Sierra Cornell
About
Hi! I’m Sierra, a Los Angeles–based voice coach and songwriter, and a graduate of Berklee College of Music with a Bachelor’s degree in Songwriting.
I’ve been writing songs for over a decade and currently work as a professional songwriter with both GRAMMY Award winning writers and producers, and up-and-coming artists. My songs have been featured in film, TV, and advertising, and have received recognition through projects like the Songs for Social Change showcase, Earthapalooza, and multiple wins in the Michigan Music Education Association Songwriting Contest.
Alongside songwriting, voice has always been a central part of my work. I’ve trained extensively in contemporary vocal technique and am currently a teacher-in-training with the Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA), an internationally respected organization rooted in healthy, science-based vocal pedagogy. My goal is to help singers build confidence, freedom, and trust in their voice whether they’re brand new or already performing and recording.
I’ve been teaching voice and songwriting lessons for several years and truly love working with students of all ages and experience levels. I know firsthand how important it is to have a teacher who meets you where you are, supports your growth, and helps you move toward your goals without pressure or judgment.
Outside of music, I love traveling, hiking, spending time with my dog, and finding great food wherever I land!
Teaching Style
My teaching style is highly personalized, supportive, and goal-oriented. No two students are the same, and I tailor each lesson to your experience level, learning style, and creative goals.
In songwriting lessons, we may explore:
-
lyric writing and storytelling
-
melody writing and hooks
-
rhyme schemes and song structure
-
basic harmony and chord progressions
-
genre exploration and creative identity
We’ll often study songs you love and break down what makes them work, then apply those ideas directly to your own writing.
In voice lessons, we’ll work on:
-
breath support and ease
-
pitch accuracy
-
vocal flexibility and transitions
-
range extension
-
healthy technique you can use consistently
We’ll apply technique directly to songs you enjoy singing so everything feels practical, musical, and fun.
Above all, I ask students to come in open-minded and curious. Growth requires experimentation, and that means writing imperfect songs and singing the “wrong” notes sometimes. My lessons are a judgment-free space where trying things out is encouraged, and progress comes from showing up and trusting the process.
Curriculum
Some of the best teachers in music are the artists you already love! I encourage intentional listening and study of your favorite singers, songwriters, and musicians, using them as real-world examples of technique and creativity.
That said, I also recommend a few foundational books that many students find helpful:
-
The War of Art — Steven Pressfield
-
The Artist’s Way — Julia Cameron
-
Writing Better Lyrics — Pat Pattison
These serve as guides and inspiration alongside our hands-on work in lessons.
Credentials & Affiliations
Bachelor's of Music, Berklee College of Music, 2021
Teacher-in-Training, Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA)


