Dana Pirzchalski

I attribute my success to a combination of hard work, timing, and—most importantly—the people who believed in me at pivotal moments throughout my life. From an early age, I was surrounded by encouragement. My father instilled in me the belief that I was a leader before I even knew what that meant, and my mother filled our home with music, singing artists like Faith Hill and Martina McBride nonstop. Those early experiences shaped both my confidence and my creative instincts.

My path was not always linear. I began college as a pre-med biology major, driven by a desire to help others, before finding my way fully into music. A turning point came when my voice professor in college saw something in me and encouraged me to audition for the vocal program. Her belief led to a scholarship that made it possible for me to complete my degree—an opportunity that changed the course of my life.

Between undergraduate and graduate school, support continued to show up in unexpected ways. Friends and their families helped me stay motivated, grounded, and financially afloat during a transitional period, and later encouraged me to finish my master’s degree even when challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic made it easy to give up. Every chapter, every act of support, and every moment of belief helped shape who I am today.

While I’m proud of my work ethic and persistence, I know my journey has been shaped by the encouragement, generosity, and belief of the people around me. Their support continues to influence how I approach my work and the way I strive to show up for others.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from two mentors who shaped not only my path in music, but the way I lead, teach, and build community. Janice Jackson, my voice professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, was the first person to truly see my potential and challenge me to rise to it. She taught me that excellence is built through discipline, consistency, and deep respect for the craft—and that believing in yourself often begins with someone else believing in you first.

My transition into the commercial music world was shaped by the mentorship of Amber Mogg-Cathey, who taught me how to bridge the gap between classical technique and the needs of Music Row clientele. Her influence helped me define the professional integrity and clarity that I now bring to The Song Spot. I learned early on that artistry and business don’t have to be at odds; by prioritizing kindness and ensuring my students feel truly seen and supported, I’ve been able to build a studio culture where human connection is just as important as technical excellence. For me, staying grounded in these values is exactly what allows our community to thrive.

Together, their guidance reinforced a lesson I carry with me every day: invest in your craft, seek out mentors who challenge you, and don’t be afraid to create your own path when the existing one doesn’t quite fit.

My advice to young women entering the industry is to focus on progress over perfection. This field can be demanding, competitive, and at times overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel pressure to have everything figured out right away. I know what it’s like to question yourself, to compare your path to others, and to wonder if you’re doing enough—or doing it “right.”

Stay persistent, keep showing up, and allow yourself the freedom to grow and evolve. Be willing to learn, to make mistakes, and to take up space as you are. Most importantly, remain true to yourself. Your authenticity, work ethic, and willingness to lead with both skill and kindness will not only guide your success, but will help create a healthier, more supportive industry for the women who come after you.

One of the biggest challenges in the music education and vocal coaching industry right now is identifying knowledgeable, trustworthy instruction. Because there is no universal accreditation or standardized certification system for voice teachers, students often have difficulty discerning which coaches are supporting healthy vocal development and which may unintentionally be causing harm. While advanced degrees, such as a master’s in vocal pedagogy, are helpful indicators of training, there is still significant room for growth—particularly in the availability of programs and resources focused on contemporary and commercial voice.

Many traditional pedagogical models are rooted in classical technique, which does not always translate seamlessly to modern styles such as pop, rock, or country. This gap presents both a challenge and a powerful opportunity. Recognizing this need, I have begun offering training and mentorship to voice teachers who want to deepen their understanding of vocal anatomy and learn how to apply evidence-based, science-informed technique within contemporary settings. By helping equip educators with clearer tools and shared language, I see an opportunity to raise the overall standard of vocal instruction and support the next generation of singers—and teachers—in a more sustainable, informed way.

The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are community, connection, and autonomy. I believe meaningful growth—creative or otherwise—happens in environments where people feel supported, respected, and truly seen. Building strong relationships and fostering a sense of belonging is central to how I teach, lead, and create, both inside and outside of the studio.

At the same time, I value autonomy and the freedom to pursue my passions with intention. Having space for creativity, reflection, and independence allows me to show up more fully for others—both personally and professionally. Outside of my work, that looks like recording and performing music, working on my EP, enjoying hobbies like golf and yoga, and spending time with my calico cat, Mango. These values shape not only my work as a vocal coach and business owner, but also how I approach personal growth—grounded in balance, authenticity, and a deep respect for individual journeys.