Meet 2025 Teacher of the Year for R&B Voice Julieta Pizarro

We asked 2025 Lessonface Teacher of the Year in R&B Voice, Julieta Pizarro, to share insights into her journey as a vocalist and educator. In this Q&A, Julieta reflects on what drew her to R&B’s soulful blend of emotion and groove, how she creates a calm and welcoming teaching environment, and the mindset she encourages students to cultivate as they develop confidence in their own voice. She also shares the gear and tools she recommends for effective practice, discusses the skills she and her students are excited to explore next, and emphasizes self-trust, curiosity, and consistent growth as the foundation of expressive R&B singing.
 

What drew you to learning R&B voice?

I got into R&B because I’ve always been drawn to that mix of emotion, groove, and vocal freedom. I think it’s popular because people connect with its soulfulness, and honestly, it deserves even more love. It teaches you to express yourself in a way that’s both vulnerable and powerful.

How would you describe your teaching studio? 

My teaching studio is a calm, welcoming space where students can relax and really lean into their sound. I keep it tidy, cozy, and set up for smooth sessions. 

How do you ensure you are a good mind frame for teaching in terms of your teaching space?  

Before I teach, I always take a moment to center myself (a bit of breathing, a quick reset) so I’m fully present and in the right head space for my students.

If you could gift your students one piece of automatic knowledge or ability about R&B voice, what would it be? 

If I could give my students one automatic ability in R&B, it would be the confidence to trust their own voice. That instinctive sense of groove and emotion that makes the style feel so real. And if there’s one thing I hope stays with them years from now, it’s the belief that their unique sound is worth sharing, and that expressing themselves honestly will always take them further than trying to sound like anyone else.

What are some gear items that you wish all your students had? 

I always wish my students had at least a decent mic and good headphones so they can really hear themselves properly. 

Are there apps / texts / other resources you often recommend? Anything new that came out this past year or you are anticipating in 2026?

I usually recommend a few apps for practice, like early training tools and simple recording apps. And I’m keeping an eye on some of the new vocal-processing plugins that dropped this year, plus a few exciting updates coming in 2026.

What’s a skill or idea you’re excited to explore in 2026? How about your students?

In 2026, I’m excited to dive deeper into improvisation and layering vocal textures in R&B. For my students, I hope they explore their own unique sound and take risks with phrasing. 

Anything you'd like to share about yours or their accomplishments from 2025?

Looking back at 2025, I’m proud of how much they grew in confidence and expression. 

Do you have guidance for goal-setting for R&B voice students, or generally?

My advice for goal-setting is simple: focus on small, consistent steps, celebrate progress, and always stay curious. The journey is just as important as the outcome.

If you are interested in learning more about Julieta or would like to book a lesson with her, please visit her Lessonface profile here. 

Also, be sure to check out all of Lessonface’s 2025 Teachers of the Year here!