Bring your work. We’ll work it.

The MasterClass is a seasonal, in-person workshop where your material is used for focused coaching and refinement.

Coaching sharpens presence, clarifies expression, and strengthens control through direct application.

In the MasterClass, “performer” includes singers, speakers, presenters, and anyone who uses their voice. Your piece may be a song, speech, presentation, pitch, monologue, or other prepared work.

It’s about engaging with what happens when your voice is in use, responding in the moment, and strengthening control through adjustment.

What Happens in a MasterClass

The MasterClass is a guided workshop centred on active participation and coaching. You present your pieces one at a time within the structured session format.

A live musician (pianist or guitarist) provides accompaniment throughout the session.

Observers attend to learn by watching performances and listening to the coaching process in real time.

We move through multiple performances with coaching and brief discussion, keeping the work active and the learning visible.

✨ Why My MasterClass Works

The MasterClass brings prepared work into a structured performance setting where material is observed, coached, and refined in real time.

Preparation has its limits. Skills strengthen through use, not isolation. The MasterClass is a structured environment where work is applied, feedback is integrated, and progress moves forward.

 🌎 Real World Examples

For singers

• Singing the full piece without stopping to fix a missed note.
• Continuing after a crack or slip instead of restarting.
• You start a song in the wrong key and self-correct as you go without stopping.

For speakers

• You’re asked to speak unexpectedly and have to find your voice on the spot.
• Speaking without scripting every sentence in advance.
• Recovering smoothly after losing your train of thought.

⚙️ How It Works

Each MasterClass has a limited number of performer spots, so you have adequate time to present your work and receive focused coaching.

You prepare your pieces in advance and bring them into the MasterClass session environment. Preparation details, format, and timing are outlined in the MasterClass Prep Guide. You arrive oriented and prepared.

🎶 Musical Accompaniment

Each MasterClass features a live musician (pianist or guitarist).

Singers (not self-accompanying)

• If you are singing and not accompanying yourself, you must use the featured musician for live accompaniment for both of your pieces.
• Bring printed sheet music for the musician.

Singers who self-accompany

• If you sing and play an instrument, you may accompany yourself.
• If you choose, you may also bring a chart so you and the featured musician can perform together.

Speakers, presenters, and actors

• Live musical accompaniment is optional.
• If you choose to work with the featured musician, bring printed sheet music or a chart.

Music preparation

• Do not email or send sheet music in advance.
• Bring all music with you on the day of the MasterClass.

Venue notes

• The church has a piano.
• You may bring your own guitar and amp if needed. The sanctuary has excellent acoustics.

Details are outlined in the MasterClass Prep Guide.

👥 Ways to Participate

There are two ways to participate in the MasterClass:

Performer spots are limited. Observer spots are available where space allows.

All participants must register in advance.

For minor performers, one parent or legal guardian may attend as an observer at no additional cost. Additional observers must register separately.

🗓 Booking & Scheduling

Sessions take place at Kimbourne Park United Church (Coxwell & Danforth) and run from 1:30–3:30 PM EST on select Sundays.

Each MasterClass has a limited number of performer spots, ensuring adequate time for each performance and coaching exchange.

When you book the MasterClass as a Performer or Observer and complete payment, your spot is confirmed. All participants must register in advance. Drop-ins are not available.

After registration, you’ll receive confirmation and preparation details.

⏰ 2026 MasterClass Dates

• Sunday, February 22
• Sunday, May 24
• Sunday, August 23
• Sunday, November 22

📚 Related Resources

Want more details? You can explore additional resources here:

• Fees & Booking – Full pricing and availability
• Prep Guide – Choosing material and preparing for the MasterClass
• FAQ – Common Questions – Lessons, policies, and logistics

💬 What Clients Are Saying

Enuma Igweatu

With just one session, not only have my speech skills improved but my perspective has also shifted as I look toward elevating my public speaking career. Carolyn creates a safe, encouraging, and courageous space to develop your voice. It was a fun, informative, and impactful session! Will definitely continue to work with her!

A Marshall

If you had told me my vocal ability would improve after just one session, I might not have believed you – but that is exactly what I experienced!!!! Carolyn is truly a vocal sensei, a master at her craft who helps us move past the limits we place on ourselves! Thank you Carolyn!

Thee Machine

Carolyn IS a Sensei! Truly a Master at her craft. I felt right at home and comfortable working with her right out of the gate… so much so, she nearly fell out of her chair when I told her in our 1st session “I TRUST YOU”.
I’ve been singing for awhile, but I’ve known of Carolyn’s work for years and I always knew I would call upon her when I needed help. I’m sure glad I did!

Dennis Michaelrecommends

Carolyn IS a Sensei! Truly a Master at her craft. I felt right at home and comfortable working with her right out of the gate… so much so, she nearly fell out of her chair when I told her in our 1st session “I TRUST YOU”.
I’ve been singing for awhile, but I’ve known of Carolyn’s work for years and I always knew I would call upon her when I needed help. I’m sure glad I did!

CleveDoesMore

Carolyn has been coaching my 8 year old and I see a vast improvement in her confidence and vocal development. I sometimes can't believe my ears when I hear her singing. She's also learning a variety of music styles to the point of asking me to spin some ole skool music for her. I like that the program is goal driven and progress is measured. Credit to Carolyn for really taking her under her wings.

Mamy Kapingarecommends

Carolyn is a great public speaking teacher! I am really excited for our sessions together as I am learning a lot of great skills I have been able to use in my speaking engagements!

Amanda Munday

Carolyn Thompson is a TEDx speaker, a singer and vocal performance coach. She also happens to rent office space at The Workaround. I’ve heard Carolyn with her students, so as I struggled this week to get the tone and pacing of my talk right, I asked to hire her for an hour. I figured even though I don’t need formal acting lessons to give a presentation, simply running through my talk with a pro would be a good use of time.

WELL. Here is a story of me going in with not many expectations and being totally blown away by talent. It’s a wonder why Carolyn isn’t booked up for months. In just 45 minutes not only did she give me tools for memorization that actually stuck in my brain, but she taught me skills I had never heard of before. And I give talks A LOT. I thought I knew what I was doing. But I was WRONG.

I have a better understanding of how to not jumble my words, to punch consonants and breathe correctly. I understand what it means to present confidence and really feel your words. Carolyn did that for me. I repeat, IN ONE SESSION. I had to hire her again this week so I could get even better at perfecting my delivery.

If you are preparing for a talk, even virtually, I HIGHLY recommend a virtual hour with Carolyn. She brought my talk to the next level. I am more confident for filming than I ever was, and this is saying a lot given I’ve been in lockdown with two sick kids and solo parenting and trying to manage a business from home. I was sure I’d be screwing this whole thing up. But Carolyn truly helped me, beyond what I thought, and I was reminded to ditch the whole "I'm an expert and have got this" ego. I went into a learning session willing, but not expecting, to be molded, and I was TRANSFORMED. Do it. Hire Carolyn. The end <3

Marla Minshall

Carolyn is amazing and super positive. It's still early days but I think I'm on track for an improved singing voice. Highly recommend 10/10

Kim Gabrielrecommends

Carolyn is wonderful. I enrolled my 9 year old daughter to for her singing class. She truly enjoys every moment. Great energy. Thanks for a start to a wonderful vocal experience.

Barbara Aufgang

Carolyn is both perceptive and supportive. She knew exactly what I need to work on and provided really clear direction on achieving these goals.