The Professionals Who Will Help You!

Please take the time to read about our extremely talented vocal and performance skills coaching staff. They are here to teach you all the "tricks of the trade" they have picked up from their many years of experience in the music industry.

Charles Dotson

Charles "Talmage" Dotson, grew up singing in churches and schools in his hometown of Hitchcock, Texas. His professional singing credits include performances with Houston Grand Opera, Opera Omaha, Young Audiences, Houston Symphony, Gospel Music Workshop of America as well as numerous engagements as a soloist for educational institutions, religious and civic organizations, and private functions in the Houston area. Charles, who holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Houston with an emphasis in Vocal Performance and English, is also a former music teacher with Houston ISD.

As a vocal coach, Charles teaches privately and is an associate voice teacher of Tom McKinney Vocal Studios. Mr. Dotson has served as a preliminary judge for the popular Gimme the Mic singing talent television show on NBC Houston, and as a judge for 97.9 The Box Hatta's Idol. He is also a vocal coach for Music World Sanctuary's Project Pop star.

Lisa Apple

Music and performing have been a part of Lisa’s life from an early age. Growing up she performed in several Dallas venues, including the Dallas Theatre Center. Lisa moved to Nashville in 1997 to attend Belmont University where she studied Commercial Voice and Music Business. She had the opportunity to work with great writers, performers, and people in the music industry. In 2002, she received her BA in Music Business and went on to work in marketing at Forefront Records during the day, while performing at night.

She recently moved back to Dallas, the place she calls home, and still sings, writes, and teaches. In October, 2005 Lisa was featured as a top ten finalist on the Gospel Music Channel's Gospel Dream. Currently she sings with a band called The Maxx and performs her own acoustic set in various Dallas venues. Lisa is  an associate voice teacher with Tom McKinney Vocal Studios and on staff at Entertainment Arts Project.

Suzanne VanVelson

Suzanne began performing at the age of three in various community theatre productions.   Her father also performed, and they often enjoyed being in shows together.  Suzanne continued to star in community theatre roles through college.  “I knew that singing and performing were my passion and calling the moment I started.”

Currently Suzanne is an associate voice teacher with Tom McKinney Vocal Studios and on staff with Entertainment Arts Project.  Suzanne sings part-time for the Night and Day Orchestra, a jazz band in Beaumont.  She is also in the finals for the contest, Best Singer in Texas.