Voice Studio

"It's not your job to understand what I say. It's my job to figure out how to say things in a way that you understand." - Sarah Callinan

This is my teaching philosophy as well as my greatest gift as a voice instructor. I am an empathetic listener who loves coming up with creative ways to help my students discover their true voice. I teach a classical technique based on Bel Canto, or beautiful singing principles, but I welcome all genres of music in my studio. I focus on breath support, clear tone production, proper placement, musicality, and finding ease in both your vocal production and presentation, no matter the style of music you want to perform.

My students have been accepted to prestigious collegiate music and theater programs, young artist programs, community and school theater productions, district and all-state festivals, and some have gone on to pursue professional careers in music. Others are avocational singers who find joy and fulfillment in sharing their voice at church or a community choir. No matter what your goals are as a singer, I can help you gain a better understanding of your instrument and find freedom and joy in singing. I work with students aged 10* to adult. No experience necessary.

My Background:

Sarah Callinan is an accomplished performer of opera, oratorio, musical theater, big band, and traditional jazz throughout the US and abroad. Some favorite performance highlights include: Cosi Fan Tutte with Opera Carolina, Die Entführung aus dem Serail with Arizona Opera, Carmen with Michigan Opera Theater, Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute with Boston Lyric Opera (tour), Blondie in the “Star Trek” production of The Abduction from the Seraglio with Salt Marsh Opera, the Texas premiere of The Hotel Casablanca, The New Moon and Orange Blossoms with Light Opera of New York, and a recital tour of Sweden as the winner of the Jenny Lind Competition for Sopranos. Click here for a full performance biography.

In addition to her extensive performance career, she was the Choral Director and Theatre Arts teacher at her alma mater, Holy Name High School. Sarah currently maintains a private studio and is also a faculty member at Mount Holyoke College, Worcester State University, The Hanover Conservatory, the Joy of Music Program in Worcester, MA, and the Vocal Intensive Program in Hartford, CT. She studied vocal performance at the Hartt School and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Connecticut with a BA in Music and a Performer's Certificate in Voice and Opera.

For more information about my rates or to schedule a lesson, please click the button below. I look forward to working with you!

*Exceptions made on a case-by-case basis.

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Musicianship Skills

Learning music by ear is to singing as audiobooks are to reading - it takes a whole lot longer and forces you to rely on someone else to give you the information you need. Rote learning will only get you so far. The ability to sight-read music is an invaluable skill for any performer. Sometimes it can be the "X factor" that determines who gets the job and who doesn't.

Don't be a singer who can't read! Take it from someone who learned that lesson the hard way. Save yourself countless hours of time and trouble, not to mention dollars spent paying someone else to teach you your music.

I specialize in teaching beginner-intermediate musicians and those students who have difficulty learning in a traditional classroom environment.

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Audition Coaching and Self-Tape Services

Are you one of those singers who loves to perform, but hates to audition? Have you ever left an audition feeling discouraged and demoralized? Do you wish you could just skip the audition and get to the fun part? *Sigh* Me too. Sadly, auditions are a necessary evil in the music and theater industry, and they're a regular part of life for any aspiring performer. However, I can teach you strategies and techniques that will turn your once-dreaded auditions into the rewarding performing experiences they should be!

Whether you're auditioning for a chorus, a musical, or a university performing arts program, I cover all aspects of the audition process including: repertoire selection, stage presence/character development, preparing your music for an accompanist, writing a performance resume/biography, wardrobe tips, and more. Learn how to channel your nervous energy into excitement. Don't let fear of an audition hold you back from pursuing a potentially rewarding opportunity. Book your audition coaching session today!

In the wake of the covid-19 pandemic, more and more auditions are going virtual. I have all the equipment you need to make your self-tape audition look polished and professional. Click the button below to schedule a session.

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Testimonials

Ms. Callinan served as both a teacher and mentor for me in high school, and I will forever be grateful for her constant support and guidance. Not only is she a fantastic teacher, but she is a dedicated and kind person who has her students’ best interests at heart. I have also had the privilege of working with Ms. C professionally. She has consistently helped me navigate the professional music industry, providing me with valuable skills that I will take with me into my future endeavors, both music and non-music related. I cannot recommend her highly enough!

Emily G.

During my time as a student of Ms. Callinan, as drastic as it sounds, my life was changed entirely. I was a lazy student who had no idea what to do in life. Not only did she improve my singing in every way, she improved my entire work ethic exponentially. She taught me to love and appreciate music more than I had ever imagined possible.

Ethan H.

Sarah Callinan has been my granddaughter Rebecca's voice teacher for five years. Not only was Ms. Callinan her teacher, but Ms. C was there for her on a daily basis supporting her and encouraging her. Ms. C went above and beyond the call of duty as a teacher.

She helped Rebecca to develop a beautiful soprano voice. Thanks to the preparation she received from Ms. C, she was recently accepted as a vocal performance major at the University of Connecticut.

Carol G.

Deciding to take singing lessons with Ms. Callinan was one of the best decisions I made in high school! Ms. Callinan creates a unique teaching environment in order to address the individual’s singing needs. During my lessons I learned how to project my voice, sight read, and sing with confidence.

Helena G.