Our Team
Leadership Team
LyriCo Founders.
The LyriCo Founders have decades of education experience and has performed on stages all over the world. We are excited to share world class training with our conservatory members.
Cooper Nolan
Founder
Cooper Nolan has gained recognition as a leading interpreter of some of opera’s most challenging tenor roles. Described as having a “bright, shining tenor” by Musical America and hailed for his “powerhouse voice” by Opera News, Cooper’s performances captivate audiences and critics alike.
Cooper made his Carnegie Hall debut in Elgar’s The Kingdom with the American Symphony Orchestra, showcasing his exceptional vocal prowess. His talents have also graced the stages of prestigious opera houses, including Frankfurt Oper and Santa Fe Opera. Recently, Cooper’s portrayal of Hermann in Pique Dame at Theatre Aachen received high praise, with BRF Nachrichten noting that “the singing was on a very remarkable level on the premiere evening. The tenor Cooper Nolan masters the demanding role of Hermann vocally with flying colors.”
A proud member of Opus 3 Artist Management, the premier classical and theatrical talent agency in the world, Cooper Nolan continues to make his mark on the opera world. He holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Florida.
For more information, visit CooperNolan.com.
Lori Guilbeau Nolan
Founder
Lori Guilbeau is celebrated for her “beautiful tone and a graceful sense of phrasing,” as praised by The New York Times. As a dramatic soprano, Lori has graced the stages of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera and Carnegie Hall.
Lori’s voice can be heard on several recordings made at the Met and Carnegie Hall, as well as other renowned venues with orchestras around the globe. Her extraordinary talent has earned her numerous awards, including the Grand Prize of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the George London/Leonie Rysanek Award from the George London Foundation, and the first prize in the Gerda Lissner International Vocal Competition.
Lori is also a dedicated educator and a proud member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music.
For more information, visit LoriGuilbeau.com.
LyriCo Leadership
Morgan Anderson-Keller
Head of Education. Head of Programming. Voice.
Morgan Anderson is a skilled vocal coach and performer, specializing in teaching musical theatre, jazz, and popular music, with a particular focus on healthy belting techniques that feel effortless, rooted in classical vocal principles. Throughout her career, Morgan has gained extensive performance experience, particularly in New York, where she starred in several off-Broadway productions and performed with award-winning choirs and vocal groups. She is also a passionate educator, holding a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from the Manhattan School of Music and a Master of Music in Music Education from the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. Originally from Gainesville, Morgan’s journey into music and performance began early. She starred in several local shows, performing at venues like the Hippodrome Theatre and Gainesville Community Theatre before heading to college to further her musical studies and career.
LyriCo Faculty
Lara Thompson
Dance / Movement
Lara Thompson, a Gainesville native, began her dance training at Pofahl Dance Studios and performed with Next Generation and Dance Alive National Ballet. She was a University of Florida Dazzler and later danced with the Kentucky Repertory Ballet. Lara holds a master’s degree in nursing science and taught ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop at Pofahl for over ten years. Passionate about making dance accessible and expressive, Lara is excited to bring her experience to LyriCo as the founder of the innovative Dance for Singers class.
Molly Diblin
Voice, Piano
Molly has over a decade of vocal experience and has performed in major works such as Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and Mozart’s Coronation Mass—with appearances at venues including Carnegie Hall and the Dr. Phillips Center. She studied music at Rollins College, Santa Fe College, and the University of Florida, and has trained extensively in the Trish McCaffrey vocal technique. Molly currently teaches at LyriCo Conservatory, bringing four years of experience teaching voice and piano to students of all ages and levels.
Christopher Lavoie
Bass, Drums, Guitar, Ukelele, Band, Guitar Setup
Christopher Lavoie is a versatile bassist, drummer, and guitar technician with a passion for teaching. A Miami native and seasoned performer, Chris now shares his expertise with students at LyriCo Conservatory. Known for his clear instruction and supportive approach, he helps students build strong foundations and discover their unique musical voice.
Shawn Manley
Guitar, Bass, Ukelele, Band, Songwriting
Shawn Manley is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and music educator based in Gainesville, Florida. A Buchholz High School alum, he studied music at Santa Fe College and has taught group and private lessons throughout the area, including in local after-school programs and community music schools. Shawn performs over 200 times a year with projects like The Remedy and the Shawn Manley Band. He also hosts the Box-Circle Songwriter’s Round and a monthly open mic at Satchel’s Pizza
Libby Rodriguez
Voice, Piano
Gainesville native and lyric soprano Libby Rodríguez holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre with a music minor from Averett University, plus A.A. and A.S. degrees from Florida School of the Arts. She has performed, stage managed, and music directed at Gainesville Community Playhouse, Star Center Theatre, and First Coast Opera, and tapped professionally with Noise Complaint Live. As a vocal and piano instructor at Lyrico Conservatory, she shares her passion and expertise with aspiring performers.
Rikki Baynard
Acting
.Rikki Baynard is a classically trained actor and teaching artist with a background in musical theatre and literature. A graduate of Circle in the Square Theatre School and the University of Florida, she brings a blend of performance skill and academic insight to her work. Gainesville audiences may recognize her from Cabaret, No Exit, and The Importance of Being Earnest. Rikki is passionate about helping students explore story, structure, and self-expression through the arts.
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