This Is A Voice-logo

This Is A Voice

Music Podcasts

Voice experts and bestselling authors Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher have been chatting about voice for more than 20 years - this time they've switched the microphone on. Vocal technique? check. Musicals? check. The weird things you can do with your voice? check. Includes AMA on voice, singing, speaking, performance techniques, voice exercises and so much more.

Location:

United Kingdom

Description:

Voice experts and bestselling authors Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher have been chatting about voice for more than 20 years - this time they've switched the microphone on. Vocal technique? check. Musicals? check. The weird things you can do with your voice? check. Includes AMA on voice, singing, speaking, performance techniques, voice exercises and so much more.

Language:

English

Contact:

01544 267946


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Singer Interrupted - Love Singing & Hate Performing - here's why that matters

2/10/2026
Send a text In this episode of This Is A Voice (S12 Ep6), Jeremy Fisher and Dr Gillyanne Kayes continue the story from “The Secret Singer” (Ep5) and go deeper into what happens when a singer’s path gets interrupted. Gillyanne shares what came after stopping singing in her late 20s, how she rebuilt confidence (slowly and with care), and why her “happy ending” wasn’t about chasing the stage again. We talk identity, grief, agency and the surprisingly liberating idea that loving singing doesn’t require loving performance. Then we zoom out into the bigger picture, how singing skills transfer into teaching, leadership, presenting, training and research. Plus, we unpack the difference between rehearsal and performance as totally different nervous system tasks, and why connection with the audience can change everything. If you’re a singer, teacher, vocal coach, choir leader, or anyone who’s ever felt like you need to “prove” your voice, this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00 “Singer Interrupted” 01:14 The happy ending (and the grief) 02:45 Returning to singing, rebuilding confidence, technique + agility 05:12 Seven years off singing, and why that can still lead somewhere good 06:15 “Performing spoils my day/week”, permission to redefine success 08:22 Singing identity vs public performance 10:45 What would your happy ending be if you didn’t have to prove anything? 12:19 Teaching, training, presenting, research, performance changes shape 16:47 Connection with the audience, social engagement, polyvagal lens 18:24 Transferable skills singers forget they have 20:04 Rehearsal vs performance, what the audience changes 24:09 Starting from your real emotion, plus “it’s OK to be crap for 10 minutes” 28:37 Nervous system expectations in performance, what helps Mentioned: Melissa Forbes, Stop Chasing Perfection, Start Singing for Connection (This Is A Voice Season 11, Ep13 https://youtu.be/r5-Lq4ithDc Safe Space 2 - Polyvagal Theory for Performance - our new online course with Franka van Essen https://vocal-process-hub.teachable.com/p/safe-space-2-polyvagal-theory-for-performance-with-franka-van-essen The Master-Apprentice survey - please fill in this survey (10-20 mins) https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/Master-Apprentice-Model-In-Singing-Teaching If this episode resonates, drop a comment, what part hit home for you? And tell us, where do you “perform” even when you’re not on a stage? Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials!

Duration:00:12:43

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The "Not Good Enough" story and the recording I never played - special guest episode

1/27/2026
Send us a text In this episode of our This Is A Voice podcast, we do something we've never done before. We have a “special guest”, not in the studio but on a recording, one that hasn't been played for more than 40 years. You'll have to listen to the first few minutes to discover who the special guest is! This conversation goes straight into the stuff singers quietly carry: The feeling that “good enough” is a place you never reach. How training can install a deficit narrative. Why the master-apprentice model can turn learning into permission-seeking. How confidence regresses when the teacher-student dynamic isn’t handled with care. There’s also a very practical tangent Gillyanne and I both care about. If you never sing music with scales written in them, stop treating scales like the goal. Build exercises from the repertoire you actually perform. Stop singing scales, start practising riffs! We close the episode with a second archival excerpt. Same “special guest”. Same question underneath it all. What would change if you stopped auditioning for permission, and started making music from ownership? ***Apologies for the slightly variable sound quality, our microphones weren't working properly*** Credits Archival excerpt 1, Handel (German aria excerpt “Meine Seele hört im Sehen”) Archival excerpt 2, Mozart (Concert Aria K490, "Non temer, amato bene") Special guest singer: ??? Violin: Penelope Wayne Shapiro Piano: Jamie Clarke Recorded 1983 Master-Apprentice Survey link: https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/Master-Apprentice-Model-In-Singing-Teaching The Birmingham Vocal Coach blog on Rethinking Vocal Coaching https://www.thebirminghamvocalcoach.co.uk/blog Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:41:48

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

When A Song Doesn't Land - What to look for and how to fix it

12/12/2025
Send us a text Most singers can learn the notes and the words. That isn’t the part that gets in the way. The real block sits under the surface. It’s the moment where the song should land and somehow doesn’t. You can feel it. The audience can feel it. Something is missing. In this episode, we dig into that missing piece How singers learn songs too fast How the ear follows the recording but not the key How interpretation can be lovely but still empty And how inhabiting a song changes everything We talk through the internal logic sitting inside every piece of music The logic of the harmony The logic of the text The tiny decision points singers often sail past without noticing The moments of energy change, tempo change, key change, and emotional shift that carry the story There are real examples from our masterclasses, including: A classical song that suddenly locked into tune once the chords were stripped back. A singer who delivered a perfect interpretation but didn’t sound like himself until we dug for his version of the truth. A musical theatre song that revealed its turning point in the silence between phrases. 00:00 Why your song isn't landing 01:24 A shift in vocal technique 03:32 Being honest about your background 05:17 Helping a singer with tuning 08:39 Learning the song but not the key 10:15 Change points help you map the song 11:23 Do you memorise too quickly? 12:23 The Speed Run and other techniques 13:40 Acting without acting training 16:14 Green Finch and Linnet Bird 19:23 Not For The Life Of Me - Hidden in the text 21:47 Gimme Gimme - When ARE decisions made? 24:03 I Remember Sondheim 25:54 I Don't Sound Like Me! 30:30 Interpretation versus Inhabitation 35:06 The "studio-perfect" voice myth 37:44 This is our context, what's yours? If you teach singers, this episode gives you tools to diagnose why a performance isn’t landing. If you’re a singer, it shows you how to slow down, listen differently, and find the place where your voice actually sits inside the song. Tell us how you approach learning or teaching songs. What do you notice, break down, strip back, or question? We’d love to hear it. I Cain't Say No (Oklahoma) analysed by FlyNorthTheatricals https://www.tiktok.com/@flynorththeatricals/video/7566630322780081439 Remember to like and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - h

Duration:00:38:44

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

A Million Downloads - Then Burnout Hit. With Dr Marisa Lee Naismith

11/11/2025
Send us a text Burnout can creep up quietly - until one day you realise you’ve got nothing left to give. In this honest, wide-ranging conversation, Dr Gillyanne Kayes, Jeremy Fisher and guest Dr Marisa Lee Naismith (host of A Voice and Beyond) talk about burnout in the performing arts: how it happens, what it feels like, and what recovery really takes. We explore: The link between trauma, stress, and burnout Boundaries and learning to say “I don’t have the capacity” Why people-pleasing drives exhaustion The real brain changes in burnout and how to reset What it means to honour yourself as a creative This episode includes insights from Stress Burnout Reset by Kerry Norton, reflections on somatic recovery, and practical tools for singers and teachers finding their way back to balance. 00:00 Intro and Phlegm Alert 02:10 When Burnout Creeps Up On You 03:23 Losing Everything and Working Harder 05:39 Adversity vs Trauma 07:53 Burnout in the Performing Arts 08:41 Self-Worth and People-Pleasing 11:11 Learning To Say No And Setting Boundaries 15:19 The 24-7 Access Problem 19:28 The Power Of Saying "I Don't Have The Capacity" 22:07 What Burnout Does To The Brain 25:25 Recovery Tools and Somatic Practices 33:45 Maria's Final Reflections - Honouring Yourself Watch, reflect, and share your experience of burnout in the comments. Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:36:34

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Student Burnout, Time Poverty & The Perfectionism Trap. With Dr Ayan Panja & Richard Delaney

10/28/2025
Send us a text If you’ve ever felt exhausted, cynical or “not good enough,” this episode will help you spot the signs, set boundaries and start recovering - without guilt. What really causes burnout in musicians, singers, teachers, and students? In this second episode of This Is A Voice on burnout, Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher discuss the physical, emotional, and systemic roots of burnout - with two special guests offering different perspectives. Dr Ayan Panja (NHS GP, Saving Lives In Slow Motion podcast) explains why burnout isn’t just “being tired” - and what really happens when empathy and perfectionism collide. Richard Delaney (Programme Leader, BA Hons Acting: Contemporary and Devised at Royal Central School of Speech & Drama) reveals how time poverty and constant assessment are burning out a generation of creative students. Plus, Gillyanne and Jeremy share their own stories of freelance burnout, people-pleasing and finding balance as performers and coaches. Listen now and share it with a friend who might need it. Featuring clips from Saving Lives In Slow Motion (used with permission). Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:28:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

From Exhaustion to Recovery - Our Burnout Stories, with guest Franka van Essen

10/14/2025
Send us a text Burnout isn’t just “being tired.” For many musicians, singers, and creatives, it creeps in quietly until suddenly you can’t think clearly, you can’t create, and you feel stuck in cycles of exhaustion. In Season 12 Episode 1 of This Is A Voice, Jeremy Fisher and Dr. Gillyanne Kayes open up about their own experience with burnout, how it affected their work and creativity, and what they did to recover. They’re joined by singer and coach Franka van Essen, who explains burnout through the lens of Polyvagal Theory - and why creatives often toggle between burnout, boredom and overdrive. We talk about: The real signs of burnout (that you might be ignoring) Why freelancing makes burnout more likely How Polyvagal Theory can help you recognise the “zones” you live in Practical ways to step back into rest, creativity, and connection If you’ve ever felt exhausted, disconnected, or wondered “is this burnout?”, this episode will help you recognise it - and give you hope that you can recover. #burnout #singerburnout #polyvagaltheory #musicianmentalhealth #vocalcoach #singingteacher 00:00 Mood swings and despair 01:19 What burnout looks like 02:56 Measuring burnout 05:21 Jeremy’s change of behaviour 07:12 Franka on how burnout can start 09:19 Singing teachers and burnout 12:16 Musicians and task switching 13:49 Polyvagal theory and the zones 17:10 Toggling between the zones 19:01 Compassion fatigue 22:25 Household boundaries 25:08 A plate of raspberry puddings 25:44 Getting back in the green zone 28:44 Learning to say no Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:32:14

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Stop Chasing Perfection - Start Singing For Connection. With Melissa Forbes

8/26/2025
Send us a text What does it take to be an effective singing leader? Why is community music is so vital for social health? How can positivity counteract our innate negativity bias? In this powerful follow-up with Dr Melissa Forbes, we talk about how singing transforms lives far beyond the stage. From rethinking the deficit mindset of traditional music training to leading groups for people with Parkinson’s, Melissa challenges us to see singing through a new lens: Connection, not perfection. Whether you're a singer, teacher, coach, or someone who just loves voices, this episode will shift how you think about music, leadership and human connection. #musicleadership #positivity #mentalhealth 00:00 The singing skill no-one talks about 05:09 Performative versus Experiential music 07:28 What makes a great singing leader? 09:52 Singing for health and Parkinson’s choirs 15:02 A moving story about the power of choirs 19:04 Negativity bias & deficit mindset in music training 22:36 Helping people see beyond their limitations 24:46 Melissa’s three-word mantra Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, book a Discovery Call with Gillyanne here https://DrGillyanneKayesJeremyFisherInspirationSession.as.me/ACCREDITATIONCHAT Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the @VocalProcess socials! #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:26:27

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Jazz, Research & Bucket-List Turns: The Moment Melissa Forbes Quit Law for Music

7/15/2025
Send us a text Dr Melissa Forbes worked in law for 10 years until the firm's partner told a story about a bucket of water. That speech sent her straight to a jazz conservatorium, then to the research lab, and finally into community halls where group singing is healing real-world isolation. In this episode of This Is A Voice, Jeremy Fisher & Dr Gillyanne Kayes chat with Melissa on - the “flight-corrections” that reboot a creative life - how positive psychology reframes practice, strength and burnout - why participatory choirs can out-perform stadium shows in human impact - tips for choir leaders & voice teachers who feel stuck in the “performance-only” loop Whether you belt for Britain, lead chamber choirs, or run a voice studio, the twists and turns in Melissa’s story will spark new ideas for you and your singers. Hit play, grab a cuppa, and let’s get vocal about making music that matters! 00:00 – A Jazz Singer, A Lawyer & A Bucket of Water Walk Into a Bar... 05:05 – Bringing the lawyer brain to music 08:50 – Is singing research a dry subject? 13:55 – Losing (& refinding) your joy in music 17:45 – Turning points for different people 22:09 – How singing helps with a crisis of social health 24:12 – Music for health and wellbeing #CommunityChoir #PositivePsychology #VoiceScience Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 Here's the link to Melissa's article on pivoting from music performance to music on prescription (it's free to access): https://research.usq.edu.au/download/58f90447e97bc759d586fcb70ab91a7d3114d02bd6fdade8d31dbc0b1e02b81f/449105/forbes-et-al-2025-from-music-performance-to-prescription-a-guide-for-musicians-and-health-professionals.pdf You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (now over 700 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson with us. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:29:49

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Dealer's Choice. 5 years, 100+ episodes and our favourite vocal moments

7/1/2025
Send us a text This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a five-year deep-dive into the voices, lives and lessons of singers, teachers and coaches around the world. In this special fifth anniversary episode of This Is A Voice, Jeremy and Dr. Gillyanne revisit the most powerful, personal, and punch-in-the-gut moments from over 100 episodes. From life-changing reflux wake-ups, to the moment a singer’s voice disappeared on stage, to a viral blog on “Success Amnesia”... this is Dealer’s Choice. Whether you're a singer, coach, SLP, SLT or voice-curious creative, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, taste, recovery, self-worth and biscuit tins. Featuring: Vocal injuries (and how to recover) The truth about reflux for voice users Why your "classical voice" isn't a prison When technique isn’t the answer (but safe space is) What to do when you forget your own success 00:00 Vocal For 5 Years - Here's What We've Learned 01:00 Our First Episode & Gillyanne's Dad's Biscuit Tin 02:00 Sing the Whole Song or Work on Fragments? 04:56 This Popular Episode on Reflux Might Change Your Teaching 10:38 Singers: Doing What You Love Or Just Coping? 14:53 Her Voice Cut Out On Stage. What Happened Next? 23:29 "Why Don't I Feel Successful?" This Might Be The Reason 30:28 The Artist's Curse: Always Onto The Next Thing 32:54 Are You Vocally Biased? The Need-To-Know About Taste 37:05 Teachers Can Be Cruel To 10-Year-Olds 39:50 80% of Voice Coaching Is This (It's Not Technique) 45:58 MT Singers: This Mindset Shift Will Change Your Singing 47:14 Share Your Favourite Episode Perfect for: musical theatre singers, contemporary artists, classical performers, vocal coaches, SLPs, and anyone who’s ever lost their voice — literally or metaphorically. #voicelossonstage #refluxandsinging #musicaltheatre Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:48:26

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Secret Voice Teacher Goldmine

6/17/2025
Send us a text "One of the greatest repositories of knowledge for singing and for performance in existence" What if you had 700 expert voice teaching tools at your fingertips—any time, any day? In this episode of This Is A Voice, Jeremy and Gillyanne get personal about the Vocal Process Learning Lounge — a powerhouse online resource designed for singing teachers, vocal coaches, choir leaders, and voice users. You’ll hear how the Learning Lounge came to life, who it’s for, and why it’s become a go-to CPD (continuing professional development) hub with over 38 accredited hours and growing. #CPDforSingers Whether you want help with vowel tuning, stylistic coaching, teen voice changes, or even straw-based SOVT exercises — the Learning Lounge has it. Plus, discover how our live Q&As build real community, create a sounding board, and help teachers implement learning that very same day. Want to try it or ask a question? Visit https://vocalprocess.co.uk or drop us a message. Topics in this episode include: 📥 Learn more at https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/ 00:00 – 🎉 Birthday podcast! (Yes, we’re that dedicated) 01:15 – "The Learning Lounge is AMAZING" - West End vocal coaches agree 02:53 – Why we built a singing teacher’s dream 04:48 – Built for busy voices and busy lives 06:40 – Videos, workshops & songlists — oh my! 08:22 – Less spoon-feeding, more lightbulb moments 10:02 – CPD without the soul-sucking quizzes 11:50 – A vowel epiphany, courtesy of Steph 14:30 – Musical Theatre, resonance & genre wizardry 17:38 – Q&A sessions - your vocal agony aunt hour 22:06 – Vocal muscle training 23:27 – In person in London, you could touch us 25:52 – Adolescent voice change & tricky transitions 28:25 – SOVT straws and muscle tension 35:02 – Safe Spaces & polyvagal insights 37:10 – Where to find us + what’s coming next Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess

Duration:00:37:55

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Balancing Vocal Technique & Storytelling with GSA's Head of Singing

6/5/2025
Send us a text 🎭 In this powerful episode of This Is A Voice, we welcome back Kevin Michael Cripps, Head of Singing at Guildford School of Acting (GSA), for a deep conversation about the real challenges - and the hidden joys - of training musical theatre performers today. 💬 From breaking down the myth of "giving 100%" to building stamina, challenging beliefs, decoding "mix", and supporting students' mental wellbeing, this is a masterclass in voice education. Kevin, Jeremy, and Gillyanne get honest about what it takes to teach sustainably, integrate acting with technique, and prepare students for an evolving industry. Whether you're a singer, teacher, coach, or student, you'll find something in this episode that resonates. Expect laughter, truth bombs, and a few gentle rants. #voicetraining #musicaltheatre #dramaschool #gsa 00:00 The Give-it-all myth debunked 01:01 Calibration - vocal and dramatic sweet spot 02:00 Building stamina - Jeremy's personal story 05:50 Why Plan B might save your voice 07:16 Beliefs can sabotage your singing 12:06 What great teachers actually do 13:58 That moment you hear more than E5 15:43 When students start coaching themselves 17:34 What's heartbreaking? "I can't sing a high Bb" 21:15 What's the story behind the sound? 23:55 Stop teaching exercises in a vacuum 27:03 Congrats on your mix, now WHY? 31:35 What singing education needs next 37:30 The role of a drama college today Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:42:59

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Training performers for the real musical theatre world - with Kevin Michael Cripps

5/20/2025
Send us a text In this powerhouse episode, Kevin Michael Cripps, Head of Singing at Guildford School of Acting, joins Jeremy and Gillyanne for a deep dive into the realities of training musical theatre performers in the 21st century. Kevin shares what it’s really like to work inside one of the UK’s leading drama schools—and how teaching voice has shifted to reflect individuality, neurodiversity, and longevity. 🎭 Individuality vs Industry Expectations → How GSA nurtures authentic vocal identities in a results-driven world → Why "cookie cutter" training harms the industry—and the performer 🎓 Bridging Education & Professional Life → What students think the industry expects vs what it really needs → The critical difference between drama school feedback and audition feedback → Helping students navigate casting mismatches and unrealistic vocal ideals 🧠 Pedagogy & Psychological Safety → How Kevin builds a "multi-lexical" teaching staff for diverse learners → Replacing the toxic “give 110%” mindset with sustainable performance → Empowering students to feel they are enough in their own structures 🎤 Practical Voice Training Strategies → Why “it doesn’t feel hard” doesn’t mean “it’s not working” → Peer-led learning through small group singing sessions → Tackling buzzwords like “speechy” and “purple” in professional settings 💼 Career Longevity & Self-Marketing → Teaching students to own their instrument as a business asset → The new digital skills actors must develop (reels, social, filming) → Why some grads succeed in their 30s—not their 20s—and that’s OK This episode is essential listening for: ✔️ Singing teachers & vocal coaches in drama or music theatre ✔️ Performers navigating conservatoire life or early careers ✔️ Choral directors and educators seeking inclusive, forward-thinking pedagogy ✔️ Anyone frustrated by industry myths around “belting,” casting types, and “sounding right” 🎧 Listen, learn, laugh—and maybe rethink your entire teaching approach. Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:39:09

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

When Jeremy Broke ChatGPT: What AI Really Means for Singers and Teachers

5/6/2025
Send us a text This is the MOST nervous Jeremy's ever been recording a podcast — and for good reason! In this deep, honest and funny conversation, Jeremy Fisher and Dr. Gillyanne Kayes share how the world of Artificial Intelligence has changed their careers. And Jeremy shares an intensely personal moment where he broke ChatGPT — and what it taught him about trust, frustration, and human connection. What AI REALLY is (and what it isn't!) How ChatGPT works — and how it misled us Why understanding prompts is now an essential life skill for artists How singers, teachers, and creatives can use AI ethically, powerfully, and authentically The biggest mistakes people make with AI (and how to avoid becoming "Captain Obvious") 👉 BONUS: We're launching a brand-new LIVE course: Marketing Yourself with AI Without Sounding Like a Robot! Click here to book your place https://book.stripe.com/3csaGtfSh9E65G05kl 00:00 Nervous About AI: Why This Episode Is Different 02:05 Large Language Models Explained Simply 03:31 The Hidden Risks: Why AI Can Mislead You 06:03 Free vs Paid AI: What They Don't Tell You 06:59 How Acrobat and AI Might Leak Your Data 09:37 Mastering ChatGPT Prompts (Human Intelligence Required!) 16:31 Avoiding "Captain Obvious" Syndrome With ChatGPT 18:58 Oh I've Broken it - the Frustration of Dealing with AI 22:13 The Day ChatGPT Lied: A Real Story 23:28 Why I'm Polite to ChatGPT 28:58 The ChatGPT-Led Revelation about Myself 31:17 How to Train ChatGPT to be More You 34:49 Solving the Blank-Page Problem 40:37 Marketing Yourself With AI — Without Losing Your Voice 46:13 The Difference Between Automation and AI Agent 48:35 Jeremy's Mini-me 🌟 Whether you're AI-curious or already using tools like ChatGPT, this episode is packed with wisdom, examples and practical steps for thriving as a singer teacher musician in the AI age. ➡️ Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 #SingingTeachers #ChatGPT #Marketing #Creativity #AItools You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:50:35

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

A Voice Teacher's Dilemma: Rehab vs Overreach - with Mike Ruckles

4/22/2025
Send us a text What actually happens in a top-tier vocal coach's studio? What is "crack sob" and why is it so common in Broadway belting? What's the deal with voice rehab? In this episode of This Is A Voice, Gillyanne and Jeremy are joined once again by Mike Ruckles - Broadway vocal coach and Singing Voice Specialist - to explore the fine line between SLPs (SLTs in the UK), ENTs and voice teachers in voice rehabilitation. From navigating professional boundaries in vocal rehab to decoding the latest Journal of Voice research on "register instability", we're chatting about the world of high-level voice care. Whether you're a singing teacher, voice professional, or just obsessed with vocal health and performance, this one's a must-watch. 00:00 Vocal health for singers on Broadway 02:12 Singing voice rehab when not an SLP/SLT 06:00 Jeremy’s word of caution on vocal rehab 08:45 The role of an SVS (singing voice specialist) 09:33 Gillyanne’s story of the singer’s diagnosis 12:12 Teaching MT role vs tour gig 15:19 Can we talk about key? 17:53 Researching the crack/sob 22:16 The process of research 🔗 Read the published study: PubMed Abstract https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40087078/ Direct Access via Elsevier https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0892199725000918?dgcid=author 🔔 Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes from industry leaders, voice scientists and vocal coaches. Got experience with voice clinics or vocal injury? 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining, #voicerehabilitation, #singingvoicespecialist, #broadway

Duration:00:28:31

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Vocal Coach to Broadway’s Best: Mike Ruckles on Technique, Trust & Truth

4/8/2025
Send us a text What does it take to keep a Broadway voice strong, expressive, and injury-free through 8 shows a week? 🎤 In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Mike Ruckles — vocal coach, pianist, musical director, and the quiet powerhouse behind Tony, Grammy and Oscar-winning singers and actors. ✅ How Mike balances vocal science and artistic nuance ✅ The real challenges of coaching Broadway performers ✅ Tools for building sustainable technique under pressure ✅ Behind-the-scenes stories of vocal breakthroughs ✅ Moving away from voice training "Models" Whether you’re a singer, vocal coach, or just obsessed with what makes Broadway tick — this episode will inspire and challenge your thinking. 0:00:00 - Why Artists and Educators Need Each Other 0:05:22 - Mike’s Unexpected Start in Vocal Coaching 0:08:12 - The Arrival Moment: When a Singer Owns It 0:10:45 - What's Your Auditory Target? 0:13:49 - Coaching Elphabas and Hamilton Voices 0:17:05 - What Role Does Safety Play in Singing? 0:20:11 - Are You *You* in a Casting? 0:23:10 - The Trap of Fitting a Vocal Mould 0:26:12 - When Technique Doesn’t Match the Voice 0:29:14 - Singing is About Identity, Not Just Sound 0:32:05 - Should We Have Homogeneity in Training? 0:35:00 - Honouring Uniqueness in Every Performer 0:37:51 - Celebrating the Graduates Who Don’t Fit the Box 📢 Share this with a singing teacher or performer who needs to hear it Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining Broadway vocal coach, Mike Ruckles interview, how to train a Broadway voice, singing coach for musical theatre, voice science for singers, vocal technique Broadway, This Is A Voice podcast, voice teacher advice, musical theater vocal training, vocal health for performers, Gillyanne Kayes, Jeremy Fisher, vocal coaching podcast, how to survive 8 shows a week, Broadway vocal technique, vocal stamina tips, professional voice training, musical theatre voice tips

Duration:00:41:05

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Are You Forgetting Your Own Success? The Truth About Success Amnesia

3/25/2025
Send us a text Are you constantly chasing the next goal without celebrating your wins? You might have Success Amnesia—and it could be holding you back. In this episode of This Is A Voice, Dr. Gillyanne Kayes & Jeremy Fisher dive into why high-achieving singers, teachers, and performers forget their own success, how this mindset can lead to burnout & imposter syndrome, and—most importantly—how to break the cycle. We also explore: 🎤 Why singers, voice teachers, and performers are particularly vulnerable to Success Amnesia 🧠 How this relates to ADHD, burnout, and high-performance careers 🚀 Practical strategies to track, celebrate, and harness your achievements for growth 💡 The game-changing Success Bank method If you’ve ever felt like you should be further along by now or your successes don’t count, this episode is for you 💬 Join the conversation: Do you experience Success Amnesia? What’s your strategy for recognizing your achievements? Tell us in the comments! 📖 Read the full blog on Success Amnesia here: https://vocalprocess.co.uk/success-amnesia/ 📚 Book mentioned: Now It All Makes Sense by Alex Partridge https://amzn.to/4l0g4zF 📚 Article mentioned: Singing Voice Teaching and Voice Science: Where is the Meeting Point? By Gillyanne Kayes and Irene Bartlett https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/425/article/935196/pdf 🔗 Follow us for more insights on voice, singing, and performance: 👉 YouTube: https://youtube.com/vocalprocess 👉 Website: https://vocalprocess.co.uk #ThisIsAVoice #SuccessAmnesia #SingingTips #ADHD #ImposterSyndrome #Musicians #Burnout #VocalCoaching #Singers #ChoirLeaders #VoiceTeachers #Mindset #Performers #MusicalTheatre #SuccessMindset Remember to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:29:55

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

West End Secrets: How Vocal Coaches Train Lead Performers in Musicals | Claire Underwood Returns!

3/24/2025
Send us a text How do West End lead singers handle vocal demands, perfectionism, and the pressure of 8 shows a week? 🎤 In this episode of This Is A Voice, we welcome back Claire Underwood, West End resident vocal coach, to uncover more behind-the-scenes realities of training musical theatre stars. 🔹 What you'll discover in this episode: ✔️ How lead performers balance storytelling with vocal technique ✔️ The role of a vocal coach in a West End production ✔️ How to manage conflicting notes from directors, MDs, and coaches ✔️ The secret to vocal safety & longevity in high-pressure performances ✔️ The myth of perfection and why it's sabotaging singers ✔️ Why audience energy plays a crucial role in live theatre 00:00 Helping actors understand music 03:39 Dealing with conflicting directions 05:13 Experienced versus young performers 06:58 The confidence to do what you do 09:56 Sore points, butter knives and velcro 11:21 Perfectionism and the Hamilton Pressure 17:13 The “Good Enough” envelope 20:10 Vocal safety & sustainable performance levels 23:06 Managing the mental pressure of being a lead 25:46 The comfort zone myth Whether you're a musical theatre performer, vocal coach, or theatre lover, this episode is packed with insights on voice, performance psychology, and surviving the demands of professional theatre. You can watch the first part of Claire's interview here 👉 https://youtu.be/MLZoBdVq-dQ 🔔 Hit the Subscribe button for more expert vocal insights 💬 What’s the best piece of vocal advice you've ever received from a vocal coach? Drop it in the comments! #WestEnd #MusicalTheatre #VocalCoach #SingingTips #Hamilton #ThisIsAVoice #VocalHealth #Perfectionism #Acting You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:29:02

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

Coaching West End leads in musical theatre - Claire Underwood on Les Mis, Hamilton, Cabaret & more

3/4/2025
Send us a text How do actors and singers deal with performing in long-running shows? And what is the role of a vocal coach - is vocal technique only part of the puzzle? In this episode of This Is A Voice, we sit down with Claire Underwood — the vocal coach behind Hamilton, Les Misérables, Cabaret, Phantom of the Opera and more in London's West End — to explore: 🎭 How top-level singers stay healthy in high-pressure roles 🎶 Why individuality matters more than copy-pasting a “perfect sound” 🧠 How mindset, belief, and identity impact performance 🗣️ The difference between coaching actors vs. singers 💡 Why the singing isn’t the goal — the storytelling is. Three high-level vocal coaches, all with West End clients, sharing thoughts on how to support professional performers in musical theatre. 00:00 Claire Underwood’s amazing resume 02:21 A holistic approach 04:11 Finding themselves in the role 05:47 Reinventing a long-running show 07:32 Is there an industry sound? 10:06 Individuality moving from drama student to professional 12:22 Earning the sounds your character makes 14:54 Dealing with conflicting advice in the show 16:12 Why quick fixes might not work 18:36 It’s not my job to… 20:35 Taking over a long-running role 24:21 Working with actors not known for singing 27:51 Difference between actor and singer mentalities 29:41 When “singing” isn’t the goal Whether you're a professional singer, vocal coach, choir leader, or musician supporting performers, this is a must-watch for anyone serious about thriving in this industry without losing their voice — or themselves. 🎧 Watch the full episode now and find out what’s really going on behind the scenes: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVe-7G6hitI #MusicalTheatre #VocalCoach #ProfessionalSingers #SingingTeacher #VoiceTraining #PerformerMindset #ChoirDirector #MusicIndustry #StorytellingThroughSong #cabaretmusical Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort26. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess #vocalprocess #teacheraccreditation #voicetraining

Duration:00:33:13

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

The Hidden Singing Teacher - Why group singing matters now more than ever

1/28/2025
Why are humans naturally drawn to sing together? And why do we need this now more than ever? Join us as we explore this deeply human experience. In Season 11, Episode 1 of This Is A Voice, Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher kick off the new season with an inspiring deep dive into the transformative power of group singing. Explore the often-overlooked role of choir leaders as hidden voice teachers and uncover the profound ways communal singing can strengthen social bonds, combat loneliness, and boost mental well-being. With contributions from special guest choir leaders James Sills (Sofa Singers), Jessa Liversidge, Kerry Green, and Cerys Purser, this episode highlights personal stories and expert insights into how singing together fosters connection and healing. Whether you're a choir leader, a singing enthusiast, or curious about the science behind group singing, this episode is for you. 00:00 Shaping singing without 1-1 training 00:59 Breaking news – Bantam of the Opera 02:52 James Sills on connection in the age of loneliness 04:44 Why participation matters more than applause 07:24 Jessa Liversidge on choir singing and Mental Health 09:43 Singing your way to the green zone 11:49 Kerry Green on the power of group singing for aphasia 14:05 When words are lost, songs remain 15:50 Cerys Purser on bringing an entire town together in music 18:15 Empowering voices through choral leadership 20:38 From isolation to harmony – singing as social health 24:01 The power of group singing to unite and transform Find more about our guests here: James Sills https://james-sills.com @jsillsmusic The Sofa Singers https://www.thesofasingers.com/ Bantam of the Opera https://www.bbc.co.uk/cityofculture/bradford2025/bantam-of-the-opera/ James interviewed on BBC Radio 3 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0026wsx?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile Starting at 1:18:00 Jessa Liversidge https://jessaliversidge.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessaliversidge/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/jessaliversidge Kerry Green Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kerrygreenmusic/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kerrygreenvocals/ Glasshouse https://theglasshouseicm.org/press/five-minutes-with-choir-leader-kerry-green/ Cerys Purser https://www.facebook.com/people/Cerys-Purser-at-Create-Voice/100085634885190/ https://vocalprocess.co.uk/about-vocal-process/meet-the-team/ Warwick - a Singing Town https://warwicksingingtown.co.uk/ You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess

Duration:00:27:10

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

From Panic to Purpose: Real stories of growth from vocal coaches, choral leaders & singing teachers

11/12/2024
Ever wondered how professional vocal coaches, singing teachers, and choir leaders overcome the challenges of their craft? In Season 9, Episode 12 of the 'This is a Voice' podcast, Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher take you inside the transformative experiences of six Registered Teachers from different backgrounds, including Amy Housley (actor and singing teacher), Tim Uffindell (gospel singer & choir leader), and Laura Thomas (SLT and singer), Amy Jenkins ( CCM singer/teacher and NLP practitioner), Naomi Lee Schulke (MT singer/teacher and trans voice trainer) and Hannah Grandy (opera singer and MT coach) Listen as these professionals share raw and inspiring stories about overcoming self-doubt, rediscovering their passion for teaching, and the power of community support. Hear how the unique peer support and buddy system within our Accreditation Programme empowers teachers to thrive, experiment with new techniques, and grow both personally and professionally. Discover why collaboration, creativity, and context are crucial in modern vocal pedagogy. If you're looking to deepen your teaching skills, connect with peers, or reignite your passion for voice work, this episode is for you. Are you ready to join a community that lifts you up and transforms your teaching? 🔗 Book a discovery call and join a community where you belong: https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme 00:00 Amy J on bit of a panic 02:16 Putting two video streams together 03:34 Amy H on new techniques with the choir 04:41 Hannah on discovering more about my voice 06:36 Introducing peer support 07:29 Tim on no sense of competition 09:15 Laura on the wonderful buddy system 13:11 Naomi on watching each other’s lessons 14:45 Amy J on breaking down vocal exercises 17:24 Hannah on a powerful change in identity 19:38 Amy H on the emotion of finding your level 22:24 Confidence, certainty, context, collaboration, creativity Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insightful episodes. Leave a comment below on what inspired you the most! 👇 You can find out about our Teacher Accreditation for singing teachers, vocal coaches and choir leaders and start your own journey here https://vocalprocess.co.uk/teacher-accreditation/ We've also got this ↓ For the best self-guided learning, check out the Vocal Process Learning Lounge - 22 years of vocal coaching resources (over 600 videos) for less than the price of one private singing lesson. Click on the link https://vocalprocess.co.uk/learning-lounge/learning-lounge-level-2-deep-dive/ If you want to discover if our singing teacher training programme works for YOU, message us - we can share the process for joining Cohort25. https://www.cognitoforms.com/VocalProcess1/TheAccreditationProgramme Get the One Minute Voice Warmup app here, it's got a 4.9star rating Appstore https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/one-minute-voice-warmup/id1212802251 Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechtools.warmup&hl=en_GB Check out our Voice Journal, written with Rayvox's Oren Boder https://www.rayvox.co.uk/products/voice-journal?ref=VOCALPROCESS Find us - follow us on the socials! 🐦 Twitter - https://twitter.com/Vocalprocess 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vocalprocess 📖 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/vocalprocess

Duration:00:23:42