My studio has moved to Nashville!

I now offer in-person lessons in Nashville. My studio is located in the East Nashville neighborhood of Inglewood.

I also offer virtual lessons to clients living outside the Nashville area.

Join me in healing the mind-body connection for singers and voice users.

Sarah Thomas looking out at a building.

My Journey

I always knew the sound I wanted my voice to make. I could hear it in my head and feel it radiating from my whole body, but for years that sound was stuck, with no way to come out. Over a decade ago, I was a young vocalist living in New York City and singing full time. I was an avid runner, and I did yoga regularly. I thought I was in great shape and doing the right things for my body, but I also felt stiff and started suffering from lower back pain at a young age. And my singing did not feel good. I knew something was holding me back and my body was not working optimally. The ease, flow, and gorgeous round tone of the greatest sopranos of old felt so elusive to me, and I decided to go searching for answers.

I looked to experts in movement and the body for answers. I was lucky to live in New York City. I spent a decade studying with specialists in the Alexander Technique, Gyrotonic, Feldenkrais, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Shiatsu, Thai massage, Pilates, Physical Therapy and the PRI system. I met Ruth Hennessy and joined her studio, learning her method of breath and bodywork for singers.

“I am shocked at how quickly my voice changed working with Sarah. She gave me props and specific physical exercises to do at home and I can feel a difference in my body after just a few months.”

- Janet

Spinal Freedom Is Vocal Freedom

The answers I had long searched for were found in the study of Bodywork. I started understanding my own muscular mechanics and alignment patterns that were off-balance. Using new proprioceptive tools to unwind my old patterns and learn new ones, I learned to unlock the true strength of my voice. It is my mission to share this knowledge with every singer who has felt like I did. The singers who wonder “what’s wrong with me?”, “why doesn’t my body feel good when I sing?”, “Why is my voice always tired?”, and “why can’t I make the sound I hear in my head?”

After years of teaching voice full time, I knew I wanted to explore the body even further and advance my training. I took the Postural Restoration Institute’s Pelvic Restoration course where I learned the tools leading physical therapists have developed to restore the pelvic floor, the spine, and the breath. I also completed my 500 hour Pilates teacher training in 2023. Joseph Pilates’ principles of deep core connection are an incredibly valuable resource for any singer or voice user who wants a stronger and more powerful voice without vocal strain.

My Certifications

  • BM in Vocal Performance and Poetry from Northwestern University

  • MM in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College

  • MFA in Poetry from The New School

  • 500-hour Pilates Teacher Training Certification

  • Hennessy Breath and Bodywork Certified Instructor

  • PRI Pelvic Restoration Course

  • Certified Rolfer

  • National Association of Teachers of Singing Affiliation

My mission is to help singers fully inhabit their bodies, release unhelpful tension, and trust the powerful capabilities of their deep core muscles. The singing body is powerful, and that power should feel free, easy, and fully available to every singer. I help my students harness and trust the power of their instrument.

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 FAQs

  • In my lessons, I focus on helping you feel at home and at ease in your body. Speaking and singing should be comfortable, enjoyable activities. However, often there are extra muscles and imbalanced movement patterns that get involved in these actions. I use tailored bodywork exercises along with vocal exercises to release overworking muscles and reorganize your body so each part is working appropriately, without extra effort.

    I often have students lay on the floor, roll around, stretch, or move around the room to free up the body and the breath. I coach my students in slow breathing exercises to release the ribcage and reawaken a feeling of full and relaxed breathing. And I love using props! We use large and small balls, stretchy Thera bands, kazoos, foam rollers, balloons, straws, and other pieces of equipment to encourage muscular release and help achieve an optimal singing body.

    My techniques vary slightly with each student, since no body or voice is exactly the same, and this individualized approach helps each person learn and improve at a pace that is right for them. My goal is for you to have fun in lessons as you explore all of your body’s possibilities!

  • I offer several lesson packages. Students can choose between a monthly recurring package, a 22 lesson pack, or single drop in lessons. Weekly lessons are either 45 minutes or 60 minutes, and drop in lessons are 60 minutes. I also host quarterly studio classes and yearly recitals that are an opportunity for students to get together and perform for one another or practice new repertoire in a safe, supportive environment.

  • As long as you have a desire to improve your voice and explore your body’s abilities, you will feel safe and cared for in my studio. As a fully certified Pilates instructor, I am trained to work with all types of bodies and all major and minor injuries. I have worked with students with visual impairments, spinal injuries, those recovering from vocal fold surgery, and students who cannot stand during lessons. I can provide you with safe and effective exercises no matter your level of strength or mobility.

  • A studio class is a wonderful opportunity to practice performing in front of a group of supportive peers. The entire studio is welcome to attend, and each student has a chance to get up and sing a piece of music they are learning. Students can practice performing more polished pieces or test drive new repertoire. I may provide feedback to students if they desire, and constructive comments from the group are encouraged. No student is required to sing, but all are welcome. Virtual clients can also attend using the Zoom platform. The cost for studio class is $25 per student.

  • Each lesson package is priced differently. Please contact me for my rates.

  • I have recently moved to Nashville! My studio is located in the East Nashville neighborhood of Inglewood. I also offer virtual lessons to clients interested in working with me who live outside of the Nashville area.