Shira Renee Thomas is becoming well-known as an exceptional operatic voice teacher, musical coach, and career mentor in the Los Angeles area. Her students have been accepted to the top opera programs and conservatories in the nation, including Manhattan School of Music, Peabody Institute, Carnegie Mellon, Oberlin, the Curtis Institute of Music, and Juilliard. Current and former students have sung with such organizations as Los Angeles Opera, Valley Opera & Performing Arts, Opera Las Vegas, Opera Philadelphia, Wolf Trap Opera, Komische Oper Berlin, Houston Grand Opera, and the Glimmerglass Festival. Ms. Thomas also enjoys leading Masterclasses, and judging competitions and auditions.
To inquire about voice lessons, coachings, career consultation, or other engagements, please contact Ms. Thomas through the “Contact” page of this website.
Student Testimonials
“It is so refreshing to find a vocal performer, teacher, coach, and mentor like Shira! She wears many hats in the opera industry, but far from scattering her focus or effectiveness as an educator, it is exactly this variety of experience—performing consistently, helping run a a regional opera company, and sitting to hear auditions and competitions regularly—that immeasurably helps anyone who studies or consults with her. She uses this variety of experience to successfully and flexibly alternate between different communication styles to help me quickly achieve my artistic goals with a piece or role. Unlike other coaches I have worked with, she is able to verbally explain what she is trying to help me with, then discuss how it should feel physically so I can play with the suggestion kinesthetically, and then demonstrate what she is talking about so I can process it aurally. Moreover, as a soprano I especially benefit from her direct experience with much of my repertoire, but I’m always impressed by how she obviously takes time to research anything with which she is not personally familiar. She is a musical professional that goes above and beyond for those she works with in the spirit of empathy and generosity.”
– Melinda Ehrlich
“Since working with Shira, I’ve been able to find the focus/squillo in my voice that I had been seriously lacking before. She has worked diligently with me on how to play with different resonances in order to find the right placement for me. She also helped me transition from mezzo to dramatic soprano, and unlocked high notes I never thought I could sing! Now, I’m singing repertoire I never dreamed I would, and am being noticed by some of the highest-level professionals in the industry. Shira also has many professional contacts in the opera world, and she has opened doors for me that have literally changed the direction of my life and career!
Shira has such a gift for teaching at every level, and creates a positive atmosphere while doing it. The way she tailors her teaching method to each individual student is so amazing to watch. It’s always fascinating to sit in on someone else’s lesson or coaching, and see how she communicates with that person, and how she works with them to achieve their goal at their pace. Shira really looks out for her students’ best interests, and is deeply personally invested in her students’ success. I highly recommend Shira to anyone who is looking for a teacher or coach who is compassionate, uplifting, and also means business!”
– Christina Roszhart
“Shira Renee Thomas is an incredible voice teacher and person. I have been a student of hers for about two years. In my time with Shira, I have seen more progress in my development then I had in years with other instructors. Under her guidance, my range, repertoire, and understanding of the industry has expanded three-fold. Shira focuses heavily on breathing and learning technique through repertoire. Her approach to explaining the nuances of the voice is very special. She avoids academic and anatomical explanations, instead uses metaphors and imagination as a platform for vocal placement and breath support. Through the process of teaching, Shira is very kind and supportive. She is patient when I don’t understand and will alter her approach until it clicks. Finding Shira was the biggest gift from God; anyone would be absolutely blessed to have her in their corner!”
– Julia Timmons
“Shira is not only a fantastic teacher, but an incredible coach and an even better friend. She has completely transformed the way I sing and has inspired me in every lesson. She has a way of making her students understand vocal pedagogy from a performers point of view. Her use of imagery truly allows every student to understand their voice better. Shira is one of the most beautiful people you will ever get the chance to work with.
– Sarah Salazar
Shira Renee Thomas 