What role does the music industry play in shaping artists’ mental health, and how can we better support musicians who inspire us as listeners? In this episode, we explore some of the challenges musicians face with Rachel Jepson, a singer, BACP accredited psychotherapist and advocate for mental health in the arts. From rejection to fame’s pressures, Rachel shares her journey and some practical solutions for protecting our artists' mental health.QUOTE‘Mental health knows no figure. It's going t...

What does it really mean to call yourself an artist? In this inspiring Student Spotlight, singer-songwriter Kristina Mann shares how her journey with Hannah Smikle at Vocal Performance Coaching helped her take her art seriously, overcome self-doubt, and embrace her own voice. Tune in to uncover her story of creativity, resilience, and the power of mentorship.QUOTE"I never have learned so much about myself than in a singing lesson. What I've discovered about my fears, my habits, and what holds...

Should you specialise as a singing teacher, or could staying generalist be the secret to a fulfilled career? This week, Alexa sits down with vocal coach Molly McLinden to explore the pros and cons of specialisation. Molly shares her experiences teaching everyone from teenage musical theatre hopefuls to karaoke-loving rockers, so tune in as they dive into the curious world of voice teaching with and without labels. QUOTE‘Jack of all trades master of none, though oftentimes better than mas...

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 t...

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...

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 wante...

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 su...

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 advocate00:09:0...

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 musicQUOTE‘Singing can be a lifeline for children facing mental ...

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 he...

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 ow...

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 knobs00:03:00 Mixing audio is rea...

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 thei...

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...

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.’ Cl...

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 tr...

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, a...

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 kee...

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 o...

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 MOMENTSWhe...

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 TAKEAWAYS1) Cognitive and Neuroscience Aspects: Heather has found that gesture can serve as an additional input for the brain, which helps in understanding and solidifying vocal tra...

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 TAKEAWAYS Line’s quick fixes are - 1) Vowel adjustments: Modifying the shape of the mouth to produce different...

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 TAKEAWAYS ...

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 TAKEAWAYS Becky Gilhespie recommends several strategies for overcoming...