Curious Vocalists

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Claire Turner, classical singer, singing teacher, and research and evaluation advisor for the Singing for Health Network, shares how breath work can transform both vocal performance and well-being. Holding an MA in voice pedagogy, Claire explains how intentional breathing practices like coherent breathing, nasal breathing, and breath work techniques calm the n...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock connects with Florida-based performer Eddie Z, the talent behind The One-Man Singing Drummer Band. Together, they share an honest, encouraging conversation about the daily reality of running a niche solo music business completely independently. The conversation explores the physical realities of singing behind a drum kit and what it takes to...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace is coached through the notoriously tricky belt technique of Hayley Williams in the Paramore song ‘All I Wanted’ by renowned vocal coach, singer, and educator Alexandra Pengler. Together they break down what makes Hayley’s chest-dominant mix voice so massive yet sustainable. The discussion and exercises centre on subtle vowel modification and vocal tract...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace sits down with vocalist and self-described “neuro-spicy, sensitive bean” Emily Parker (Emily Jean) who’s varied skills and interests in nature art and animals informs the incredibly intuitive and empathetic perspective on emotion and the voice. Packed with easy banter, laughs and spontaneous growth noises, the pair explore the direct link between a singe...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock sits down with European voice teacher, author, and SingWell founder, Linor Oren to explore the world of vocal coaching from behind the piano. Designed for singing teachers, vocal coaches, and those looking to branch out into the industry, this conversation is an honest and insightful look into the different approaches to teaching and ways to...

Many singers dream of accompanying themselves on piano but back away due to self-doubt, technical overwhelm, or the fear of sounding childish. This episode tackles the biggest obstacles holding vocalists back from sitting at the keys. By breaking down complex playing into simple, manageable pieces, lower-stakes practice techniques, and essential 4-chord songs, this episode shows how any singer can...

Tori Kelly is renowned for intricate, agile vocal runs that move with hummingbird-like speed and agility. In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock breaks down the foundational elements behind these irresistible melismas and shares the training exercises used to emulate her style. Drawing from R&B influences like Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake, the episode covers how light vo...

Get ready for an exclusive peek inside the most famous recording space on the planet! In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace Hancock sits down with Erika Brett—lead singer, keyboardist, Hammond organist, and harmony arranger for Chicago’s fiercely independent roots-rock band The Empty Pockets. Erika takes us behind the heavy doors of Abbey Road Studio 2 to break down the raw, thrilling proces...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace Hancock explores the high-achiever’s most feared notions: acceptance of our imperfections and being brave enough to be ordinary. Using her recent revelations through the wise words of well known authors, she highlights how these are far from signs of defeat, but rather the keys to your highest, most natural success in music…and life in general. She picks...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock sits down with dramatic soprano Ghislaine Dionne to explore the demanding, highly physical world of unamplified operatic singing. Facing the rare challenges of a massive dramatic voice and a lack of specialised coaching, Ghislaine developed the Listening Voice Technique—a method centred on self-diagnosis through physical sensation rather tha...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock sits down with the Chair of The International Network for Voice and Fitzmaurice Voicework practitioner, Cathryn Robson, to examine how body-centred somatic practice can transform vocal presence, breathing patterns, confidence, and expression. While traditional vocal training often focuses heavily on mechanical mechanics at the larynx, the Fi...

What happens when the applause ends, but you are still convinced you only got the gig by accident? Today on Curious Vocalists, specialist musician psychotherapist Dr. Jessica Quiñones returns to discuss the heavy, often secret burden of imposter syndrome in the music industry. In this episode, we challenge the idea that feeling like a fake is entirely negative. Instead, Jessica shares how this dis...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace sits down with creative entrepreneur and co-founder of ArtsGroupie CIC, Mikey Francis Dunne, to talk about the reality of creating a business in the creative industry. Mikey shares his journey from experiencing homelessness to co-running an award-winning creative enterprise right out of his flat.   The conversation strips away the fluff and focuses on th...

When we think of vocal health, our minds often jump straight to touring singers or West End performers. But if you are a classroom teacher managing a busy room, or a corporate executive delivering back-to-back presentations, you are a vocal professional—and you rely on the physical strength of your voice every single day. In this episode, Performance and Vocal Physiotherapist Genevieve Tawiah shar...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace is joined by Annie Little, an LA-based actress, vocal coach, and founder of The Unlimited Voice. Together, they look at the mechanical and mental shifts required to move from classical aria setups to contemporary commercial singing. They discuss how their opposite starting points led to similar hurdles with their mixed voices. While Grace struggled with...

In this case study episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace breaks down the distinctive qualities and vocal techniques that defined Ray Charles as a legendary singer and performer. Discover how he balanced a raw, unpolished grit with a deeply rooted chest resonance and forward placement to create an incredibly emotive and timeless sound. The episode explores his masterful, unpredictable phrasing that r...

Vocal fitness is not a topic to store away for later life. On this episode of Curious Vocalists, Dr. Rebecca Moseley-Morgan, researcher, educator, and incoming President of the British Voice Association, breaks down the physiological shifts that begin in our late 20s and 30s. Using insights from voice science and organology, she outlines the early structural changes affecting our respiratory muscl...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, we step into the studio with Kimberly Shires, a classically trained clarinetist turned independent music producer, audio engineer, and owner of Hear Me Roar Studios. Kimberly shares powerful insights from her recent festival panel about breaking down technical barriers and eliminating the gatekeeping that often leaves artists feeling lost during the production...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, life coach Tom Fogg joins a relaxed, conversational, yet profound exploration of the the relationship between truth, authenticity, and creativity. Rather than a structured interview, this is an open dialogue centred on the concept of truth and its foundational role in maintaining creative wellbeing. They discuss practical techniques for embracing self-compassi...

What happens when the music stops and it is time to talk to the crowd? For many musicians and vocalists, bridging the gap between songs is the most nerve-racking part of the show. In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace sits down with comedian, author, and comedy workshop leader Logan Murray—who has taught the likes of household names like Greg Davies and Rhod Gilbert. Logan shares invaluable...

In the second half of this special two-part series on the compelling speaking voice, the focus shifts from the physical foundations of voice to the art of delivery and leadership presence. This episode explores how to move beyond a monotone or repetitive delivery to find a voice that commands authority while maintaining a genuine connection with your audience. Through practical exercises and minds...

In this first instalment of a special two-part series, Curious Vocalists shifts the spotlight from the singing voice to the speaking voice. While musicians spend countless hours perfecting their melodies, the words spoken between songs—introductions, workshop instructions, and audience gratitude—are just as vital for establishing authority and authentic connection. Grace guides you through the ess...

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, RTT Practitioner and Hypnotherapist Laura Paton joins the show to de-mystify the world of hypnotherapy. She clarifies that the process is far from the freaky stereotypes of swinging clocks or losing consciousness; instead, it is a grounded method of relaxing the nervous system where the individual remains fully in control. The conversation explores how subcons...

Why does the voice tighten just when we need it most? In this episode, we sit down with Mind-Body Neuroscientist and Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner Emily Kennedy-Barnes to decode the physiological override that happens on stage.   Emily offers practical exercises beyond basic stress management to explore how neuroscience and somatic experiencing can transform your relationship with your instru...

How do you break through the old habits and creative "scar tissue" that keep you stuck? In this episode, Grace sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter, author, vocal coach, and TEDx speaker Emma G. After surviving 10 brain surgeries by age 14, Emma didn't just find a way to live—she found a way to rewrite her narrative through music. They discuss her new book, Mental Health Sounds Like This...