Translating skills from the stage into a classroom. This University of Iowa student is sharing his vocal skills as an instructor at the Cedar Rapids school.

DJ Kohl is no stranger to live performances. An avid singer in local theater, he says music was something he grew up with, starting with choir and school musicals. He's currently a junior at the University of Iowa studying voice performance. He hopes to obtain a master's and a PhD eventually.

While he's a student in class, he is also sharing those skills with people of all ages as a vocals teacher at School of Rock since last September.

"It's cool to see somebody that's teaching you how to perform and actually perform and see that stuff in action," he said.

His philosophy is to help students understand and appreciate music.

"I'm teaching them basics and advanced techniques and all that fun stuff but at the end of the day I just want them to have a better appreciation for what they're listening to," Kohl said.

Whether the vocals teacher is at school, or being part of the Iowa City Community Theater board, his goal is to sing and share the joys of music with the community.

Favorite song to perform: Being Alive from the musical "Company" - it's one of his favorite musicals of all time because it's a fun song to sing.

Fun Fact: In 2019, he sang with Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth in a New Year's Eve show.