Singing Teachers Talk

What are the most common vocal issues singers actually face, and how can we prevent them without falling into the trap of overthinking every tiny symptom? In this engaging and refreshingly honest chat, ENT voice specialist Nick Gibbins breaks down the patterns he sees in clinic, alongside practical insights on building vocal stamina and injury prevention. The conversation tackles what can actually be detected via laryngostroboscopy, reflux, hypermobility, rehabilitation, and Nick also tackles some questions from you, the listeners. Expect expert knowledge, myth-busting, and plenty of down-to-earth, relatable discussion that every singer and teacher will benefit from hearing. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 5:21 What singers does Nick see in clinic? 8:16 Patterns of challenge and injury in singers 13:06 Reflux 17:38 Preparing for vocal load increase 24:10 What can you actually tell about a singer via laryngostroboscopy? 26:46 Hypermobility 36:25 Surgery and recovery 41:08 Singing teachers and rehabilitation 47:52 Can you feel your vocal folds? 54:22 Vocal hygiene without the hype Click for presenter bios RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Declan Costello Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.87 87 How to Manage Allergies and Upper Respiratory Infections Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers British Laryngological Association CEORL-HNS Congress ABOUT THE GUEST Mr Nicholas Gibbins is a Consultant Laryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon at the University Hospital Lewisham. Trained in London and the South-East of England, Nick has built a reputation as an excellent surgeon, teacher and lecturer. Patient outcomes are a key focus for Nick and, along with the whole of the renowned voice team at Lewisham, has built the largest Voice Database in Europe to analyse outcomes. His key interests in the voice are the diagnosis and treatment of vocal fold scars and sulci, and the care and treatment of the professional voice. More recently he has been sought after to lecture on musculoskeletal problems that can either originate in the larynx causing muscle tension imbalance or that arising distally and effect the biomechanics of the voice. He has built a team that can address all these issues that includes speech therapists, osteopaths, vocal rehabilitation coaches, kinetic chain specialists, gastroenterologists, neurologists and more. He writes and publishes regularly and is the current Editor of the Chapter on the Larynx for Gray’s Anatomy (43rd Ed). His term of office as President of the British Laryngological Association began in 2025. 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

A fascinating deep dive into what really happens inside the singer’s brain, this episode explores the surprising intersection of neuroscience, pedagogy, and creativity. Joined by renowned voice expert Heidi Moss Erickson, the conversation unpacks how singing is both incredibly complex and beautifully instinctive revealing why play, imagination, and even a bit of “crazy” can unlock better vocal performance. This episode challenges singers and teachers alike to embrace a more brain-friendly, joyful approach to vocal training. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 4:19 Is singing really that complex? 7:58 Nature Vs. Nuture 10:19 Brain data for singing 12:03 The order of things: The Holy Grail P1 23:10 Integral parts to the brain’s prediction for singing 29:42 Neurodiversity inclusivity 34:02 The role of intention 39:12 The order of things: The Holy Grail P2 46:26 The brain and learning expectations 54:29 Who needs to understand ‘singing in the brain?’ About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS The work of Richard Miller Erich Jarvis Heidi’s Singing in the Brain Series The work of Ingo Titze Voce Vista Singing With Your Whole Self by Samuel H Nelson & Elizabeth L Blades Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.63 Developing a Singer’s Self Awareness And Clarifying Intention Edward Chang UCSF Journal of Singing ABOUT THE GUEST Heidi Moss Erickson is an acclaimed soprano, educator, and scientist who has performed on major national and international stages and with leading regional opera companies. A strong advocate for contemporary music, she has premiered works by renowned composers and collaborated with artists such as Jake Heggie and Tarik O’Regan. She has earned top honors in prestigious vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Her academic background in voice, biology, and neuroscience has also led to contributions to significant scientific publications. After a rare nerve injury, Erickson developed an innovative, neuroscience-based approach to vocal pedagogy, now applied across multiple musical genres. She teaches and lectures internationally and shares her work through publications, courses, and her “Singing in the Brain” series. Committed to accessibility, she founded a non-profit providing voice lessons to underserved communities and continues to connect science and singing through her research and writing. SEE FULL BIO HERE Website 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

Get the honest lowdown before you buy in this fun, insightful review episode of Stop Faking It! Sound. Alexa breaks down whether this book really delivers for singing teachers and vocal coaches, without the usual dry, sleep-inducing science. Along the way, Alexa unpacks key concepts in a way that actually sticks, complete with stories and real-world examples. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by sound science or wondered which resources are truly worth your time and money, this episode will help you decide with confidence. About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS (NSTA) National Science Teaching Association Evolve by Chris Johnson Brian Diskin Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.248 Thyroid Tilt Under the Microscope: Perception vs Physiology Ken Bozeman Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.146 How to Understand and Apply Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.172 Understanding Acoustic Registers Chadley Ballantyne Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.52 Getting to Grips with Vocal Acoustics Ian Howell Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.237 Beyond the Vocal Tract: How the Brain Shapes What We Hear ABOUT THE GUEST Alexa runs a singing tuition practice in the South of England, and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk podcast, acts as mentor and unit tutor for the BAST Training Level 5 qualification, and has presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practice and The Sing Space. SEE FULL BIO HERE Website Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

Ever wondered what really happens in that all-important first year of teaching? The leap from passion to profession, from ‘maybe one day’ to ‘this is it’ - it’s rarely a straight line. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the journey of Mark Lowman - from a career in hospitality and travel to stepping into life as a vocal coach. What does it take to start from scratch, build a studio, and back yourself when imposter syndrome creeps in? This is an honest look at that first year: the turning points, the practical steps, and the mindset shifts that make it all possible. It’s about more than technique - it’s about courage, reinvention, and finding your voice not just as a singer, but as a teacher. Let’s get into it. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:50 A bit about Mark 9:05 Putting ‘transferable skills’ to use 11:26 Choirs: Managing different personalities, needs and abilities 16:50 Demonstration: The challenge as a male presenting singing teacher 21:20 The first steps to becoming a singing teacher 27:38 Managing imposter syndrome 35:04 What has changed Mark’s mind on? 39:03 Mark’s mission 47:32 What keeps Mark excited about teaching? About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Vocalize Choirs Singing Teachers Talk Ep.102 - Understanding Singing and Menopause Singing Teachers Talk Ep.247 - The 5-Day Challenge: Clarity, Confidence and Getting Started as a Singing Teacher Singing Teachers Talk Ep.154 - Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers Chris Johnson Vocal Coach Singing Teachers Talk Ep.195 How Unlocking Your True Values Can Transform Your Teaching and Life Singing Teachers Talk Ep.227 Following Your Bliss: How to Align Your Life and Business Teach Voice ABOUT THE GUEST Mark Lowman is a vocal coach, performer, and former travel industry professional with over 15 years of international experience across the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. After a successful corporate career leading events, sales, and marketing teams, he developed a passion for coaching and personal development, supporting others in reaching their potential. His journey into music began as a hobby, later performing with choirs and bands, and stepping into vocal coaching in 2018 with Vocalize Choir, now a thriving community with sold-out shows and chart success. Mark trained with leading vocal coaches and completed the BAST 20-Hour Course before transitioning to full-time teaching. In 2025, he founded Mark Lowman Vocals, which now supports over 50 students across Dorset in its first year. SEE FULL BIO HERE Website Instagram 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

Line Hilton hosts the Singing Teachers Talk podcast and challenges the continued, vague use of “support” and appoggio in breath management teaching, arguing that research shows no single correct breathing strategy among elite singers and that singers often misidentify what their respiratory muscles are doing. She explains how singing uses much larger lung-volume ranges than speech, often requiring controlled braking against passive recoil rather than pushing more air, and notes that trained singers don’t have bigger lungs—just better coordination. Drawing on sources including Miller, McCoy, Titze, Sundberg, and EMG research, she reframes “support” as task-specific breath management shaped by genre, physiology, and performance demands, and offers practical studio strategies such as audiation, mental rehearsal, the Underwood method, SPLAT, physiological sigh, sustained S/counting, straw phonation, gestural calibration, score marking, CO2 tolerance work, and respiratory hygiene. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 00:19 Why the term support bothers me 01:47 What the research says 04:23 Why breath is complex 08:42 The problem with support 14:55 Reframing as Breath Management 15:32 Studio tools and exercises 23:43 Bigger picture and hygiene 24:42 Key takeaways and language shift About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL LIST OF RESOURCES HERE 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

This week, Alexa is joined by Dr Luciano Simões to explore cross-training as a modern vocal pedagogy through a Latin American lens, unpacking how singers can develop flexibility, resilience, and stylistic authenticity across different genres. Drawing on the rich hybridity of Latin American music Luciano shares how cross-training equips singers to navigate diverse vocal demands with both technical freedom and cultural awareness. This conversation challenges the idea of fixed vocal identities, inviting teachers and singers alike to embrace versatility, curiosity, and the vibrant diversity of global vocal styles. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:10 Who is Dr Luciano Simões? 6:42 Understanding Latin American music 21:13 What functional technique is included in cross-training? 27:57 What does a cross-training singing lesson look like? 37:41 Technical conflicts in cross-training About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Jeanie LoVetri Alexander Technique Feldenkrais Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.245 Technique Meets Artistry: Working with Contemporary Singers ABOUT THE GUEST Dr. Luciano Simões is a baritone, voice pedagogue, conductor, and researcher with over 30 years of teaching experience. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from Michigan State University, alongside advanced degrees in choral conducting and musicology, and has undertaken postdoctoral research on Fado and musical theatre belting. He previously taught at institutions including the Latin American Integration University, where he developed a pioneering cross-training voice programme based on Latin American styles. Now based in Germany, he runs an independent voice studio and lectures internationally on cross-training and hybrid vocal technique. His work has been presented at major global conferences and published in leading voice journals. As a performer, he has sung across genres from opera to Brazilian jazz and maintains an active profile in both solo and choral music. SEE FULL BIO HERE Instagram: @lucianosimoes_dma 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

In this episode, Alexa explores how to choose repertoire that sits comfortably within developing ‘tween’ voices while still feeling relevant and exciting for young singers today. From musical theatre gems to contemporary chart hits, the episode offers a thoughtfully curated selection of songs alongside practical considerations around vocal range, lyrical appropriateness, and the ever-evolving cultural world of 9–12 year olds—helping teachers feel a little more in touch (and maybe even a little bit cooler) in the process. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST 1:10 Defining ‘tween’ 2:24 Considerations for the tween girl 5:35 10+ songs for tween girls About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.223 10 Songs for Child Singers Vocal Health Education Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults by Jenevora Williams Sing Up Foundation Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.181 The Role of Singing in Mental Wellness musicnotes.com Sarah Joyce War Child UK ABOUT THE GUEST Alexa runs a singing tuition practice in the South of England, and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 qualification, and has presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practise and The Sing Space. SEE FULL BIO HERE Website Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

In this episode, Alexa is joined by performer and vocal coach Grace Galloway, fresh from her run in Ride the Cyclone in London. Together they dive into one of the biggest questions for musical theatre performers: how to build a rep folder that actually works in the audition room. Grace shares practical advice on choosing songs you can rely on “come rain or shine,” shaping material to fit different auditions, and finding repertoire that highlights your unique selling points as a performer. From audition stages to song cuts and the myth of the “perfect” choice, this episode is packed with honest insights to help performers create a versatile, confident rep book that can adapt to whatever audition comes next. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:07 Grace’s best and worst audition experiences 5:40 The stages of a musical theatre audition 9:20 How important is song choice? 16:05 Should you transpose songs for auditions? 19:25 What is the most common style asked for in an audition at the moment? 24:20 Mindset in the Musical Theatre industry 30:54 The current audition ‘buzz’ song 31:36 What should be in your audition rep folder? 37:31 Making song cuts 42:37 A musical theatre rep book case study About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Danceworks Debbie O’Brien Aida Pineapple Grace sings ‘The Ballad of Jane Doe’ Harry Blumenau Dundee Rep Theatre ABOUT THE GUEST Grace is originally from Liverpool and trained at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She will be appearing as the title role of Rita in Educating Rita at Dundee Rep Theatre this Spring. Grace is also a qualified vocal coach and holds an Estill Figure Proficiency certificate with Estill Voice International. She is a lecturer in voice, repertoire coach and audition preparation mentor at Mountview and Italia Conti. She currently coaches professionals, those in training or those wanting to pursue vocational training. Theatre credits include: Jane Doe in Ride the Cyclone (Southwark Playhouse), Astrid Kirchherr/On stage MD in Shake It Up Baby! (Epstein Theatre, Liverpool), Diva 1 in Priscilla The Party! (West End), Marchesa Zuliani & 1st Cover Azzurra in the world premiere of Stiletto (Charing Cross Theatre), Donna Marie/Miss Jones/Alternate Mrs Lyons in Blood Brothers (UK tour), The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio (UK tour), Di and Viv and Rose (The Hope Street Theatre), Velma Kelly (emergency cover) in Chicago (Pitlochry Festival Theatre). TV credits include: G'wed (ITV), Greggs-Bag Some Jo 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

Do you have a stellar service or a product you truly believe in… but you’re just not attracting the right people? In this episode Meta Ads strategist Danny Young breaks down how advertising really works in 2026 — and why understanding strategy and buyer psychology matters more than simply “running ads.” From navigating today’s trust recession to building a powerful Connect & Convert Ecosystem, he shares how to turn cold audiences into warm, ready-to-buy clients. You’ll hear how a simple shift in messaging helped one coach scale from six to seven figures, why most business owners waste budget on the wrong objectives, and how to make your marketing feel relevant rather than intrusive. If you’re ready to stop hoping and start advertising with intention, this episode is for you. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 3:32 Sian’s success story 7:15 How has online advertising changed over the last 20-years? 13:25 Facebook in 2026 15:44 Facebook Vs Instagram marketing 16:45 Advertising products Vs services 19:42 Buyer Psychology of 2026 21:44 Standing out 25:57 Danny’s Connect And Covert Ecosystem 39:31 What questions should we be asking ourselves? 43:34 Working with Danny Young About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Buyer Psychology ChatGPT Claude The Azaylia Foundation Danny’s Academy ABOUT THE GUEST Danny Young is a Meta ads strategist and agency owner who helps infopreneurs and expert-led businesses generate leads, enquiries and sales for their business using simple, low-cost advertising coupled with clear strategy. With more than a decade of experience, Danny is known for cutting through the complexity of online marketing and helping business owners understand how ads really work - not as a quick fix, but as a way to amplify strong messaging and reach the right people at the right time. He specialises in making paid traffic feel practical and approachable, helping clients build sustainable growth without overcomplicating the process. Instagram: @dannyyoungonline 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

What’s really happening inside the larynx when we ‘tilt?’ In this episode, Alexa is joined by voice researcher Dr Mathias Aaen to unpack the science behind thyroid tilt - exploring what his latest studies reveal about pitch, vocal fold lengthening, and healthy singing. The pair cut through common misconceptions, translate research into studio-ready language, and ask the big question: are our teaching prompts actually doing what we think they are? If you love practical pedagogy grounded in solid science, this one’s for you. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:58 What is tilt? Anatomy & physiology 6:35 CVT framework 16:13 Study results 22:45 Physiology vs the perceptual 25:36 Teaching prompts 43:10 Vocal fold length and pitch change 48:14 Enemies of tilt 52:37 Common misconceptions about tilt About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Investigating Laryngeal “Tilt” on Same-pitch Phonation—Preliminary Findings of Vocal Mode, Metal and Density Parameters as Alternatives to Cricothyroid-Thyroarytenoid “Mix” by Mathias Aaen et al Correlating Degree of Thyroid Tilt Independent of fo Control as a Mechanism for Phonatory Density with EGG and Acoustic Measures across Loudness Conditions by Aaen. M et al Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.131 Mastering Research Papers: How to Read with Ease and Extract Knowledge Complete Vocal Institute Dr Ian Howell Dr Mark Tempesta Kerrie Obert Dr Ingo Titze Estill CVT App Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica Manuel Garcia Praat ABOUT THE GUEST Mathias Aaen, PhD, is a voice researcher, educator, and certified rehabilitation specialist. He serves as Honorary Researcher at Nottingham University Hospitals and VP of Research & Collaboration at CVI, and was previously a Fulbright Fellow at UC Berkeley. His work focuses on voice physiology, acoustics, auditory-perceptual analysis, and voice habilitation and rehabilitation, with groundbreaking research into the physiology and health of contemporary commercial music styles, including rock and heavy metal. He recently completed a PostDoc investigating the CVT framework as a clinical treatment for dysphonia in MTD and ABI patients. An award-winning researcher and Authorised CVT Teacher, Mathias is also an active performer who has worked with leading opera houses and voice professionals worldwide. SEE FULL BIO HERE 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

What if you’re not stuck because you don’t know enough, but because you think you should know everything before you begin? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by where to start, unsure how to market yourself, or quietly battling imposter syndrome, this episode is for you. We’re exploring why so many singers hesitate to step into teaching — and how a simple 5-Day Challenge might be the reset that brings clarity, confidence, and momentum. Could five focused days change everything? WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:52 The things that overwhelm us in singing teaching and business 7:42 Pushing the ‘reset’ button 11:47 What is a 5-day challenge? 16:27 Can I do it again if I’ve already done one? 17:11 Why a 5-day challenge helps singing teachers 20:14 What shift might you notice from doing a 5-day challenge? 21:44 The 5-day challenge special offer 22:30 The next BAST Training 5-day challenge About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Line Hilton The Stage Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.192 How to Set Boundaries as a Singing Teacher Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 239 10 Common Barriers to Being a Singing Teacher and How to Overcome Them Insight Timer The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron Phil Harrison The Business of Stories by Susan Payton Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.126 ‘The Business of Stories’ - Game-Changing Marketing Strategy Kaya Herstad-Carney REGISTER FOR THE BAST TRAINING 5-DAY CHALLENGE, HERE 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

How does a singing teacher land a vocal coaching job on a TV drama? In this episode, Alexa is joined by vocal coach, performer and returning guest - Candi Underwood, who shares her experience coaching Matt Smith for the Sky Atlantic adaptation of The Death of Bunny Munro, based on the novel by Nick Cave. They explore how the opportunity came about, what was required on set, and which skills singing teachers already have that translate directly into TV coaching work. Perfect listening for singing teachers curious about taking their work beyond the studio and onto screen. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 5:03 What is The Death of Bunny Munro? 6:42 What was the production company looking for in a vocal coach? 10:59 Preparing for the job 16:01 Taking a history 19:12 Surprising essential skills 20:30 Working on technique 23:39 Keeping it professional with high profile figures 28:53 Top 3 skills singing teachers needs for a TV coaching role 32:12 How to get your food in the door About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep31. Where to Start with Digital Marketing Nick Cave Matt Smith The Death of Bunny Munro Frank Sinatra Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.198 Mastering Singing for Stage, Screen & the Music Industry Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.242 Understanding Motor Learning: How It Can Help Us Give Better Singing Lessons - Eps. 155 & 156 Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.222 The Rise of AI: What It Means for Singers & Teachers Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.226 The Rise of AI: Practical Tools and Strategies For the Singing Teacher ABOUT THE GUEST Candi Underwood is a professional performer, session singer, vocal coach and founder/leader of City of Stars, a group of intermediate musical theatre choirs across Sussex. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, she's been featured as both a singer and songwriter on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6Music, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Radio X, Planet Rock and more, performed at nationwide festivals and featured in TV ads; all while building a successful coaching business dedicated to nurturing healthy, resilient voices and inspiring bold, fearless performances for singers and screamers alike. Most recently she collaborated with Nick Cave and Matt Smith on Sky TV's 'The Death of Bunny Munro', coaching the former through a singing scene, and featured in the Marks & Spencer Christmas Advert with her choir alongside Dawn French. Website Instagram 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

In this episode of Singing Teachers Talk, Alexa is joined by vocal performance coach Juliet Russell for a rich conversation about identity, artistry, and contemporary vocal training. Juliet shares how she helps singers identify and trust what makes them unique, evolve their voices alongside life and experience, and connect more deeply with audiences — drawing on her work across major TV formats as well as her one-to-one coaching with artists. We explore how to make vocal exercises more musical and stylistically relevant, how voice science can be translated into practical studio tools, and what Juliet sees as key pillars of contemporary vocal training for singing teachers today. The episode also dives into Juliet’s new app Do Your Sing, a contemporary training toolkit designed to support singers with creative, performance-led vocal development. A thoughtful, inspiring listen for singing teachers, coaches, and artists navigating modern voice work. About the presenter HERE WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:44 What is the inspiration and drive in Juliet’s vocal work? 2:19 How to help an artist identify what makes them unique 15:18 TV shows and the artist 17:54 What do artists tend to overlook about their craft? 20:43 What is ‘talent’ and what can be learned? 24:08 The difference between a singing teacher, vocal coach and performance coach 30:08 Translating voice science in the studio 34:18 Contemporary teaching tools 53:22 Juliet’s Do Your Sing! App 1:04:10 Parting advice to contemporary singers and singing teachers RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Artists: Sabrina Carpenter; Lady Gaga; Beyonce; Raye; Andre 3000 & Jack White; Cynthia Erivo; Ariana Grande; Sam Smith; Kim Petras; Christina Aguilera; Rosalia; Alex Warren; Bruno Mars; Scissor; Benson Boone; Jessie J; Kool and the Gang; Jennifer Hudson; Sir Tom Jones Joshua Alamu Jai Ramage Jono McNeil Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.198 Mastering Singing for Stage, Screen & the Music Industry with Jai Ramage Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.123 Insights Into TV Vocal Coaching with The Masked Singer’s Jono McNeil Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.124 Mastering Vocal Style: Licks, Riffs and Runs with Jono McNeil Emer Tully Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.241 Is Your Pelvic Floor Affecting Your Voice? A Deep Dive with Physiotherapist Emer Tully Jenevora Williams Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.242 Understanding Motor Learning: How It Can Help Us Give Better Singing Lessons with Dr Jenevora Williams Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.169 How to Use Gesture for Better Singing with Heather Baker ABOUT THE GUEST Juliet Russell stands as one of the UK’s leading vocal p 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

In this episode, Alexa explores tempo and timekeeping in the voice studio — and why struggling with tempo might not be “just a rhythm problem.” If you find yourself working with a singer who rushes, drags, freezes, or falls apart this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and plenty of practical takeaways — all wrapped up in a very relatable Sunday afternoon analogy. About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Karaoke Version ABOUT THE GUEST Alexa runs a singing tuition practice in the South of England, and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk podcast, acts as mentor and unit tutor for the BAST Training Level 5 qualification, and has presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practice and The Sing Space. SEE FULL BIO HERE (Add link to the podcast website page) Website Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

What if your singing studio could open doors to the industry, too? In this episode, Alexa is joined by talent agent and educator Josephine Lancuba, founder of Studio Talent Collective, to lift the curtain on in-house talent agencies. From creating real audition opportunities for your singers to boosting retention, revenue, and industry credibility, Josephine breaks down how singing teachers can step confidently into talent management. If you’ve ever wondered how to better support your students beyond the studio, this conversation might just have the answer. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:50 Who is Josephine Lancuba? 9:05 What was the catalyst for having an in-house agency? 10:55 In-house talent agency advantages for teacher and client 17:01 How does the industry view in-house talent agencies? 19:59 Getting the contacts 23:41 Balancing singing teaching and being a talent manager 26:25 Helping clients manage rejection 36:55 Integrating an in-house agency 55:35 Would would Josephine change from her journey? About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Spotlight Casting Networks Singing Teachers Talk Ep.230 How to Survive Drama School Auditions: 10 Expert Tips Studio Talent Collective, The Podcast Canva Singing Teachers Talk Ep.192 How to Set Better Boundaries as a Singing Teacher ABOUT THE GUEST Josephine Lancuba is an award-winning performing arts business coach and talent management professional. With over 20 years in the arts industry, she has led and managed studios, entertainment, and production-based businesses, including her own dance and musical theatre studio along with its in-house talent agency service. A former performer, Josephine spent over a decade appearing on stage and screen before shifting her focus to business and talent development. Today, she helps performing arts studio owners build profitable, joy-filled businesses and guides aspiring talent managers through her world-first course, Talent Manager Bootcamp, as well as her plug-in talent agency, Studio Talent Collective, which enables Studio Owners to create and run their own in-house talent agencies. Passionate about the social, emotional, and the physical benefits of the performing arts, Josephine advocates for inclusive, positive opportunities for talent and the industry alike. Website Instagram: @studiotalentcollective 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

To kick off the 2026 season, Alexa and Jenevora Williams dive into the fascinating world of motor learning and what it really means for singing and teaching singing. From walking toddlers and chocolate metaphors to the neuroscience behind skill acquisition, the conversation unpacks why learning to sing is far more complex—and far more human—than we often assume. Together they explore implicit versus explicit learning, internal versus external focus, imagination, metaphor, and the role of trust, play, and mistake-making in vocal development. A thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion that invites singing teachers to simplify their language, deepen their listening, and give both themselves and their students permission to learn messily and creatively. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:59 What is motor control and motor learning? 10:41 What are the stages of learning? 15:48 What is the brain and larynx interface? 18:59 Internal Vs External focus in motor learning 33:35 Choosing metaphorical and imagery based instruction 50:53 Impairment to motor skills 55:09 The future of voice pedagogy integrating neuroscience and imagination About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS Singing Teachers Talk Ep.75 Vocal Rehabilitation for Singers Motor Control, Motor Learning and Brain-Computer Interfaces Heidi Moss Erickson Hearing Singing: A Guide to Functional Listening and Voice Perception by Ian Howell Singing Teachers Talk Ep.237 Beyond the Vocal Tract: How the Brain Shapes What We Hear with Ian Howell Tilting Article Paul Eckman PEVoC Vocal Health Education ABOUT THE GUEST Dr Jenevora Williams is an expert in the fields of vocal health and singing teaching. After a successful career in Opera, she turned her attention to investigating healthy and efficient vocal function. The combination of academic study and practical experience has resulted in a unique perception for understanding the human voice. She was the first singing teacher to be awarded a PhD in voice science in the UK, and won the 2010 BVA Van Lawrence Prize for her outstanding contribution to voice research. Her book, Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults, has been enormously popular with singing teachers throughout the world. Jenevora is well-known for her imaginative and rigorous international training courses for singing teachers and voice professionals. She is director of Vocal Health Education and Evolving Voice, training the first generation of Voice Rehabilitation Specialists worldwide. As a teacher of singing, she works with professional singers of all ages in both voice rehabilitation and career mentoring. W: jenevorawilliams.com 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

We’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, dancers, teachers and performers of all kinds should care about this powerhouse of stability, this episode is packed with practical insights and surprising - the perfect finale to a year of rich conversations. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:38 Thank YOU! 5:20 Why is the pelvic floor so intriguing? 7:59 The 5 diaphragms 12:01 The function of the pelvic floor 13:53 Pregnancy & performance 16:48 Signs of a tight or weak pelvic floor & the impact on singing 21:16 Helping a singer with a tight or weak pelvic floor 30:07 Advice about the gym and methods of ‘support’ in singing 39:32 Pelvic floor & stress 45:25 Recommended resources About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 201 Working with Hypermobile Singers with Sarah Algoet Jennie Morton Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.69 Understanding Pregnancy for the Singer and the Self-Employed with Sarah Joyce & Cat Ogden Feldenkrais Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.183 How to Fix Your Inhale and Transform Your Singing with Lucinda Allen Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.191How to Set Up the Best Exhale for Singing with Lucinda Allen Duncan Rock Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.120 Understanding Singing and Fitness with Duncan Rock Anatomy of Voice by Blandine-Calais-Germain & François Germain Dr Sara Reardon Michelle Edminson @mvmt.101 Jane App ABOUT THE GUEST Emer is NEURO TOUR’s London Associate Director of Education. She qualified from Manchester University with a BSc Physiotherapy degree, and is HCPC accredited as well as a member of the CSP. She is a Vocal Specialist and a Certified Women’s Health Practitioner. She has an advanced medical acupuncture certification; APPI Matwork & Reformer Pilates training & specialises in vocal/ TMJ physiotherapy. Website Instagram: @physio.emer 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Updates | Email Us | Free Group

Thinking 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. From choosing the right pathway and understanding learning outcomes to balancing study with real life, Kaya shares how her own master’s shaped her career, the unexpected opportunities it opened, and what she’s learned from writing not one but two MA programmes. Whether you’re a singing teacher, performer, or creative professional considering postgraduate study, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and the honest realities behind levelling up your education. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:27 Why did Kaya do a masters degree? 5:37 What is the advantage of studying for an MA? 10:10 How to choose an MA course 19:19 Juggling a part time MA 21:46 What If I’m not very academic? 26:11 Writing an MA degree 34:22 Marking degree assessments 39:07 Common errors in MA submissions 41:13 Making your MA decision About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS WaterBear The College of Music Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.154 Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.222 The Rise of AI: What It Means for Singers & Teachers with Rachael Drury Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.226 The Rise of AI: Practical Tools and Strategies for the Singing Teacher with Rachael Drury Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.56 Taking the Academic Route with Debbie Winter Voice Study Centre Arts Council ABOUT THE GUEST Kaya Herstad-Carney is a higher education leader, vocal pedagogue, and award-winning creative artist. From September 2025 she becomes Head of Education (Online) at WaterBear College of Music, overseeing MA and BA programmes in songwriting, performance, and music education. A specialist in student-centred learning and vocal habilitation within CCM, she holds an MA from LIPA/Hope and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Kaya has taught across leading institutions including ACM, LIPA, University of Liverpool, and BAST Training, and serves on the Advisory Board for Vocology in Practice. Her research interests span performance anxiety, singing for wellbeing, voice science, and sustainable creative careers. Alongside academia, she is an award-winning singer-songwriter whose work has appeared on stage, TV, and film, performing internationally and alongside ar 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Updates | Email Us | Free Group

Thinking 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. If you’re ready to take the next step in your singing teaching journey, this conversation will help you move forward with confidence. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:31 How did Line become a singing teacher? 4:22 I don’t know enough & imposter syndrome 11:26 There’s too much choice 18:26 I don’t have the piano skills 23:37 I don’t have confidence in my own voice 28:25 I’m just not qualified 31:26 What about money? 36:51 My schedule is already busy 40:59 I don’t know how to start a business 46:10 What if I hurt a student’s voice? About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Line Hilton Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.237 Beyond the Vocal Tract: How the Brain Shapes What We Hear with Ian Howell Hearing Singing - A Guide to Functional Listening and Voice Perception Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.111 Essential Piano Skills for Singers and Voice Teachers with Brenda Earle Stokes Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.158 How Music Theory and Keyboard Skills Can Transform Your Singing Teaching with Amy Walton Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.88 Pros and Cons of Singing Teacher Qualifications with Line Hilton Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.229 Ways to Make More Money as a Singing Teacher with Zoe Stibi Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.227 Following Your Bliss: How to Align your Life and Business with Gemma Sugrue Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.220 Time Management: Making Time When There Isn't Any with Line Hilton & Alexa Terry Chris Johnson 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Updates | Email Us | Free Group

Alexa 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 vocal range guidance, technical teaching opportunities, and stylistic notes for each song this episode provides a studio-ready repertoire list designed to keep spirits high and festive performances inspired throughout the busy holiday season. About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS ABRSM musicnotes.com ‘A Most Remarkable Fella: Frank Loesser, and the Guys and Dolls in His Life' by Susan Loesser ABOUT THE GUEST Alexa runs a singing tuition practice in the South of England, and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 qualification, and has presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practise and The Sing Space. SEE FULL BIO HERE Website Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching 🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion. “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Updates | Email Us | Free Group