Reader comments
Rising vocal stars — including 'Idol's' Archuleta — depend on Utah coach

Camille | 2:13 a.m. April 9, 2008

All's I can say is Dean Kaelin is doing an awesome job. I love hearing David Archuleta sing every week. Keep up the good work.

Bookaholic | 3:47 a.m. April 9, 2008

Thanks for the great story! For those of us crazy David Archuleta fans, it's a thrill to get to know his vocal coach better.

Dean is EXTREMELY accomplished, and the problems he dealt with in regards to his own voice have helped him save David's. Incredible coincidence. Or was it? Maybe God had a hand in it, drawing him back to Utah. Who knows?

Regardless, he's a GREAT guy, very talented, and just what David needs right now. Kudos, Dean, for being there for him! We appreciate it.

I still think David will win the WHOLE enchilada with that killer voice of his! He certainly hit it out of the park tonight.

I'm curious what the studio version of "Angels" will be like. My favorite is still the old version with him in a white shirt and tie singing at EFY on YouTube. Exquisitely sung, powerful, and emotive! Jeez!

David probably decided he needed to put a new spin on "Angels" because the old one is pretty close to Robbie Williams' original version. BETTER, in my opinion! I know the judges always want originality, so he did put his own styling in.

Beautiful, just different. Well done, as usual, David!

Gretzky | 7:33 a.m. April 9, 2008

Great Story Doug!!! this is one of the best stories the DesNews has done.

Comments continue below

Best in the business | 8:16 a.m. April 9, 2008

Two of my daughters received vocal lessons from Dean in the past and he was the best. I'd say the best this side of the Mississippi. No kidding. He really knows his stuff.

lindaj | 10:00 a.m. April 9, 2008

I took a few lessons from Seth Riggs and in 3 sessions he had me singing like I had only dreamed of before. I then started taking voice from Steve Glencoe, who taught the Seth Riggs method, and we worked together for about 5 years. My voice improved. I could sing higher notes than I ever thought I could. It was a thrilling time. I am now 67 and no longer pursue singing as a profession, but my voice is still holding up. I sing primarily for church functions now. If I were in my 20's I would be trying out for American Idol myself. I am rooting for Brook White (she lives in my stake - Granada Hills California Stake) and David Archuletta. They are both great. I shared a stage with Brook about a year ago when our stake had a talent show. I hope they both make it all the way.

Katharine | 11:06 a.m. April 9, 2008

I have been taking from Dean for about 10 years now and have loved every minute of it. It is the part of the week that I look forward to. Dean has been given the gift of teaching for sure! No matter who steps into his studio, he knows how to teach them in a way they understand. I have heard a few first lessons with his students and it is amazing how in just one lesson they sound different and so much better.

Dean has integrity and a personality that makes everyone who steps into his office feel comfortable. Though he has had a bunch of successful students one thing I admire is that I have never heard him take responsibility for those successes. He really loves his students, they can tell. When he talks about them you can tell how proud he is. He is a great guy! Definitely a hidden (well now not so hidden) treasure in Utah.

EMC 14th | 11:54 a.m. April 9, 2008

Dean was in our ward when we were going to Skyline High. We all knew he'd have a bright future in music. He wasn't too bad at sports either! Way to go Deano, all the best!

Erica | 1:16 p.m. April 9, 2008

I was so excited to see an article on Dean! He is fantastic! I took lessons from him, and my mom has worked with him since he started his business. He is a fantastic vocal coach, and I am glad to see him getting recognized!

AI old school | 3:54 p.m. April 9, 2008

Carmen is still my favorite!

We go way back!! | 5:59 p.m. April 9, 2008

I have known Dean and Craig, Dean's brother, for over 25 years. They have shopped in music store's I have managed for many years. I am excited for Dean and for the opportunity he has to teach people. David Archuletta was my pick from the start, and that was before I knew Dean was his teacher. I thought, "No wonder he's so awesome, Dean taught him"!! Congrats to all the Kaelin's. You are all awesome!! and Congrats to David Archuletta!! You're the one to beat!

Kyle, Guitar City

Bob Peterson | 9:33 p.m. April 9, 2008

That little piece of paradise in Salt Lake was full of music. Dean was a little bit younger than me, and I marveled at his voice when he sang duets with Terry Wonnacott as kids. I've played trumpet with his brother Craig's band, and Joel has recorded for me in the studio.
I have fun telling my kids that I taught Jeff Archuletta trumpet in the early 70's. I went on to Michigan for a masters, then the army bands for 10 years.
Most of my musical joy has been performing, espeacially with my family.
Enough about me, David Archuletta is the most inspiring talent I seen in 52 years. Our family has gathered to watch Idol for years, and David always brings us to tears. The brilliance he delivers on American Idol reminds me of the stark contrast the "Carpenters" gave to the flurry of angry rockers in the early 70's. He's giving kids something they won't find anywhere else. He is destined for superstardom. (thank you Paula).
Thank you Dean for bringing a luster to your performers that is really unequalled. How do you bring so much of heaven to this earth? Keep up the good work.

The Cutler Family | 11:45 p.m. April 9, 2008

Our family loves the Kaelins. Dean and Susan are the best. We were impressed with their talented children as well. It was a privilege to have Dean teach our daughters--they all love to sing and appreciated the opportunity to learn from Dean. Thanks for adding to our life and our daughter's accomplishments. Go Archuletta!

Pam | 8:36 a.m. April 10, 2008

David did an awesome job with Angels last night! Coach Kaelin your doing an awesome job with David. I like to see him do something with more soul. Like Randy said he loves those roles, so do I. But not sing in comparison to an artist, make it his own. Coach Kaelin, you are awesome fitting in this extra time to help David and other people with these challenges in life. Your helping dreams come true!

Lee | 4:15 p.m. April 10, 2008

Kudos to you Mr. Kaelin, but this gem you have in David Archuleta is what will make your dreams come true. Much credit should always go to the one who's time and effort helped develop a rising star, but it is David who makes the most of his God-given talent.
We, as his audience, will be entertained by his amazing voice and beautiful songs for a long time to come. He is special.

Aaron | 4:44 p.m. April 10, 2008

Dean, is an amazing talent & coach, he deserves all this recognition as he's inspired many!

Dean | 5:06 p.m. April 10, 2008

Hello! thank you all for the kind words. It is a privilege to be able to work with such great talent and wonderful human beings that want to share their talents, but in a wholesome way. A special thanks to Doug Robinson for being a great writer and for being interested in what I do. I am currently teaching at the Performing Arts College that Paul McCartney started in Liverpool. David called the other day while I was teaching a seminar and I asked the class if we could take a short break while I warmed him up. I was surprised to find out that they get American Idol over here and they all knew David and were fans. They were thrilled to know he was calling. They heard a bit of his warm up and all yelled, "Good luck David!" it was a lot of fun!

Laurie | 6:28 p.m. April 11, 2008

Dean you are awe inspiring! You teach and assist many with more than just the exercises and musical knowledge that you share! You teach with a sense of each individuals talents, abilities and where music is in there life. You coach to lift up a heart, as well as a voice and encourage one, even when things may get tough, to persevere. I just love to watch David. I can hear and see in him what I too,have learned from you. It is so exciting for all us to share you with the world. To all those in Liverpool enjoying the priveledge of having Dean teach you, you have a genuine gem in the palm of your hands.

Chelsey Stallings | 5:49 p.m. April 13, 2008

Dean is not only an amazing vocal coach, but an talented musician, a wonderful friend to all those who come in contact with him, and a life changer. Thank you for everything Dean. I would never have taken the steps with music and my voice today without you. kudos to you and hope the trip has been a good one ( and you've been able to get out of the studio and see the sights). David is has been so fun to watch these last couple of months and I know he is going to change some lives with his talent and inspiration. Your awesome Dean, and I know we all appreciate what you do.

hkfan | 7:16 a.m. May 18, 2008

Dean, thank you for all the work that you do with David. His singing connects all the way to Hong Kong. Thank you for your part in helping someone develop such an awesome gift from Him. Would love to have him do Christian songs, although probably not on AI.

Please let David know that his heart reaches as far as folks in Asia.

pamela kelly | 5:33 a.m. June 21, 2008

Hi Dean
Great to hear so many wonderful things said about you. I live in NZ but am originally from the UK and trained in performance arts in both London and Edinburgh, I started voice tuition and singing teaching in the UK and then here in NZ in 2000 and love it more than performing. I have had several students turn professional, good musical theatre exam results and several who have been accepted into various colleges, I too believe that you have to know your pupils as well as your craft to get the best out of them. I have had some time off to have my second child but look forward to teaching again in the future (in Australia) as we hope to move there. I love the focused performances you get from people and I will continue to listen for your pupils. Any tips to advance my own teaching would always be appreciated. Keep up the good work, Pam Kelly

mj | 11:42 a.m. Nov. 8, 2008

Hello! I am a major fan of David's and I truly believe that some of the credit for David's amazing voice has got to go to his vocal teacher. Kudos to you, Mr. Kaelin.
I love singing also, and would love to take lessons from you. If anyone knows where Mr. Kaelin teaches or how I could find out more info, I would appreciate it, because Mr. Kaelin sounds like an amazing vocal teacher.
This was an awesome article and I agree with Bookaholic; it is awesome that we, crazy Archuleta fans, can get to know more about his vocal teacher.

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