Cierra Lee is a young artist and teacher who delights in changing lives through music. While in high school and college, she was actively involved, not only musically but also socially with various activities including show choir, opera productions, campus recreation team, peer leading, percussion ensemble, urban dance club, musical theatre productions, and marching band. She even participated in master classes with NYC singers and traveled the East Coast performing in prisons.
Once attaining a Bachelor of Music from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi in 2015, she moved back home to Ohio and started A.R.I.S.E. with Cierra. Since then, she has worked with hundreds of vocalists (from amateur to professional) across the US, honing in on how the voice works and how to achieve many different styles/genres in a healthy way. She has worked with worship teams, show choirs, a cappella groups, signed professionals, and local bands. Cierra is passionate about equipping students (regardless of age, rage, identity, sexuality, or religion) with the knowledge and competency to be self-sustaining once they branch out from the studio.
As an advocate for growth, learning, efficiency, reach, and maximum impact, Cierra is passionate about cultivating her own skills and leadership. Because of this, she is currently working toward a Master's in Vocal Pedagogy with the Voice Study Centre and the University of Wales in the UK. She also continues to develop her voice via private coaching with world-renowned vocal pedagogs and jumps on training opportunities as they surface. She has trained in Estill Voice Training (with Kim Steinhauer & Tom Burke) and participated in the initial beta testing for the Integrated Vocal Pedagogy course with Kerrie Obert. She has worked with Tom Burke, attended multiple master classes with NYC Broadway vocal coach, Matt Farnsworth, and continues to develop connections as a member of both NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing). She recently sat on the Contemporary Music panel at the 2023 National ACDA Conference.
From an artist standpoint, Cierra has performed at Carnegie Hall with Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Hezekiah Walker, Donnie McClurkin, Mark Lowry, and Russ Taff for the GMA 50th Anniversary and currently serves on the Maverick City Gospel Choir with Maverick City Music. There are rumors she may be working on some original music.
Outside of A.R.I.S.E., Cierra serves as the Worship Leader at Crosslink Community Church in Central Ohio. She has a huge heart for worship, prison ministry, victims of human trafficking, at-risk youth, missions, and anyone in need. Her daily goal is to use music to bring light to a dark world in any capacity while working to be a better leader, mentor, and teacher. She absolutely loves all the ways she has been able to use her gifts and hopes that each individual she teaches walks away with knowledge and inspiration.