Karen Lyu

09/23/2026

“Who inspires me?”

Hi, I’m Karen Lyu, the Creative Clarity Coach.

The question of the week is: “Who inspires me?”

This is a powerful question for creative, neurodivergent women because:
It helps you notice the people who remind you what is possible.
It can show you the values, strengths, or ways of living that matter to you.
It gives you permission to learn from others without comparing yourself to them.

Inspiration gives you motivation to do hard things.
It can be a clue about what you want to grow into.

Pls remember, one question can change your life.

Who is one person that inspires you today?
Let me know in the comments.

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09/21/2026

Instantly Hear Yourself Better. Try This 10-Second Ear Trick!.

09/19/2026

Today, I want to share with you an incredible story of determination, perseverance, and the power of never giving up on your dreams. It's a story that will remind us all that limitations are merely stepping stones to our ultimate success. Let me introduce you to a man named Bill.

Bill had a lifelong dream. A dream that many of us can relate to, a dream to become a professional singer. He carried this passion within him, a burning desire that refused to be extinguished. But there was one obstacle standing in his way – Bill had a limited voice. Despite his unwavering enthusiasm, he couldn't even sing "Happy Birthday" in tune after 6 voice coaches and 12 long years of trying.

His first voice coach took him to a concert, pointed at a singer, and said “That’s a singer. You will never be a singer.”

Imagine the disappointment, the frustration, and the moments of self-doubt that must have haunted Bill throughout his journey. Many of us would have given up at that point, convinced that our dreams were unreachable. But not Bill. He refused to let his limitations define him.

And then, Bill crossed paths with a voice coach who saw the fire in his eyes, who recognized his unyielding determination. With the guidance and support of this vocal coach, Bill embarked on a journey of transformation, dedicating himself to two 60-minute voice lessons per week, up to 24 hours of practice in one week, and a rock-solid belief in himself.

I am honored to say that voice coach was me.

Working with me online, in just 2 lessons, Bill learned to sing “Happy Birthday" in tune. In less than nine months, Bill achieved another major breakthrough. He got booked for his first professional singing gig with a band.

Can you imagine the overwhelming joy and sense of accomplishment he must have felt at that moment? It was a demonstration of his unwavering commitment and the power of his unshakeable spirit.

But Bill didn't stop there. He continued to nurture his talent, hone his skills, and push past the boundaries of what he thought was possible. He had been advised to stick to only singing low notes, yet with my help, he was able to effortlessly sing “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green, which goes up to a high C.

And a year later, something truly extraordinary happened. Bill beat my personal record of 5 encores, and received not 6, not 7, but 8 encores in a single night!

Just let that sink in for a moment. A man who couldn't even sing "Happy Birthday" a year ago was now captivating audiences with his soulful voice, leaving them yearning for more. Bill's determination had propelled him from a place of limitation to a stage where he was celebrated and admired for his talent.

A year and a half after Bill’s very first lesson with me, he performed with his band at the legendary House of Blues in Houston, Texas, a testament to the heights he has reached through his unwavering belief in himself and his dreams.

Today, Bill is living his dream. He now lives in the beautiful Philippines, and he has a new gospel singer career performing with his Filipina wife, who is an amazing vocalist. Recently, they performed with a band and a choir for 1,000 attendees of a church conference - his largest audience, yet!

His voice, once considered limited, has become a powerful instrument that touches the hearts and souls of those who listen to him.

09/19/2026

Hi Everyone!

The Grundy County Herald wrote up an article about me being accepted into the Marquis Who's Who, with a photo!!!

09/17/2026

09/16/2026

“What’s my ideal environment?”

Hi, I’m Karen Lyu, the Creative Clarity Coach.

The question of the week is: “What’s my ideal environment?”

This is a powerful question for creative, neurodivergent women because:
It helps you notice the spaces where you feel calm, safe, and able to focus.
It reminds you that your environment can affect your mood, energy, and creativity.
It gives you ideas for small changes that can make your daily life easier.

Your ideal environment does not have to be perfect.
It just needs to support the person you are and the life you want to create.

Pls remember, one question can change your life.

What helps you feel most supported in your environment?
Let me know in the comments.

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09/13/2026

George Bier was an unassuming software engineer with a shy smile.

To this day, George is the only person that I’ve ever met who couldn’t even sing 1 correct note of Happy Birthday. His pitches were in outer space; they were so far off. He also had a slightly muffled, nasal vocal tone.

I was intrigued.

I told him point-blank, “I don’t know if I can help you, but I will do my damndest to try.”

So I did my best and came up with new vocal exercises just for him.

And, it was slow. Very slow.

But, George was committed, and he put in the practice.

As I recall, it took him about 2-3 months to learn Happy Birthday correctly.

And, he was HOOKED!

What we discovered was that he had an issue with focusing his brain on the pitches. His ears were not the problem.

After 1 year of 30-minute holistic voice lessons once per week and regular practice, he accomplished something astonishing.

He sang a difficult Cole Porter jazz standard, “I Get a Kick Out of You” for his very first recital at the West Bank School of Music.

George had a blast, sang with passion, showed off a much-improved vocal tone - and all but one note was on pitch!

Not flat, not sharp - just an alternate note - totally fine, even expected, for jazz.

I remember it clearly.

He gladly studied with me for two more years.

After 3 consistent years of working with me, he got busy with work and stopped taking lessons. I left the West Bank School of Music soon afterwards to teach from home, and we lost touch.

17 years later, I found George on Facebook.

I wondered if he had stopped singing, if he had forgotten everything I had carefully taught him, or if his vocal health had suffered in any way.

Happily, I found out that my fears were completely unfounded!

Here is George’s testimonial that he gave me in 2022:

“I had the pleasure of studying with Karen for 3 years. She took me from an off-key somewhat muffled singer to a person who often gets compliments singing karaoke and active in two choirs.

“Karen created custom singing and physical exercises based on my weaknesses. She demonstrated and exuded enthusiasm in my success and was a terrific mentor. Given that I stuck with her for 3 years indicates how much I appreciated her approach.”

~ George Bier

But the story does not end here.

In 2024, George competed in a karaoke contest on a cruise ship - and WON!

He earned an official ribbon proclaiming him as a “Karaoke Superstar” for his beautiful rendition of Bless the Broken Road, by Rascal Flatts. - a heartfelt country ballad.

AMAZING!

George remembered everything that I taught him. God bless him.

And now, everything that I taught him is in this book.

09/12/2026

I just got accepted as an Honored Listee into the world-famous Marquis Who’s Who!!!

Here is the Marquis Who’s Who official badge.

The interviewer ❤️d my singing and told me that I was exceptionally articulate. 😃

I am in!

09/11/2026

“What don't I want?”

Hi, I’m Karen Lyu, the Creative Clarity Coach.
The question of the week is: “What don't I want?”

This is a powerful question for creative, neurodivergent women because:
It helps you notice what drains your energy or does not feel right.
It gives you permission to create stronger boundaries.
It brings clarity. Knowing what you do not want can help you see what you do want.

You are allowed to outgrow things, people, and patterns.
Saying no can make more room for what you really want.

Pls remember, one question can change your life.
What is something you don't want to carry anymore?
Let me know in the comments. , , , , , ,

09/06/2026

For Edmund, those 5 lessons were all it took to skyrocket his music career.

Singing in Tune Success Story - EDMUND MOHLATE

I was first contacted by Edmund Mohlathe from South Africa in 2011. He requested a scholarship, and I agreed to help. He said that had gotten no results from 5 other voice coaches, and he was desperate to change his voice. Deep in his heart, he wanted to sing with freedom and confidence.

After 5 free voice lessons via Skype, he went on his way.

For Edmund, those 5 lessons were all it took to skyrocket his music career.

He sang with South African celebrities, for awards shows, and even performed for the President of South Africa.

But then Edmund fell on hard times in 2023, and he told me that he was homeless. Edmund asked for my assistance again to audition for South African Idols. I helped to raise money for him, and he went on to place 17th out of over 8,000 contestants, which is a big accomplishment.

However, he did not receive a prize.

He missed the Top 12 by just 5 places.

In 2025, he contacted me yet again, saying that he wanted to try out for the South African Gospel Superstars show.

I raised money for him again, and not only did I train him, I sent him a PDF copy of my first Singing in Tune book.

Edmund’s voice was in rough shape, but between my free online holistic voice coaching and his practicing what he learned from the first Singing in Tune Book, we got his voice sounding better than ever.

He especially appreciated the tips to calm stage fright - and this time he had more success!

Edmund placed 12th and won a recording contract for a gospel single: I Belong.

Here is the link to hear his big, beautiful voice.
Edmund Mohlathe “I Belong” Gospel Superstars Recording Video: LINK

What is he doing recently?

Last I heard, Edmund was pursuing an opportunity to sing in Turkey for 6 months!

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