Harmonic Balance Studio
Student Success.
Although student success can be measured in many different ways, below are testimonials from former students/collaborative pianists, videos of student singing, and a list of their accomplishments (not available with mobile devices).
​
NATS stands for National Association of Teachers of Singing and is an organization that offers student auditions (competitions) at the state, regional, and national level on an annual basis. This is something future students could participate in!
​
Testimonials
Rachel Zimmerman, GA
Collaborative Pianist
"After witnessing thousands of lessons as a collaborative pianist, I can confidently say Dr. DeBruyn is the gold standard as teachers go. She balances a deep knowledge of vocal health with a path to success that is clear, goal-orientated, and tailored just for you. She doesn't just teach you how to sing; she teaches you how to find your own voice through healthy, sustainable technique."
Payton Schwartz, GA
Actor/Model
"Shellie provided a perspective unlike any other I've seen from any of my vocal coaches. She subconsciously prioritizes establishing trust between herself and her students. Because of the way that she cares about her students (not just from a vocal technique standpoint, but a sentimental one as well), we were able to trust her with our vocal vulnerabilities while she guided us to make the right decisions for our instruments.
​
Dr. DeBruyn also does an excellent job at adapting to her students' learning styles and what they need. Most of all, Dr. D superbly does the most important thing a mentor should: help her students believe in themselves. Especially in an industry full of critics, she reminds us why our uniqueness and boldness as individuals are not only special, but beneficial."
Emma Teems, GA
Middle School Choral Teacher
" Dr. D's depth of knowledge is matched by her clarity and encouragement, never making her students feel overwhelmed or inadequate. She fostered my confidence as a performer and consistently made herself available for guidance and support. Her genuine care for her students is exceptional and deeply impactful. Dr. D is a phenomenal educator and an even more remarkable human being."
Kimberli Render, NY
MET Opera Chorus
​
"Dr. D is a master techer that helped me build an incredible technique that I still utilize today as a full-time regular chorister at the Metropolitan Opera. Under her tutelage, I learned the fundamentals of singing. She is thoughtful in her approach and can tailor her teaching to meet each student's learning style. For the more advanced singer, she can access challenges and address specific vocal faults. For me, she is like a trusted mechanic. I trust her ear, experience, and expertise when it comes to the sacred gift of the voice."
Amaan Atkins, TX
Professional Singing Actor
"Dr. D is a master at her craft. Not only is she the kindest and most supportive teacher I was blessed to experience, but she also has the magical ability to help students explore the vulnerability of singing in a safe and nurturing environment, while encouraging self-discovery and the exploration of each student's endless artistic capabilities. Her teaching style combines a standard science based pedagogical approach with body awareness and movement, emphasizing yoga and body mapping techniques to allow students to produce their most relaxed and authentic sound.
​
Dr. D prompts uniqueness not only as a performing artist, but also as a vocalist!"
Hunter Mullen, TX
MM in Choral Conducting Graduate Student
"Dr. DeBruyn's approach to teaching is wholistic and individual. She encouraged me to discover how different techniques feel in my body, without once prescribing a way in which I "should" feel. This, paired with her specialization in vocal pedagogy, allowed me to approach singing with a curious and confident mind."
Student Singing
Kayla Elzie, Soprano
Amaan Atkins, Tenor
Tatiana Muzanova, Piano
Marina Daniels, Mezzo-Soprano
Rachel Zimmerman, Piano
Carson Skidmore, Baritone
Rachel Zimmerman, Piano
Hunter Mullen, Baritone
Tatiana Muzanova, Piano
Gracie Brantley, Soprano Belt
Rachel Zimmerman, Piano
Congratulations to these Go-getters!
2025
Reanna Cassidy
Graduate School Acceptance
Tulaine University, Full scholarship and stipend
University of Alabama, Scholarship
NATS National Student Auditions
Zachary Hornbeck
Marina Daniels
National Semifinalist. Lower Level MT TBB
National Quarterfinalist, Upper Level MT Treble
Southeast Regional NATS
Student Auditions
Marina Daniels
Zachary Hornbeck
Zachary Hornbeck
Reanna Cassidy
Aaliyah Coronado
Aaliyah Coronado
1st Place Overall, 4/5th yr MT Treble
2nd Place Overall, 2nd yr Classical TBB
2nd Place Overall, 2nd yr MT TBB
Semifinalist, 4/5th yr Classical Treble
Semifinalist, 2nd yr Classical Treble
Semifinalist, 2nd yr MT Treble​
2024
FIO Italia: Summer Opera Festival
Reanna Cassidy
"Monica" in The Medium (Italian and English)
Aaliyah Coronado
Zachary Hornbeck
Jada Smith
Marina Daniels
Marina Daniels
Aaliyah Coronado
Zachary Hornbeck
Austin Yoemans
Georgia NATS Student Auditions
2nd Place, 2nd yr Classical Treble
3rd Place, 2nd yr Classical TBB
2nd Place, 3rd yr Classical Treble
1st Place, 4/5th yr Classical Treble
3rd Place Overall, 4/5 yr Classical Treble
1st Place Overall, 2nd yr MT Treble
1st Place Overall, 2nd yr MT TBB
1st Place Overall, 3rd yr MT TBB
NATS National Student Auditions
Makoa Whitfield
Zachary Hornbeck
Finalist, 2nd Place Overall, Lower Level MT TBB
Finalist, 3rd Place Overall, Lower Level MT TBB
Graduate School Acceptance
Marsalis Causey
Guilford School of Acting, London UK
Masters in Musical Theatre
Southeast Regional NATS
Student Auditions
Makoa Whitfield
Zachary Hornbeck
Zachary Hornbeck
Aaliyah Coronado
Reanna Cassidy
Natalie Crosby
1st Place Overall, 3-way tie, 1st yr MT TBB
1st Place Overall, 3-way tie, 1st yr MT TBB
3rd Place Overall, 1st yr Classical TBB
Semifinalist, 1st yr Classical Treble
Semifinalist, 3rd yr Classical Treble
Semifinalist, 2nd yr Classical Treble
2023
Georgia NATS Student Auditions
Zachary Hornbeck
Zachary Hornbeck
Austin Yoemans
Natalie Crosby
Reanna Cassidy
1st Place Overall, 1st yr Classical TBB
1st Place Overall, 1st yr MT TBB
2nd Place Overall, 2nd yr MT TBB
2nd Place, 2nd yr Classical Treble
3rd Place, 3rd yr Classical Treble
Musical Theatre Employment
Gracie Brantley
Charlston Stage, SC, Actor Apprentice
Musical Theatre Employment
Carson Skidmore
Titusville Playhouse, FL, Actor Apprentice
Musical Theatre Employment
Kayla Elzie
Disney Little Mermaid Immersive Experience, Atlanta, GA
Graduate School Acceptance
Kayla Elzie
New York University (Scholarship)
Arizona State University
Graduate School Acceptance
Amaan Atkins
University of Houston. Scholarship
Boston University
McGill University
Boston Conservatory
Seagle Festival
Amaan Atkins
"Henrik" in A Little Night Music
"Motel" in Fiddler on the Roof
Actor Therapy: Winter Intensive
Kayla Elzie
Acceptance and scholarship
Southeastern NATS
Student Auditions
Gracie Brantley
Galen Graff
Natalie Crosby
Natalie Crosby
Marina Daniels
1st Place Overall, 2nd yr MT Treble
3rd Place Overall, 1st Yr MT TBB
Finalist, 1st yr Treble MT
Semifinalist, 1st yr Classical Treble
Semifinalist, 2nd yr Classical Treble
Opera Mississippi: John Alexander National Voice Competition
Amaan Atkins
2nd Place Musical Theatre
2022
Georgia NATS Student Auditions
Amaan Atkins
Natalie Crosby
Jada Smith
Reanna Cassidy
Marina Daniels
Gracie Brantley
Kayla Elzie
Greyson Trippe
1st Place Overall, 4/5th yr Classical TBB
1st Place, 1st yr Classical Treble
2nd Place, 1st yr Classical Treble
3rd Place, 2nd yr Classical Treble
3rd Place 2nd yr Classical Treble
1st Place Overall, 2nd yr MT Treble
1st Place Overall, 4/5th yr MT Treble
1st Place Overall, 4/5th yr MT TBB
GA NATS Masterclass
Reanna Cassidy
participant chosen by audition
Seagle Festival
Amaan Atkins
"Barnaby" in Hello, Dolly!
FIO Italia: Summer Opera Intensive
Hunter Mullens
Hunter Mullens
Amaan Atkins
Southeastern NATS
Student Auditions
"Ser Amantio di Nicolao" in Gianni Schicchi
1st Place Overall, 4/5th yr MT TBB
1st Place Overall, 3rd yr MT TBB
2021
Georgia NATS Student Auditions
Virtual
Alison Badgett
Hunter Mullens
Rachel Massey
Amaan Atkins
Brandon Tharp
Shon Odom
Carson Skidmore
Christi Lamb
Greyson Trippe
1st Place Overall, Emerging Artist
2nd Place, 4/5th yr Classical TBB
2nd Place, Upper Level Adult Classical Treble
3rd Place, 3rd yr Classical TBB
1st Place Overall, 4/5th yr MT TBB
2nd Place, 1st yr MT TBB
2nd Place, 2nd yr MT TBB
2nd Place, 3rd yr MT Treble
2nd Place, 3rd yr MT TBB
Classical Singer Competition
Audience Choice Round
Amaan Atkins
3rd Place, Musical Theatre University/Emerging Professional
Music on Site, Inc.
Brandon Tharp
Amaan Atkins
"Monostratos" in Die Zauberflote
"King Kaspar" in Amahl and the Night Visitors
Classical Singer Competition
Virtual
Alison Badgett
Finalist in Musical Theatre University/Pre-professional
NATS National Student Auditions
Virtual
Brandon Tharp
Christi Lamb
Amaan Atkins
Hunter Mullens
Semifinalist, Upper Level MT TBB
Semifinalist, Lower Level MT Treble
Semifinalist, Lower Level MT TBB
Quarter Finalist, Upper Level MT TBB
Southeastern Regional NATS
Student Auditions, Virtual
Brandon Tharp
Amaan Atkins
Alison Badgett
Carson Skidmore
Christi Lamb
Hunter Mullens
Amaan Atkins
Brandon Tharp
1st Place Overall, 4/5th yr MT TBB
1st Place Overall, 2nd yr MT TBB
1st Place Overall, Adult Classical Treble
2nd Place, 1st yr MT TBB
3rd Place, 2nd yr MT Treble
3rd Place, 3rd yr MT TBB
Semifinalist, 2nd yr Classical TBB
Semifinalist, 4/5th yr Classical TBB
​