Singing Teachers Talk

Ever wondered what makes a great singing studio setup? In this solo episode, Alexa Terry explores the key elements of a well-equipped singing studio, offering practical insights for teachers working in both private and institutional settings. From essential tools to thoughtful touches that support vocal, emotional, and educational needs, this episode is packed with practical tips for building a sp...

How do actors convincingly switch accents, and what happens when singing enters the mix? Voice teacher, researcher and spoken voice expert Louisa Morgan returns to explore the rich world of accents and dialects—from phonetics and oral posture to emotional authenticity and ethical considerations. Louisa dives into the challenges singers face when shifting from speech to song in character, how to ma...

In this episode, Alexa shares 10 game-changing resources that have transformed her own practice as a singing teacher. From essential books and pitch apps to surprising finds, this episode is packed with fresh inspiration for teachers at every stage of their journey. Which resource could become your new secret weapon? Tune in to find out.  About the presenter click HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LI...

What happens when you mix Julie Andrews, musical theatre, and a dash of cheeky cabaret? This week, Alexa chats to performer and singing teacher Rosie Williamson about her show What Would Julie Do? —a musical comedy cabaret. Rosie shares how she built a heartwarming, hilarious, harmony-filled show that uplifts audiences and champions mental health causes. Plus: perfectionism, parody law, and why yo...

In this episode of Singing Teachers Talk , Estelle Idoko shares her journey from medical school to music school. We explore how she helps others reconnect with their creativity, and what holds so many back from living artistically. Whether you're a singer, teacher, or someone wondering: “Is it too late to live creatively?” , this conversation will leave you feeling seen, stirred, and ready to...

Want to help your singers master pop stylings like belt, riffing, breathy tone, and yodel flips? Alexa has invited singing coach Hannah Smikle back to the podcast for this practical episode, to share 10 killer pop songs that unlock vocal agility, texture, and expressive flair. What vocal tools can help singers to progress into certain melodies, and how do you apply pop texture in a piano-only spac...

In this episode, we chat with Dublin-based singing teacher and voice science enthusiast Eimear McCarthy Luddy. Eimear shares the story behind her #AnatoMonday Vocal Anatomy Colouring Book —a fun, creative resource designed to make vocal anatomy accessible and engaging. We explore her journey from struggling with traditional anatomy materials to creating her own, how she uses anatomy in teaching, a...

In this episode ahead of Pride Month, Alexa Terry shares 10 vibrant, emotional, and empowering songs to celebrate LGBTQ+ voices in your singing studio. From folk rock belting to acoustic remixes and Broadway ballads, discover repertoire that not only expands vocal technique, but also tells meaningful stories. Which of these tracks will you be adding to your Pride playlist?  About the presenter cli...

How can we define ‘gospel,’ and what are the nuances of the style that give it its name? This week, Alexa joins Nashville-based vocal coach and music producer, Amos Evans, to chat about chords, riffs, vibrato and other textures which can contribute to an aesthetic gospel sound. Hit play for teaching tips, advice to choir leaders - and to be serenaded!     WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   0:52 Who is Amos...

Are ‘warm ups’ and ‘cool downs’ really necessary for singers? In this episode, Alexa and Line dive into the why, when, and how of warming up and cooling down the voice. With a mix of science, personal insight, and practical tips (yes, including vibrators!) Tune in to rethink your routine and pick up tools that actually work for your voice.    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   0:43 Should singers warm up? ...

What if one of the most powerful moments of someone’s life happened in their final days? And what if that moment was because of music? Founder of Music in Hospices, Joe Cavalli-Price, shares astonishing stories of how live music can transform palliative care, and how singers can bring joy to the dying. This emotional and uplifting episode might just change the way you think about music, care, and...

In this thought-provoking episode, Stephen King returns to explore the deep links between psychology and voice. How can we integrate body psychotherapy into our lessons without a psychology degree? And how can we respond when we don’t have all the answers? This episode invites you to rethink what it means to really listen.    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   2:40 From vocal coach to psychotherapist  16:3...

In this solo episode, Alexa unveils a brand-new podcast feature all about repertoire . But why is choosing the right song so much more than just picking a tune your student likes? Join Alexa as she shares 10 songs for a range of student needs.     WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   1:27 Should singing teachers assign repertoire?   2:14 What might we want to consider when suggesting repertoire to singers?  ...

This week, Alexa is chatting with singing teacher and performer of stage and screen - Becca Luter, about mastering the art of stress-free self-taping for auditions. Discover valuable tips and techniques to enhance the audition process for you and your students, from setting up the perfect environment to building a rapport through the screen. Tune in and learn how to turn audition anxiety into crea...

Vocal Range – What the Fach?! Ever wondered what really defines a singer’s voice type? In this episode, BAST founder Line Hilton demystifies the world of vocal fach —but is it really all about range? From booming basses to soaring sopranos, discover the roles of tone and timbre, hear some of the exercises we can offer in the studio to help a singer expand their vocal range, and get to know where m...

Could a hidden tongue tie be holding your singers back? In this episode, certified orofacial myology specialist Jessica Luffey reveals how tongue ties impact vocal freedom - and it’s more common than you might think. Discover how to spot a tongue tie with a simple self-assessment, the surprising symptoms that could be affecting your singers, and why the right treatment could transform their voice....

Did you know that hypermobility can impact vocal technique, breath control, and even performance anxiety? In this episode, voice coach and viral blogger Sarah Algoet discusses the surprising ways hypermobility affects singers—both as a gift and a challenge. Tune in to discover insights, practical approaches, and how teachers can better support hypermobile singers! WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:10 What...

Episode 200! We're celebrating this milestone with none other than Emily Kristen Morris, a powerhouse performer from the stages of Wicked , Frozen , and Something Rotten ! Get ready for a deep dive into the mysteries of mix and belt, what they are, how they work, and how singers can master them. Expect vocal geekery, expert insights, and a few laughs along the way! Don't miss this specia...

Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is one of the most common voice diagnoses—but what does it actually mean? What are the symptoms? And how can we continue to support singers with suspected or diagnosed MTD? In this episode, Dr  Lori Sonnenberg unpacks the truth about MTD, rights the misconceptions, and offers some solutions for voice professionals. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   2:42 What is Muscle Tensio...

What makes a singer stand out in a West End audition? How do vocal coaches prepare artists for The Voice ? And why are singers struggling to make it in today’s music industry? This week, we dive into the world of high-performance vocal coaching with Jai Ramage—an expert who’s trained everyone from theatre stars to recording artists. She reveals what happens behind closed doors in auditions, the vo...

What’s it really like to be a backing vocalist for some of the biggest stars on the planet? In this episode, we are joined by Katie Holmes-Smith, whose impressive career has seen her perform with the likes of Adele, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, and more. How do you become a backing singer? What skills do you need? And what’s the reality of balancing global tours with family life? Join us as Kat...

How do you land a job in a higher education music institution? And what do they actually look for in a singing teacher? This week, Alexa sits down with Trudy Kerr, Head of Vocals at London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM), to uncover the reality of teaching at this level. From the application process to lesson structures, student challenges, and even salary expectations, Trudy offers an insigh...

Are your values driving your work as a singing teacher, or holding you back? This week, we chat with Louise Callin, a dance teacher, mindset coach, and NLP practitioner, to explore tools for handling imposter syndrome, confidence dips, and daily stresses.  Curious how a deep dive into your true values can transform your teaching, boost your authenticity, and create a balanced, purposeful life? The...

If you could live and work anywhere in the world, where would it be? For Gia Morgan, the answer was Bali. Join us as Gia shares her journey from the bustling life of a singing teacher in Jersey to creating a business and studio in Indonesia. How is she navigating the challenges of relocation, building a thriving international student base, and embracing the beauty of a new culture? And what surpri...

How much do you really know about your tongue? Could a simple touch or stretch transform your vocal performance? In this episode, we reconnect with manual therapist Walt Fritz to explore the fascinating world of tongue awareness, self-stretching techniques, and how understanding sensation and shared decision making in the studio can reshape singing. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:45 Are humans just won...