Best Michèle Voillequé Podcasts (2025)

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Gravelly and Stuck 25:27

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3h ago25:27

25:27

Are you frustrated by gruff, gravelly sounds in your voice? Do you wish there was a fairy godmother who could (gently) bonk you on the head and make them all go away? Me, too, dear listener. Me, too. And after years and years of looking, I’ve yet to find her. But there are exercises we can do to feel and sound better, often sooner than we think. In…

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Moving From Silent to Singing 26:17

17d ago26:17

26:17

When I was in fifth grade, my classroom teacher told me I should "mouth the words" rather than sing with the class. For years after that, I was convinced I had a voice that nobody wanted to hear. And even though I loved to sing, I kept it mostly to myself. Do you feel that way about your voice? If you do, you’re not alone. I’ve helped lots of stude…

1
Thoughts that Help 24:46

1M ago24:46

24:46

Like it or not, the voice is affected by our moods. Whether we’re feeling confident, excited, schlumpy, or sad, our emotional truth can easily come out in how we sound. A lot of the time, this isn’t a problem at all. But sometimes, feeling a feeling, or suppressing a feeling generates muscle tension that makes it hard for the voice to work well. Fi…

1
Why Flat and Nasal Often Happen Together 26:15

1M ago26:15

26:15

Two complaints I often hear are, “I sound flat” and “my voice sounds nasal!” These very common problems are totally fixable, and they often happen together. In this episode, you’ll learn: What people mean by “flat” and “nasal” Why “flat” and “nasal” often happen together What you can do to make a more vibrant, ringing tone instead. Was this episode…

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Hiding Your Real Voice at Home 27:11

2M ago27:11

27:11

Do you have more than one voice? Most of us do. Often, the voice we use when we’re performing for an audience or practicing with a teacher is different from the voice we unleash when we’re alone. Whether you’re singing in the shower, in the car, or while you’re doing dishes, that effortless freedom can feel like your own special magic. What if you …

1
Overcoming Embarrassment 25:24

2M ago25:24

25:24

Many of my students report being embarrassed about singing in front of an audience, whether it’s around the house or on stage. Yet some people can get up at karaoke and murder a popular tune without feeling a flicker of shame. Why do so many of us feel self-conscious about the way we sound when we sing? And what can we do to get past that inner cri…

1
Beliefs that Make Change Easier 28:02

3M ago28:02

28:02

How we sound is so connected to who we imagine ourselves to be that it’s natural and expected to find ourselves full of doubt, fear or resistance when we try to change our singing or speaking voice. Managing these emotional hurdles is essential if we’re going to make vocal progress. In fact, when we tackle the physical and the emotional work togeth…

1
Alternatives to Perfectionism 20:59

3M ago20:59

20:59

Practice makes perfect. It’s the mantra invoked by parents and teachers to encourage us to keep at it when we’re grinding through the discouragement of learning how to do a new thing. It’s meant to remind us that improvement is a matter of hard work and perseverance, and of what we can achieve if we stick with it. It’s also a trap. I’ve heard count…

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Why Taking a Deep Breath Doesn't Always Work 28:27

4M ago28:27

28:27

When you’re nervous or stressed out and you can’t calm yourself down, taking a deep breath is maybe the most common advice you’ll get (maybe even from yourself!). And it can make a difference. But the experiences of my students make me think that it’s not always as effective as we think it is. Why is that? Often it’s because the image of a deep bre…

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More on The Possibility of Change 27:47

4M ago27:47

27:47

Last episode, I shared about how I’ve been dealing with something called Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion. It’s one of a whole class of functional disorders that can affect the body. We call them functional disorders because the actual body parts (the throat and vocal cords in my case) are perfectly fine. But for some reason, my brain and body are rea…

1
Is Change Possible? 32:34

5M ago32:34

32:34

The question of whether change is possible is fascinating. On one level, the answer is an obvious yes. Things change around us all the time. But when we’re asking about intentional change, change within ourselves and our abilities, suddenly the answer can seem a lot less certain. What I know from experience – my own and my students’ – is that there…

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Music as a Place of Refuge 25:42

5M ago25:42

25:42

The way the world feels now, we could all benefit from more joy, more comfort, more solace and sanity. In fact, to take effective action in the world, we need to be as strong, calm and grounded as we can possibly be. Even ten minutes of listening to music can restore you to a better state. Not just having it on in the background, but really sitting…

1
Look For The Helpers 26:48

6M ago26:48

26:48

There are a lot of reasons to feel angry and frightened by the state of the world. A lot of us are struggling with the frustration of not knowing what to do or where to start. Raising your voice - in anger, in resistance, or in defense of those you hold dear - is one way to make a difference. But if you’re not prepared for them, the raw emotions we…

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How Reading Music Can Set Your Voice Back 26:44

6M ago26:44

26:44

Many of my students, especially the ones who are just starting to explore their voices, tend to think of singing and reading music as parts of the same skill. I don’t think that’s exactly right. They’re related, of course, and they’re both great things to learn. But knowing what the dots and lines on the page mean is a very different thing from get…

1
Three Questions to Help You Prepare for Any Presentation 30:09

7M ago30:09

30:09

How do you manage stage fright? Do you have calming rituals, or ways to pump yourself up? Do you try to ignore it and power through, or are you channeling the energy of that anxiety into your performance? Maybe more importantly, when are you managing your performance anxiety? Do you plan for it in advance? Or is it something you only face when you …

1
Managing The Anxiety That Comes With Growth 28:19

7M ago28:19

28:19

Change is scary. Even when it’s change you’ve chosen, embraced, achieved through hard work and dedication. Changing something as personal and intimate as your voice can raise fears of rejection, abandonment, disappointment, and the worry that you won’t like the sound you’ve worked hard to develop. In my experience, the best way to manage that anxie…

1
Waking Up with a Sore Throat 33:59

8M ago33:59

33:59

This morning I woke up with a sharp, stabby pain in the back of my throat, the kind that feels like you’re gargling with tiny knives every time you speak. I was tempted to skip recording, but it occurred to me that you’ve probably woken up with the same kind of pain, and thought there was nothing you could do but not speak until it went away. Let m…

1
How to Get Out Of Our Own Way 13:41

8M ago13:41

13:41

This week, I’m giving myself permission to rest, to be patient with myself, and to resist the feeling that I’m not doing enough. I want you to tell you why that self-generosity is so important, and share some ways you can manifest it for yourself. Michèle Voillequé is a singer and a voice teacher living in Berkeley, California. Yes, you can sound b…

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Some Ways to Think About Breath Support 36:25

8M ago36:25

36:25

Few things are both as universal and personal as our breath. Everyone needs good breath support to sing or speak effectively, and we all describe what that feels like differently. In this episode, I share some physical practices and ways of thinking that will help you figure out what "breath support" means for you. Michèle Voillequé is a singer and…

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Three Skills You Need, Regardless of Vocal Style 32:00

9M ago32:00

32:00

Different genres of music make different demands on the voice. But no matter what style, era, or canon you’re singing from, communicating the emotional energy of a song to your audience is all about using your body well and managing your emotions. Here is my take on how genres differ from one another, and three basic skills you need to bring any so…

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Why Private Lessons for Choral Singers Are A Good Idea 24:39

9M ago24:39

24:39

You can learn a lot from singing in a good choir or chorus, and having one-on-one lessons will more effectively show you how to make the most of your instrument. This time I want to talk about why your voice is worth the investment of private lessons, and how taking the time to explore your unique needs and capacities will make the time you spend s…

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I Love Music, But I’m Not Musically Inclined 22:51

10M ago22:51

22:51

The title of this episode, dear listener, is an actual sentence an adult man said to me recently. We were talking about what was preventing him from performing music, despite the passion he has for listening to it. Like a lot of people, he had internalized the belief that he was missing something, some innate talent or capacity that enables other p…

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My Mom and Leading By Example 21:22

10M ago21:22

21:22

When life is a difficult place to be and the world feels fraught, it can feel like nothing is ever going to get better. We all manage that discouragement in our own way, but we have to work at it. Because giving up is the surest way to lose all the progress we’ve made. This time, I want to tell you a personal story to illustrate that we have, in fa…

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Using Your Breath Generously, or Me and The Mack Truck 19:34

11M ago19:34

19:34

Your whole body is your instrument, and that doesn’t just mean when you’re performing. The memories you carry in your body are powerful tools you can tap into when you’re learning and practicing and growing your voice. When I’m singing long phrases, I lean on a vivid image from my childhood, of a massive truck sharing the narrow mountain highway wi…

1
Capable of More 20:16

11M ago20:16

20:16

Change is scary! Developing the voice you want to project requires time and effort, but it also requires faith – confidence that you have the capacity for growth, and certainty that the work you’re putting in is moving you in the direction you want to go. But holding tight to that belief in yourself can be really hard. What to do on those days when…

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I’m Afraid of Long Notes! 28:04

12M ago28:04

28:04

When you’re looking at a piece of vocal music, what’s the most intimidating thing you can imagine? For a lot of my students, a single note that gets held for 4, 8, or 12 beats is right at the top of the list. But why is that? What is it about a long note that makes us feel vulnerable or unsure of our vocal abilities in a way that shorter notes don’…

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I Don't Know How To Sing Anymore! 20:27

12M ago20:27

20:27

Strengthening your voice is a lifelong journey, but when you’re trying to learn something new - a technique, a piece of music - it can feel especially long and arduous. Changing old habits of using your voice can leave you feeling like you don’t know anything at all anymore! But take heart. Every one of us who wants to use our voice more fully has …

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When You’re Freaking Out 14:20

1y ago14:20

14:20

We’ve talked before about how nervousness is a normal, even positive, part of performing with your voice. We’ve talked about practice strategies to help you manage and harness your nerves. But what about when you’re in the moment, feeling your heart racing so fast you can’t focus? This week, we’re talking about two simple things you can do to help …

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Vocal Takeaways From The DNC 18:39

1y ago18:39

18:39

The stage at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was packed with people who’ve built careers on their ability to give stirring speeches. But they didn’t get there by accident. They practiced techniques to help them speak louder, longer, and with more emotional resonance. You can learn a lot by watching and listening to people who’ve …

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The Voice and Aging 22:22

1y ago22:22

22:22

A number of things affect the voice as we age – our hormones, our physical fitness, our attitudes about aging – just to name a few. I’ve worked with many students experiencing age-related changes to their voices and I’ve experienced plenty myself. In this episode, I talk about some of the changes you can expect throughout your lifespan along with s…

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Finding Time to Practice 33:54

1y ago33:54

33:54

You know who sometimes struggles to find time for practicing their songs, speeches, or presentations? All of my students AND me. It can feel really challenging to look at your calendar and imagine squeezing in enough time to improve the way you want to. But there are some easy ways to change your thinking about how and when to practice that will ma…

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My Top 5 Tips for Speakers 18:10

1y ago18:10

18:10

As promised, this week I’m revisiting my top tips for using your voice, but we’re putting the focus on speakers. Projecting your voice with confidence can be an incredible experience for you and your audience (even an audience of one). But some of the ways your body tries to signal strength and security can actually interfere with the sound you bod…

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My Top 5 Tips for Singers 19:44

1y ago19:44

19:44

A new student recently asked me if there was a CliffsNotes version of the concepts I teach, and I realized that would make a really good podcast episode! This time, I’m sharing my top five “bumper stickers,” advice I’ve shared with just about every student I’ve ever had. (These slogans are for my singers, but don’t worry, speakers, we’ll be back wi…

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Committing to A Year 30:15

1+ y ago30:15

30:15

It’s been a little more than a year since we hit publish on the first episode of Can’t Wait To Hear You. I want to celebrate that milestone with you by talking about commitment. The work I had to do - emotional, mental, and physical - to commit to podcasting is similar in a lot of ways to the work of developing your vocal instrument. If you think a…

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How to Make Progress When You're Not Feeling Well 31:04

1+ y ago31:04

31:04

When you’re sick, using your voice can be painful, and even dangerous. I want you to know that it's okay to be sick, to put your feet up, to watch trashy TV, to not think about your voice beyond resting it. But if you are sick, and you're scared that you're losing time, that you're falling behind, that your performance is coming up and you're just …

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Geeking Out about the Voice with Michèle and Matthew 36:41

1+ y ago36:41

36:41

When I first invited my dear friend, speech language pathologist Matthew Brown, onto the podcast, we talked about how singing has helped him maintain his equilibrium through emotional challenges. In the interest of fairness, I agreed to give Matthew a chance to ask questions of me! This time, we discussed the challenges I help my students face, and…

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The Only Way to Improve is to Embrace Failure 27:12

1+ y ago27:12

27:12

Few things make me happier than the annual return of major league baseball. This year, as the season gets into full swing, I’ve been thinking a lot about baseball and the role failure plays in getting better at a skill. Like singing or speaking in public, hitting a fastball is a mental exercise as much as a physical one. Trying, missing, and trying…

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Harmony Singing Q&A 28:28

1+ y ago28:28

28:28

This one is for all my singers out there. (Don’t worry, speakers, I’ll be back for you soon.) Many of my students are either singing in groups or are hoping to get into a group situation, so they’re nervous about blending in with other voices. I love singing in harmony. Being part of a group sound can be so restoring for the spirit, and I want you …

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When Death Is Near 30:27

1+ y ago30:27

30:27

When death is near, music can comfort us: it can ease our pain, it can help us grieve. Songs can transport us back in time to a summer picnic, a winter fireplace, the road trip to grandma’s, and to so much dancing! Recent events have me thinking about mortality, and how music helps us remember those we’ve lost. I’d love to share with you, and honor…

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Biden and Britt and How Your Face Affects Your Sound 27:05

1+ y ago27:05

27:05

When you’re working to hone your vocal technique, watching experienced singers or speakers use their voices can be very useful. President Biden’s State of the Union address, and Senator Katie Britt’s response, provided two very different, but very instructive examples. They demonstrate how facial expression, posture, setting, and other choices can …

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Should I Copy Someone Else’s Voice? 30:29

1+ y ago30:29

30:29

Learning to speak as an infant is an instinctive process of mimicking the sounds and voices around us. It only makes sense that the intentional practice of honing your voice might involve trying to imitate someone whose voice you like. Your own voice is uniquely shaped by your body, your heart, and your mind, so in the end you’ll always only sound …

1
Vocal Vulnerability 28:08

1+ y ago28:08

28:08

Your whole body is the instrument when you’re singing or speaking, and no part of that instrument is more crucial than your mind. Your feelings of comfort and confidence, your sense of self, and the connection you want to make with your audience all have a deep influence on how your voice sounds and feels. This time I’ll share some examples of how …

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Singing Through Grief with Matthew Brown 25:00

1+ y ago25:00

25:00

I’m honored to introduce you to my good friend Matthew Brown. Matthew is a speech-language pathologist, a keyboardist, and one of the warmest, kindest souls I’ve ever known. In this episode, he shares how learning to sing the Psalms supported him through a really hard time. Maybe not surprisingly, the singing was so helpful that this musical, spiri…

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Get Ready With Me! 27:41

1+ y ago27:41

27:41

In my last episode, I talked about how to prepare when you only have two weeks before an audition. But how do you keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed when the big, scary thing is happening in two minutes? Here are some techniques for helping you feel into your body, and keep yourself grounded and centered when you need to show up in the face of …

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Help! I Have an Audition in Two Weeks! 28:05

1+ y ago28:05

28:05

Auditioning for something often comes with a lot of anxiety, and time pressure only adds stress! Fortunately, it is absolutely possible to polish a song and get yourself into an audition mindset, even on short notice, without dropping everything else in your life. Here is my tried and tested three-step plan that will help you cultivate peace while …

1
When You're Stuck 35:48

2y ago35:48

35:48

Getting stuck on a project happens, including when you’re developing your voice. I’ll discuss some different kinds of “stuck” and share what’s helped me and my students get moving again. There aren’t any magic bullets, but a little trial and error, some curiosity and self-compassion will help you find what you need. Michèle Voillequé is a singer an…

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What to Do with Grief and Other Big Feelings, with Michelle Favreault 26:01

2y ago26:01

26:01

The practice of art, no matter the medium or your experience level, is a powerful tool for helping us process emotion. Very few people know this better than my wonderful friend Michelle Favreault. Michelle is a multi-disciplinary artist and teacher who helps people find the spark of their creativity, and access it to stay grounded and centered when…

1
Why Should I Look In The Mirror? 28:46

2y ago28:46

28:46

I keep a tiny hand mirror in my vocal studio and sometimes invite students to look at their mouths when they’re singing or speaking. It sounds a little awkward, right? So why would I suggest it? Most of us work way too hard when we’re using our voices. There are so many muscles that try to help that aren’t actually helping. The mirror shows us that…

1
Noticing What Is 26:42

2y ago26:42

26:42

Noticing What Is keeps you in the present, which is really the only place you can change anything about how you’re singing or speaking. Noticing What Is also decreases the chances you’ll waste time and energy judging yourself and your circumstances, which allows you to respond more effectively to them. Today’s episode contains a couple of simple, s…

1
Opening Courageously 22:32

2y ago22:32

22:32

I’ve talked about opening courageously before. It’s one of the vital steps you can take to support the physical act of singing or speaking. It requires building awareness and strength in your body, but it’s not just about posture and muscles. Opening courageously engages your mind and your heart. It means developing a connection to your surrounding…