17 - December 10, 2025 from 5:30-7:00pm EST on Wednesdays
• Final concert at Teachers College, Columbia University
• Format: In-Person Only
• Tuition: $400 per semester
• Need-based scholarships available.

Faculty

Jeanne Goffi-Fynn is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Doctoral Cohort Program at Columbia University, Teachers College. Her interests include Performance across the Lifespan, Applied Studio Teaching and Learning, Voice Development, Collaborative Mentoring, and Pedagogy across Styles. She is also a Singing Voice Specialist, specifically in the retraining of singers with Muscular Tension Dysphonia (MTD). Jeanne has presented often at workshops, master classes and pedagogical presentations and is a member of the Academy of Teachers of Singing (AATS) and Opera America. She is President of NATS_NYC and Chair of National NATS Mentoring Initiates. She is the Director of Singers’ Workshops, aiding in the development of young singers. Jeanne’s singing career includes opera, legit music theatre, oratorio, choral, and recitals.

Dr. Colette Cecile Young, Soprano, native Hawai’ian, earned her bachelor’s degree in both Biology and Music from Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, where she was often guest soprano soloist with the Bryn Mawr/Haverford Symphony Orchestra. Currently she is pursuing a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Studies combining music and science education. She is also currently on faculty at Columbia Secondary School (CSS), where she teaches science, leads the middle school choir, Executive Function Program, and the cheerleading team. Colette is also the Columbia University Cheerleading team.

Colette has been guest soloist with the Apollo Orchestra, Landon Symphonette, soloist at the White House, and won the VSA International Performing Artist Competition sponsored by the Kennedy Center, where she made her acclaimed debut. A spokesperson for Learning Ally (fka Recording for Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D), Colette won numerous 1st prizes in the National Association Teacher’s of Singing and Asian International Competitions. A classical, operatic, and musical theater vocalist, flutist, pianist, Polynesian dancer, Colette has performed throughout Hawai’i, continental US, and Italy. As artist representative for the VSA and the Kennedy Center, she performed at and lectured before the Maryland State Legislature, and the US. Department of Education on Music and Arts Education.

Timothy Smith, M.A., is a pianist and vocalist, based in NYC. I was born in Boston Massachusetts where I had the privilege of studying at one of the top music institutions in my city and the world, Berklee College Of Music. I graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor in Professional Music which allowed me to create my concentrations while there. I studied a variety of courses in music education and songwriting. I was a piano principal but took the initiative to develop my vocal skills by taking voice lessons and vocal ensembles. I sang in gospel and jazz ensembles and was surrounded by talented students who I gleaned from.

Berklee exposed me to different genres of music which was really out of my comfort zone. Expanding my musical skills beyond Gospel music allowed me to get hired at Howl At The Moon Piano Bar in Boston where I worked for 4 years post Berklee. In 2019 I moved to NYC for bigger performance opportunities and to work on my studio projects. I was accepted to Teachers College Columbia University in 2021 where I received my Masters in Music Education allowing me to teach music in NYC public schools. While teaching High School for the NYDOE I perform weekly in prestigious restaurants in Manhattan for an entertainment company called Steve Beyer Productions. I have released 2 singles since I lived in NYC, and look forward to completing more studio projects. NYC has given me the platform and exposure that I wanted and I am excited to share my education and performing expertise with my students.