Episode 212: Finding Your Voice Again: Healing Through Music with Vocal Coach Vanessa Ledesma Coffin
What happens when life brings you to silence and you have to find your way back to song?
In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Sarah Alysse sits down with Vanessa Ledesma Coffin, a celebrated vocal coach, arranger, and choir director whose students have gone on to book Broadway roles, national tours, and scholarships at top musical theater programs. Vanessa opens up about her journey through loss, rediscovery, and the healing power of music.
Together, they explore how singing can transform stress into strength, why community matters more than competition, and how embracing your authentic voice can become the most therapeutic act of all.
From her time as a performer in Tony and Tina’s Italian Wedding to her evolution as a music therapist and voice coach, Vanessa shares what it means to rebuild your identity through creativity and compassion.
🕰️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps
[02:00] Collaboration over competition — creating supportive spaces.
[03:40] The overlooked skill every unforgettable performer has.
[05:10] Overcoming fear: how to feel safe while finding your sound.
[06:40] New singers: start small and grow confidence.
[07:50] Music therapy’s role in emotional expression.
[09:40] 2022 heartbreak — loss, divorce, and rediscovering purpose.
[12:10] Writing again: turning poetry into song and reclaiming joy.
[14:40] Rebuilding trust and accepting love.
[16:30] Her two terriers: the unexpected muses.
[17:50] Creative chaos, motherhood, and jazz lessons.
[19:20] Rapid-fire favorites — from Whitney to Haim.
[23:00] Vanessa’s creative season: prolific, playful, new.
[24:10] How stress became the push that saved her life.
[25:20] Courses for songwriting and ukulele joy.
🌱 Key Takeaways
Your voice is your signature. No one can sound like you — and that’s your superpower.
Stress can be a teacher. It’s often the breaking point that leads to breakthroughs.
Music heals when words fail. Whether you’re humming a tune or writing your next song, expression is medicine.
Safe spaces spark growth. Supportive environments unlock courage and creativity.
You can always start again. No matter what chapter ends, another melody is waiting to begin.
💬 Connect with Vanessa
✨ Instagram: @LedesmaNessMusic / YouTube
🌐 Website: LedesmaMusic.com
🎶 Explore her courses in songwriting and ukulele for all levels — joy guaranteed.
💖 Connect with Sarah Alysse
Follow @SarahAlysseCoaching for weekly insights on stress management, creativity, and mompreneur life.
Share your takeaways using #StressFreeSOULutions and tag us . We’d love to feature your favorite moments.
