Meet Olivia LaBarge | Voice Coach & Vocalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia LaBarge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, what matters most to you?
Hands down, equity. Equity is often thought of interchangeably with equality, but the two are very different. To provide a person with equity means the individual has all necessary tools and resources required for them to be successful. Equality ensures everyone is treated the same way without consideration for their unique needs and circumstances. That’s like saying, “Everyone is allowed to go to college!” but making the national average cost of higher education $38,270 per student per year. Without financial aid, the thought of college is impossible for the average American. My business, Quarter Life Creative Studio, was founded on the principle of equity. I teach voice lessons to singers of all financial backgrounds and adjust my services and prices for any student who needs it. I grew up in a household with modest means and was lucky enough to have had a voice teacher do the same for me. My students and I are proof that providing others with equity is a well made investment!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
“Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about.”

I own a voice studio called Quarter Life Creative Studio. The majority of my students (like myself) are young professionals in the entertainment industry and are looking for high value lessons without the $100+ an hour price tag. I have an undergraduate degree in classical voice and musical theatre and have been performing professionally for the last 5 years in regional theaters, at sea, and with Hong Kong Disneyland. Alongside my performing sits my undying love for all things voice: singing technique, vocal mechanics, physiology, etc… I devour all resources for singing! Teaching completely tangible, scientifically proven, and instantly applicable vocal technique is my greatest passion. It is an immense privilege to witness a student’s vocal growth and most importantly, newfound soaring confidence. I can think of no better career! Quarter Life Creative is set apart by its equitable structure and adjustable rates. I tailor prices, lesson duration, and content to fit the needs of each student that requests equitable pricing. By providing and publicizing the option of adjustable rates, I am excited to encourage other creatives to adopt this business structure and remove the shame/stigma around financial inequities.

“How did you get to where you are today professionally? Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges?”

My journey to opening Quarter Life Creative Studio was not linear and in some ways still isn’t! After graduating college in 2019, I headed to NYC to chase my dreams as a Broadway performer. During that 6 month stint, I worked 50 hour weeks and woke up at 3 am numerous times a week to attend open call auditions. This was unsustainable and in the spirit of honesty, I hated it. My NYC experience taught me that I am not willing to sacrifice my livelihood for an industry that makes it impossible for those without generational wealth to succeed.

Shortly after that epiphany, I booked an incredible performing opportunity with Hong Kong Disneyland as a vocalist. It offered everything I craved: performing fulltime, financial stability, and travel. So my earth-shattering revelation would have to be put on hold for a bit! That contract was a dream. While living abroad during the pandemic, I had time to deep dive into voice training. I became curious about belting and worked with friends and teachers to crossover into popular music after coming from a heavy classical voice background. Upon my return to the states in 2021, I began working with another voice coach who introduced “speech level singing,”(SLS) and I was hooked. I became obsessed with this technique because it worked every time! I bought books on SLS and started integrating it with the nuances of musical expression I learned from bel canto technique. About a year later, I started coaching and my business has grown into Quarter Life Creative. I still perform, but my heart is in teaching and helping those with financial limitations make it in this industry that, quite frankly, doesn’t deserve them. All artists deserve more respect, care, and consideration than society gives us. The sooner we all realize this, the better our world will be.

“What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?”

The two most important lessons I have learned in my career are “you get half of what you ask for and none of what you don’t” and “open the door for those behind you.” So often I would low ball myself and accept contracts without even negotiating! We’re done playing small. This also goes for making professional connections. I love reaching out to people who inspire me and then setting up a Zoom coffee chat. Technology is an incredible tool for connection and so much of my professional relationships have been made by shooting my shot! The worst thing anyone can say is “no.”

Additionally, there’s this quiet competition among those of us in minority groups that stems from the idea that only a few can make it to the top. “There simply isn’t enough room with all the white men up there, so I must jab my way to the summit!” While the patriarchy needs us to believe this, we can’t. We have to encourage, uplift, and support one another, especially in the professional sphere. Opening the door for those behind you looks like recommending friends for jobs, connecting two colleagues who could really help one another, or even sharing someone’s business on social media. The wider perspective leadership has, the better life is for everyone involved. Good things come to those who believe in universal abundance!

“What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?”

I’d love for others to know that Quarter Life Creative was born out of the unmistakable need for equitable resources to professional performers. At the moment, I offer virtual voice lessons but hope to expand my resources to online courses on vocal technique for singers and professional voice users, music theory for singing, and networking in the arts. It is my dream to grow Quarter Life Creative Studio into a community bursting with artists dedicated to opening the door for one another. For now, I am ecstatic to offer coaching services and create equitable impact in the ways that I am able.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When friends come to visit, we always do a day in Malibu. It’s an LA staple and people love to see it! At sunrise, we head to Zuma Canyon Trail and hike the loop. After taking in the mountains, we grab breakfast at the Malibu Farm Pier Cafe. This charming eatery has stunning views, the BEST breakfast, and the cutest latte art. (seriously, check out their Instagram!) The rest of the day would be spent basking in the sun and frolicking in the Pacific. During the week, we’d have to hit up Disneyland and do a day of park hopping. I do love a Mickey shaped pretzel. However, I truly believe the greatest part of SoCal is its natural beauty. We have the best weather, mountains, and beaches!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yes! I am so fortunate to have been recommended for the Shoutout series by my dearest friend and colleague, Renna Nightingale. I want to dedicate this shout out to her. Without her support and visionary expertise, Quarter Life Creative Studio would not have been possible. I also have the greatest support system: my partner, family, and close friends. I love you guys. Thank you to all who support QLC by attending lessons, sharing content, and encouraging its growth. I am forever grateful!

Website: https://www.olivialabarge.com

Instagram: yo_its_o

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/olivia-labarge