Sarah Tolar is an accomplished performer, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and music educator. She has released three full-length albums and performed throughout the United States, Europe, China, and Canada.
Sarah is a passionate music educator and conducts a vocal studio that offers instruction in jazz, musical theater, and pop vocal styles, as well as beginning piano, music theory, songwriting, and vocal improvisation. Her students have won many awards including the Carnegie Hall Forte International Competition and The Young Arts International Competition. She has produced recording sessions for her students including musical theater auditions and original songs for streaming. With more than twenty years of teaching experience, Sarah is eager to share her knowledge and grateful to witness her students’ growth as they explore the joy of music!
Sarah graduated with honors from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Music and a Masters of Music in jazz performance. While in Texas, she began teaching private vocal lessons and performing with her jazz quartet throughout Dallas and Ft. Worth. After graduation, she moved to New York City and began working as a band leader and vocalist. As a band leader, Sarah directed a 15-piece ensemble that performed in New York City, the Tri-State area, Florida, and California. Her band provided entertainment for private events and she had the honor of working with legendaries such as James Taylor, Jon Bon Jovi, and Billy Joel.
Sarah’s experience as a singer is extensive ranging from stadium tours as a background singer to television and broadway appearances. She toured with electro- funk duo Chromeo, performing at Lollapalooza, Coachella, The Roundhouse in London, and Canada’s Juno awards. Sarah sang with Grammy-winner Lyle Lovett on the Joe Scarborough Show and on Broadway for a special performance of Bombshell, the live adaptation of NBC’s TV show SMASH. She has recorded studio vocals for a number of television shows and commercials and worked with composers/writers Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, and Ned Ginsburg.
Sarah’s newest record, Something Sarah, recently released on the indie label Desert Vinyl, features Sarah’s original compositions along with jazz standards and pop and folk favorites. Something Sarah is receiving celebrated praise and is currently featured on radio stations nationwide.