The Voice Teacher Podcast

Summary In this episode of the Voice Teacher Podcast, host Aimee Geddes interviews Julie D'Alessandro, who shares her personal journey of teaching through trauma after her mother's stroke. Julie discusses the challenges of maintaining her voice teaching business while being a primary caregiver, emphasizing the importance of normalcy, adaptability, and the support of her community. She offers valua...

Summary In this episode of The Voice Teacher Podcast, host Aimee Geddes welcomes opera singer and voice teacher George Dyer. They discuss George's extensive travels as a performer, including a memorable experience singing Nessun Dorma on the Great Wall of China. George shares insights about his show in Branson, Missouri, and the transition from a full-time opera career to a more family-oriented li...

Summary In this episode of the Voice Teacher Podcast, Aimee Geddes interviews Jefferson Tuke, the owner and frontman of Groove Merchants, a successful corporate event and wedding band. Jefferson shares his journey from a boy band singer to running a thriving business, discussing the challenges of managing a band, marketing strategies, and the importance of creative collaboration. He reflects on hi...

Summary In this conversation, Aimee Geddes interviews Matt Edwards, an associate professor at Shenandoah University, about his innovative work in voice pedagogy, particularly focusing on pop rock music. They discuss the development of unique degree programs, the importance of diversity in music education, and the challenges faced by contemporary music educators. Matt shares insights into the curri...

Learn the ins and outs of the NEW American Idol audition process! Kyle Khou is a Casting Producer for American Idol and he gives the inside scoop into what to expect with auditioning for the show, how to help your students to succees in the process and how to encourage authenticity in your singers. This is a MUST Listen!

In this episode we are joined by the brilliant voice teacher and entrepreneur John Henny. We talk about... Getting started with teaching  Egos Peaks and Valleys Imposter syndrome Show people how you can help them Writing books Pomodoro technique Finishing big projects Investing in yourself Connecting with groups bigger than yourselves Reach John at https://johnhenny.com/ Find more about Sam Johnso...

Aimee and Sam define Mix in their own way and use Beyonce and Krysta Rodriguez as prime examples.  Highlights include:  What is mix? What is not Mix?  The "Mix Tent"  The 0-10 scale Sam talks about the subtle transitions that happen on every note and how each note can be considered a bridge.  Krysta Rodriguez sings "Safer" and Aimee and Sam analyze her technique and point out how she handles using...

Aimee shares how helping a student use vocal fry and breathiness contributed to getting the student to sound more authentic.  Sam shares ideas on using natural sounds, even UGLY ones, to help students discover sounds that work for them.  The importance of teaching students to listen objectively to the sounds they make and label them without judging.  Awesome funny/ugly faces that students make. Sa...

Aimee got to improv for an 80s night and found out just how much she didn't know!  Sam reminds her it's ok to not know everything, and they have a lively discussion about how important it is to help students be ok with making ALL the sounds, not just the ones they think are "OK." The difference between classically trained singers and pop singers when the improv.  Getting over the feeling of always...

Sam and Aimee share insights into helping students make breakthroughs when you feel stuck.    Highlights include:    What to do when students become "unteachable" and stop listening to you.   Is it ok to suggest students take a lesson from another voice teacher?    Sometimes you have to keep doing what you are doing and it just needs more time.    Validating a student's desire to learn and sing ev...

Jon Shares his journey to becoming a Performance Psychologist and tools for teachers to successfully navigate lessons when they feel less than stellar   Mentioned on the show:   Imposter Syndrome   Dealing with your first response and how to let it go   The 5 Ands   It's not about Mastery, it's about running a "Practice" like a doctor   Ask yourself "How will this go?" Bring curiosity into your te...

Aimee feels distraught after Sam's IVTOM Master Class and Richard's brilliant (yet moronic;) podcast.    Sam and Aimee discuss the fears that come along with teaching voice as well as being surrounded by incredible minds.    Dealing with anxiety and how it plays into teaching voice.    Finding strength when you feel weak.    "Choose your comparisons wisely" from:    The 100 Simple secrets of Happy...

Transitioning to teaching online after thinking of himself as an "In-person" kind of guy.    How the voice and spirit are connected.     The tweak, proceed, tweak, proceed then retreat as needed process.    Getting the correct setup.    Benefits to using the full range of your voice throughout your life.   The "Octave Rule."   Hormonal changes and how they affect our perception of the voice.   Wha...

Mary Ann's Journey from Computer Programmer to theater program director to world class voice teacher and IVTOM president.    Skills students need to be successful in a College Musical Theater Program or career: Work ethic, Intelligence, Talent.    Teaching students to interview universities not just be interviewed by them.    The 10,000 hour rule and paying attention.   Learning from Otolaryngolog...

Aimee and Sam talk about their favorite exercises from the past week. Adjustments to a /z/ buzz What's in a singer's control to encourage the voice to 'turn over' Find more about Sam Johnson at: www.vocalease.net and Aimee Geddes at www.breakthrough-studios.com Find the International Voice Teachers of Mix at: www.ivtom.org Intro and outro theme song:  No Qualms. https://asharicrecords.com/studio a...

Veronica's journey from being Classically trained and using "breath support" as the answer to everything to becoming a Mix Professional and expanding her teaching toolbox.    How she went from teaching at home to opening a multi-teacher studio and full-fledged drama program.    Lesson Pricing and demographics.   How Veronica overcame her "Snobbery" and joined IVTOM. She is now the Assistant Educat...

Mentioned on the show:  Aimee shares her journey being compared to Kristin Chenoweth since college Fun facts and similarities in Aimee's and Kristin's facial anatomy Using songs/artists to mentor your own singing Exercises Aimee used to help her find her mix and improve her voice Aimee did NOT make choir in high School. Say what?!? Aimee was in a girl band! Lol.  When did you start training?  Newb...

Find out in today's episode! Today's discussion includes:  Sam's journey to becoming a youtube sensation with 89 Million total views! What can/should voice teachers post on Youtube?  How to handle negative comments and criticism How often to post for success Which is better if you are just starting? Youtube or TikTok? Having an abundance mindset and being generous with your knowledge Download past...

Get Ken's Book: Practical Vocal Acoustics Here, use code RLFANDF30: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538174647/Practical-Vocal-Acoustics-Pedagogic-Applications-for-Teachers-and-Singers?fbclid=IwAR2B68cxBWLVEw7msn0Qlcl1_22KMlSPIRAFTWc6vKKqhSW34B_NJcsabCE Download past IVTOM conference recordings to catch up on any knowledge you may have missed! www.ivtom.org/events Intro and outro theme song: No Qualms....

Kenneth Bozeman's journey from being a singer to a voice professor, then a world-renowned and respected voice pedagogue. Using natural sounds and affects to affect the voice into the proper coordination to get the desired sound.  Using a whoop timbre.  Adding warmth to the tone.  Get Ken's Book: Practical Vocal Acoustics Here, use code RLFANDF30: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538174647/Practical-Voc...

Teri Stock, Certified Vocologist, voice teacher, and wife of Otolaryngologist, Dr. Curt Stock, shares her pathway to becoming a voice teacher who specializes in working with damaged voices.  Mentioned in the show: Vocal therapy strategies, case studies,  Download past IVTOM conference recordings to catch up on any knowledge you may have missed!  Intro and outro theme song:  No Qualms. https://asha...

All the myths that your students or maybe even you have been believing, we will debunk in this episode! We give you the truth so you can point your students in the right direction.  Myths like:  "Singing in your chest voice is bad for you and will damage your voice" "Sing from your diaphragm." "The diaphragm is near the belly button." "If you can sing Classical Music you can sing anything. "Lemon...

Who is Dean Kaelin ? IVTOM founder and child prodigy. Dean's journey from performing as a 3-year-old to studio pianist for Seth Riggs to celebrity voice teacher to IVTOM founder. The three things you control as a singer. What is mix?  Why singing in a mix matters. Intro and outro theme song:  No Qualms. https://asharicrecords.com/studio and Maz Mazak www.mazmazak.com   Download past IVTOM conferen...

Sam Johnson and Aimee Geddes debate the pros and cons of becoming a voice teacher with and without a degree in voice pedagogy. Is a university degree the only or best way to become a voice teacher?  Can you make the same amount of money without a voice degree?  Is the education you receive in a University setting as valuable as practical experience? If you don't get your education through a Univer...