Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who are ready to teach. ABOUT BAST TRAINING We are here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills, understanding and qualifications required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill. Start with the Foundition course or level up into a Level 5 qualification. https://basttraining.com | [email protected] ...
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BAST Training Podcasts
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Ep.241 Is Your Pelvic Floor Affecting Your Voice? A Deep Dive with Physiotherapist Emer Tully
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50:06We’re wrapping up 2025 with a conversation that will change the way you think about the voice forever. Physiotherapist Emer Tully from Neuro Tour joins us to unravel the vital — and often underestimated — role of the pelvic floor in singing. From breathing mechanics to alignment, from recognising tightness vs. weakness, to understanding why singers…
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Ep.240 Inside the Master’s Degree: How Postgraduate Study Can Transform Your Teaching & Career with Kaya Herstad-Carney
45:21
45:21
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45:21Thinking about taking your teaching to the next level, diving deeper into your specialist interests, or even writing a degree of your own? In this episode of Singing Teachers Talk, Alexa is joined by educator, performer, and MA creator Kaya Herstad-Carney, who pulls back the curtain on what a master’s degree in the performing arts really offers. Fr…
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Ep.239 10 Common Barriers to Being a Singing Teacher. And How to Overcome Them with Line Hilton
53:33
53:33
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53:33Thinking about becoming a singing teacher but not sure what’s holding you back? In this episode, Alexa and Line break down the most common barriers aspiring singing teachers face. Learn how to get started with what you already know, build confidence step by step, choose the right training, and grow your teaching practice with clarity and purpose. I…
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Ep.238 10 Festive Songs for Your Studio with Alexa Terry
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11:28
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11:28Alexa Terry unwraps ten fresh, fun, and fabulously festive Christmas songs to help singing teachers bring new sparkle into their studios, offering a mix of musical theatre treasures, modern pop tunes, heartfelt ballads, and powerful rock renditions that give both students and teachers a welcome break from the usual overplayed holiday hits. With voc…
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Ep.237 Beyond the Vocal Tract: How the Brain Shapes What We Hear with Ian Howell
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1:36:55This week, Alexa chats with the brilliant Ian Howell to explore how we really hear the singers we work with. From psychoacoustics and functional listening to timbre, bias and intention, Ian unpacks the hidden processes behind vocal perception—and how understanding them can transform the way we teach. A deep, fascinating conversation for any singing…
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Ep.236 The Academic Path to Pop-Rock with Becky Morton
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34:28In this episode, Becky Morton, Principal of Further Education at ACM and Alexa explore what the FE academic route can offer young singers stepping into today’s music industry. Becky shares curriculum structure with project-based training, and how this helps students to build both industry awareness and artist identity. The pair dig into why early p…
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Ep.235 10 ‘Low Belt’ Songs for Female Singers with Alexa Terry
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13:09In this episode, Alexa shares 10 brilliant songs that sit in the A4–D5 low-belt zone for female singers — a range full of character, energy, and storytelling potential. From Standard Broadway favourites, 90s pop-rock anthems and modern hits this episode is packed with fresh repertoire ideas, stylistic insight, and creative inspiration for singers a…
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Ep.234 How to Motivate Student Singers to Practice with Tessa Smith Whicker
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1:07:50What if the secret to better singing practice isn’t doing more, but understanding why we avoid it in the first place? Voice educator Tessa Smith Whicker joins Alexa to explore how her master’s research reshaped her view of practice — from battling guilt and distraction to embracing curiosity and compassion. Discover how to get singers excited about…
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Ep.233 How Speech Therapy and Aphasia inspired an Etsy Side Hustle with Sami Wong
26:03
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26:03In this insightful episode, Alexa chats with Sami Wong, a speech and language pathologist who helps clients navigate communication challenges such as aphasia. Sami shares her personal journey into speech therapy, inspired by her late father’s recovery from a stroke, and explains what aphasia really is, and the role music and singing can play in the…
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Ep.232 The Vocal Athlete: Inside Touring Life with Mindy Pack
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43:02Ever wondered how world-class singers keep their voices strong night after night on global tours? In this episode, we go behind the curtain with Mindy Pack — elite vocal coach to stars like Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, Sabrina Carpenter, and Justin Timberlake — to explore the science, strategy, and stamina behind life on the road. Discover how artists b…
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Ep.231 Evolving Vocal Trends: Training Functional Registration in Contemporary Commercial Music with April Young
50:25
50:25
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50:25Who decides what’s in when it comes to singing styles — how do voice teachers keep up? In this fun and insightful episode, Alexa chats with April Young about how changing trends in pop, musical theatre, and CCM are reshaping vocal training. From falsetto and belt to the science of registers and resonance, we explore how singers can stay healthy, ex…
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Ep.230 How to Survive Drama School Auditions: 10 Expert Tips with Alexa Terry
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14:51
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14:51Drama school auditions can feel like a mix of excitement, nerves and big dreams. In this episode, Alexa shares her top strategies for surviving and thriving in drama school auditions. From preparation to presence, discover how to bring your best self into the room and make the most of every opportunity. Whether you’re auditioning for the first time…
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Ep.229 Ways to Make More Money as a Singing Teacher with Zoe Stibi
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1:00:55In this episode of the Singing Teachers Talk Podcast, vocal coach and business mentor Zoe Stibi shares how she turned a career crisis into thriving studios, a booming YouTube channel, and multiple income streams. From raising your rates with confidence to building an online presence that attracts students worldwide, Zoe breaks down practical strate…
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Ep.228 10 Ways to Make Singing Lessons Fun with Alexa Terry
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23:34
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23:34As singing teachers, we might often wonder: are my students actually having fun? Fun doesn’t have to mean over-the-top excitement—it’s about creating moments of joy, curiosity, and connection. In this episode, Alexa shares 10 practical ways to make singing lessons more enjoyable for students of all ages. From playful games and tongue twisters to us…
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Ep.227 Following Your Bliss: How to Align Your Life and Business
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43:22
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43:22What does it really take to reinvent yourself as a coach or creative? In this episode, we welcome back Gemma Sugrue; singer, entrepreneur, and business mentor to explore how she’s turned her own career pivots into powerful lessons for others. From wedding singer to studio owner, online educator to branding coach, Gemma has never been afraid to foll…
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Ep.226 The Rise of AI: Practical Tools and Strategies For the Singing Teacher with Rachael Drury
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47:46In this episode of The Singing Teachers Talk Podcast, Alexa chats with Rachael Drury about practical ways voice teachers can use AI to save time, spark creativity, and streamline admin — without losing the vital human connection that makes teaching so powerful. From lesson planning and practice tools to lyric writing and accountability, find out ho…
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Ep.225 6 Vital Non-Musical Teaching Principles with Conor Angell
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52:00In this episode, Alexa sits down with voice teacher and performer Conor Angell to explore his influential article How Do You Teach Voice? Six Vital Non-Musical Teaching Principles. They discuss how these principles shape effective teaching, what’s changed since 2019, and the importance of kindness, agency, and adaptability in the studio. Conor also…
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Ep.224 Your Brain on Art: The Science of Creativity and Healing with Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross
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45:49In this episode we welcome Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross - co-authors of New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, where they explore how the arts are not just entertainment, but vital to human health, learning, and wellbeing. Our guests reveal how art physically changes the brain and body. We discuss neuroaesthetics—the…
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Ep.223 10 Songs for Child Singers with Alexa Terry
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19:39Looking for fresh and engaging repertoire for young voices? In this episode, Alexa shares 10 fantastic song choices for pre-pubertal singers (ages 7–11), blending pop, musical theatre, Disney magic, and lyrical gems. Along the way, she unpacks how to adapt tricky material, and keep young singers inspired without shutting down their curiosity. Wheth…
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Ep.222 The Rise of AI: What It Means for Singers & Teachers with Rachael Drury
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1:05:47AI is shaking up the music industry — but what does that mean for singers, teachers, and creatives? In this episode, Alexa chats with Dr. Rachael Drury to unpack how generative AI is impacting songwriting, session work, copyright law, and even live performance. We explore what’s at risk, what’s protected, and what we can still hold onto as humans i…
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Ep.221 How Knowing Musical Theatre History Makes You a Better Performer with Molly Marie Walsh
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1:01:59
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1:01:59What sets a technically strong performer apart from a truly unforgettable one? In this episode, Molly Marie Walsh — performer, educator, and MT history advocate — unpacks how a deep understanding of musical theatre’s roots enriches performance, informs vocal style, and builds lasting careers. From the social commentary of Hadestown to the escapism …
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Ep.220 Time Management: Making Time When There Isn't Any with Line Hilton & Alexa Terry
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47:48
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47:48Feeling like there’s never enough time? You’re not alone. In this episode, Alexa and Line tackle one of the biggest challenges for singing teachers (and humans): time management. With humour and practical wisdom, they share simple, effective strategies, from time-blocking and micro-goals to prioritisation hacks and the Pomodoro technique. Whether y…
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Ep.219 10 Songs for Male Contemporary Musical Theatre Singers with Conor O’Hara
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1:04:04This week, Alexa is joined by performer and vocal coach Conor O’Hara (fresh from the UK tour of Wicked) to explore 10 standout songs for male singers in the contemporary musical theatre space. From smart audition choices to vocal technique tips, Conor offers practical, performer-led insight that both singers and teachers will find invaluable. Wheth…
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Ep.218 8 Things I’ve Learnt in 8 Years as a Singing Teacher with Alexa Terry
24:36
24:36
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24:36From cruise ship stages to kitchen-table career pivots, Alexa Terry reflects on eight transformative lessons learned over eight years as a singing teacher in this honest, funny, and heartfelt episode of the Singing Teachers Talk podcast. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your teaching journey, this is the perfect mix of personal storyte…
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Ep.217 Setting Up for Success: Singing Teacher’s Studio Essentials with Alexa Terry
28:52
28:52
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28:52Ever wondered what makes a great singing studio setup? In this solo episode, Alexa Terry explores the key elements of a well-equipped singing studio, offering practical insights for teachers working in both private and institutional settings. From essential tools to thoughtful touches that support vocal, emotional, and educational needs, this episo…
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Ep.216 Dialects and Accents in the Singing Studio: Challenges & Choices with Louisa Morgan
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57:50How 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 sh…
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Ep.215 10 Invaluable Resources for Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry
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11:07In 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 p…
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Ep.214 The Secret to a Portfolio Career: Singing, Teaching and Creating with Rosie Williamson
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51:13
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51:13What 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 ca…
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Ep.213 Medicine to Music. A Journey Back to A Creative Calling with Estelle Idoko
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43:38
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43:38In 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 le…
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Ep.212 10 Songs to Find Your Pop Style with Hannah Smikle
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55:05
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55:05Want 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…
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Ep.211 Learning Vocal Anatomy through Mindful Colouring with Eimear McCarthy Luddy
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46:22In 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 crea…
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Ep.210 10 Songs to Celebrate Pride in your Studio with Alexa Terry
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6:27In 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 addin…
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Ep.209 From DC To Nashville: The Art of Gospel Singing with Amos Evans
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38:29How 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 serenad…
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Ep.208 The Best Vocal Exercises for Warm Ups & Cool Downs with Line Hilton & Alexa Terry
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41:44Are ‘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 I…
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Ep.207 Singing at the End of Life: The Magic of Music in Hospices with Joseph Cavalli-Price
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41:29What 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 jus…
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Ep.206 Singing, Psychotherapy and the Voice: Exploring Deeper Connections with Stephen King
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1:07:48In 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…
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Ep.205 10 Songs to Inspire your Singing Lessons with Alexa Terry
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17:11In 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 …
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Ep.204 Mastering Self Tapes for Auditions with Becca Luter
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41:42This 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 i…
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Ep.203 Demystifying Vocal Classifications and Ranges with Line Hilton
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52:37Vocal 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 …
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Ep.202 Tongue Ties and Singing: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment with Jessica Luffey
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55:27
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55:27Could 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 wh…
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Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers with Sarah Algoet
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1:03:09Did 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 hype…
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Ep.200 The Secret to Powerful Belting and Seamless Mixing with Emily Kristen Morris
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45:09
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45:09Episode 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 …
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Ep.199 The Truth About Muscle Tension Dysphonia: Insights from Dr. Lori Sonnenberg
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56:23Muscle 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. WHA…
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Ep.198 Mastering Singing for Stage, Screen & the Music Industry with Jai Ramage
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57:58
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57:58What 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…
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Ep.197 Backing Adele and beyond: the art and craft of backing vocals with Katie Holmes Smith
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1:05:21What’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 balan…
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Ep.196 How to Be a Singing Teacher in Higher Education with Trudy Kerr
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45:00How 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, an…
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Ep.195 How Unlocking Your True Values Can Transform Your Teaching and Life with Louise Callin
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48:46Are 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 authenti…
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Ep.194 From Jersey to Bali: Relocating a Singing Teaching Business with Gia Morgan
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35:47If 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 embr…
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Ep.193 How to Master Tongue Tension for Better Singing with Walt Fritz
1:10:22
1:10:22
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1:10:22How 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…
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Ep.192 How to Set Better Boundaries as a Singing Teacher with Line Hilton
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53:49How 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 presente…
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