Are you a teacher who misses singing? Or a performer who would love to know how to supplement your career with teaching? In this episode, Olly Christopher from The Book of Mormon and Hello Dolly reveals his journey from Musical Theatre professional performance to the teaching room, sharing how he found harmony between his dual passions. Discover how you can balance both a busy teaching schedule and a professional performing career. QUOTE ‘Anything you do as a performer is going to be valuable to...
Nov 06, 2024•45 min
What are some of the things that us singing teachers bang on about daily? One of them is likely vocal health, but how often does this involve the conversation of sleep? In this episode, Dr. Jill McGarry from Sleep Better Doctor dives deep into the science of sleep, sharing tips for performing artists, teachers alike, and anyone balancing erratic schedules. Learn what it takes to get true restorative rest, and how we can safeguard our vocal health by simply improving our sleep routine. QUOTE ‘If ...
Oct 30, 2024•56 min
What happens when a singing teacher meets a singer struggling with their vocal health? In this episode, and for the second in BAST’s Student Spotlight feature, Alexa meets Lucia Neville - a singing teacher herself, and a performer known for her rock vocals. Lucia shares her story, from knowing nothing about her voice except her passion to sing and experiencing vocal trouble, to singing lessons and the teachers who helped transform her instrument. QUOTE ‘I wanted to always sing big. I just wanted...
Oct 22, 2024•43 min
Breathing is something most of us do each day without much consideration, so why does breathing for singing tie us up in such knots? In this episode, Alexa is joined by Lucinda Allen, MDH Breathing Coordination coach and founder of Voice Unlocked, to find answers to some of the most common breathing challenges singers face. Lucinda breaks down the fundamentals of breathing for singing, including the power of touch, and how we can find an optimal inhale to inspire our voices. QUOTE ‘We’re all sur...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Can your ears make or break your singing career? And how do we even protect such a valuable asset? In this episode, Alexa is joined by Jono Heale, a musician turned hearing health advocate. Learn how the ears work, how they can become damaged, and discover the game-changing technology of ear plugs and in-ear monitors that might just save your profession. QUOTE 'If your ears don't work, neither do you’ WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? (AUDIO VERSION) 00:00:00 From musician to hearing health advocate 00:09...
Oct 08, 2024•52 min
Alexa has a compelling conversation with Sing Up Foundation's Baz Chapman and Celi Barberia. They explore how singing can profoundly impact children's mental health and well-being. With alarming statistics showing that 50% of mental health issues are established by age 14, what happens when we normalise singing in schools, and how can it provide a support? Tune in to discover how the foundation is creating lasting change through music QUOTE ‘Singing can be a lifeline for children facing mental h...
Oct 01, 2024•52 min
What happens when a singer steps into the spotlight to share their lessons learned? In this new ‘Student Spotlight’ feature, singing teachers will understandwhy singers might seek us out in the first place, what their expectations of lessons are, and what helps and hinders them. In this episode, we welcome Jackie Pryce, one half of the musical duo Maud’s Dog, understanding her journey from Gosport to The Troubadour, how singing lessons have transformed her technique, what was important for her t...
Sep 24, 2024•34 min
In this episode, we welcome back Rachel Lynes, founder of The Sing Space, to share her journey of growing one choir to 40 adult musical theatre choirs across the UK. Rachel discusses the challenges of building a successful choir community, finding the perfect venue, recruiting members, and creating meaningful connections through music. We dive into exciting projects like her collaboration with Gareth Malone and she gives tips for aspiring choir leaders. Whether you're looking to start your own c...
Sep 17, 2024•48 min
In this episode, Alexa Terry is joined by fellow singing teacher Gareth Henderson. With a wealth of experience in sound engineering and music production, Gareth shares insights on the balance between technology and artistry. From understanding the functional equipment to crafting a pleasing soundscape for live and recorded audio, Gareth’s expertise offers valuable takeaways for singers and teachers alike. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 00:02:00 The secret behind those knobs 00:03:00 Mixing audio is rea...
Sep 10, 2024•57 min
In this episode, Alexa welcomes Genevieve Tawiah - a specialist in vocal physiotherapy. Genevieve shares her insights on how different elements of physiotherapy can aid vocalists and performing artists. They discuss the importance of personalised care, from addressing neck, shoulder, and respiratory issues to managing restrictive costumes that impact vocal performance. Genevieve also explores the importance of self-awareness, and how she assists her patients in building a connection with their b...
Sep 03, 2024•41 min
In this episode, Alexa Terry welcomes back BAST Training founder, Line Hilton, to delve into the niche field of Performing Arts Medicine, understanding what it umbrellas and how it’s evolving. Line particularly addresses the physical and mental health challenges performers face, discussing the holistic approach she takes in her work to help performers overcome physical and mental blocks to enhance their performances. QUOTE 'We can't just look at the performer or the singer in isolation of their ...
Aug 27, 2024•31 min
Stephen Davidson offers insights into the unique challenges and techniques involved in working with transmasculine singers. From the effects of hormone replacement therapy to practical vocal exercises, Stephen shares invaluable advice for singing teachers and vocal coaches looking to provide inclusive and supportive training in the voice studio. QUOTE ‘Anything you can do to help create space, and relaxation, and settle in a nice warm chest voice is always the first port of call.’ Click for pres...
Aug 20, 2024•42 min
Alexa welcomes UK tax accountant, Andy Muckett, to the podcast, to demystify the complexities of tax for self-employed vocal coaches and singing teachers in the UK. They discuss why taxes can feel overwhelming for creative professionals, the differences in tax responsibilities between employed and self-employed individuals, and practical tips for managing tax-related challenges. The conversation offers insights on estimating tax liabilities, understanding taxable income, and navigating the trans...
Aug 13, 2024•52 min
Join us as we sit down with Dr Reena Gupta, a renowned laryngologist, to explore the world of vocal health. In this episode, we dive into common vocal injuries identified in clinic, the misconceptions of injury, and how injury forms, as well as the vocal impacts of the common cold, allergies and acid reflux. This episode is packed with practical insights and tips as Dr. Gupta shares her expertise on identifying and managing these conditions, offering invaluable advice for singers, teachers, and ...
Aug 06, 2024•53 min•Ep. 172
Vocal pedagogy expert Ken Bozeman returns to the podcast, joining Alexa to explore laryngeal vs. acoustic registration, how vowel modification impacts vocal range, and the role of sensory feedback in refining vocal technique. KEY MOMENTS "Laryngeal registration deals with how the vocal folds are shaped for pitch, while acoustic registration is determined by the relationship between the pitch being sung and the potential harmonics of that pitch." "In non-classical styles, the goal is to keep the ...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 172
Robert Price is a voice teacher, director, and level five advanced clinical massage therapist specialising in the voice and jaw. He trained in voice studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama before teaching and directing in many drama schools and currently serves voice users at his Vocal Massage London and at the Voice Care Centre. Robert teaches vocal massage to other teachers, osteopaths, physiotherapists, and SLTs, and he's here to help us understand how we can perform massage on ours...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 171
Join voice scientist, Dr Ingo Titze and Speech and Language Pathologist, Karin Titze-Cox as they discuss their book 'Voices Free after SOVT', exploring the science and application of Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract exercises. They delve into the benefits, implementation, and clinical applications of SOVTs, including using straws and tools to improve vocal health and performance. The interview is preceded by a brief review of the book from singing teacher and podcast host, Alexa Terry. KEY MOMENTS When...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 170
Heather Baker, Founding Director of the Institute for Vocal Advancement, explains how gestures enhance vocal training by providing an additional modality for the brain to learn new vocal skills. She explores the connection between gestures and the brain, sharing examples of personalised and meaningful gestures. KEY MOMENTS "Observing gesture can impact the way singers breathe and produce sound" "Performing the gesture oneself is more effective than just observing" "Gesture is something I have al...
Jul 09, 2024•49 min•Ep. 169
Alexa is joined by Line Hilton to discuss the concept of quick fixes in singing. They explore when it might be appropriate to use a quick fix, such as in auditions or performances, and when it might not be advisable, such as when dealing with a sore throat. They also discuss the importance of understanding the underlying principles and working towards long-term solutions. KEY MOMENTS "If you had the power to just snap your fingers and have a particular life chore completed immediately, what woul...
Jul 02, 2024•38 min•Ep. 168
Alexa is joined by Dr Nicholas Perna to talk about nasality. They discuss and unravel the mysteries of the nose’s role in vocal production. From debunking myths about nasal resonance to exploring the benefits of nasal airflow, Dr Perna’s insights will challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of vocal technique. Whether you’re a singing teacher or a curious vocalist, this episode offers a fresh perspective on an often misunderstood aspect of voice production. KEY MOMENT "The easie...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 167
Becky Gilhespie returns to the Singing Teachers Talk podcast to help us overcome our self-consciousness in singing. Becky is an experienced vocal coach working with touring artists, actors, and singers of all levels, having run studios in London and Sydney, and teaching at the Academy of Contemporary Music. Becky is the author of Singing for the Self-Conscious, which we’ll be diving into headfirst in this episode. KEY MOMENTS "It's a book aimed at the singer who finds themselves reeling with sel...
Jun 19, 2024•56 min•Ep. 166
The wonderful Dr Molly Gebrian is sticking around for part two of her chat with Alexa on the science of learning and practising, this week telling us all about practice habits, the memory, mental practice and much more. She highlights the importance of mental practice, shares resources, and talks about her upcoming book and career transition to focus on research translation for musicians. Tune in for valuable insights on optimising practice habits. KEY MOMENTS "Telling students to practise more ...
Jun 11, 2024•47 min•Ep. 165
Dr. Molly Gebrian joins Alexa on the Singing Teachers Talk podcast for the first of a two parter to discuss the neuroscience of learning and its application to teaching and practising. The conversation covers brain organisation, neural pathways, myelin, learning processes, the impact of age on learning, and the importance of understanding brain science for both teachers and students. KEY MOMENTS "It just shows that we’re all different, that you can do anything you want." "The brain is always wor...
Jun 04, 2024•42 min•Ep. 164
Folk singer and teacher, Anna Tabbush joins Alexa to share insights into the world of folk music, its historical context, lyrical content, vocal techniques, and teaching methods. The pair discuss the origins of folk music, its storytelling function, and the distinction between folk and pop music. Anna also explores vocal qualities, rhythmic elements, and the influence of folk music on other genres. She provides valuable advice for singers and teachers, emphasising the importance of authentic sto...
May 29, 2024•37 min•Ep. 163
Rose Kimberly and Claire Williamson join Alexa to discuss the South West Voice Hub, a network they created to connect voice practitioners and singers in the South West of the UK. The hub aims to provide a local network for all things voice-related, including referrals, training, and support. They discuss the challenges of finding voice professionals in the South West and the importance of building a community in the region. The hub offers different membership tiers for practitioners, singers, an...
May 21, 2024•41 min•Ep. 162
Vocal Labs director Elle Holiday joins Alexa this week all the way from Adelaide in South Australia. Elle is a voice-specialising speech pathologist and singing teacher whose methodology is customised and based on evidence, focusing on retraining vocal techniques, enhancing performance stamina, and fostering confidence. Elle offers services in voice care, voice training, rehabilitation, and massage therapy. Elle is here to discuss training the speaking voice versus training the singing voice. BE...
May 14, 2024•56 min•Ep. 161
In this week's episode Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Lydia Stone, joins Alexa Terry to discuss the topic of trauma. Lydia specialises in working with fostered and adopted children and families, she also runs a choir and is currently on the BAST Training Level 5 qualification course. Lydia explains the potential impacts of trauma on the singer, and helps us understand how we can conduct more trauma-informed singing lessons. KEY MOMENTS "Trauma responses impact muscle tension and vocal cont...
May 08, 2024•53 min•Ep. 160
Kaya Herstad-Carney returns to the podcast but this time she’s brought her Mary Poppins bag of tricks. Join Alexa and Kaya as they discuss the gadgets and props you can use as a singing teacher, the benefits they have to the student's voice and learning, and how best to utilise them in your singing lessons. KEY MOMENTS Because of its expandable nature, I like to use this with singers who feel constriction in the throat I love my singing straw The important thing is that you know the research and...
Apr 30, 2024•50 min•Ep. 159
Amy Walton, with expertise in musical literacy and keyboard skills, joins Alexa to explore essential music theory and piano skills for singing teachers. Trained in jazz performance, she reshaped curriculum at the Academy of Contemporary Music and teaches at Toronto's Singers Edge. KEY MOMENTS "I try to incorporate movement into it. It's a bit of dance." “Don't look at it as what can I do, but what can theory do for you in your practice." “Sometimes I do that in a way to hide the vegetables." REL...
Apr 23, 2024•48 min•Ep. 158
What is the relationship between being a dancer and being a singer? The training for both is so segregated, but should it be? Host Alexa Terry is joined on this week’s episode of the Singing Teachers Talk by osteopath and former ballet dancer and singer, Jennie Morton. Find out about the work Jennie does with her clients in LA. RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Voice and Dance Technique Integration - Triple Threat or Double Trouble? Hilliard Discussion 2017 (hosepipe analogy) Duncan Rock The Dance R...
Apr 16, 2024•48 min•Ep. 157
