Singing Teachers Talk

Épisodes

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  Ep.277 Identity, Self-Worth and Burnout in the Performing Arts with Claire Cannon 15.09.2026 44min

  What happens when being a singer becomes more than what you do, and starts to define who you are? In this episode, Alexa is joined by vocal coach Claire Cannon to explore the connection between burnout, identity and life in the performing arts. They unpack the idea of identity foreclosure, the pressures of tying self-worth to success, and why burnout is about far more than simply feeling tired. From external validation and industry expectations to the importance of developing a sense of self ...
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  Ep.276 Inside a Singer's Larynx: Live Laryngeal Scoping With Dr Jennifer Rodney 08.09.2026 51min

  What’s really happening inside the larynx when we sing? In this fascinating episode, Alexa is joined by laryngologist and singer Dr Jennifer Rodney - aka Singing Surgeon MD - for a rare look inside the voice in action. From vocal registers and tension to vibrato, breathiness, vocal fry and more, Jennifer brings vocal anatomy to life - and even scopes herself live to show us what’s happening in real time. Whether you’re a singer, voice teacher or simply fascinated by how the voice works, this ...
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  Ep.275 Starting the New Academic Year on the Right Note with Alexa Terry 01.09.2026 12min

  As September rolls around and a new academic year begins, Alexa reflects on what it means to return to singing, teaching and learning with a fresh perspective. She shares some gentle reminders for singers and singing teachers alike about progress, curiosity, collaboration and being a little kinder to ourselves and each other along the way. Whether you’re heading back into the studio, starting something completely new, or simply wondering what you want to take into the new academic year ...
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  Ep.274 The Singer As An Athlete: A Useful Metaphor or a Limiting One? with Line Hilton 26.08.2026 35min

  In this episode, Alexa and Line take a closer look at the familiar idea of the singer as a ‘vocal athlete’. Drawing on examples from across the performing arts, they explore what the comparison can teach us about the demands placed on singers, and where it might not tell the whole story. From training and performance to vocal health and wellbeing, this conversation invites us to think differently about what singers ask of their voices and bodies, and how we can better support them along the w...
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  Ep.273 How to Use Repertoire to Build Vocal Technique with Alexa Terry 19.08.2026 16min

  What if the ‘right’ song could help bridge the gap between vocal exercises and repertoire? In this episode, Alexa explores how snippets of songs can become useful technical stepping stones. Discover how to analyse repertoire for its vocal demands, identify opportunities for skill-building, and weave them into your lessons so that the singer is always ‘singing.’ About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.205 10 Songs to Inspire ...
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  Ep.272 Rethinking How We Teach Breathing for Singing with Barbara Tanze and Flexiflow 12.08.2026 58min

  What do we really know about breathing for singing? Breathing specialist Barbara Tanze returns to explore the evolving science of airflow and pressure regulation in the singing voice. We discuss what research tells us about the diaphragm and respiratory muscles, and why what singers feel may not reflect what is actually happening physiologically. Barbara also introduces the Flexiflow, a tool that gives singers immediate feedback on airflow and pressure, helping them explore breath coordinatio...
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  Ep.271 Singer & the Self: Rethinking Singing Teacher CPD with Becky Gilhespie 05.08.2026 28min

  In this episode, Alexa shares her experience of attending the very first Singer & the Self Singing Teacher CPD Holiday in Slovenia before sitting down with organiser Becky Gillespie to discuss how the event came to life. From voice science, business and wellbeing to spa days, cultural adventures and meaningful conversations, they explore why combining professional development with a holiday created such a unique and inspiring experience for singing teachers. If you've ever wondered what a...
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  Ep.270 How to Help Singers Overcome Fear and Build Confidence with Linor Oren 29.07.2026 58min

  What happens when a singer desperately wants to sing, but fear, self-doubt and past criticism keep getting in the way? In this episode, Alexa is joined by vocal coach and Sing Anyway author - Linor Oren, to explore singing confidence, stage fright and mindset, questioning what happens when we stop chasing a ‘good’ sound and start exploring what the voice can actually do? Plus, before the conversation begins, Alexa shares her honest review of Sing Anyway and reflects on some of the book’s key ...
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  Ep.269 How to Help Singers Learn Faster and Retain More with Noa Kageyama 22.07.2026 55min

  In this fascinating conversation, performance psychologist Noa Kageyama explores what learning science really tells us about effective practice, mindful learning, and why repetition alone isn't enough. Discover practical, research-backed strategies that can transform the way you plan lessons, deliver them, and help singers structure practice more efficiently, giving you and them fresh ideas to reach those goals. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:30 What are elite institutions act...
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  Ep.268 What Happens When You Fall Out of Love with Performing? with Grace Hancock 14.07.2026 42min

  Alexa is joined by singer, songwriter and vocal coach Grace Hancock to explore the relationship between music and craft. Together, they have honest conversations about the moments when making music hasn’t felt good and when it has stopped being joyful for them. They discuss burn out, self-worth, comparison and perfectionism, and how singers can reconnect with their craft in a healthier, more authentic way. As ever, we’re keeping it real on the Singing Teachers Talk podcast. WHAT...
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  Ep.267 Acting Through Song: Practical Tools for Singing Teachers with Molly Marie Walsh 08.07.2026 58min

  What makes a performance truly believable? In this episode, Alexa is joined by fellow BAST teammate Molly Walsh to explore acting through song and the power of gesture mapping. Together they unpack practical acting techniques that help singers communicate emotion authentically, make purposeful physical choices, and create performances that are both vocally sustainable and dramatically compelling. From Meisner and SAVI techniques to storytelling and practical teaching strategies, this episode ...
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  Ep.266 8 Tips to Make Belt More Impressive with Alexa Terry 30.06.2026 17min

  Want a more impressive belt? Before you search for another vocal exercise, you might want to question what you think makes great belting in the first place. In this episode, Alexa Terry shares eight thought-provoking ideas - some that might surprise you. About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Amanda Flynn Voice Study Centre Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre Emily Kristen Morris Singing Teacher’s ...
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  Ep.265 Why Singers Get Jaw Tension (And What Actually Helps) with Physiotherapist Emer Tully 24.06.2026 47min

  In this episode, Alexa is joined once again by physiotherapist Emer Tully to explore the jaw. They unpack why jaw tension isn't always about the jaw itself, how posture, breathing, hypermobility and stress all play a role, and what singers and teachers can do to improve jaw health and function. Whether you struggle with clenching, clicking, or simply want to better understand the biomechanics behind a free and efficient voice, this conversation is packed with practical insights you'll be able...
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  Ep.264 Gender Equality in the Music Industry: Where Are We Now? with Vick Bain 17.06.2026 46min

  In this episode, Alexa is joined by researcher, musician and founder of The F-List, Vick Bain, for an important conversation about gender equality in the UK music industry. Drawing on her PhD research and years of experience, Vick explores the barriers that women and gender-diverse musicians continue to face, from pay gaps and career progression to representation, discrimination and the realities of building a sustainable career in music. It's a thought-provoking discussion that challenges as...
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  Ep.263 The Creative Juggle: Singer, Songwriter and Teacher with India Bourne 10.06.2026 43min

  This week, Alexa chats with artist, songwriter, choir leader, and vocal coach India Bourne about life beyond the stage. From touring the world with Ben Howard to building a thriving teaching career, India shares how completing the BAST Foundation Course deepened her understanding of the voice, transformed her songwriting, and enriched her work with singers. She also opens up about balancing creativity, teaching, and motherhood, revealing how life as a mum has shaped her artistry, sharpened he...
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  Ep.262 Breaking Down Barriers: Making Arts Education Accessible for All with RABBLE Theatre 03.06.2026 31min

  What happens when arts education becomes truly accessible? In this inspiring episode, Alexa speaks with Georgina from RABBLE Theatre about breaking down barriers to participation, building confidence through performance, and creating meaningful pathways for young people and adults in the arts. From nurturing performers to supporting wellbeing, creativity, and community engagement, this conversation is packed with insights for singing teachers, drama educators, arts leaders, and anyone passion...
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  Ep.261 Managing Performance Nerves: Tools For Singers & Singing Teachers with Laura Dumbleton 27.05.2026 46min

  Why do performers experience stage fright, even when they love being on stage? In this episode, voice coach and breathwork teacher Laura Dumbleton joins Alexa to unpack performance anxiety, fight-or-flight responses, and practical tools to manage nerves before, during and after singing or public speaking. Expect honest stories, functional techniques, confidence strategies, and advice for singers, performers and vocal coaches navigating stage fright. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? ...
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  Ep.260 The Return of In-Person Training: Our Singing Teacher Intensive in Manchester with Line Hilton 20.05.2026 19min

  What happens when singing teachers step away from screens and come together in one room? In this episode, Line Hilton shares why BAST is bringing back live, in-person singing teacher training with a special intensive weekend in Manchester, exploring the power of community, CPD, vocal pedagogy, networking, and hands-on learning. Discover who the event is for, what topics will be covered, and why investing in your development as a singing teacher could transform both your confidence and your te...
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  Ep.259 Can You Teach Singing Without Demonstrating? with Line Hilton 13.05.2026 39min

  How important is it that the singing teacher can actually demonstrate the sound they are asking of the singer? This week, Line and Alexa are unpacking the hidden realities behind vocal demonstration, and why giving a demo isn’t always that simple. From physiology and hormones to stamina preservation, this conversation might just make you rethink the expectations we place on ourselves as singing teachers, whilst also recognising the very real importance of keeping our own voices ready. ...
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  Ep.258 10 Plus ‘Legit’ Songs for Musical Theatre Singers with Alexa Terry 06.05.2026 14min

  In this episode, Alexa dives into the often-misunderstood world of legit musical theatre singing, unpacking what the style really means, why so many performers feel lost when approaching it, and how teachers can guide singers through the journey with confidence. From Golden Age roots to contemporary legit crossovers, she explores key vocal characteristics, common challenges, and practical repertoire suggestions to help singers build versatility without overwhelm. WHAT’S IN THIS P...