Ever wondered how the kids of today might go about making a career out of singing alongside some of the world’s biggest artists? Today, I catch up with my good friend Katie Holmes-Smith. Katie is one of the most sought after session and backing vocalists in the UK and has toured with artists such as Jessie J, Professor Green and Olly Murs. Children looking for a secure singing career will want to listen to how Katie has made this happen! We chat about the following topics: 1.22 When did Katie...

The world is changing, but are our minds changing just as fast? People may think that meditation or mindfulness practice is quite an obscure topic when talking about singing lessons for kids. But what could a more mindful headspace do for children, their creativity, and overall health? Today I speak with Claire Kelly, operations director of the Mindfulness In Schools Project. Aside from immediately relaxing me with her wonderful demeanour, Claire discusses why children may want (or need)...

Today I speak with Ingrid Schnell. Singer, songwriter and artist development coach in Los Angeles. She has worked with artist seen or heard on Disney, Nickelodeon, The Voice, X-Factor, BMG, Hollywood Records etc. I was lucky to sit in on one of Ingrid’s singing lessons. It was easy to see that she has serious passion for taking artists to the top… and high expectations to match. In the vocal artist development talk, we cover: 2:17 What young artists need to think about when they take the...

Today I consume some excellent coffee with Natalie Andreou, standby for Elphaba at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End. Also joining us is London’s leading voice coach Chris Johnson. We talk auditions, voice training for talented kids, what it takes to play Elphaba and there’s a ton more tips for aspiring musical theatre stars. As an aside, Natalie and Chris are also an item, he’s her voice coach, and Chris is one of my lifelong friends… it makes for a cracking interview. 3:40 Why...

This week I sit down with Katie Walton. Teacher and author of the Mindset Melting Pot. We talk about mindset, Carol Dweck's work, Sir Ken Robinson and some practical ways to encourage growth mindset in the classroom. Teachers, parents and singers, to join the journey... www.stevegilesuk.com

Do you have an aspiring superstar on your hands? If so, what do they really need to get their break in the music industry? In this video, Internationally renowned vocal coach Dave Stroud let’s us know exactly what they’ll need to make it happen. We talk music education, mindset, belief systems and failure. We talk up in the picturesque Forest Falls in California and cover: 0:57 How the VocalizeU Winter Retreat can help singers grow 3:22 What Dave’s music education looked like 4:25 How...

What are children being taught in schools? Are music and singing lessons important? In this podcast I get some answers and find myself at a music teachers conference in the south west of England. Any comments or if you'd like to chat about vocal education, please head over to: www.stevegilesuk.com