In this episode, we discuss the importance of continuing to expand our island of knowledge as voice teachers. My very special guest is Dr. Vindhya Khare, who teaches me a tremendous amount about female sex hormones and their impacts on the singing voice. I am so grateful for her vulnerability and tremendous knowledge, and can affirm you will learn so much from this episode! Dr. Vindhya Khare's Contact Information: https://carta.fiu.edu/music/vindhya-khare/ IG: @vindhyamusica & @TheSheSingsP...
Jul 23, 2025•48 min•Ep. 14
Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy has officially been published by Routledge Press and is now available wherever books are sold! To celebrate, I had some wonderful conversations with previous guests Justin Petersen and Dr. Felix Graham, my colleague Dr. Luvada Harrison, and former student, Adalynn Eller. Listen to find out more about what's in the book and how this wonderful array of pedagogues are thinking about teaching voice. Contact Information for Justin Petersen https://petersenvoicestudio.com h...
Jul 09, 2025•59 min•Ep. 13
In this last episode before my book release, I share three lessons I learned while researching, writing, and trying to get the book published. No guests this week—it's just you and me. I hope this story inspires your own journey toward creativity, passion, and truth. David Sisco's Contact Information: www.davidsisco.com Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on all platforms Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com Instagram: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs TikTok: @wholeh...
Jun 18, 2025•28 min•Ep. 12
What is trauma? How do we assess trauma and activate a trauma-informed response? And how do we balance this with self-care? In this episode, I have a wonderfully rich conversation with voice teacher and vocologist Megan Durham about engaging trauma-informed care in the voice studio. Megan shares some fantastic resources and insights. See show notes below. Megan’s Contact Information: https://www.respirevocalwellness.com/ @respirevocalwellness Resources discussed during the episode: https://www.w...
Jun 04, 2025•53 min•Ep. 11
In this episode, I have an in-depth conversation with Amer Khosla, whom I had the pleasure of working with while he completed his degree at NYU Gallatin, and now as a singer/songwriter based in India. Amer and I discuss how to help students explore artistry through the lens of his own evolution as a performer and creator. Amer Khosla's Contact Information: IG: @indeedamer Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7IwCEvKKd3pLEYrbU1llo8?si=n-U19rpYS-ibT19ExJ54Dg Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this ch...
May 21, 2025•51 min•Ep. 10
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz, author of Connected Teaching , about the importance of setting healthy, flexible boundaries with students. Using the framework of Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), Dr. Schwartz offers helpful ways to think about the student-teacher relationship and offers real-life examples of how boundaries and clear communication can support connection. Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz's Contact Information: https://harrietschwartz.com/ Check out her fantastic book on...
May 07, 2025•48 min•Ep. 9
Curiosity is central to our work as voice teachers. But how do we express curiosity and encourage students to engage their own? How can it create a value added in the voice studio? Join me for a great conversation with Maurice Goodwin, SLP who illuminates how curiosity can be useful in both clinical and academic arenas. Maurice Goodwin's Contact Information: https://www.mauricegoodwin.com/ Also check out: @voiceproed on Instagram Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on ...
Apr 23, 2025•39 min•Ep. 8
There are a number of challenges voice teachers must navigate when considering repertoire selection for their students. In this episode, David speaks to Zipporah Peddle and Paul M. Patinka, who continue to bring our community scholarly research on repertoire selection and its impacts on student learning and growth. Zipporah Peddle's Contact Information: https://www.zipporahpeddlevoice.com https://www.instagram.com/zeezeevoice/ Paul M. Patinka's Contact Information: https://paulpatinka.com Stay e...
Apr 09, 2025•45 min•Ep. 7
In this episode, David has a far-reaching conversation with his first formal voice teacher, Dr. Everett McCorvey, who has had an accomplished career as a singer, teacher, and conductor. Together, they discuss mentorship, adjusting to the ever-evolving needs of students, vulnerability, and much more. Dr. Everett McCorvey's Contact Information: https://www.everettmccorvey.com https://www.instagram.com/everett_mccorvey Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on all platforms ...
Mar 26, 2025•46 min•Ep. 6
In this episode, David explores Dr. Dan Siegel's theory of the Window of Tolerance and Dr. Stephen Porgress' Polyvagal Theory as frameworks for understanding how to keep singers regulated in the voice studio. Special guest Marcia Lesser, SEP offers valuable insights on the Autonomic Nervous System and how we can create learning spaces that are safe enough for student growth. Contact Information for Marcia Lesser: https://marcialesser.com Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this channel and find this pod...
Mar 12, 2025•45 min•Ep. 5
In this episode, David explores the similarities and differences between teachers and therapists with the help of psychologist Dr. Ritu Agarwal. Together, they discuss how to co-create a safe environment for students and outline the signs when it may be time to refer a student to a licensed therapist. Contact Information for Dr. Ritu Agarwal https://www.syncpsych.com/our-team/ritu-agarwal Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on all platforms Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@...
Feb 26, 2025•46 min•Ep. 4
In this episode, David highlights the differences between teacher-centered and student-centered learning—a natural off-shoot of his conversation with special guest Justin Petersen in Episode 2. This week, David speaks with Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith (Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University) and Dr. Travis Sherwood (San Diego State University). Together, they explore how to bring student-centered practices to the voice studio. Contact Information for Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith https://drmarisale...
Feb 12, 2025•45 min•Ep. 3
In this episode, David considers the relationship between voice student and voice teacher through the lens of the master-apprentice model. How has this relationship changed over the centuries? How do we view this evolution without judgment? Special guest Justin Petersen brings in-depth, thoughtful context to this conversation. Contact Information for Justin Petersen: https://petersenvoicestudio.com https://justinpetersen.substack.com https://www.instagram.com/justinpetersensings/ Stay engaged!! ...
Jan 29, 2025•46 min•Ep. 2
Host David Sisco shares three origin stories that inspired him to create this podcast and write Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy: An Integrative Approach to Training Vocal Artists (which will be released by Routledge Press in Summer 2025 ). Special Guest Dr. Felix Graham talks about the power of narratives and how voice teachers can help students overcome stories that are negatively impacting their singing without taking on the role of a psychotherapist. Dr. Felix Graham's Contact Information: https:...
Jan 15, 2025•45 min•Ep. 1
