Your voice is your first instrument - let’s treat it that way.
First Instrument is a sacred voice studio where vocal technique, energy alignment, and emotional wellness converge. Founded by Shauna L. Howard, our studio honors the voice as a powerful gateway to expression, healing, and creative embodiment. We blend traditional pedagogy with sacred music, energy theory, and social-emotional learning to support the full spectrum of your vocal journey.
Meet the Founder,
Shauna L. Howard
Hi, I’m Shauna - a soprano, voice educator, social-emotional learning facilitator, and endurance athlete based in Hollywood, California. I created First Instrument as a sacred voice studio for singers, speakers, vocalists, artists, and creative entrepreneurs ready to align their voice with their full humanity.
I grew up in North Carolina where my journey began with the rich legacy of sacred Black American music. My musical path expanded at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music & Dance in Philadelphia where I studied classical voice and opera. Due to social distancing regulations during the pandemic, I lost all of my work: I became an endurance athlete and began a journey of healing, transformation, and professional realignment. It was by reincorporating endurance sports into my lifestyle that I began to understand how vocal strength is deeply connected to physical health, emotional regulation, and spiritual wellness. That revelation reshaped my relationship to the voice and became the foundation of First Instrument.
My approach integrates foundational vocal technique with social-emotional learning, positive psychology, and anti-racist pedagogy - all grounded in my proprietary Integrative Vocal Wellness™ framework. I don’t just teach people how to sing - I guide my students in building a healthy relationship with their voice. Whether you’re performing on stage, leading a classroom, or simply learning to speak your truth with more clarity, your voice is your first instrument, and it deserves reverence, care, and confidence.
I serve on the faculty at Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood and EF Academy in Pasadena, teaching voice and music education to international students and emerging artists from around the world. I also serve on the board of directors for Wellbeing in Entertainment & Creative Arts (WECA), and I co-founded the Black Coalition of Dancers in 2020. First Instrument is one of several mission-based brands I manage through Creative Alchemy Alliance (CAA) - a holding company and consulting agency for creative entrepreneurs. Through CAA, I also manage Fierce Stitch and CycleBae, a cycling and wellness coaching initiative.
Wherever you are in your journey, First Instrument is here to help support your vocal health and reconnect you to your sacred voice.
And if you have a dog, tell them Auntie Shauna says hi! 🐾