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Inspiring Conversations with Monica Sadler of Nashville’s Vocal Coach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Sadler.

Monica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Honestly, my story began from a place of frustration. If someone had told me years ago that I’d be sitting here on Music Row coaching artists signed to labels and publishing deals, I would have laughed. But that’s the beauty of God—He redeems the years you thought were wasted.

At 18, I packed my bags and left a small town for Nashville, thinking I had a real shot at making it. The truth? Most people grind for 8–10 years before seeing any momentum. I was no different. I chased Christian music, trying to get signed, but doors kept closing. Eventually, I moved to Branson, Missouri, to perform in shows. That’s where I met my husband, and soon after, I stepped away from the stage to be a stay-at-home mom to our four kids.

After ten wonderful years at home, when my youngest was about to start kindergarten, I realized my longing for music had never gone away. I tried to quiet it, to convince myself that season had passed—but it wouldn’t let me go. And I’ve learned that when a passion keeps tugging at you like that, it’s usually a sign you’re still meant to pursue it, despite the odds.

We had recently moved back to Nashville, and I knew this time had to be different. Becoming an artist while raising a family wasn’t realistic, so my husband suggested vocal coaching—a way to stay connected to music while still having the flexibility I needed as a mom. At first, I doubted myself—I had so many lingering struggles with my own voice. How could I teach what I still hadn’t fully mastered?

That’s when I remembered Brett Manning. Years earlier, I’d had a lesson with him, and in just 15 minutes, he unlocked notes I never thought I could sing. That memory stayed with me. I took a leap of faith, studied directly with him, and this time everything clicked. My voice finally broke through.

Fast forward to today—I’m now one of Brett’s certified associates. I pinch myself every time I walk into the doors of Singing Success. The girl who once walked in hopeless, praying for a breakthrough in a 50-minute lesson, now stands by Brett’s side, coaching singers from beginners to touring professionals. It’s surreal.

But that’s how God works. When you lay down those desires at His feet, He picks them up, reshapes them, and hands them back in a way even better than you imagined. I never expected to find this much joy in championing others—but I do. Helping singers discover the same freedom I finally found is one of the greatest gifts of my life, and it’s what keeps me going every single day.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Haha, not at all! My journey has been anything but smooth. I really believe failure is a part of life, but we always have a choice—we can either let it define us, or we can learn from it and grow. When my voice wasn’t connecting the way I wanted, it was hard not to internalize that as a personal failure. And honestly, sometimes I did. But over time I learned to stop comparing myself to everyone around me and instead focus on getting just 1% better every day. That’s when the progress started showing up, and with it, the joy returned.

That’s something I pass on to my students. I actually have them record our sessions, because often we forget how far we’ve come. Sometimes all it takes is listening back to realize, ‘Wow, I really am improving,’ even if it feels small in the moment.

And even now, new challenges still come up. Recently, my husband’s job transferred us to Missouri, and I had that moment of panic—‘How will I keep doing this dream job I love?’ But we adapted. I coach my clients virtually through Zoom, and I also travel back to Nashville quarterly to host events and offer in-person lessons. It’s not the path I originally envisioned, but I think that’s the beauty of it. The road hasn’t been smooth, but every obstacle has stretched me and ultimately made me a better coach.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Nashville’s Vocal Coach, my heart is that when someone walks through my doors—or even logs onto a Zoom call—they immediately feel seen, encouraged, and inspired. I hope its like a lighthouse in the sea for them. I know of so many singers that set sail to Nashville full of excitement, chasing big dreams like a record deal or publishing deal – and from a distance, it all looks like calm waters, but once they get closer, just like I did, they begin to realize there are hidden rocks lurking underneath —comparison, discouragement, confusion— ready to rip up their boat, or storms that seem to come out of nowhere.

But, that’s where I come in. I hope to be that steady light—to help them spot the rocks, guide them through that dense fog, and remind them they’re not alone on this journey. That’s also why I offer a free discovery lesson for first-time clients. It’s not just about evaluating their voice; it’s about helping them leave that first session with hope, clarity, and the belief that they truly do have something valuable to share.

What sets me apart is that my work doesn’t just end inside these walls or through a Zoom. I also step into the studio with artists, making sure their vocals are fully prepared before production begins. Because once something is recorded, it lives on forever. Having that extra layer of guidance not only saves them time and money, but also ensures the finished product reflects the very best of who they are.

So whether you’re just starting out or you’re about to cut an album, my mission is the same: to be that lighthouse—a beacon of hope and direction—helping you uncover your unique melody, strengthen it, and share it with confidence.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I offer private voice lessons both in person and virtually through my website, so singers from anywhere can work with me. I always encourage first-time students to take advantage of the free discovery lesson I offer. It’s a great way to get a feel for what a lesson is like and decide if they’d like to continue working together.

For artists who are recording, I also step into the studio to help fine-tune their vocals during production, making sure their performance is the strongest it can be. Collaboration opportunities can come through workshops, special events, or even partnering on projects with other creatives in Nashville—there’s always room to build community and support one another.

And if you’ve experienced my coaching and love it, simply spreading the word, referring a friend, or booking additional sessions is a wonderful way to support me. Every student, every collaboration, and every referral allows me to continue doing the work I’m so blessed to be able to do.

Pricing:

  • 50 minute Discovery Lesson (First Time Clientele) – FREE
  • 50 min lesson – $100

Contact Info:

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