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 build the skills and mindset needed to play piano while singing.

Download the Free PDF Guide Here!: The 12 Major Keys on Piano 

Key Takeaways

Chapters

00:36 Introduction to Self-Accompaniment

01:04 Overcoming Technical Myths

05:57 Your Starting Point - 4-Chord Song Suggestions

09:33 Tips to Sound More Professional Straight Off the Bat

14:01 Building Momentum and Avoiding Frustration

16:04 Hand and Voice Co-ordination Exercises

21:40 Embracing the Beginner's Mindset

22:10 There Is No Shame In Being A Beginner

23:58 There Is No Chance of 'Failure'

25:00 The Role of Self-Belief and Incentive

25:32 Self Belief Can Be Built Through Encouragement & Incentive

28:46 How to Know If You're Practising Right

Resources & Mentions

Suggested 4-chord song to start you off in the key of C:

(all use C G Am & F, but not necessarily in that order)

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

https://www.gracehancockmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

https://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

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 vocal coordination, balanced air pressure, and strong diaphragmatic support create a nimble foundation. Listeners will learn the mechanics of upward agility, the laryngeal bounce for crystalline articulation, pentatonic scale mastery, and diaphragm-driven staccato exercises to transform heavy, forced runs into weightless, percussive vocal lines.

Key Takeaways

Chapters

00:35 Exploring Vocal Agility and Influences

03:04 Signature Sounds and Personal Experiences

04:40 Key Elements of Tori Kelly's Vocal Technique

07:19 Exercises for Balanced Air Pressure When Singing

11:57 The Mix Voice Belting Illusion

18:35 The UPWARDS Agility

19:54 Laryngeal Bounce and Articulation

21:42 Mastering the Pentatonic Scale

23:23 Diaphragmatic Support

Resources Mentioned

Brett Manning Singing Success Mastering Mix singingsuccess.com

Featured Artists and Track References:

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

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 process of tracking their new record live to tape in the very room where musical history was written.

Erika lifts the curtain on what it’s really like to make music surrounded by history—from playing the legendary Hammond RT3 organ (complete with cigarette burns left on the woodwork by John Lennon and Paul McCartney!) to rescuing the famous Challen "Time Out" upright piano from the corner of the studio to unlock an impromptu, groove-heavy take.

Beyond the gear magic, Erika tackles the intense pressure cooker of high-stakes recording. She shares how independent artists can conquer studio overwhelm, quiet the inner perfectionist, and capture peak vocal takes when every second counts. Packed with nervous-system warm-up secrets, microphone proximity tricks inspired by Rubber Soul, and stories from the Abbey Road floor, this conversation is an inspiring masterclass in bringing playfulness, courage, and authenticity to any recording session.

Key Takeaways

Chapters

00:50 Abbey Road Studios Experiences

04:52 The Empty Pocket's Ethos

08:44 How They Got Into Abbey Road

11:15 Erika's Vocal Prep for Recording Day

13:53 One-Take Wonder or Warm Into It?

15:34 Dealing With Perfectionism in The Studio

17:52 The Effects of Play & Exploration in The Studio

22:27 Challenges in Accompanying Yourself in the Studio

25:16 Journeys from Singer to Singer Pianists

29:00 Where to Find The Empty Pockets Music

29:37 QuickFire Questions

Mentions

Band & Guest

Studio & Location

Gear & Vocal Tools

Featured Artists & Tracks

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

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 apart the hidden mental resistance, perfectionism, and burnout that so many musicians experience. Drawing from personal stories—from classroom teaching tension to self-imposed pressure around mastering jazz theory—Grace breaks down why pushing harder often backfires.

By distinguishing between expectations, standards, and goals, this episode offers a fresh perspective on self-acceptance, letting go of force, and trusting your own natural flow. Learn how to transform your practice room into a play space, redefine what it means to be ordinary, and truly celebrate the small internal eureka moments that shape your musical journey.

Key Takeaways

Mentioned Resources & Useful Links

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

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 than external auditory feedback.

Ghislaine shares how turning back to historical bel canto principles—where singing is treated as an extension of speech—helps vocalists identify hidden tension, correct misaligned support, and build sustainable vocal endurance. The conversation covers key strategies for conquering vocal fatigue, overcoming inconsistent high notes, and cultivating real-time diagnostic awareness on stage so you can monitor your instrument without overthinking vocal pedagogy jargon.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:47 What Is A Dramatic Soprano Voice Type?

03:02 How The Listening Voice Technique Was Formed

06:02 Singing Simplified and Jargon-Free

09:34 Sing Like You Speak to Remove Tension

11:40 Encouraging a Natural Breath

14:13 No Need to Consciously 'Place' Your Voice

15:52 Projection Techniques

20:17 Learning Self-Diagnosis in Singing

23:37 When You Can't Hear Yourself Whilst Performing

26:45 Building Body Awareness for Singing

Resources & Mentions:

About the Host:

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method:

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

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 Fitzmaurice approach addresses the whole performer by engaging the breath, body, nervous system, and imagination.

Cathryn outlines the four core elements of Fitzmaurice Voicework: Destructuring, Restructuring, Play, and Presence. The conversation breaks down how physical poses and Tremorwork release habitual tension patterns, regulate the nervous system to ease stage fright, and restore a natural, responsive breath. Cathryn also explains the concept of the Focus Line, detailing how physical release translates into greater vocal resonance, dynamic range, and emotional authenticity on stage.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:41 Introduction to Fitzmaurice Technique

02:13 Who It Is For

04:15 What It Involves

08:11 How Emotion and Intelligence Dwells in the Body

10:53 Cultivating Space for Emotional Connection in Performance

13:24 Cultivating a More Responsive Breath

14:58 Introducing Play and Presence Into Your Artistry

18:37 Chest Breathing - A Common Issue

20:34 A Practical Takeaway

26:38 How Quickly You May See Results

Resources Mentioned:

Fitzmaurice Voicework Key Aims and Benefits for Vocalists

• More accessible and responsive breath: Helps singers become aware of restrictive breathing habits and develop a

more responsive, adaptable breath.

• Reduces holding and tension habits: Through the Destructuring sequence and tremoring, vocalists learn to recognise

and release habitual muscular holding patterns that can interfere with breathing and vocal freedom.

• Increased resonance and vocal range – As tension decreases and breath becomes more available, vocalists often

discover greater resonance, dynamic range and vocal power without pushing.

• Greater spontaneity and emotional connection to songs and text: Supports a stronger connection between breath,

feeling, imagination and intention, allowing performances to be more authentic, present and communicative.

• Nervous system regulation: Helps vocalists manage stage fright, where anxiety can affect the voice and enjoyment of

performance.

About the Host:

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

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 discomfort often signals that you are pushing yourself into new developmental stages and trying to fill bigger shoes. We explore the "pain in the distance" between where you are and where you feel you should be, looking at how this space is filled with everything from family expectations and rigid training backgrounds to societal pressures like ageism and sexism.

We also unpack how traditional music education can cultivate a harsh inner critic, why external validation and professional success fail to cure this internal sense of fraudulence, and how Relational Transactional Analysis uses the therapeutic relationship itself to safely untangle these deep-rooted patterns.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Musicians

04:05 The Roots of Imposter Syndrome

10:21 Parental Influences and Internalised Messages

14:56 The Role of Training and Education

18:21 Reality Testing and Inner Critic

26:24 The Limitations of External Validation

30:23 Embracing the Messiness of Imposter Syndrome

Contact Jessica:

Dr. Jessica Quiñones Psychotherapy Practice: https://drjessicaquinones.com/

The Music Industry Therapists Collective MITC: www.musicindustrytherapists.com

Mentions:

Curious Vocalists Episode on Burnout:

#19 Losing Your Love of Music? Understanding Burnout with Psychotherapist Jessica Quiñones - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-uh93v-1a6c46a

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

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 the real, practical strategies artists need to transition from short-term gigs to a sustainable business mindset. Hear his top tips for writing successful funding bids that keep your creative vision intact, how to design scalable projects that maximise community impact, and why collaboration is your greatest asset. Whether you are navigating grant applications or trying to avoid creative burnout, this episode offers an honest, grounded look at how to treat your artistry as a thriving enterprise

You can find out more about their work at artsgroupie.org or follow them on social media @Artsgroupie.

Key Takeaways

Find out More about ArtsGroupie CIC:

www.artsgroupie.org

instagram.com/artsgroupie/

Resources:

Canva marketing tool:

https://www.canva.com/en_gb/

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

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 shares her unique, holistic perspective on how our bodies produce sound. Gen has supported elite vocalists across major productions like Wicked, Harry Potter, and Strictly Come Dancing, but her work extends far beyond the stage. We explore how the role of a vocal physio differs from a traditional vocal coach or speech therapist, the surprising domino effect that posture and old injuries have on our vocal endurance, and why treating the voice requires looking at the entire musculoskeletal system. Whether you are aiming to hit a high note or just survive a long day of meetings without losing your voice, this conversation offers a powerful reminder to treat your voice like the physical instrument it is.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:39 What is Vocal Physiotherapy

10:01 How to Know When You Need Vocal Physio

11:42 Causes for a Gravelly Voice

16:44 How Posture Affects Vocalisation

20:49 The Domino Effect in the Body

25:54 The 5-Minute Body Scan

27:43 Common Misalignment for Guitarist and Pianists

29:59 Bad Habits of Non-Singing Voice Professionals

32:15 Get Creative With Looking After Your Voice

34:43 Where to Find Info on the Available Voice Specialists

37:48 Quickfire Questions

Resources and Further Reading:

Vocal Health Referral Recommendations | London, UK | BAPAM

Genevieve Tawiah and Lucie Rayner's article on Vocal Physiotherapy: 

https://www.tawiahphysio.co.uk/vocal-physiotherapy

Contact Gen:

www.tawiahphysio.co.uk

Insta: @tawiahphysio

Email: [email protected]

Contact no.: 07504111801

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

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 a heavy chest voice that flipped into an airy head register, Annie found herself living exclusively in a head-dominant classical placement, fighting extrinsic tension just to find her lower register. They break down the exact vocal exercises and mental perspective shifts that helped them untangle old habits, including speech-level vocal concepts, larynx stabilisation, vowel modifications, and using acting prompts to get out of your head. Whether you are dealing with a stubborn vocal flip, unmanaged volume at the top of your range, or a tongue that wants to pull back, this conversation offers practical, unconventional tools to help you build a flexible, contemporary sound.

Takeaways

Vocal exercises should focus on speech-like sounds to enhance contemporary singing.

Using playful sounds can help students break out of their singing mode.

Understanding vowel modification is crucial for effective singing.

Acting and emotion can enhance vocal performance and expression.

Singers often struggle with transitioning between vocal registers.

Finding a balance between chest and head voice is key to a successful contemporary sound.

Patience is key; changes can take months or even years.

Finding joy in singing is essential for progress.

Adjusting songs to fit your current vocal abilities can enhance enjoyment.

Curiosity and playfulness are crucial in vocal training.

Singing should be about expression, not perfection.

Chapters

00:36 Introduction to Vocal Coaching and Backgrounds

02:59 Challenges in Transitioning from Classical to Contemporary Singing

05:48 Techniques for Developing a Contemporary Sound

08:54 The Role of Speech in Singing

12:06 Building Non-Classical Habits

17:49 Understanding the Differences Between Classical and Contemporary Styles

19:58 Issues with Singing Like You Speak

25:16 Common Transition Challenges from Classical to Contemporary

32:27 Techniques for Breath Control

39:06 How to Keep the Joy in the Process

45:05 Navigating Psychological Barriers

49:24 Quickfire Insights and Final Thoughts

Contact Annie:

www.theunlimitedvoice.com/

instagram.com/theunlimitedvoice/

Mentions

institute for vocal advancement (IVA) - https://www.vocaladvancement.com/

Brett Manning’s Singing Success and Mastering Mix courses that Grace benefitted from. The Mastering Mix course is particularly effective on female voices for the transition from classical contemporary singing - https://singingsuccess.com/author/brett-manning/

https://singingsuccess.com/mastering-mix-is-a-manning-masterpiece/#down

Previous episode on the vowel alterations: #10 Modify Your Vowels Like A Pro: A Whitney Houston Study - www.podbean.com/ew/pb-f4ydq-1a122c9

About the Host

Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.

Contact Method

[email protected]

www.gracehancockmusic.com

instagram.com/gracehancockmusic

facebook.com/gracehancockmusician