Vocal Visions

For Professional Singing bio go to:  http://ellenjohnson.net/biosmusic/

EDUCATOR BIO:

Ellen Johnson has a distinguished career as a professional vocalist and educator training singers in all genres of music. Johnson holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from San Diego State University, BM in Vocal Performance from the American Conservatory of Music, and Ph.D. studies at the University of Humanistic Studies. She attending UCLA's Extension program in the Music Business Industry and completed certificates in Trauma Informed Voice, Expressive Arts Therapy and Creativity Coaching. Ellen is the author of the biography, Jazz Child: A Portrait of Sheila Jordan and is currently working on another book about the voice as a therapeutic tool as well as improvisation.

Ellen's diversity in her own professional singing has made her an excellent teacher for cross over styles teaching everything from jazz, classical, musical theater, pop, and other genres. She has a strong background in vocal pedagogy and vocal rehabilitation assisting singers with difficult vocal issues. Her students can be heard on broadway, radio, recordings and have been the winners of many vocal competitions. 

A former NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) Chapter president, Johnson has served on the faculties of the University of San Diego, Old Globe Theatre’s MFA program, California Polytechnic University Pomona, the California Jazz Conservatory/Jazzschool, Rubicon Theatre, Long Beach City College, Southwestern College, Portland Community College, Cerritos College, and Jefferson School of Performing Arts. She has given master classes and workshops at the USC, San Diego State University, California State University Northridge, Bradley University, CSLU Long Beach, Skyline College, Clackamas College, Point Loma Nazarene College, Portland State University, Sierra College Rocklin and was a guest speaker at the National Association of Teachers of Singing Conferences, International Association of Jazz Educators Conferences, Jazz Improv Live Festival, and She Sings Acapella Festival. 

Ellen has studied with many prominent vocal teachers, coaches and professional musicians including Roland Wyatt (Manhattan Transfer coach), Bobby McFerrin, Marni Nixon, Mary McKenzie, Irma Cooper, George Shirley, Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton, John Clayton, Gene Aiken, Harold J. Jones, Wilma Osheim, Richard Miller, Nico Casel, John Collins, and others. 

Through her own company, Vocal Visions, Johnson has published and produces music instructional products including, The Warm Up CD (Download & CD), Vocal Builders and You Sing Jazz. She has produced singer projects (recordings, DVDs, digital downloads, etc.) and worked in collaboration with producers, managers, record labels, bands, and songwriters for recording and performance preparation.

Ellen's vocal philosophy is to inspire creativity while developing healthy singing habits and techniques that allow a singer to express a song from their heart and soul. She is a member of the Jazz Journalists Association, SFJazz, the International Association for Music & Medicine and the Neuroarts Research Center and has a substack entitled Sound Creativity Journal where she writes articles on music, the arts, and the future of sound healing. 

Integrative Embodiment Voice Coach and Sound Healing Facilitator:

 Ellen’s devotion to the arts spans over three decades in a variety of genres as a professional recording artist, songwriter, lyricist, author, and educator. Her lifelong passion for the transformative power of sound and music has guided her extensive journey into the realms of sound healing, science, and medicine for over 40 years—long before these fields gained widespread recognition.

Ellen’s work in sound healing blends her deep musical knowledge with holistic practices to support emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. She is currently engaged in recording projects designed for meditation, relaxation, mood enhancement, grief support, trauma informed voice and other therapeutic applications. Her current releases include “Amphitrite's Longing: An Oceanic Dreamscape,” “Whispers of Solitude,” “Dimensions of Nature,” and various improvisational works featured on other recordings. Many of these compositions incorporate nature sounds woven with the human voice and ambient elements, creating immersive soundscapes that promote deep listening and inner balance.

Her formal education includes a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance, along with a Music Business Certificate from UCLA Extension. Ellen has pursued advanced training in Frequency Medicine, Sonic Science & Cymatics with John Stuart Reid and completed Integral Studies in Music Therapy at the University of Humanistic Studies. She holds certificates in Trauma informed Voice, Expressive Arts Therapy with Jane Goldberg (1998) and Creativity Coaching with Eric Maisel. Her studies have also included Behavioral Psychoacoustics with Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, BioSonic Tuning Fork Frequencies with Dr. John Beaulieu, Sound Healing Alchemy with Eileen McKusick, and Harmonics of Vibrational Sound and Color with Elias Mohan (William David), alongside work with pioneers such as Jonathan Goldman and Fabien Maman.

Through her company, Vocal Visions (Sound Creativity), Ellen produces music recordings and instructional products that inspire creative expression and personal transformation. She is the author of Jazz Child: Portrait of Sheila Jordan, nominated for the Jazz Journalists Association’s Best Book Award (2015), and her article The Vocal Music of Charles Mingus is featured in Jazz Omnibus: 21st Century Photos and Writings by Members of the Jazz Journalists Association.

Ellen’s teaching experience spans institutions such as the University of San Diego, the Old Globe Theatre’s MFA program, California Polytechnic University Pomona, University of Southern California and the California Jazz Conservatory. She continues to offer master classes, workshops, and private training—empowering individuals to unlock their voices as instruments of healing, self-expression, and profound connection to the world around them. She is a member of the International Association for Music & Medicine and the Neuroarts Research Center and has a substack entitled Sound Creativity Journal where she writes articles on music, the arts, and the future of sound healing.