Rachael Thoms Music

What does an elegy sound like in 2026?

Join The Elegy Project, a contemporary chamber music ensemble, for a series of concerts exploring grief, remembrance, reflection, and storytelling through music. Drawing on works from different periods, styles, and traditions, these performances examine how composers have expressed loss, longing, and hope across time.

Blurring the boundaries between genres and musical worlds, The Elegy Project will sing, play, share, inspire, and provoke through innovative programming and compelling storytelling.

🎵 Concert Dates

📍 Wesley Music Centre, Forrest ACT
• Wednesday 10 June | 12:40–1:20pm (tickets at the door)

📍 Wesley Music Centre, Forrest ACT
• Saturday 13 June | 3:00–4:30pm

📍 All Saints Anglican Church, Ainslie ACT
• Sunday 14 June | 3:00–4:30pm

📍 Galston Uniting Church, Galston NSW
• Sunday 21 June | 3:00–4:30pm (tickets at the door)

🎟 Tickets for the 13 June and 14 June concerts are available via TryBooking:
TRYBOOKING.COM/DLYGX

Come and experience a unique musical journey through the many faces of the elegy.

CanberraEvents ACTArts

For years, singers have been told that strength training is bad for the voice.

But where’s the evidence?

I’ve been thinking a lot about the possible benefits of strength training for singers beyond just “fitness.”

Not just posture and physical endurance… but embodiment, proprioception, resilience, and self-efficacy.

Because singing isn’t just vocal folds.

It’s a whole-body coordination task.

And maybe the question shouldn’t be:
“Is lifting bad for singers?”

But:

“What capacities might it help singers develop?”

Curious to hear your thoughts 👇

Most singers assume tension, instability, or inconsistency means they need better technique.

But what if part of the issue isn’t technical at all?

This study looked at what happens when vocal training is combined with psychological and performance coaching strategies — same lesson time, different approach.

The result?

Improvements in anxiety, self-efficacy, physiological regulation… and vocal performance quality.

That’s the biopsychosocial lens in action.

If this resonates and you’re ready to work on your voice in a more integrated way, you can register for lessons via the link in my bio or explore my Circle community.

Reference�Liu, X., Zhang, Y., & Chen, L. (2026). Music psychology-based vocal performance anxiety intervention. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1752831

Hi singers!

If your voice is doing something different every day... working way harder than it should... or sounding more like shouting than singing... we should probably fix that 😬😆

I've just opened up a few new spots for 1:1 students!

If you want less effort, more clarity, and a voice that actually behaves, this is exactly the work I do.

Lessons are available in-person in Canberra or online from anywhere.

We start with a consultation to figure out what's going on and what to do next.

You're also not left on your own between lessons. I run an online space for adult clients, with resources and feedback to support their work as they go.

Details here and linked in my bio:
https://rachaelthoms.com/registration-fees

Feel free to DM me if you have questions 😊

Looking forward to some laid back jazzin’ tonight with my partner in crime at from 6:30pm - 9:30pm. Come for a freaking delicious gluten free feast and we will serenade you while you indulge in the culinary delights!

One more sleep to go! and I have cooked up something special for the final Jazz Haus Canberra concert of 2025. We’re really excited to bring together an incredible bunch of humans, who just happen to be the heaviest jazz hitters in the land!

Join us for a special night of original music featuring on piano, on bass, and Nick McBride on the skins and cymbals! 🤘

Head to the link in my bio to grab your tickets!

When: Saturday 13 Dec 7pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Canberra
Tix: $45/38