About Me

My life as a vocal/piano/theory instructor spans a period of over 50 years. I have studied with classical, pop, and jazz masters and developed an original  approach to teaching, offering student-centered learning to all clients. Having taught hundreds of students singing, music theory, and songwriting,  I earned a Ph.D. in Music and Language from Union Institute and University in 2004. From 1998 - 2012, I taught in Music, English, and Women's Studies Departments at Sonoma State University. I am well versed in blues, soul, jazz, classical and pop genres of music, as well as moderately fluent in digital recording. Students from my studio and classes have landed major label record contracts, toured with national acts, and signed  publishing deals. They have gone on to be producers, artists, and songwriters, understanding the new music business, and the realities facing artists of today. 

Students Past and present

Mona Lisa Gnader

Bassist, Singer

 (Photo by Randee St. Nicholas; used by permission)  I first started vocal lessons with Sarah to learn how to get/keep my voice in shape and improve my range by using proper breathing and correct singing techniques. The tools to do this served me well as a “weekend warrior. “

     Years later as l was gearing up for a national tour l realized l needed to be much more prepared for the demands of a heavy touring schedule. Once again, Sarah gave me the tools I needed to be able to take it up another level.

      I have come back for tune ups, resets, or when l felt l had allowed my technique to get sloppy and always received the help getting back into shape.

      I’m always thankful for the support, encouragement, and wealth of knowledge that Sarah gives. Thank you Miz B!

(Mona Gnader has been hailed as the finest rock and roll bassist in the world. She is a member of Sammy Hagar's Waboritas, and has played  with the band as well as provided backup vocals for over 18 years.)

Avonlea Shea Martin

Artist, Songwriter, Vocalist

Sarah Baker is an experienced and inspiring music coach. I’ve been her student for 15 years, and not once have I felt bored or unchallenged in a lesson. She is a walking well of knowledge on vocal technique, training, performance, musicianship-- the complete package any  artist needs. Sarah approaches musical challenges with curiosity, care, and brilliance. She is a master of music, fluent in its many forms. Her excitement for learning is matched only by the joy she finds in passing that knowledge on to her students. ----Avonlea


 


 

Ethan Cutkowsky

Actor, Singer, Producer

(Photo by John Salangsanger).  Ethan said, "yes, I would love to be a part of your website! Sounds exciting." Then he asked me to direct you to his Spotify page to listen! I think you will agree he and I some fun sessions over the three years we worked together, and he still comes back occasionally for touchups! As a music producer and actor, Ethan reached fame on "Shameless," "Law and Order," and "Happy Gilmore 2."

 

Click here to listen

BLOG

The New SOVT 

Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises are nothing new, yet they are receiving new attention due to the proliferation of internet teachers and available information. Lip Trills, singing through a straw, blowing bubbles through a straw into a bottle of water, humming--all these are methods used to gently warm up the voice and reduce strain. Yes, they work! They work because closing the lips and singing results in less pressure on the vocal folds. SOVT works for rehabilitation, for warming up and for cooling down after a performance. 

I titled this post “New SOVT”  because I wanted to address the new gadget we are all talking about, which is the “Vocal Trainer” sold by BetterVoice.com.  I have one, I really like it, and as an 82 year old singer with a wobbly voice, I can tell you it has helped considerably.  It can teach singers who strain a different way to approach their placement and resonance, and it can help singers who push, back off.  I now recommend it right away to all my voice clients.  

I know this sounds like an ad, but you don't have to buy one of these to get the benefit of SOVT exercises. Do some sliding lip trills, hum a song you are working on with a lip buzz, find a medium straw and sing through it, then a narrower one, and you will find the same benefits. The point is, any vocalist benefits from SOVT's, and you can, too.

Sarah E. Baker, B.M., M.A., Ph.D.

Musician, Performer, Educator, Writer

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