How do actors convincingly switch accents, and what happens when singing enters the mix? Voice teacher, researcher and spoken voice expert Louisa Morgan returns to explore the rich world of accents and dialects—from phonetics and oral posture to emotional authenticity and ethical considerations. Louisa dives into the challenges singers face when shifting from speech to song in character, how to manage biases, and why understanding your own “home” sounds is key. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST 2:35 What a...
Jun 24, 2025•58 min
In this episode, Alexa shares 10 game-changing resources that have transformed her own practice as a singing teacher. From essential books and pitch apps to surprising finds, this episode is packed with fresh inspiration for teachers at every stage of their journey.Which resource could become your new secret weapon? Tune in to find out. About the presenter click HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Anatomy of Voice by Blandine Calais-Germain & Francois Germain Training Contemporary Commercial ...
Jun 17, 2025•11 min
What happens when you mix Julie Andrews, musical theatre, and a dash of cheeky cabaret? This week, Alexa chats to performer and singing teacher Rosie Williamson about her show What Would Julie Do? —a musical comedy cabaret. Rosie shares how she built a heartwarming, hilarious, harmony-filled show that uplifts audiences and champions mental health causes. Plus: perfectionism, parody law, and why your passion project might just be your best work yet. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST 4:16 What are the first ...
Jun 11, 2025•51 min
In this episode of Singing Teachers Talk , Estelle Idoko shares her journey from medical school to music school. We explore how she helps others reconnect with their creativity, and what holds so many back from living artistically. Whether you're a singer, teacher, or someone wondering: “Is it too late to live creatively?” , this conversation will leave you feeling seen, stirred, and ready to explore your own creative path. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:00 Medical school vs music school 7:08 The per...
Jun 04, 2025•44 min
Want to help your singers master pop stylings like belt, riffing, breathy tone, and yodel flips? Alexa has invited singing coach Hannah Smikle back to the podcast for this practical episode, to share 10 killer pop songs that unlock vocal agility, texture, and expressive flair. What vocal tools can help singers to progress into certain melodies, and how do you apply pop texture in a piano-only space? A must-listen for singing teachers looking to spark creativity in the studio! WHAT’S IN THIS PODC...
May 27, 2025•55 min
In this episode, we chat with Dublin-based singing teacher and voice science enthusiast Eimear McCarthy Luddy. Eimear shares the story behind her #AnatoMonday Vocal Anatomy Colouring Book —a fun, creative resource designed to make vocal anatomy accessible and engaging. We explore her journey from struggling with traditional anatomy materials to creating her own, how she uses anatomy in teaching, and why she believes learning about the voice should be joyful and memorable. Eimear also shares insi...
May 20, 2025•46 min
In this episode ahead of Pride Month, Alexa Terry shares 10 vibrant, emotional, and empowering songs to celebrate LGBTQ+ voices in your singing studio. From folk rock belting to acoustic remixes and Broadway ballads, discover repertoire that not only expands vocal technique, but also tells meaningful stories. Which of these tracks will you be adding to your Pride playlist? About the presenter click HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Love in Hate Nation by Joe Iconis musicnotes.com Singing Teache...
May 14, 2025•6 min
How can we define ‘gospel,’ and what are the nuances of the style that give it its name? This week, Alexa joins Nashville-based vocal coach and music producer, Amos Evans, to chat about chords, riffs, vibrato and other textures which can contribute to an aesthetic gospel sound. Hit play for teaching tips, advice to choir leaders - and to be serenaded! WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:52 Who is Amos Evans? 2:47 What is the music scene like in Nashville? 4:52 From DC To Nashville: How did Amos establish ...
May 06, 2025•38 min
Are ‘warm ups’ and ‘cool downs’ really necessary for singers? In this episode, Alexa and Line dive into the why, when, and how of warming up and cooling down the voice. With a mix of science, personal insight, and practical tips (yes, including vibrators!) Tune in to rethink your routine and pick up tools that actually work for your voice. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:43 Should singers warm up? 2:01 What does the science say? 6:26 How do we know when the warm is working or not? 8:27 Who are warm-up...
Apr 30, 2025•42 min
What if one of the most powerful moments of someone’s life happened in their final days? And what if that moment was because of music? Founder of Music in Hospices, Joe Cavalli-Price, shares astonishing stories of how live music can transform palliative care, and how singers can bring joy to the dying. This emotional and uplifting episode might just change the way you think about music, care, and connection. (Tissues recommended.) WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:30 Who is Joseph Cavalli-Price? 3:11 Wh...
Apr 22, 2025•41 min
In this thought-provoking episode, Stephen King returns to explore the deep links between psychology and voice. How can we integrate body psychotherapy into our lessons without a psychology degree? And how can we respond when we don’t have all the answers? This episode invites you to rethink what it means to really listen. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:40 From vocal coach to psychotherapist 16:30 How can singing teachers play a positive role? 41:01 What exercises from Body Psychotherapy can teachers...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this solo episode, Alexa unveils a brand-new podcast feature all about repertoire . But why is choosing the right song so much more than just picking a tune your student likes?Join Alexa as she shares 10 songs for a range of student needs. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:27 Should singing teachers assign repertoire? 2:14 What might we want to consider when suggesting repertoire to singers? 6:37 Alexa’s 10 song selections About the presenter click HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Kaya Herstad Carn...
Apr 08, 2025•17 min
This week, Alexa is chatting with singing teacher and performer of stage and screen - Becca Luter, about mastering the art of stress-free self-taping for auditions. Discover valuable tips and techniques to enhance the audition process for you and your students, from setting up the perfect environment to building a rapport through the screen. Tune in and learn how to turn audition anxiety into creative success! WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:56 How can a performer adapt to recording self tapes? 4:53 H...
Apr 02, 2025•42 min
Vocal Range – What the Fach?! Ever wondered what really defines a singer’s voice type? In this episode, BAST founder Line Hilton demystifies the world of vocal fach —but is it really all about range? From booming basses to soaring sopranos, discover the roles of tone and timbre, hear some of the exercises we can offer in the studio to help a singer expand their vocal range, and get to know where might raise ‘vocal health’ red flags. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:30 What is a ‘fach?’ 4:30 How do we k...
Mar 26, 2025•53 min
Could a hidden tongue tie be holding your singers back? In this episode, certified orofacial myology specialist Jessica Luffey reveals how tongue ties impact vocal freedom - and it’s more common than you might think. Discover how to spot a tongue tie with a simple self-assessment, the surprising symptoms that could be affecting your singers, and why the right treatment could transform their voice. Are you missing this crucial piece of the vocal puzzle? Tune in to find out! WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST...
Mar 19, 2025•55 min
Did you know that hypermobility can impact vocal technique, breath control, and even performance anxiety? In this episode, voice coach and viral blogger Sarah Algoet discusses the surprising ways hypermobility affects singers—both as a gift and a challenge. Tune in to discover insights, practical approaches, and how teachers can better support hypermobile singers! WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:10 What is hypermobility? 10:21 Using the Beighton Score 16:00 Who is more likely to have it? 17:00 Possibl...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min
Episode 200! We're celebrating this milestone with none other than Emily Kristen Morris, a powerhouse performer from the stages of Wicked , Frozen , and Something Rotten ! Get ready for a deep dive into the mysteries of mix and belt, what they are, how they work, and how singers can master them. Expect vocal geekery, expert insights, and a few laughs along the way! Don't miss this special episode of the Singing Teachers Talk Podcast. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 4:56 What’s is actually like playing E...
Mar 05, 2025•45 min
Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is one of the most common voice diagnoses—but what does it actually mean? What are the symptoms? And how can we continue to support singers with suspected or diagnosed MTD? In this episode, Dr Lori Sonnenberg unpacks the truth about MTD, rights the misconceptions, and offers some solutions for voice professionals. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:42 What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia? 7:41 What’s the difference between dysphonia and dystonia? 8:38 How is MTD diagnosed? 30:2...
Feb 26, 2025•56 min
What makes a singer stand out in a West End audition? How do vocal coaches prepare artists for The Voice ? And why are singers struggling to make it in today’s music industry? This week, we dive into the world of high-performance vocal coaching with Jai Ramage—an expert who’s trained everyone from theatre stars to recording artists. She reveals what happens behind closed doors in auditions, the vocal challenges singers face in different industries, and the surprising truths about making it as an...
Feb 19, 2025•58 min
What’s it really like to be a backing vocalist for some of the biggest stars on the planet? In this episode, we are joined by Katie Holmes-Smith, whose impressive career has seen her perform with the likes of Adele, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, and more. How do you become a backing singer? What skills do you need? And what’s the reality of balancing global tours with family life? Join us as Katie shares stories, career advice, and insights from behind the mic. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 4:54 How...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min
How do you land a job in a higher education music institution? And what do they actually look for in a singing teacher? This week, Alexa sits down with Trudy Kerr, Head of Vocals at London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM), to uncover the reality of teaching at this level. From the application process to lesson structures, student challenges, and even salary expectations, Trudy offers an insight to what it takes to make it in higher education. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:57 What qualifications ...
Feb 05, 2025•45 min
Are your values driving your work as a singing teacher, or holding you back? This week, we chat with Louise Callin, a dance teacher, mindset coach, and NLP practitioner, to explore tools for handling imposter syndrome, confidence dips, and daily stresses. Curious how a deep dive into your true values can transform your teaching, boost your authenticity, and create a balanced, purposeful life? Then, hit the play button! WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:21 How dancing led to mindset coaching 9:43 What is...
Jan 29, 2025•49 min
If you could live and work anywhere in the world, where would it be? For Gia Morgan, the answer was Bali. Join us as Gia shares her journey from the bustling life of a singing teacher in Jersey to creating a business and studio in Indonesia. How is she navigating the challenges of relocation, building a thriving international student base, and embracing the beauty of a new culture? And what surprising lessons is she learning along the way! WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:09 Life in Jersey: Why I left ...
Jan 22, 2025•36 min
How much do you really know about your tongue? Could a simple touch or stretch transform your vocal performance? In this episode, we reconnect with manual therapist Walt Fritz to explore the fascinating world of tongue awareness, self-stretching techniques, and how understanding sensation and shared decision making in the studio can reshape singing. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:45 Are humans just wonky? 4:02 What is the power of shared decision making? 7:24 How do singers describe pain, fatigue and...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 10 min
How can singing teachers set boundaries that help them thrive - both in and out of the studio? In this 2024 finale, Line Hilton shares her tips to maintaining work-life balance, protecting vocal health, and creating clear policies that work for you and your students. Are your 2025 boundaries ready to transform your teaching life? About the presenter click HERE Instagram: @basttraining WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST 1:00 What can teacher training really do for your confidence and career? 12:00 How do we ...
Dec 18, 2024•54 min
This week, singing teacher and MDH Breathing Coordination coach Lucinda Allen is back, and we are diving deeper into the art of the exhale. From understanding airflow and pressure to optimising support through absorption, join us as we unravel the secrets to powerful, effortless singing. QUOTE ‘Pressure can only go one way in the body, and that’s out. If we don’t allow the body to absorb it, it will find its way to the vocal cords, creating strain. True support is about flexibility and movement,...
Dec 11, 2024•45 min
What’s it really like to tour the world, play iconic venues, and navigate the highs and lows of life on the road? Korel Tunador, a multi-instrumentalist and singing teacher, has performed with the likes of Katy Perry and The Goo Goo Dolls, and he is here to share the challenges of tour life, and to give insider tips for aspiring musicians. QUOTE ‘You’re trapped in a bus for months, and being able to put up your shields personality-wise, and keep your center of gravity, is probably the most chall...
Dec 04, 2024•57 min
What role does the music industry play in shaping artists’ mental health, and how can we better support musicians who inspire us as listeners? In this episode, we explore some of the challenges musicians face with Rachel Jepson, a singer, BACP accredited psychotherapist and advocate for mental health in the arts. From rejection to fame’s pressures, Rachel shares her journey and some practical solutions for protecting our artists' mental health. QUOTE ‘Mental health knows no figure. It's going to...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 7 min
What does it really mean to call yourself an artist? In this inspiring Student Spotlight, singer-songwriter Kristina Mann shares how her journey with Hannah Smikle at Vocal Performance Coaching helped her take her art seriously, overcome self-doubt, and embrace her own voice. Tune in to uncover her story of creativity, resilience, and the power of mentorship. QUOTE "I never have learned so much about myself than in a singing lesson. What I've discovered about my fears, my habits, and what holds ...
Nov 20, 2024•43 min
Should you specialise as a singing teacher, or could staying generalist be the secret to a fulfilled career? This week, Alexa sits down with vocal coach Molly McLinden to explore the pros and cons of specialisation. Molly shares her experiences teaching everyone from teenage musical theatre hopefuls to karaoke-loving rockers, so tune in as they dive into the curious world of voice teaching with and without labels. QUOTE ‘Jack of all trades master of none, though oftentimes better than master of ...
Nov 13, 2024•34 min
