Jazz Voice
About Me
Michele Thomas is a jazz vocalist, recording artist, educator and entrepreneur of over 20 years.
As an educator she founded and teaches both voice and artist development for her own private teaching studio, Soulstream Music Studio of Contemporary Voice, for over the past18 years. She has also taught vocal jazz ensemble and applied jazz voice at DePaul University, Vandercook College of Music and has recently joined the Artist faculty at Ƶ in Chicago.
Her music education stems from a rich Chicago gospel music legacy as well as studying at Sherwood Music Conservatory and receiving her BA in music at North Park University where in her freshman year she became the founding conductor of the college’s first ever gospel choir.
Teaching credits include teaching voice and choir at Clarendon Hills Music Academy, Merit School of Music, Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church and the Maywood Fine Arts Association. In addition to multiple workshops on jazz and gospel music both overseas and throughout the U.S, she is a regularly featured clinician for Next Showcase Chicago, founded by previous Grammy Chapter president, Mark Hubbard. And in 2020 she was brought on as a music supervisor and vocal coach for the HBO Max critically acclaimed comedy series, ”Southside".
As a performing artist, she has recently released her third album named, “The Assumption” that has received critical acclaim. She headlined at the Chicago Jazz Festival in recent years and has performed at many of the city’s legendary jazz clubs including The Jazz Showcase, The Green Mill Andy’s Jazz Club and Winter’s Jazz Club. Her current show and touring schedule can be found at
For Michele Thomas's CV go to:
- Vocal Technique and Function
Utilizing the principles of which I am certified in, we work together in a holistic way to find your most functional vocal production which will allow you to gain range, strength, clarity and command of your voice.
- Artist Development and Cultivation
For the aspiring musical artists we’ll work to align your coaching to the aspirations of your career development and help you to make an impact through your unique artistry. Through mentorship and apprenticeship we begin to build a strong foundation for professional artistry that helps to create a pathway to a sustainable performance career.
- Genres/Styles
Genres and styles of focus include jazz, pop, gospel, R&B, hip-hop and rock as well as development in vocal improvisation.
Instruction provides training and mentoring that is mindful and culturally responsive in these genres and as well as other genres in Contemporary Commercial Music
- Bachelors of Art in Music Music — North Park University