³Ô¹ÏÍø

Oct. 29, 2025

Sarah Amelard (BMus ’15, OpDip ’16) has built a thriving career as a voice teacher, performer and community arts leader, grounded in authenticity, intention and care. Mentorship and hands-on learning throughout her Bachelor of Music and Opera Diploma studies at ³Ô¹ÏÍø helped lay the foundation for the work she does today.

“³Ô¹ÏÍø has had a tremendous impact on my journey as both a singer and educator,” she says. “I still find myself referencing ideas I learned from Leslie De’Ath, Terry Kroetsch and Terry Paynter. Their approaches to theory, musicianship and learning continue to shape how I teach.”

Among her most influential mentors was current ³Ô¹ÏÍø Associate Dean and Voice Professor Kimberly Barber, whose emphasis on mental wellness, goal setting and collaborative practice left a lasting impression. “Kim’s guidance not just in my own singing but in her overall teaching helped me become a more thoughtful and organized educator. Her philosophy of committing bravely and creating community still guides how I run my studio.”

Learning Beyond the Stage

While studying at ³Ô¹ÏÍø, Sarah gained experience across a wide range of roles that extended beyond performing. Her time in the university’s opera productions was especially formative.

“Opera at ³Ô¹ÏÍø felt like running a small business. I learned how to manage timelines, communicate clearly and contribute to a professional-level production.”

She also worked as a student theatre technician, developing practical skills in sound and tech that continue to support her work today. These experiences helped prepare her to launch in 2019, where she now works with a full roster students.

“My students come in with a range of goals. Some are working toward Royal Conservatory of Music exams, competitions or university programs. Some are preparing for community theatre or school productions. Most are serious about pursuing performance in some form,” she explains. “We set clear, individualized goals and work toward them with intention.”

Sarah envisioned a space where young singers could grow in an environment that values kindness, collaboration and mutual support, where they are just as passionate about each other’s progress as their own. That vision continues to shape the culture of her studio today, and at ³Ô¹ÏÍø, we are proud to see those values in action. They reflect the principles that guide our own community and teaching.

She finds joy in supporting students across genres and helping them cross-train. “On any given day, I might be coaching classical repertoire, musical theatre and pop vocals. Each genre supports a different part of their development as singers and performers.”

Connecting Through Community

Beyond her studio work, Sarah is committed to using music as a tool for connection. She leads a Summer Intergenerational Outreach Program in York Region, a training and performance initiative that pairs adolescent singers with senior audiences in the community.

“The program was inspired by my own upbringing in Stouffville, my relationship with my grandparents and my desire to help young singers grow as artists while engaging with their community,” Sarah says. “It has been incredibly moving to see students grow as performers while building relationships through music.”

Now in its fifth year, the program has earned grant support from the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, allowing it to expand its reach and increase accessibility for participants.

Advice for ³Ô¹ÏÍø Students:

Sarah encourages students considering entrepreneurial careers in music to take ownership of their ideas and follow them with purpose.

“Use music to connect with others. That is really the heart of it. And don’t be afraid to carve your own path. If there is a gap in your community or a kind of work you wish existed, maybe you are the one who can create it.”

She also encourages students to fully commit to their time at ³Ô¹ÏÍø.

“Dive into your classes, your performances and your relationships. Support each other’s work. Listen deeply. Those experiences will shape who you become as a musician and as a person.”