About Michele Thomas

"Hello! I'm Michele Thomas, an artist-educator with over two decades of experience in coaching and training voices. It's my privilege to use Soulstream Music Studio as a platform to support individuals on their journey of musical and artistic development.  

I discovered my gift for teaching at a fairly young age - directing choir my church when I was just 7 years old.  I grew up in the rich heritage of the gospel music tradition and it was there my musicality began to take its roots.  Gospel music was the biggest part of my formative years, and it is where my passion for singing and teaching burgeoned. 

Growing up gospel instilled in me a belief in the true reason why we sing. As I would realize later in life…my roots had been grown in the very life force of music which is inherently spiritual and healing.

As I grew older, it became clear that music would be a central part of my life. This prompted my pursuit of formal music education. While my love for music and singing ran deep, I found that teaching music came naturally to me. It allowed me to share my love for music with others while strengthening my own connection to it, which I consider one of the true gifts of teaching.

But I would quickly learn that most of what was considered “formal” music education (i.e. “institutionalized education”) was heavily biased against any music that was not white Western European classical music and its traditions. The music that had shaped my upbringing was often excluded from these institutions, labeled as not "high art" or "academic" enough for study.

This issue highlights a long-standing problem in music education: the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

For years I would be hard-pressed to find cultural diversity in my musical training, which made it that much more difficult to feel validated in my own unique voice and abilities. This yearning for validation would continue through three years of conservatory training, two years of junior college and a four year university music program where I even founded a student gospel choir and then traveled overseas to teach gospel music to some extremely enthusiastic European audiences. (Go figure!). My personal vocal journey was often tumultuous and confusing, as I felt pressured to conform to the expectations of teachers and peers. Even within my own black culture, there were expectations about how to sing in order to be considered a "real" or "good" singer.

Frustrated by these experiences and eager to find a more impactful way to teach voice, I founded Soulstream Music Studio after graduating college. My commitment was to train voices from a functional and effective foundation, free from the limitations of any specific genre or style but also authentically responsive to it. I also embarked on a mission to bring racial and cultural representation to the field of voice coaching and education, acknowledging the roots of American popular music in genres like gospel, blues, and jazz. 

I named my studio "Soulstream Music" because I believe our soul is the thread that connects our self-expression and artistry. If we allow it, it will flow through our voices.

If you're seeking greater confidence and ease in your singing or speaking, I'm here to help you discover the freedom in your voice and validate your unique sound. Through the principles of Somatic Voicework, the LoVetri Method™ in which I am certified, we will work holistically to unlock your most functional vocal production, enabling you to expand your range, strength, clarity, and control.

For aspiring and emerging musical artists, we'll align your coaching with your career aspirations, helping you make an impact through your unique artistry. I invite you to unlock the power of your voice at Soulstream Music Studio.   Take care!

~ Michele Thomas