Best Sing Up Foundation Podcasts (2025)

1
How to get 1% Better at Singing Every Day 12:06

Play Pause

3d ago12:06

12:06

Ready to stop chasing rare “breakthroughs” and start building consistent progress? In this episode of VoSci, we dive into how to get 1% better at singing every day by focusing on the foundational daily singing practice and the essential micro-skills for singing that truly move your voice forward. You’ll discover why waiting for inspiration won’t cu…

1
Does Knowing How Singing Works Kill the Magic? 10:02

10d ago10:02

10:02

Many singers fear that understanding how singing works will somehow destroy the mystery—that too much knowledge will make the art mechanical. But what if the opposite is true? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we explore why some singers avoid learning the science and musicianship behind their voice, and how deeper knowledge can actuall…

1
Support: It’s Not Just for the Breath 12:21

17d ago12:21

12:21

Most singers think “support” begins and ends with breath control. Ask almost anyone on the street what good singing requires, and you’ll hear it: support your breath. But that answer, while not wrong, is incomplete. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we go far beyond breath management and introduce a critical—but often overlooked—dimensi…

1
How to Sing with Confidence 12:30

24d ago12:30

12:30

By Josh Manuel | VoSci

1
Why Classical Singing Isn’t the Universal Foundation 15:46

1M ago15:46

15:46

Is classical training really the best foundation for every singer? For generations, singers have been told that if you can sing classically, you can sing anything. But does that claim hold up? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down what “classical singing” actually means—its history, aesthetics, and defining traits—and why it i…

1
Beyond Favorites: Choosing Songs That Grow Your Voice 13:04

1M ago13:04

13:04

Choosing the right songs to sing isn’t as simple as picking a favorite tune. A good choice can motivate practice, support vocal growth, and bring joy. The wrong choice can lead to frustration or stalled progress. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, Josh Manuel explores song selection from two perspectives: For singers: how to choose songs…

1
Your Thoughts (About Singing) Matter 12:43

2M ago12:43

12:43

Your thoughts about singing shape how you sing—for better or worse. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, written by Timothy Wilds, we dive into the powerful connection between what singers believe about their voices and the actions they take in training. We’ll unpack why so many singers assume that “more” is always the answer—more breath, …

1
What Does Your Nose Know About Singing? 15:01

2M ago15:01

15:01

“You’re singing through your nose.” Some singers hear this as the worst critique possible. Others are told it’s exactly what they should do. So which is it—wrong, right, or something in between? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, Drew (with script by Timothy Wilds) untangles the confusion around nasality, nasal resonance, and the role of…

1
Finding Your Unique Singing Voice 14:31

2M ago14:31

14:31

Everyone wants to “find their unique voice,” but what does that really mean? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we unpack the idea of vocal uniqueness—what biology, environment, and training contribute, and what people are really searching for when they say they want to sound unique. From fingerprints and phonation to imitation, persona,…

1
Young Sessions: Music as Medicine 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

Welcome to the second of our special Young Sessions episodes, where authentic voices reveal music's healing power. Hosts Baz Chapman and Celi Barberia continue their conversation with Afiya Lucombe-Davis from Lewisham Music, exploring how facilitators support young people's emotional expression without crossing into therapy territory. Then, perform…

1
Young Sessions: Finding your Flow 41:33

2M ago41:33

41:33

Welcome to the first of our special Young Sessions episodes, where young voices take center stage. Hosts Baz Chapman and Celi Barberia speak with Afiya Lucombe-Davis, Community Programme Producer at Lewisham Music, about what makes safe creative spaces truly transformative for young people aged 14-19. Then, performance poet Toni-Ann Gurdon intervie…

1
The Standard: What Excellence in Singing Really Means 16:18

2M ago16:18

16:18

What does it really mean to live up to The Standard as a singer or teacher? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, Josh digs into the philosophical side of excellence in singing. The Standardisn’t about hitting a high note or holding a phrase for twelve seconds — those are just surface measures. Instead, it’s about integrity: showing up hone…

1
Without Head Voice, You’re Missing Half Your Instrument 16:54

2M ago16:54

16:54

Head voice isn’t optional—it’s half your instrument. Yet many singers ignore it, thinking they can get by without ever really developing it. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down what head voice actually is, how the concept of vocal registers developed through history, and why voice teachers for centuries have called it essent…

1
The Tongue: Hero, Not Hindrance 17:03

3M ago17:03

17:03

Most singers think of the tongue as a source of tension or a problem to fix. But what if the real issue isn’t tension—it’s habit? In this episode, Timothy Wilds dismantles the myths surrounding tongue tension and makes the case for celebrating the tongue’s complexity, agility, and central role in vocal production. You’ll explore how tongue habituat…

1
Does Dairy Ruin Your Voice? And Other Real Questions About Singing 16:14

3M ago16:14

16:14

This week, we took a detour from our usual format to answer real questions from singers, teachers, and curious minds. In this rapid-fire Q&A, we tackle: Whether dairy actually affects your voice The most common (and least effective) things singers do in lessons The one song we recommend leaving out of your repertoire How to adapt your technique for…

1
Anyone Can Sing: True or False? 13:59

3M ago13:59

13:59

Can anyone really learn to sing—or is talent the deciding factor? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, Josh reads a powerful essay by voice teacher Timothy Wilds that challenges one of the most pervasive myths in vocal education. From cultural conditioning to vocal pedagogy, we explore why so many people have been told they “can’t sing”—an…

1
The Audition Isn’t Just the Song: How to Prepare Like a Pro 11:20

4M ago11:20

11:20

The Audition Isn’t Just the Song—so why do so many singers only prepare the music? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down the non-singing elements that make or break your audition: your entrance, demeanor, professionalism, preparation, and how you handle the unexpected. You’ll learn: Why most casting decisions happen before you…

1
Why Your Voice Flips—and Why That’s Normal 8:52

4M ago8:52

8:52

Ever wonder why your voice flips, cracks, or shifts gears when you sing? This episode breaks down why that happens—and why it’s not a mistake. Hi, I’m Drew, and on this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re unpacking one of the most misunderstood behaviors of the human voice: register transitions. Whether you call it flipping, cracking, or pa…

1
Voices of Change: tackling racism and cultural barriers in and through music 52:29

4M ago52:29

52:29

We explore how racial and cultural barriers in music education impact children & young people's mental health & wellbeing, and examine the healing potential of inclusive singing practices. Baz and Celi are joined by Luqman Ali, co-founder and artistic director of Khayaal Theatre Company, the UK's first professional theatre company dedicated to Musl…

1
Good Teacher, Better Student: What Makes Voice Lessons Actually Work 12:56

4M ago12:56

12:56

🎤 What actually makes voice lessons effective? It’s not just about finding a great teacher—it’s also about being the kind of student who improves. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive into the real factors that drive vocal progress. Whether you’re searching for your first voice teacher, returning to lessons after a break, or wonder…

1
How to Train a Boy’s Voice: Vocal Development, Puberty, and Repertoire That Works 16:37

4M ago16:37

16:37

Why do so few boys take voice lessons—and how can we change that? In this episode, voice teacher and pedagogue Timothy Wilds joins Drew to unpack the science, strategy, and sensitivity required when training a boy’s voice. From understanding vocal fold changes during puberty to choosing repertoire that fits—not just vocally, but emotionally and dev…

1
The Science and Soul of Singing: Daisy Fancourt & Howard Goodall on why we need music more than ever 1:03:53

5M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

In this episode of Inspiring Voices, hosts Baz Chapman and Celi Barberia welcome two guests who share both family ties and expertise in understanding music's impact on wellbeing. Dr Daisy Fancourt, Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology at UCL, brings research on how singing and arts engagement affect mental health across all ages - from mothe…

1
What Every Voice Teacher Should Know About Training CCM 12:17

5M ago12:17

12:17

You wouldn’t teach swimming without water—so why are we still training contemporary commercial music (CCM) singers without microphones or amplification? In this episode, Timothy Wilds (writer) and Drew Williams-Orozco (host) unpack the disconnect between traditional voice pedagogy and the real-world demands of CCM styles like pop, rock, country, ja…

1
How to Sing Legato: A Practical Guide for Smoother, Connected Phrasing 12:28

5M ago12:28

12:28

Episode Summary: Legato is one of the most frequently requested—and least clearly defined—skills in singing. In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to sing legato well. From managing airflow to shaping vowels and navigating consonants, we’ll guide you through practical strategies you can apply today. What You’ll Learn: Why breath support a…

1
"Permission to Be": Carrie and David Grant on Music, Family and Belonging 1:11:48

5M ago1:11:48

1:11:48

"We have created the ideology of normal... and if we don't deconstruct that, we will 100% be traumatising our young people." Join Celi and Baz for a deeply honest conversation with BAFTA award-winning broadcasters and MBE recipients Carrie and David Grant. Long-time Sing Up friends, they share their family's journey raising four neurodivergent chil…

1
What Instrumentalists Know About Singing That Most Singers Don’t 12:53

5M ago12:53

12:53

Why do instrumentalists seem to improve faster than singers? It’s not about talent—it’s about how they practice. In this episode, Josh explores the deep disconnect between how most vocalists approach their training compared to instrumentalists. From scale drills and arpeggios to muscle memory and voice science, this episode takes a critical look at…

1
Vox Agnotology: Why So Much of What We Know About Singing Is Wrong 12:24

5M ago12:24

12:24

Why do so many singing myths persist—even in college classrooms? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, host Josh Manuel explores Vox Agnotology—a term he’s coined to describe the willful and unintentional ignorance surrounding how the voice actually works. Inspired by the field of agnotology (the study of ignorance), Josh breaks down how ou…

1
"A Virtuous Circle": How Singing Supports Both Child and Parental Wellbeing 1:01:19

5M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Join us for a revealing conversation with B'Opera founder Zoe Challenor and Professor Rosie Perkins from the Royal College of Music as they explore the powerful dual impact of singing on child development and parental wellbeing. Recorded during Maternal Mental Health Week, this episode combines accessible science with practical applications that si…

1
Are Singing Straws a Scam? The Truth About SOVTEs and Vocal Training 11:05

6M ago11:05

11:05

Singing straws promise stronger, easier, and healthier singing—but what does the science really say? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the world of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs)—with a spotlight on the ever-popular singing straws. From lip trills to submerged straws, these exercises are everywhere in voi…

1
What Is Vibrato in Singing? The Truth About How It Works (According to Voice Science) 10:11

6M ago10:11

10:11

What do a trembling hand, an emotional speech, and a soaring operatic note have in common? Vibrato. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the real science behind vibrato in singing—what it is, how it happens, and why it’s not just a stylistic choice, but a neuromuscular phenomenon grounded in biology. You’ll learn: • ✅ Wha…

1
Series 2 - new episodes! 2:30

6M ago2:30

2:30

A quick preview of the second half of Series 2 of Inspiring Voices.

1
How to Sing with Dynamics: Mastering Loud and Soft Singing 9:17

6M ago9:17

9:17

🎙️ How to Sing with Dynamics: Mastering Loud and Soft Singing | The Voice Science Podcast Want more vocal power without straining? Learn the real science behind loud and soft singing—and why it’s not just about more air or effort. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re breaking down the key elements that shape your vocal dynamics: subg…

1
Singing in Tune: How Pitch Accuracy Actually Works 11:18

6M ago11:18

11:18

🎙️ How to Sing in Tune: Master Your Pitch Accuracy | The Voice Science Podcast Tired of feeling like your pitch is just a little off when you sing? You’re not alone—and the good news is: singing in tune is a skill you can train. 🎶 In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into how to sing in tune, what “pitch accuracy” really means…

1
The Role of Breathing in Singing: Mastering the Breath 7:40

6M ago7:40

7:40

The Voice Science Podcast | Episode [6] Think there’s only one right way to breathe while singing? Think again. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we debunk the myth of a one-size-fits-all breath and explore how different breathing strategies impact your voice, performance, and vocal health. Join Drew as we break down the anatomy of inha…

1
Vocal Fatigue: Why Your Voice Feels Tired & How to Fix It 8:55

7M ago8:55

8:55

Ever felt like you just can’t sing or speak another word? That frustrating tired, strained feeling in your voice is called vocal fatigue—and it happens to singers, teachers, and professional voice users alike. But what’s really going on when your voice feels exhausted? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re breaking down: ✅ What vocal …

1
Ring & Twang: The Secret to a Powerful, Resonant Voice 10:28

7M ago10:28

10:28

Have you ever wondered how some singers have voices that seem to soar effortlessly, cutting through the mix and filling the room? The answer lies in brightness—a crucial acoustic phenomenon that enhances resonance and projection. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re diving deep into the science of Ring and Twang, two vocal techniques…

1
Why Your High Notes Crack: The Science of Phonatory Threshold Pressure 8:46

8M ago8:46

8:46

Ever wondered why some notes feel effortless while others crack or don’t come out at all? The answer lies in phonatory threshold pressure (PTP)—the minimum air pressure needed to start and sustain sound. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down what PTP is, how it’s calculated, and why it matters for singers. Discover how PTP aff…

1
How to Belt Safely: The Truth About Power and Technique 11:44

8M ago11:44

11:44

Belting is one of the most exciting and misunderstood vocal techniques. Many singers struggle with it, wondering “Am I doing this right?” or “Is belting damaging my voice?” In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down what belting really is, separate fact from fiction, and give you science-backed strategies to belt safely and powerfu…

1
Unlocking Breath Support: Sing Powerfully Without More Air 10:43

9M ago10:43

10:43

Unlock the secrets of breath support in singing with us on the Voice Science Podcast, where we challenge the myth that more air equals more power. Discover how you can achieve powerful vocals without maxing out your lung capacity, and learn the surprising truth about what your body naturally does to support your singing. Together, we'll dissect the…

1
Singing and neurodiversity 1:04:19

11M ago1:04:19

1:04:19

Dive into the transformative power of music through the lens of neurodiversity! Join experts Abigail Mann-Daraz and Alice Nicholls as they unravel the complex world of inclusive singing, bringing their personal experiences and professional insights to the forefront. This episode explores how music can be a profound healing tool for neurodivergent y…

1
“Music is a passport to freedom” – singing with disabled and care experienced young people 1:06:06

11M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

We explore singing in relation to two different contexts in which potentially life-limiting situations can affect mental health & wellbeing. Disabled musician John Kelly talks about the power of singing for young people with disabilities and Jenny Young (Blue Cabin) about music for young people in the care system. Inspiring Voices is the podcast of…

1
“Designing an environment where young people thrive” 1:04:32

12M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

How do we create an environment which is safe and supportive to young people facing challenges with their mental health? What’s wrong with the current system, where waiting lists for mental health can be years long? And can singing really help? Yes it can, according to clinical psychologist, researcher and writer Dr Naomi Fisher, and Emily Foulkes,…

1
Singing with young refugees and unaccompanied minors 1:05:45

12M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

Flight from conflict, together with complex challenges integrating into a new country, takes an enormous toll on the mental health of displaced young people. And yet singing and music making have a unique way to cut through and create safe spaces for them to connect and experience joy. We hear from trainer and practitioner Jim Pinchen (Surrey Arts)…

1
Singing for young people with health conditions 1:00:22

1y ago1:00:22

1:00:22

We hear from Sally Spencer (Ex Cathedra’s Singing Medicine Programme and winner of Sky Arts Hero 2024) and Merel van der Knoop (Long Covid Kids), about children & young people who are hospitalised or living with Long Covid, and about singing as one of the rare things that isn’t “done to them” which can provide both mental and physical benefits. Ins…

1
Series 2 Trailer - Sneak Peak! 2:25

1y ago2:25

2:25

New series dropping in the next few weeks. Hear from our first few guests in this series about the power of singing and music making. John Kelly: "Exploring your own experience through music is a passport to freedom, it's a passport to liberation, it's a passport to finding a sense of value and that actually you can play a part in society. And, tha…

1
Series 2 - Announcing the guests in the first few episodes... 1:48

1y ago1:48

1:48

Our new series of Inspiring Voices is coming soon. We thought you might a quick preview of who we will be talking to and what we'll be talking about over the first few episodes of this series. In the first few episodes, we'll be talking to - John Kelly and Jenny Young talk about singing for those with disabilities and care experienced children & yo…

1
Coming soon... Inspiring Voices Series 2 1:32

1y ago1:32

1:32

We're just in the middle of recording the second series of the #InspiringVoicesPodcast. The second series will focus particularly on how we can inspire young voices and especially on how children and young people who are faced with particular challenges in their lives that effect their mental health can be supported through singing and music-making…

1
"The thing that we can't quite verbalise" 57:12

2y ago57:12

57:12

What is the special magic that comes from singing in a group? David Lawrence attempts to explain it through is own experiences as a conductor of singing across a huge range of contexts, from inner city youth choirs to symphony choruses to the vast Young Voices children's stadium singing concerts. To close Season 1 of Inspiring Voices, David and pod…

1
Rap Club - finding a connection 49:48

2y ago49:48

49:48

How can a classically-trained teacher connect with his students through rap? In a story worthy of a film, secondary school teacher and Teach First Ambassador Benjamin Turner reveals how a detention he gave led to a unique connection with his music class, and the discovery of a powerful way to help them express themselves through creative vocals. Fe…

1
Beatboxing and Creative Recovery 41:44

2y ago41:44

41:44

International non-binary beatbox star, former world looping champion and disability and mental health ambassador SK Shlomo talks about beatboxing as a great way in to vocal work, and how anyone can get it going. With amazing honesty they open up about their own journey through music and battles with identity, mental health and suicide, which led to…