Gain confidence, technical mastery, and artistry as you develop your unique voice.
Originally founded by Jennifer Olson in 2019 as a private voice studio, this signature affiliated program took the name the Lyrica Voice Studio and joined the Bemidji Performing Arts Academy in 2026. Offering personalized voice instruction for teens and adults seeking to strengthen their vocal technique, artistic confidence, and musical expression, the studio is rooted in BPAA's mission to provide high-quality transformative education and experiences through music.
Whether students are preparing for auditions, performances, solo repertoire, musical theatre, choral singing, or simply exploring their voice for personal enrichment, lessons are tailored to each individual's goals, experience level, and musical interests. Instruction emphasizes healthy vocal production, musicianship, communication, and confidence-building in a collaborative and welcoming setting.
Lessons are offered year-round with flexible scheduling for beginner through advanced singers.
Develop strong breath support, vocal freedom, resonance, diction, and sustainable singing habits through age-appropriate and individualized instruction.
Learn to communicate meaningfully through music while developing confidence, creativity, and interpretive skills.
Strengthen musicianship through sight reading, rhythm work, ear training, and foundational music theory integrated into vocal study.
Develop poise, preparation, and self-assurance through regular opportunities to perform and share music.
Foster a lifelong appreciation for singing, collaboration, and artistic growth in a supportive musical community.
Students are encouraged to share their growth through a variety of supportive performance experiences.
Semester recitals provide students the opportunity to perform prepared repertoire in an encouraging and celebratory environment.
Coaching and preparation for solo & ensemble contests, competitions, school musicals, honor choirs, college auditions, and community performances.
Performance classes are offered every semester for students to perform for and receive feedback from vocal professionals in the field.
Students may have opportunities to work with accompanists, ensembles, and collaborative musicians as appropriate to their level and goals.
BPAA-sponsored outreach and community performances allow students to share music while building confidence and connection through live performance.
The Lyrica Voice Studio reflects the core values of BPAA in every lesson and rehearsal.
Creating a respectful and encouraging environment built on honesty, professionalism, and support.
Pursuing healthy technique, thoughtful artistry, and consistent musical growth at every level.
Embracing creative and student-centered teaching approaches that make vocal study engaging, meaningful, and accessible.
No prior experience is required. Lessons are designed for singers at all levels, from complete beginners to experienced performers.
Instruction may include classical, musical theatre, folk, contemporary, jazz, and other styles depending on student interests and goals.
Yes — lessons can include preparation for auditions, performances, honor choirs, musicals, and college entrance requirements.
Students are encouraged to participate in studio recitals, performance classes, and community performances as they feel ready and comfortable.
Tuition is billed as a consistent monthly fee across the academic year and includes lessons, recitals, and accompanying support for studio performances.
Dr. Jennifer Olson is currently associate professor of voice at Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota and is the director of the Lyrica Voice Studio, a signature affiliated program of the Bemidji Performing Arts Academy. She holds master's and doctoral degrees in voice from the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota. She has performed throughout the Midwest as a soloist and recitalist, with special interests in French repertoire, chamber music, oratorio, and art song.
Her performance credits include featured solo appearances with the Oratorio Society of Minnesota, Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble, VocalEssence, Fargo-Moorhead Opera, and Bay View Music Festival. Notable roles and performances include Handel's Messiah, Honegger's King David, Britten's Paul Bunyan, Papagena in Mozart's The Magic Flute and Barbarina in Le Nozze di Figaro, Minnesota premieres of Frank Ticheli's Songs of Love and Life and Geoffrey Hudson's A Passion for the Planet, and the U.S. premiere of Patrick Hawes' The Great War Symphony.
Jennifer was a National Semi-Finalist in the NATS Artist Award Competition and received an Individual Artist Grant from the Region 2 Arts Council as well as a Minnesota State Arts Board Grant to record Cantos y Cuentos, an album of rarely performed art songs from South America with Dr. Ana María Otamendi released on Centaur Records. In 2020, she created BSU Sings!, an online educational video series for middle and high school choral students, now a nationally recognized program. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary pedagogical methods, a subject she presented on in 2019 at Cambridge University in England. She lives in Bemidji with her husband Eric and their dog Pippi.