“I met Lily when she became our director for my school’s fall show. She is a director that helped push my skills to their full extent and I felt completely able to trust in her to direct a great show almost immediately. For the extent of my Junior and Senior year, I trained with Lily once or twice every week in singing, dancing and acting. She took me from not even being able to move my body freely to an avid dancer who likes to do — and can do — all sorts of dance styles. She also had the perfect communication strategy so I could understand her instructions and improve on myself. Many times prior I had vocal coaches who didn’t know how to communicate how a technique worked so I was constantly left guessing. Lily helped me easily understand and improve my vocal and acting techniques because she understands her students.
When I was auditioning for colleges, she knew exactly how each audition would work and led me to the path that would have the greatest success, and really took all my nerves down while helping me to perform my best. I was also lucky enough to accompany her to LA where I attended a dance industry intensive and got a taste of entertainment auditioning. That trip forever changed my outlook on life and my career. She also becomes more than a teacher or a coach. Lily is one of my closest friends and I will always be thankful that I have her in my contacts. I constantly message her for a second opinion on something or professional advice, while also sending the occasional meme.”
— Susie Greeno
“Lily is a bright light in the arts community. She approaches her style of teaching with a fresh perspective, and a whole lot of fun! No matter your age, background, or level of mobility, Lily is able to adapt and conquer — all while maintaining her fun-loving and bubbly personality. I am someone who grew up dancing at studios where I was constantly uncomfortable and stressed. I was quite pleased that no matter where you might find her — whether it be directing musicals, teaching dance to every age and skill level, or helping a young vocalist like myself develop their range — she brings with her an effervescent enthusiasm and love for what she does. Not to mention, and this should go without saying, Lily is exceedingly well-versed in all areas of dance, genres of music, and acting techniques along with the history that’s been built upon these mediums. Lily is easily my first pick. A vibrant and passionate artist, full of diverse knowledge, and overflowing with empathy. 10/10, would recommend.”
— Miranda Rose
“Where do I even begin?! Lily is hands-down the most talented, inspiring, creative, passionate and hardworking woman I know. She is a natural born talent who has devoted her life’s work to the arts. She knows how to do it all: Sing, dance, act, play, perform, direct — You name it, she can not only execute it flawlessly but help you hone in on and master your talent. She radiates this illuminating and magnetic energy that inevitably pulls the ability, inspiration, resilience and confidence out of you. Lily has touched so many lives because of her undeniable expertise, unparalleled artistry and vital presence in the arts community. Lily truly is one of a kind and I consider myself lucky to have studied under her. I know whatever she chooses to produce, it will be undeniably brilliant and breathtaking.”
— Shelby Rose
“I’ve known Lily Baran since I was eight and have received counsel from her musicically and otherwise since that time. Because of Lily I found a connection to music l never had before through Jazz. Lily exposed me to this style at the end of my high school education and ever since I have been focusing my studies on the culture, history, sound, expression, and figures that made it. Lily’s style of teaching is direct yet compassionate. She cares about the individual finding THEIR voice, not about inserting her voice into you. Lily has a wide repertoire which allows her to assist in numerous genres including musical theater, opera, and jazz (to name a few). To know Lily is to know a genuine lover of the arts, to study with Lily is a gift. I use warm ups I learned from Lily to this day and cannot imagine what my life would be musically if she hadn’t suggested I look into jazz vocalists that one day in a lesson. Because of Lily’s continual belief in me I have returned to singing over and over again, regardless of what else is happening in my life. I know that through singing I can find my freedom, Lily can help you do the same. Highly, highly recommend.”
— Mary Catherine