About Vocal Euphoria
Welcome to Vocal Euphoria, where your voice is nurtured and your confidence blooms. Carolyn Thompson, also known as Sensei Carolyn, created Vocal Euphoria to provide the opportunity she wished she had during her own vocal journey.
Inspired by Passion, Driven by Talent: The Birth of Vocal Euphoria
In 2009, Vocal Euphoria was born from the vibrant energy of a bustling Monday Night Jazz Funk R&B Open Jam at Harlem Restaurant, hosted by Carolyn Thompson. Every week, a diverse mix of singers and musicians, from novices to seasoned professionals, would take the stage, letting their musical spirits soar. Her band would start the groove, and she would sing and perform, gradually weaving in new talents—instrumentalists like keyboardists, guitarists, electric bassists, drummers, horns, strings, percussionists, and more, each adding their unique flair.
The place was always packed, a melting pot of voices and instruments blending into a symphony of creativity. Carolyn observed three distinct types in the crowd: those eager to perform, those needing just a nudge, and those who’d never step on stage. Regardless of their stage presence, one thing was clear: they all wanted singing lessons, either for themselves or their children. How could she resist?
As the dynamic emcee of the Jam Night, Carolyn quickly became the go-to for advice on stage presence and speaking. What started with a few tips on what to say on stage blossomed into comprehensive coaching in entertaining, storytelling, inspirational speaking, and soon expanded to include debate, persuasive speech, communication skills, interview techniques, audition preparation, and so much more. Recognizing the crucial role of confidence and the need to conquer stage fright, Carolyn expanded her teachings beyond singing, empowering individuals in all facets of vocal and performance arts.
This overwhelming demand and passion for music and public speaking led to the creation of Vocal Euphoria, where individuals are empowered to discover and develop their true voices and speaking abilities. Register today, and let your journey of musical and vocal empowerment begin!
The Story
Growing up, Carolyn faced challenges that might be familiar. She was afraid to open up her voice and be vulnerable. No one had the patience to understand her fears or guide her through them. Mistakes felt like roadblocks, and without a proper coach, she often gave up when things got too hard. This experience ignited her passion for teaching and supporting others like you.
The Mission
At Vocal Euphoria, the focus is on helping you discover and embrace your true voice. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Vocal Euphoria offers a safe and encouraging space where you can explore, make mistakes, and grow. The mission is to empower you to let go, relinquish control, and find joy in your unique vocal expression.
The Approach
A holistic approach to vocal coaching is believed in, focusing not only on technical skills but also on building your confidence and emotional resilience. Personalized private lessons and dynamic group workshops are designed to meet you where you are and guide you to where you want to be.
The Programs
- Private Lessons: One-on-one sessions tailored to your specific needs and goals in singing and public speaking.
- Group Workshops: Interactive workshops that foster a supportive community and collaborative learning.
- Performance Opportunities: Events that provide a platform for you to showcase your progress and gain stage experience.
Why Choose Vocal Euphoria?
- Personal Experience: Learn from someone who understands the fear and challenges of vocal performance and has overcome them.
- Tailored Instruction: Benefit from customized lessons that address your unique journey and aspirations.
- Supportive Environment: Join a community that encourages you to be vulnerable, take risks, and find your true voice.
- Comprehensive Development: Focus on both your technical growth and personal empowerment.
At Vocal Euphoria, the commitment is to help you find the freedom and confidence to express yourself fully. Your voice is powerful, and Sensei Carolyn is here to help you unleash it.
Discover the joy of letting go and embracing your true voice. Discover Vocal Euphoria.
About Sensei Carolyn
Professional Vocalist, Entertainer, Actor, TED Talks Speaker, Voice and Performance Coach
A dynamic, visionary performer, director, and storyteller, Carolyn Thompson’s passion for performance grew out of a homelife imbued with eclectic musical tastes, from the roots reggae and calypso favoured by her mother to the 80’s rock her older brothers enjoyed. These diverse sounds and energies laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for telling moving, compelling stories through music.
In her early years, Carolyn joined the string ensemble – learning classical technique on the cello, upright bass, and viola – and attended drama classes – finding her confidence and freedom on the stage, before joining choir, where she performed classical, music theatre, and pop. Hooked, she knew this was her calling.
In her debut solo public performance (senior year of high school), Carolyn performed Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” partnering with Jim Creeggan on electric bass and Ed Robertson on guitar (of Barenaked Ladies fame). The rush transformed Carolyn’s trajectory, and continues to ignite her every performance, charming new and return audiences alike!
With a spellbinding fusion of Jazz (Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington), Acid Jazz (Brand New Heavies, Incognito, Jamiroquai), Soul (Chaka Khan, Jill Scott), R&B (Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston) Pop (Michael Jackson, Luba) and Funk (Stevie Wonder, James Brown) influences, Carolyn captivates audiences of all sizes. From festivals such as the renowned Toronto Beaches International Jazz Festival and the Taste of Little Italy as the frontwoman of Cobra Kings, Project Phoenix, and more, to playing the Toronto circuit as the lead of the Carolyn T Band, her electric personal continues to engage and invigorate audiences.
Strongly focused on supporting her community, Carolyn has headlined local events, including the 2007 and 2008 Think Pink fundraisers, Diva Night 2008 (featured on CITY-TV’s Breakfast Television), and Diva Night 2009 Mother’s Day. She also launched the Open Jam Night @ Harlem Restaurant in 2009, emceeing the weekly community event to promote local Jazz, Soul, R&B, and Funk musicians and performers. This event held a central place in the Toronto music scene until its final jam session on 2012. She also has hosted a TEDx talk (Stage fright: Carolyn Thompson at TEDxMilton), and was interviewed on CTV Pop Life(How can you conquer a fear of stage fright? The Pop Life panel discusses) with singers Keiza and Ambur Braid.
Having worked to overcome her own performance anxieties, Carolyn leveraged those experiences in 2009 to launch her brand, Vocal Euphoria, where she partners with clients and individuals eager to explore their own voices, goals, and performance capabilities. With an intuitive approach, she empowers clients to lean into fears and anxieties to achieve the authenticity and strength that can only come from a place of vulnerability. From bands and performance groups, to individual actors and vocalists, to public speaking students, Ms. Thompson builds tailored coaching strategies that effectively utilize client strengths, doubts, and targets to propel outstanding personal growth. Key coaching engagements include: Voice Coach Expert in an episode of NewlyWed Nearly Dead, Voice & Performance Group Sessions at Centennial College, and Performance Sessions with PriceWaterhouse Cooper. She has also served as the Keynote Speaker for the Beaches Rotary Club and 3rd Annual “Womans Worth” Events.
A prolific actor, Carolyn has also appeared in commercials, shows, and movies, including “Renovate my Wardrobe” and “Sheridan College Game Design” Commercial, as well as the MADD (Mothers against Drunk Driving) movie “Shattered,” shown in high schools across Canada from 2010 to 2011.
Ms. Thompson holds a Radio and TV Broadcasting Diploma from Seneca College and an AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate in Life Coach (2020) from Rhodes Wellness College. She is a driving force in the Toronto Arts and Music scene, a motivational speaker, and soulful, powerhouse vocalist known for successfully leading and headlining nationally- and internationally-noted events.