Meet Savannah Wilder

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Savannah Wilder. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Savannah, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I was lucky enough to sort of stumble into my purpose by accident.

I originally thought I would pursue a music career as a singer/songwriter and artist. I’d been studying voice, instruments and writing songs since childhood and that eventually brought me to the UCLA music program. I spent my first 6 years or so in LA grinding through late-night gigs in Hollywood, working with producers, writing songs and trying to figure out where I fit in this crazy industry.

Teaching music was just a side gig I started while in college through organizations such as School of Rock, Notes For Notes, etc. I had some internship credits to fulfill for school and I needed to make some extra survival money. Little did I realize that I would COMPLETELY fall in love with it and end up finding more joy in teaching than any other of my musical pursuits. It took me a couple years to wise up and realize, “Oh wait, maybe this was what the universe was directing me toward all along.”

Once I did (and with the encouragement of loved ones), I took the leap of faith of opening my own studio, Sing With Sav Voice Studio, in 2019. It was the best thing I ever did for my career and myself. Starting a business is NOT easy, but I was blessed over the years with very loyal students who spread the word and helped me grow into what I am today. To this day, I’m largely a word-of-mouth-marketed business and most of my students are referrals. I’m so grateful for the community that has been built around our shared love of singing! And I’m so grateful that my purpose found me

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself and your business?
As I mentioned before, I’ve been musically trained since a young age and somehow always knew that my career would be something in music. However, it took some trial and error to discover my passion for vocal coaching.

Having been on the artist side of things myself and experiencing the immense pressure put on young artists and singers, I felt there was a need in our industry for a more holistic approach to the professional singer. Navigating the challenges of intense live performances, long days in recording studios, the physical/mental strain of several-month tours, and dealing with/healing vocal injuries are just some of the things that the modern singer has to deal with. The only type of vocal coaching that can address these challenges is one that treats the whole body as the instrument and cares for it accordingly. From the beginning of my studio, it has been my goal to create a safe space for singers of all ages to develop a solid foundation in safe/healthy vocal technique, build their self-confidence and develop stage presence. I believe that this safe space and open, educational environment is critical for the longevity of professional singers in them modern age.

I also know from experience (as a chronically shy child who would sit on my mom’s lap in group singing lessons) how vulnerable of an experience singing is. Singing for someone can feel like revealing a part of your soul to them. This is why I feel it is incredibly important to nurture and support students as they find their voices. In the intense, hypercritical world we live in, most people are afraid to express themselves at all because they don’t feel they have a safe place in which to explore their voices. I aim to create that safe space and provide the support that will leave my students with lasting, positive impressions of music and the motivation to continue studying. This positive educational environment can also be very healing, another aspect of music I have experienced countless times myself.

Can you tell us about any exciting upcoming events or offerings on the horizon for Sing With Sav Voice Studio?

I’m very excited to be offering some new camps for singers of different ages (elementary, adolescent and adult) during this upcoming summer (2024)! These one-week camps will serve as intensives, focusing on the challenges of each different age group. Singers will learn essential vocal technique, the intricate differences between live and studio singing, how to develop and maintain a diverse repertoire, music theory, singing in harmony, and at the end of each week, all students will participate in a showcase. As the summer draws nearer, more information about camps will become available on the Sing With Sav website and social media platforms. Stay tuned!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop in one’s life and career, which three would you say matter most?
I think the first important thing I learned in this industry is to listen to my gut and stand up for myself. I had an immense amount of anxiety and self-doubt during my first 6 years in LA trying to “make it” as an artist. I was surrounded by powerful men, all of whom had an opinion about how I should look, how I should sound, what songs I should write, etc. But something in my gut always knew something about the journey wasn’t sitting right and didn’t feel authentic to who I was. Perhaps if I had listened to that little voice sooner, I would’ve been spared some pain and rejection. But I still don’t regret those years, because they led me to my beautiful life now! Usually we know deep down when something is right for us, and listening to that instinct/setting boundaries is a very powerful thing, especially in the entertainment industry.

The second thing I learned is to find your champions. There will be a lot of people in this world who don’t believe in what you do, but all you need is one or two amazing supporters to start. This could be a mentor, teacher, family member, friend, anyone who really roots for you and sees your potential. Surrounding yourself with your cheerleaders (and positive energy) makes the impossible feel so much more possible.

The third (and the least favorite for introverts) is to build your network! Whether you start out in a college music program, playing at local bars, or interning at a music publishing company, try to make connections with people wherever you go. You’d be amazed at the things your peers will be doing in ten years! Chances are, they will grow as you grow and you will want to have their number in your address book. As somewhat of an introvert myself, I know how hard it can be to muster the energy to get out and go to shows and talk to new people. But after a few years of doing that, you will be shocked at how small and accessible the music industry starts to feel.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
My ideal student is someone who is not only passionate about singing, but who is willing to put the hours in! Practice may not mean totally perfect, but it can come pretty dang close. The students I see improve dramatically and the most quickly are those who set aside time to practice almost every single day and who are very open to learning. Not all of us are born with a voice like Beyoncé, but I genuinely believe that anyone with healthy, functioning vocal cords can learn how to sing quite proficiently. It’s all about how much effort and commitment you’re willing to put into it.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Brenton Cooper Nicole Ditt

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