Our Musical Mission
What We Do
High Hopes Music Academy is dedicated to teaching everyone, from beginners to advanced musicians. We help our students build confidence, enhance vocal and instrumental skills, and explore various genres, including classical, musical theatre, and contemporary music.
Wherever You Are in Your Musical Journey
We’re Here for You
🌱 Nervous But Passionate
Do you love music, but feel shy or unsure?
Do you love singing or playing but feel shy and unsure? Whether you've only sung in the shower or just played air guitar, we believe there's a powerful, beautiful sound inside you just waiting to be heard. With the right guidance and support, you can shine!
🛠️ Experienced but Stuck
Are you hitting obstacles in your music making?
We’ll help you move past those hurdles—whether it’s breath control, strain, performance anxiety, or anything else—and guide you with personalized techniques to unlock your full potential. Wherever you’re stuck, we’re here to help you grow and reach the next level with confidence.
❤️ Just Want to Stay Strong
Want to keep your voice healthy and resilient?
We’ve got the tools and techniques you need to keep you strong, healthy, and resilient—whether you’re recovering from strain, preparing for a demanding performance schedule, or just singing or playing for fun. With our guidance, you’ll learn how to protect and preserve your voice for the long run.
🎠Love for all Styles
Classical, Musical, Contemporary?
Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of classical music, the drama of musical theatre, or the energy of contemporary styles, we’re here to support your journey. No matter your passion—or even if you love a mix of everything—we can help you grow in all of these genres and beyond.
Owner & Founder
Hope Koehler
Hope Koehler, whose voice has been heralded as having “the richness of Marilyn Horne at the bottom and the clarion clarity of Leontyne Price at the top” has appeared with opera companies and orchestras all around the country. She has appeared in the title roles of Carmen, Tosca, Fidelio, and Madama Butterfly, as well in Il Trovatore (Azucena), Lucia di Lammermoor (Alisa), Rigoletto (Contessa di Ceprano), The Old Maid and the Thief (Miss Todd), Amahl and the Night Visitors (Mother), Gianni Schicchi (Zita), La Bohème (Musetta), Der Freischütz (Agathe), The Tales of Hoffmann (Giulietta), to name a few.
Piano Instructor
Heather DeGolia
Heather DeGolia studied Piano Performance and Music Education at the renowned Oberlin Conservatory, where she also studied oboe as a secondary instrument. Ms. DeGolia is experienced in teaching private piano lessons, and has a very strong music theory component in her teaching so that students can continue to grow in their musical artistry. She currently sings in the First Christian Church choir in Tullahoma, TN.
Brass and Winds Instructor
John DeGolia
John DeGolia has his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from the prestigious Eastman School of Music, and his Master of Arts Degree in Music Education from James Madison University. He is proficient on every brass and wind instrument and specializes in tuba performance. He taught in the public school system for 39 years and holds teaching certificates in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Colorado. At the New York State School Music Association his students received the highest ratings on winds, brass, and percussion instruments. He has a more than 20- year record of teaching private lessons on brass and wind instruments. Many of his students have gone on to have professional careers in music in the Army Band, Navy Band, Air Force Band, Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as solo performing careers. He currently serves as Bass section leader at First Christian Church in Tullahoma, TN.
See Us Shine
The two singers featured here are Daniel Rich and Miles Mykkanen. These two rising stars began their studies with us when they were very young. Miles studied with Dr. Hope Koehler when he was in high school, and Daniel studied with Dr. William Koehler as an undergraduate. The foundation they built with us at that young age allowed them to go on, continue their studies at Morgan State University (Daniel) and The Juilliard School (Miles) so they could become the amazing singers they are today!
Students
Bonus! Hear Dr. Koehler sing, too!
Dr. Hope Koehler
Dr. Hope Koehler
Si mes vers avaient des ailes
Ruhe, meine Seele
La rondinella amante
Losing My Mind
What We Offer
Explore our pricing and schedules to find what works best for you.
VOICE
High School and Younger
Lessons are 30 minutes.​
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A package of 5 lessons is $35.00 per lesson for a total of $175.00.
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A package of 10 lessons is $32.50 per lesson for a total of $325.00. With this package, additional lessons may be added at the same rate of $32.50 per lesson.
VOICE
Adults
Lessons are 60 minutes.
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A package of 5 lessons is $95.00 per lesson for a total of $475.00.
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A package of 10 lessons is $90.00 per lesson for a total of $900.00. With this package, more lessons may be added for the same rate of $90.00 per lesson.
PIANO
High School and Younger
$35.00 for 30 minutes with a 5 lesson agreement, and $32.50 for a 30 minute lesson with a 10 lesson agreement.
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Adults: $95.00/hour with a 5 lesson agreement and $90.00/hour with a 10 lesson agreement.
Adults
$95.00/hour with a 5 lesson agreement and $90.00/hour with a 10 lesson agreement.
BRASS & WINDS
High School and Younger
$35.00 for 30 minutes with a 5 lesson agreement, and $32.50 for a 30 minute lesson with a 10 lesson agreement.
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Adults: $95.00/hour with a 5 lesson agreement and $90.00/hour with a 10 lesson agreement.
Adults
$95.00/hour with a 5 lesson agreement and $90.00/hour with a 10 lesson agreement.
Oops! There goes another rubber tree plant!
This is a quote from the song called High Hopes. The song was composed by James van Heusen with lyrics by Sammy Cahn. It was made popular by Frank Sinatra in the movie A Hole in the Head.
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The intro and the first verse:
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Next time you're found with your chin on the ground
There's a lot to be learned so look around
Just what makes that little old ant
Think he'll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant, can't
Move a rubber tree plant
But he's got high hopes
He's got high hopes
He's got high apple pie
In the sky hopes
So any time your gettin' low 'stead of lettin' go
Just remember that ant, oops there goes another rubber tree plant