The Heart of a Singer - Vocal Rehab, Vocal Warm-ups, Christian Musician, Breathing Technique, Singing Lessons
Sarah Toth - Voice Teacher, Opera Singer, Worship Leader, Vocal Coach, Mentor to Christian Women
86 episodes
3 days ago
Welcome to The Heart of a Singer Podcast. I’m Sarah Toth, Heart Coach, mom of 2, trained opera singer, and passionate lover of Jesus.
This podcast is a home for Christian women who have trained and worked in singing, opera, and musical theater; but maybe you’ve found yourself in a place of unrest, bottled-up emotions, and even feeling far from God. But through the hurt of your circumstances, you might be feeling an invitation from the Lord - to learn to hear his voice more clearly and to open up yours in a new way.
It’s time to move out of your desert season, musically, spiritually, and emotionally so that you can move forward in a healthy way and step out into the next chapter that God has for you.
So I invite you to open up your journal, grab your favorite pen, and then join me, as we move from Stuck to Thriving, while unlocking your heart again to beat for His Kingdom Purposes.
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
All content for The Heart of a Singer - Vocal Rehab, Vocal Warm-ups, Christian Musician, Breathing Technique, Singing Lessons is the property of Sarah Toth - Voice Teacher, Opera Singer, Worship Leader, Vocal Coach, Mentor to Christian Women and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to The Heart of a Singer Podcast. I’m Sarah Toth, Heart Coach, mom of 2, trained opera singer, and passionate lover of Jesus.
This podcast is a home for Christian women who have trained and worked in singing, opera, and musical theater; but maybe you’ve found yourself in a place of unrest, bottled-up emotions, and even feeling far from God. But through the hurt of your circumstances, you might be feeling an invitation from the Lord - to learn to hear his voice more clearly and to open up yours in a new way.
It’s time to move out of your desert season, musically, spiritually, and emotionally so that you can move forward in a healthy way and step out into the next chapter that God has for you.
So I invite you to open up your journal, grab your favorite pen, and then join me, as we move from Stuck to Thriving, while unlocking your heart again to beat for His Kingdom Purposes.
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Have you ever wondered why your singing range feels limited? Or why your voice changes or breaks when you try to sing higher or lower? Maybe you’re craving more power in certain parts of your voice.
Understanding your vocal registers—your head voice and chest voice—and how they work together is a key to unlocking confidence in your singing.
In this episode, I’ll give you simple, approachable language to understand these registers and explain how to identify the parts of your voice that may be holding you back. We’ll also talk about why your long-term goal is to sing in a “mix,” so your voice feels smoother, stronger, and more reliable.
If you're a mom longing to reclaim your voice and sing without strain, breaks, or fear — this is your starting place!
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
RELATED EPISODES
56. Three Solutions to Increase Your Vocal Range
74. The Recipe for Vocal Confidence—Restoring and Rebuilding Trust in Your Voice
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
If you're a mom, I’m guessing you wouldn’t say “no” to more energy. What about a better mood, deeper connection with your kids, and a heart that feels centered on God? You may not realise it, but all of these things I just listed are benefits of…. yes, singing!
And one of the easiest ways to get yourself singing again—without pressure, guilt, or overthinking—is by building a simple playlist you can turn on and sing with at any moment.
In this episode, I’ll show you how to create a monthly playlist that becomes almost like a heart journal—a place where you gather the songs God keeps bringing to mind and use them to pray, worship, reflect, and reconnect with your voice.
By the end, you’ll have a practical system that helps you:* remove decision fatigue* make singing feel effortless* connect with God in the middle of mom life* and enjoy more moments of peace, prayer, and worship throughout your day
Let’s dig in!
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
RELATED EPISODES
83. How to Teach Your Kids to LOVE Your Favorite Worship Music
68. How Vacation Helped my Singing Voice as a Mom of Littles
53. Finding it Hard to Connect with God? Turn a Simple Drive into a Worship Time
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Do you ever wish you could sing along to your favorite worship songs at home — but your kids keep begging to turn on "their" music instead?
In this episode, I’m sharing what I did in my own home to change that dynamic. Now when I put on a worship playlist, my daughter lights up and says with genuine excitement, “Mom! I LOVE this song!”
I’ll show you how to cultivate that same love for worship music in your young kids — so you can sing out freely at home right along with them.
Here’s the heart of the strategy:→ Kids fall in love with what feels familiar, recognizable, and repeatable.→ When you lean into repetition and memorable experiences, your kids will start to love the worship songs you love too.
I’ll walk you through a simple step-by-step process which makes this accessible in your own home.My hope is that this encourages you and helps you build a space at home where singing and worship feels joyful, natural, and shared.
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
*** Access my Spotify Playlist of some of our favorite songs here: FAVORITE FAMILY WORSHIP & FUN SONGS ***
//
RELATED EPISODES:
53. Finding it Hard to Connect with God? Turn a Simple Drive into a Worship Time
29. Should I Sing Out? Celebrate with Singing and Dancing! Really - do it!!
33. Starting Singing Again as a Busy Mom - Say YES to What God Has Placed Inside of You
69. Can’t Find Your Singing Voice After Becoming a Mom? 4 Reasons Why It Can Feel Hard
//
Connect: hello@sarahtoth.com
Hey mama, are you straining to reach those high notes—especially in worship songs? This can be a common vocal challenge! In this episode, we’ll talk about the two game-changers for singing higher with freedom: releasing your jaw and spitting out your consonants. These tiny tweaks will make your upper range feel easier, clearer, and more resonant.
We’ll unpack how jaw tension creeps in when you sing, why some parts of words we sing might actually be holding you back, and how to bring release and ease back into your voice. Whether you’re singing worship, singing in the car, or harmonizing while folding laundry, you’ll learn how to sing higher without strain—and love your voice again.
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
TIME STAMPS:(2:49) The importance of a released jaw — and how to find it(4:32) How consonants can sometimes block your airflow (and how to fix it)(6:21) A quick “spit out your consonants” exercise you can try at home(7:08) Applying these techniques to worship songs (ex: Forever by Kari Jobe)(11:45) Bonus tip: how vibrato helps prevent vocal strain
//
RELATED EPISODES:
56. Three Solutions to Increase Your Vocal Range
57. Should I Open My Mouth More for a High Note? Yes…and No
71. Say Goodbye to Vocal Strain—Quick Tips for a Stronger Voice
74. The Recipe for Vocal Confidence—Restoring and Rebuilding Trust in Your Voice
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Is jaw tension holding back your singing voice?
If your voice has been feeling tight, tired, or restricted, you’re not alone. As singers (and especially as moms), we often hold more tension than we realize—and it can keep our voices from sounding free and resonant.
In this episode we’ll cover:
Common causes of jaw tension
How it can affect your singing
Easy exercises to release jaw tension
Timestamps:(3:14) My story with jaw tension and what helped me(7:48) Common causes of jaw tension(10:54) How jaw tension affects singing(12:43) Exercise 1: Chewing & humming(14:10) Exercise 2: Masseter release massage(18:07) Exercise 3: “Yah” exercise for tongue–jaw independence
I hope you have fun finding new vocal freedom as you release your jaw!
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
///
RELATED EPISODES
57. Should I Open My Mouth More for a High Note? Yes…and No
///
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Are you a mom who wants to sing but feels too tired, too unsure, or too out of practice to start again? Maybe you’ve lost confidence in your voice — or you’ve convinced yourself that singing outloud is for someone else, someone more “qualified.”
But what if I told you that God has already given you permission to sing?
Not just permission — a command.
In Psalm 96, we’re told:
“Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord, all the earth.”
That means you, mama. Not just the polished voices on stage, not just the people who “sound good” — you. The mom in the kitchen. The mom in the car. The mom who feels tired and discouraged.
In this episode, we dive into:
The biblical mandate to sing (and why it’s for every believer)
How your singing matters to God
How worship and singing breaks through stress, fear, and silence
How to step past insecurity and step into God’s invitation
You don’t need flawless technique. You don’t need more time or energy. You just need to open your mouth and respond to His invitation:
“Let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet.” — Song of Solomon 2:14
Dear mama, your voice was designed to glorify God. It’s time to open your mouth again — right where you are.
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
RELATED EPISODES:
33. Starting Singing Again as a Busy Mom - Say YES to What God Has Placed Inside of You
12. Do the Thing! Your Voice is Important
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Feeling tired, vocally tight, or unmotivated to sing lately—especially as a mom? This week’s episode is part two of our warm-up series! Last week we prepared the body, and today we’re focusing on the vocal warm-up — a simple, energizing routine to help you find freedom and ease in your singing again.
You can do this right from home — during nap time, with your kids, or in the car. No special equipment needed, just your voice and a few minutes.
These exercises are designed to:
Wake up resonance and airflow
Connect you to your breath support
Smooth breaks in your voice
Increase your range
Vocal Warm-Up Breakdown:
(3:32 ) – Apple Bites
(4:58) – Lip Trills (or Alternatives: V or Sh): 1-2-3-4-5-4-3-2-1
(7:16) – “Bee” Exercise: descending pattern: 5-3-1 5-4-3-2-1
(8:46) – “Mum” Arpeggio: 1-3-5-5-5-3-1
(10:19) – “Ney” Arpeggio: 1-3-5-5-5-3-1
By the end of this short warm-up, you’ll feel energized, and vocally free — ready to sing, speak, or worship with ease.
HINT: Pair this episode with last week’s Physical Warm-Up (Episode 78).
Enjoy!
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
SIMILAR EPISODES:
58. Get Curious About How to Breathe for Better Singing
28. Are You Accidentally Holding Your Breath? Change This One Thing for a More Powerful Singing Voice
7. Are You a Singer Who’s Not Singing? 5 Quick Ways to Step Out of Your Silence and into Your Voice Again
30. Dance Out Your Overwhelm - Come Unstuck By Moving Your Feet First!
69. Can’t Find Your Singing Voice After Becoming a Mom? 4 Reasons Why It Can Feel Hard
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Before you even warm up your voice, you need to warm up your body. In this episode, I’ll guide you through a quick physical warm-up for singers that helps release tension, open up your breath, and get your voice ready to go. These are simple, energizing stretches you can before singing, to start your day, or even when you need an energy boost.
Here’s what we’ll do together:
Big sighs with arm drops – release stress and reset your breath
Torso twists – loosen your midsection and get the breath flowing
Elbow pumps – open your chest and activate torso space
Forward fold or chair stretch – stretch shoulders, back, and legs while breathing deeply
Bunny sniffs – sniffing exercise to activate your pelvic floor
Next week, we’ll add the vocal warm-up so you can put the two together for a complete pre-singing routine!
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
RELATED EPISODES:
58. Get Curious About How to Breathe for Better Singing
28. Are You Accidentally Holding Your Breath? Change This One Thing for a More Powerful Singing Voice
7. Are You a Singer Who’s Not Singing? 5 Quick Ways to Step Out of Your Silence and into Your Voice Again
30. Dance Out Your Overwhelm - Come Unstuck By Moving Your Feet First!
69. Can’t Find Your Singing Voice After Becoming a Mom? 4 Reasons Why It Can Feel Hard
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Dear Mama, I see you—tired, depleted, struggling to find your voice. I know what it feels like to be completely dry, lifeless, just going through the motions without joy.
But God wants to breathe new life into you again!
It’s time to come out of your dry season.It’s time to lay down the hurts, burdens, and shame you’ve been carrying.It’s time to let God restore and revive you.
Dry bones, come awake!Come awake in Jesus’ Name!
It’s time to arise and lift your voice to the Lord. To cry out in repentance. To cry out in seeking Him. He will do it—He will restore you. The One who called you is faithful!
The world needs what you carry. Your voice and testimony, right there in the middle of motherhood, is what God wants to revive and activate. Will you say yes to the invitation?
“Dry bones, listen to the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again!”—Ezekiel 37:5 (NLT)
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
Song to Engage With: Always Good (Hannah and Paul McClure)
//
RELATED EPISODES
61. God is Giving New Vision to Musician Moms!
34. Three Clues You Are Pregnant with a God-Sized Creative Dream
33. Starting Singing Again as a Busy Mom - Say YES to What God Has Placed Inside of You
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Hey singer friend—if you’ve been longing to sing with more freedom but feel stuck, this episode is for you. Maybe you think you need more lessons, more practice, or more technique, but I want to let you in on a truth I’ve seen again and again with moms: your biggest breakthrough today starts by releasing your tummy.
I know—this is one of the most vulnerable areas of our bodies as women. It’s where we carry new life, scars, stretch marks, and sometimes even trauma. No wonder we hold it tight, protect it, and disconnect from it. But here’s the thing: until we learn to soften and release our abdominal area, we can’t breathe fully to support our voice. And without that support, your voice won’t be able to function in the ways that you would like.
In this episode, I’ll walk with you through the physical and emotional reasons this area is so tender—and why God may be inviting you to loosen your grip here in order to step into vocal freedom. You don’t need a hundred more voice lessons to start singing better. You need bravery, healing, and the willingness to release.
Friend, I believe your voice is a gift. Let’s talk about how to find it again.
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Ever wish you could pray more throughout the day, but get caught up in the endless rhythm of meals, housework, and caring for your kids? You’re not alone. I’ve struggled with that too—and I found such a surprising solution in a simple prayer song.
In this episode, I’ll teach you a short song that helps you thank the Lord right in the middle of daily life. It’s easy to sing while you’re driving, doing laundry, or just being with your kids. This little song puts gratitude on your lips, helps you stay present in your home, and even gives your voice a gentle workout.
Friend, you don’t need to wait until the kids are asleep to connect with God. Try this prayer song, and let it become a reminder—like it was for me—that we can be content in the Lord right where we are. // Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Have you lost confidence in your singing voice? Maybe when you open your mouth, you don’t know what’s going to come out—or you’re afraid you won’t like the sound you hear. For many Christian moms, especially after stepping away from singing during pregnancy or postpartum, this is a real struggle.
In this episode, I share what I call the recipe for vocal confidence. True confidence comes from learning to trust your instrument again. And that trust is built through two things: restoration—identifying and healing what broke down in your voice or your relationship with it—and repetition—choosing to sing, practice, and reinforce those positive changes day after day.
We’ll talk about:
Why rebuilding trust in your voice is a lot like rebuilding trust in a relationship
Common places where trust gets broken (physical changes, critical words, vocal injuries, or just years of silence)
Simple first steps to begin restoring your confidence—even if your voice feels shaky right now
Friend, I believe God designed you to sing. He’s given you a voice for a reason, and it is possible to rebuild trust with your instrument. My prayer is that the Holy Spirit would reveal your “first step” today as you begin the journey back to vocal confidence.
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
RELATED EPISODES:
71. Say Goodbye to Vocal Strain: Quick Tips for a Stronger Voice
64. How to Start Singing Again (Even If You Don’t Like Your Voice Right Now)
58. Get Curious About How to Breathe for Better Singing
56. Three Solutions to Increase Your Vocal Range
27. Victory Through Redefinition: Solve Your Problem by Changing the Question
7. Are You a Singer Who’s Not Singing? 5 Quick Ways to Step Out of Your Silence and into Your Voice Again!
8. Start Here - Escape Your Desert Season by Plotting Your Journey as a Singer
5. 10-Minute Heart Scan with God for Singers
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Have you ever wished you could sing at home but felt like you had zero capacity—with kids hanging off you, asking for snacks, and food messes to clean up again and again? Maybe you used to have time to sit at the piano and sing, but now that kind of personal time feels like an unattainable luxury.
At the same time, you’d love for your kids to grow up around music and learn to sing. But whenever you put on your favorite music to sing along, they really don’t like it! You might find yourself wishing for kid-free time to make music, yet when that time comes, there are always other priorities waiting.
So how do you balance all of this? Is it even possible to make meaningful music with your kids around? I believe it is—but it starts with a mindset shift. I invite you into this important conversation so that you can engage in the life-giving act of making music again.
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
RELATED EPISODES:
69. Can’t Find Your Singing Voice After Becoming a Mom? 4 Reasons Why It Can Feel Hard
64. How to Start Singing Again (Even If You Don’t Like Your Voice Right Now)
60. Can I be a Mom and a Musician? Here’s a Roadmap for your New Season
59. No Time to Practice? 6 Habits to Support Your Singing Voice as a Busy Mom
51. Is Your Calling on Pause? 5 Journal Prompts to Find Clarity and Move Forward as a Classically-Trained Singer
49. Scared to Sing? 3 Simple Steps to Revive Your Voice and Reignite Your Calling48. Feeling Stuck in Your Singing? Reactivate Your Voice in a Surprising Way
33. Starting Singing Again as a Busy Mom - Say YES to What God Has Placed Inside of You
26. No Time to Sing? 4 Ideas to Incorporate Singing into the Events of Your Day
18. Five Things I Learned About Singing From My 4-Year Old
7. Are You a Singer Who’s Not Singing? 5 Quick Ways to Step Out of Your Silence and into Your Voice Again
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Want some tips on staying hydrated for singing, and while also supporting your energy and health as a mom? Then this episode is for you. I’m pulling back the curtain on my daily drink lineup and sharing how I keep my vocal folds happy, my energy steady, and my body supported.
I talk about the three staples I rely on every day—water (and why I remineralize it), adrenal cocktails for electrolyte support, and my ongoing conversation with caffeine.
I also share the story of how I first realized lack of hydration was impacting my singing, what I’ve learned since then, and how these simple choices make a real difference in my everyday life as a mom and a singer. I hope this gives you some practical ideas you can take into your own routine.
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
Mentioned in this Episode:
Katrina Oakley: www.corefitnessformoms.comRedmond Real Salt: www.redmond.lifeAdrenal Cocktails: www.therootcauseprotocol.com/faq-adrenal-cocktail-recipesRoot Cause Protocol: wwww.therootcauseprotocol.com
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
If you’ve been away from singing for a while—especially after becoming a mom—you might feel like you can’t trust your voice anymore. Maybe it is breathy and weak, maybe it feels tight and stuck, or maybe you keep losing your voice altogether.
In this episode, I’m sharing three of the most common vocal challenges I see in moms—and a quick, doable “today fix” for each one.
You’ll learn:
How to stop breathiness and get a clear, supported tone
How to find resonance and “ring” in your sound again
How to reconnect your voice to your whole body for lasting strength
These are small but powerful shifts that you can start right now—no matter how long it’s been since you last sang. Once you make a few small changes, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your vocal confidence will build. Let’s go!
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
If you’re constantly in your head when you sing—analyzing every note, second-guessing your sound, or worrying about what others might think—you’re not alone. Especially as a mom, after time away from singing or big changes in your body, it’s easy to slip into fear and overthinking.
In this episode, I explain what’s *actually* happening in your body when you overthink while singing, and how it can cause your breath, and subsequently your voice to shut down. I walk you through five practical steps to help you shift out of that shame spiral and back to reclaiming your voice.
We’ll talk about how to stay present, reconnect with why you sing, and make a plan to address the technical things at the right time. You were designed to sing! I can’t wait to help you overcome overthinking while you sing, so you can step into more vocal confidence!
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
RELATED EPISODES:67. Overthinking While You Sing? 3 Things You Can Think About Instead as a Christian Mom
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Are you struggling to reconnect with your singing voice after becoming a mom? You're not alone—and there are good reasons it can feel so hard. In this episode, we’re sitting down mom-to-mom to unpack *why* using your voice might feel out of reach right now—and how naming those reasons can help you move forward.
Singing is so highly personal because our voice is inside of us. And when we become a mom, all of the shifting roles and priorities, and especially our physical changes can have a huge affect on our voices. Let's unpack those together.
I believe that God has purpose for you in this season! I believe he wants to awake your voice again from inside of you! Let’s go!
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
RELATED EPISODE
7. Are You a Singer Who’s Not Singing? 5 Quick Ways to Step Out of Your Silence and into Your Voice Again!
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Are you struggling to find a way to use your singing voice day-to-day as a busy mom of littles? In this episode, I share a story of how I unexpectedly got a chance to sing fun things, and get a little confidence boost—all while on vacation. How did this happen? You guessed it - it was KARAOKE for the win! I’ll unpack the specific reasons why karaoke might just be the thing you need if your life right now to reclaim your singing voice—and how you can find the courage to try it. Let’s dig in!
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
Are you feeling nervous and self-conscious when you use your singing voice these days? When you’ve been away from singing for a while, it’s easy to get in your head—overthinking every note, sound, and wondering what people might be thinking about you.
In this episode, I want to show you how to flip that narrative. We’re talking about what you’re letting your brain be occupied with while you sing—essentially, your subtext. Changing what you focus on while you sing can help you let go of overthinking, make a bigger impact, and even cause your singing to be better than before— without even trying.
I’ll give you through three practical ways to reframe your thoughts and “change the channel” in your mind—so you can stop obsessing over how you sound and instead jump straight to connection, worship, and genuine expression.
If you’re a trained singer getting back into it or a mom wondering if your voice still has a place—this episode is a gentle nudge to reconnect with your gift in a life-giving way.
Blessings,
Sarah 🌟
//
Connect: hello@sarahtoth.com
If singing feels out of reach, this gentle vocal warm-up is the perfect way to ease back in—without making a sound.In this short and practical episode, I’ll walk you through Apple Bites—a simple stretch that targets the soft palate, helping your voice feel brighter, more resonant, and ready to go. No piano, no vocalizing—just a few seconds to reset your voice.Perfect for early mornings, car rides, or nap time—this is your go-to warm-up when practice time is short. Let’s go!
//
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com
The Heart of a Singer - Vocal Rehab, Vocal Warm-ups, Christian Musician, Breathing Technique, Singing Lessons
Welcome to The Heart of a Singer Podcast. I’m Sarah Toth, Heart Coach, mom of 2, trained opera singer, and passionate lover of Jesus.
This podcast is a home for Christian women who have trained and worked in singing, opera, and musical theater; but maybe you’ve found yourself in a place of unrest, bottled-up emotions, and even feeling far from God. But through the hurt of your circumstances, you might be feeling an invitation from the Lord - to learn to hear his voice more clearly and to open up yours in a new way.
It’s time to move out of your desert season, musically, spiritually, and emotionally so that you can move forward in a healthy way and step out into the next chapter that God has for you.
So I invite you to open up your journal, grab your favorite pen, and then join me, as we move from Stuck to Thriving, while unlocking your heart again to beat for His Kingdom Purposes.
Contact: hello@sarahtoth.com