RESEARCH 

Completed in 2024 at the Australian National University, Rachael's PhD thesis, A biopsychosocial approach to tertiary improvising vocalists' functional and stylistic training is an investigation of the musical, biological, psychological, and socialogical factors impacting vocal improvisation achievement and participation. Believing that tertiary music institutions have a pivotal role to play in shaping and changing culture, Rachael's PhD research focuses on the beliefs, experiences, attitudes, behaviours, interactions, and expertise of some of Australia's most highly regarded and experienced improvising performer/pedagogues working in tertiary music education and around the country, both vocal and instrumental. 

Rachael's broader research interests include vocal pedagogy, hybrid vocal technique and performance, gender and jazz, music and brain sciences, and a voice science. 

More information and links  to Rachael's research output can be found HERE

ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS

  • Thoms, R., & Carriage, L. (2024). Vocal Inclusivity in Improvisation Pedagogy: Developing Cultural Awareness, Vocabulary, and Self-Efficacy for Tertiary Vocalists. Australian Voice, 25, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.56307/JCTR8405
  • Jolly, M., deCourcy, E., Hunter, A., & Thoms, R. (2021). J.W. Newland's “Beautiful Scientific Exhibition of Dissolving Views” reinterpreted in 2021. Other Non-textual Work Form, PhotoAccess, Canberra. 
  • Thoms, R., (2024). Jazz Singers are Musicians Too: The Marginalisation of Female Vocalists in Jazz, at the Jazz Futures Symposium, Australian National University School of Music (Canberra, ACT) 
  • Thoms, R., (2023). A Biopsychosocial Pathway to Vocal Improvisation Pedagogy at the AJIRN National Conference, Roads, Bridges, & Intersections (Melbourne, VIC). 
  • Hunter, A., Thoms, R. & Safaei, R., (2022). Embodied Music Theory/ies: Decolonising and Australian undergraduate music theory and aural skills curriculum at Music and the University: History, Models, Prospects conference (London, UK). 
  • Thoms, R., (2022). Teaching and Performing Jazz Vocals at the Australian National Association for Teachers of Singing, national conference, Encompassing the Vocal Spectrum. 
  • Thoms, R., (2020). Teaching Jazz Voice in the Academy at the Australian National Association for Teachers of Singing, national conference, Come Together. 

RECORDED OUTPUTS

  • Keller, A. 2023. ‘Treasured Angels’ (Keller). On Flicker and Polar Bird: Trio, Strings, & Voices [CD]. Australia. Music. Role: featured vocalist
  • Keller, A, 2023. ‘I am a little church’ (Keller). On Flicker and Polar Bird: Trio, Strings, & Voices [CD]. Australia. Music. Role: featured vocalist
  • Coventry, L., & Thoms, R. 2017. Nothing But Blue Skies [CD]. Canberra, Australia, Music. Role: arranger/vocalist
  • Sweeting, L., & Thoms, R. 2011. THe Great Unknown [CD]. Canberra, Australia. Music. Role: composer/arranger/vocalist

Recommended reading 

  • If In Doubt, Breathe Out! Breathing and Support for Singing based on the Accent Method (Ron Morris and Linda Hutchinson)
  • Singing and Teaching Singing - A Holistic Approach to Classical Voice (Janice L Chapman)
  • Voice Work: Art and Science in Changing Voices (Christina Shewell)
  • What Every Singer Needs to Know About the Body (Malde, Allen, Zeller)
  • The Science of Singing (Johan Sundberg) 
  • Practical Vocal Acoustics: Pedagogic Applications for Teachers and Singers (Kenneth W Bozeman)
  • The Vocal Athlete: Application and Technique for the Hybrid Singer (Rosenberg & Leborgne)