MEET THE TEAM
— Late teens and up
— Intermediate to Professional Singers
— Specializes in worship leader development and singer-songwriters
— All contemporary genres
— Vocal efficiency & sustainability
Cierra Lee
Vocal Coach/Owner
Cierra Lee is an enthusiastic and dedicated artist, worship leader and contemporary voice teacher who finds joy in transforming lives through music. Throughout her high school and college years, she engaged in a variety of activities, including show choir, opera, percussion ensemble, urban dance, musical theatre, and marching band, among others. She even performed in 13 prisons while traveling along the East.
Cierra is committed to empowering singers of all ages and backgrounds, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed for success. She specializes in Worship Leader development and Singer-Songwriters, as well as intermediate to advanced contemporary singers. Her mission is to use music as a beacon of hope in a dark world, while celebrating all aspects of the journey and continuously striving to be a better leader, mentor, and teacher. She cherishes the opportunity to share her passion and aims for each of her students to leave inspired, celebrated, and transformed.
After earning her Bachelor of Music from Belhaven University, Cierra returned to Ohio and founded A.R.I.S.E. with Cierra in July 2015. Since then, she has collaborated with hundreds of vocalists and directors across the U.S., focusing on healthy, sustainable contemporary vocal styles. This includes working with talented teens and adults, all the way to groups, such as the National HS A Cappella Champions and signed worship leaders/teams.
Over the last decade, she has continued growing personally and professionally through private coaching and attending various trainings, including Estill Voice Training and Integrated Vocal Pedagogy. Cierra has also been invited to present at the ACDA National Conference and is currently pursuing a Master's in Vocal Pedagogy with the Voice Study Centre in the UK.
From an artist standpoint, she has had the privilege of performing at Carnegie Hall for the GMA 50th Anniversary, touring with the Maverick City Gospel Choir, and recording a live album with Jason McGee and The Choir. She is an active member of SongShare Music and is working on her own releases. With over 12 years of experience as a worship leader, Cierra currently freelances across various churches in Central Ohio.
In her free time, Cierra enjoys hiking, iced coffee, reading, traveling, Mexican cuisine, and appreciating life's simple pleasures, like driving with the windows down. She a fun-loving individual who cares deeply and embraces life wholeheartedly.
— Ages 10 and up
— Beginner to Advanced
— Specializes in songwriting, ear-training, singing foundations, & pitch accuracy
— Pop, Worship, & Musical Theatre
Abbie Dennis
Affiliate Vocal Coach
Abbie Dennis has been part of the A.R.I.S.E. community since the age of sixteen, performing in numerous showcases and continuing to grow as both an artist and performer. She received her education from Indiana Wesleyan University, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy where she actively engaged in both musical and theatrical performance.
Abbie began developing her craft at a young age, training through theatre programs with Columbus Children’s Theatre (CCT), private voice instruction across both classical and contemporary styles, and personal study of instruments. Her passion for music extends into worship leadership, where she spent three years traveling on weekends with an IWU-sponsored worship team and served as a team leader for two of those years.
In addition to her work in worship, Abbie has a deep love for musical theatre and was most recently seen as Beth in Little Women: The Musical at IWU. She has also been involved in collegiate choir, further strengthening her vocal versatility and musicianship.
Abbie is dedicated to making a meaningful impact within the Arise community, encouraging students to grow in both skill and confidence. She is especially excited to work with beginner and intermediate students, creating a supportive environment where they feel empowered to learn, take risks, and develop their unique voice.
Abbie is particularly passionate about songwriting, with multiple original songs currently available on streaming platforms and more on the way. She is dedicated to creating music that is both expressive and meaningful, and she continues to grow as a performer, writer, future music therapist and teacher.