Our Story
After twenty-five years of making music in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Paris, we found ourselves longing for something simpler, more honest—a return to a way of creating where the clock isn’t the driving force, and the room is open to possibility, spontaneity, and true collaboration. We built Black Heron as a space where artists can reconnect with their craft on a deeper, more intuitive level, surrounded by nature and free from the usual pressures of studio time. Within reach of New York City, New Haven, and Boston, it’s a place to step away, breathe, and create without limits.
Who We Are
Tor Hyams, Co-Founder / Producer
Grammy® nominated songwriter and producer Tor Hyams is a 30-year entertainment veteran in the music, TV and film industries, from writing and performing his own material to producing/writing for world-class recording artists, including Diane Warren, Joan Osborne, Howie D. (Backstreet Boys), Isaac Hayes, Michelle Branch, JC Chasez, Vivian Campbell, Edwin McCain, Lisa Loeb, Perry Farrell, Lou Rawls and many more. Hyams also conceived and produced Kidzapalooza, a family festival nested within the Lollapalooza Festival. He then went on to produce several more family stages, including Austin Kiddie Limits as part of Austin City Limits and the White House Easter Egg Roll four consecutive years in a row under the Obama administration.
Steve Wytas, Chief Engineer
Coco, Chief Canine Officer
Coco is the heart and soul of the Black Heron Studio. She is in charge of good vibes and all of the sticks in the yard.
Lisa St. Lou, Co-Founder / Vocal Coach
Classically trained, Lisa began her vocal journey as an opera major at Boston University’s School for the Arts, earning her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance. She went on to perform on Broadway in The Producers, along with numerous off-Broadway and regional productions, and continued to refine her craft through study with renowned New York vocal coach Matt Farnsworth. Her work as a performer has also led to collaborations with artists including Howie D of the Backstreet Boys, Cyril Neville, and Irma Thomas.
As both a performer and vocal coach, Lisa brings this depth of experience into her work—blending classical technique, theatrical storytelling, and contemporary soul. Her debut album, Ain’t No Good Man, reached #21 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, reflecting the same authenticity, range, and emotional connection she now helps her clients unlock.
Doug Besterman, Chief Arranger
Doug is a three-time Tony Award winning musician with a career spanning across theatre, film, television and recording. As a Composer, Producer, Arranger, and Orchestrator, he has worked with Mel Brooks, Alan Menken, and Marc Shaiman; recording artists Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow; and directors Rob Marshall and Susan Stroman. A veteran of 25+ Broadway shows, Besterman won the Best Orchestrations Tony Award® for Fosse, The Producers, and Thoroughly Modern Millie, and was nominated for The Music Man (2000), How to Succeed in Business, and Bullets over Broadway. He has also written orchestrations for film and television projects, including film work on Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017) and Frozen; and Schmigadoon!, American Housewife, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Galavant for television.