Singing Teachers Talk

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 vers...

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 sh...

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 l...

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 singi...

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 opportunitie...

This week, Alexa chats with the brilliant Ian Howell to explore how we really hear the singers we work with. From psychoacoustics and functional listening to timbre, bias and intention, Ian unpacks the hidden processes behind vocal perception—and how understanding them can transform the way we teach. A deep, fascinating conversation for any singing teacher wanting sharper ears and smarter tools. ...

In this episode, Becky Morton, Principal of Further Education at ACM and Alexa explore what the FE academic route can offer young singers stepping into today’s music industry. Becky shares curriculum structure with project-based training, and how this helps students to build both industry awareness and artist identity. The pair dig into why early professional habits matter, how the diploma pathway...

In this episode, Alexa shares 10 brilliant songs that sit in the A4–D5 low-belt zone for female singers — a range full of character, energy, and storytelling potential.  From Standard Broadway favourites, 90s pop-rock anthems and modern hits this episode is packed with fresh repertoire ideas, stylistic insight, and creative inspiration for singers and teachers alike.   WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST   0:3...

What if the secret to better singing practice isn’t doing more , but understanding why we avoid it in the first place? Voice educator Tessa Smith Whicker joins Alexa to explore how her master’s research reshaped her view of practice — from battling guilt and distraction to embracing curiosity and compassion.  Discover how to get singers excited about their own practice, how teachers can reframe “y...

In this insightful episode, Alexa chats with Sami Wong, a speech and language pathologist who helps clients navigate communication challenges such as aphasia. Sami shares her personal journey into speech therapy, inspired by her late father’s recovery from a stroke, and explains what aphasia really is, and the role music and singing can play in therapy. We also dive into Sami’s creative side hustl...

Ever wondered how world-class singers keep their voices strong night after night on global tours? In this episode, we go behind the curtain with Mindy Pack — elite vocal coach to stars like Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, Sabrina Carpenter, and Justin Timberlake — to explore the science, strategy, and stamina behind life on the road. Discover how artists build vocal endurance, plus the secrets behind Mind...

Who decides what’s in when it comes to singing styles — how do voice teachers keep up? In this fun and insightful episode, Alexa chats with April Young about how changing trends in pop, musical theatre, and CCM are reshaping vocal training. From falsetto and belt to the science of registers and resonance, we explore how singers can stay healthy, expressive, and ahead of the curve. Perfect for voic...

Drama school auditions can feel like a mix of excitement, nerves and big dreams. In this episode, Alexa shares her top strategies for surviving and thriving in drama school auditions. From preparation to presence, discover how to bring your best self into the room and make the most of every opportunity. Whether you’re auditioning for the first time or guiding others through the process, this episo...

In this episode of the Singing Teachers Talk Podcast , vocal coach and business mentor Zoe Stibi shares how she turned a career crisis into thriving studios, a booming YouTube channel, and multiple income streams. From raising your rates with confidence to building an online presence that attracts students worldwide, Zoe breaks down practical strategies to help you earn more while working less.  W...

As singing teachers, we might often wonder: are my students actually having fun? Fun doesn’t have to mean over-the-top excitement—it’s about creating moments of joy, curiosity, and connection. In this episode, Alexa shares 10 practical ways to make singing lessons more enjoyable for students of all ages. From playful games and tongue twisters to using props, humour, and mindful moments, these idea...

What does it really take to reinvent yourself as a coach or creative? In this episode, we welcome back Gemma Sugrue; singer, entrepreneur, and business mentor to explore how she’s turned her own career pivots into powerful lessons for others. From wedding singer to studio owner, online educator to branding coach, Gemma has never been afraid to follow her curiosity and shed what no longer feels ali...

In this episode of The Singing Teachers Talk Podcast , Alexa chats with Rachael Drury about practical ways voice teachers can use AI to save time, spark creativity, and streamline admin — without losing the vital human connection that makes teaching so powerful. From lesson planning and practice tools to lyric writing and accountability, find out how AI can become a helpful ally in your teaching t...

In this episode, Alexa sits down with voice teacher and performer Conor Angell to explore his influential article How Do You Teach Voice? Six Vital Non-Musical Teaching Principles . They discuss how these principles shape effective teaching, what’s changed since 2019, and the importance of kindness, agency, and adaptability in the studio. Conor also reveals what he’d now add as a seventh principle...

In this episode we welcome Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross - co-authors of New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, where they explore how the arts are not just entertainment, but vital to human health, learning, and wellbeing. Our guests reveal how art physically changes the brain and body. We discuss neuroaesthetics—the science of how art impacts us—alongside practical...

Looking for fresh and engaging repertoire for young voices? In this episode, Alexa shares 10 fantastic song choices for pre-pubertal singers (ages 7–11), blending pop, musical theatre, Disney magic, and lyrical gems. Along the way, she unpacks how to adapt tricky material, and keep young singers inspired without shutting down their curiosity. Whether you’re a singing teacher or choir leader, you’l...

AI is shaking up the music industry — but what does that mean for singers, teachers, and creatives? In this episode, Alexa chats with Dr. Rachael Drury to unpack how generative AI is impacting songwriting, session work, copyright law, and even live performance. We explore what’s at risk, what’s protected, and what we can still hold onto as humans in a digital age. Whether you’re AI-curious or alre...

What sets a technically strong performer apart from a truly unforgettable one? In this episode, Molly Marie Walsh — performer, educator, and MT history advocate — unpacks how a deep understanding of musical theatre’s roots enriches performance, informs vocal style, and builds lasting careers. From the social commentary of Hadestown to the escapism of 1930s musicals, Molly and Alexa explore how his...

Feeling like there’s never enough time? You’re not alone. In this episode, Alexa and Line tackle one of the biggest challenges for singing teachers (and humans): time management. With humour and practical wisdom, they share simple, effective strategies, from time-blocking and micro-goals to prioritisation hacks and the Pomodoro technique. Whether you’re juggling students, study, or life in general...

This week, Alexa is joined by performer and vocal coach Conor O’Hara (fresh from the UK tour of Wicked ) to explore 10 standout songs for male singers in the contemporary musical theatre space. From smart audition choices to vocal technique tips, Conor offers practical, performer-led insight that both singers and teachers will find invaluable. Whether you're building your rep book or guiding...

From cruise ship stages to kitchen-table career pivots, Alexa Terry reflects on eight transformative lessons learned over eight years as a singing teacher in this honest, funny, and heartfelt episode of the Singing Teachers Talk podcast. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your teaching journey, this is the perfect mix of personal storytelling, practical insights, and the occasional exis...