Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who want to teach.
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By BAST Training
Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who want to teach.
ABOUT BAST TRAINING
We are here to help s
4.5
1212 ratings
The podcast currently has 188 episodes available.
What does it really mean to call yourself an artist? In this inspiring Student Spotlight, singer-songwriter Kristina Mann shares how her journey with Hannah Smikle at Vocal Performance Coaching helped her take her art seriously, overcome self-doubt, and embrace her own voice. Tune in to uncover her story of creativity, resilience, and the power of mentorship.
QUOTE
"I never have learned so much about myself than in a singing lesson. What I've discovered about my fears, my habits, and what holds me back has transformed not just my voice, but who I am as an artist."
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
4:53-6:58 Kristina’s first singing memory
6:58-14:58 Taking art seriously
15:00-18:30 What Kristina was looking for in a singing teacher
18:30-32:32 An insight into Kristina’s singing lessons
33:34-35:24 Being positively challenged
35:24-38:18 The benefit of having singing lessons
38:18-39:18 Top 3 qualities to find in a singing teacher
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
ABOUT THE GUEST
After the launch of her first album Gold in 2019, Kristina has been working behind the scenes exploring her sound and crafting her story. Now armed with a vocal looper and the confidence to be uniquely herself, she is surrounded by her own harmonious melodies and beats drawing the listener in, allowing them to experience her experiences through each performance.
Residing in Stockport, this determined and passionate singer / songwriter / spoken word artist is committed to bringing her authentic self to every performance. She has been likened to artists such as Emeli Sande, Imogen Heap and Massive Attack; fusing genres such as soul, pop and R&B to create a unique and distinct sound that is undeniably Kristina Mann.
The body of work produced for her first album Gold gives glimpses to the building blocks which can now be evidenced in her latest material. There is a greater depth and maturity seen recently as she has navigated some deeper valleys of life but on her return, has been able to bring the treasure of these darker times into to light. She hopes to give words to those who have none as they navigate the many questions that arise in being human whilst living with great expectation in life.
Music: Spotify IG: @kristinamannofficial
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
Should you specialise as a singing teacher, or could staying generalist be the secret to a fulfilled career? This week, Alexa sits down with vocal coach Molly McLinden to explore the pros and cons of specialisation. Molly shares her experiences teaching everyone from teenage musical theatre hopefuls to karaoke-loving rockers, so tune in as they dive into the curious world of voice teaching with and without labels.
QUOTE
‘Jack of all trades master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one.’
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:00-1:48 A typical day in the life of a singing teacher
1:49-04:48 Deciding to specialise or not
4:52-12:34 What is a specialist?
12:34-17:38 Advantages of specialising
18:11-24:37 Disadvantages of specialising
24:37-32:27 Staying up to date
32:27-34:21 Molly’s studio
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
ABOUT THE GUEST
Molly McLinden is a Chicago based vocal coach and singer who has been teaching singers of all ages and styles for over twenty years. Previous and current students include an American Idol finalist, as well as professional musical theater actors and even punk rockers!
A big fan of all styles and methods , She has trained with CoreSinging founder Dr. Meribeth Dayme, and recently became a certified Neuro-Vocal Method™ coach. Molly is also a proud member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.
Currently, she maintains a busy private studio where she teaches students in person as well as online. In addition to teaching singing, she also offers beginner level acting instruction, improv, speaking voice assistance, beginner level piano and music theory and ear training.
Website: vocalmolly.com
Instagram: @vocalmolly
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VocalMolly
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
Are you a teacher who misses singing? Or a performer who would love to know how to supplement your career with teaching? In this episode, Olly Christopher from The Book of Mormon and Hello Dolly reveals his journey from Musical Theatre professional performance to the teaching room, sharing how he found harmony between his dual passions. Discover how you can balance both a busy teaching schedule and a professional performing career.
QUOTE
‘Anything you do as a performer is going to be valuable to you as a teacher. I really think they go hand in hand.’
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:16-6:43 Getting in to Musical Theatre
6:45-7:06 The most challenging vocal role
8:07-17:23 Challenges & successes in Musical Theatre training
20:13-25:46 Advice to the aspiring Musical Theatre performer
25:46-27:45 Advantages & disadvantages a teaching & performance career
28:20-37:12 Maintaining a teaching and performance career
38:27-41:42 Advice for those wanting to do both
41:42-43:23 Vocal Balance
44:57-45:24 Get in touch with Olly
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
ABOUT THE GUEST
Olly Christopher is both a performer and singing teacher and has worked across the UK and internationally.
Olly trained at Arts Educational Schools, gaining a BA(Hons) degree in Musical Theatre. As a performer his credits include; A Christmas Carol (The Lowry, Manchester) Hello Dolly! (London Palladium), 42nd Street (Leicester Curve, Sadlers Wells, UK Tour & Toronto), Featured Soloist in The Greatest Showtunes (Raymond Gubbay Entertainment); South Pacific (Sadlers Wells & UK Tour); The Original London Cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical (Savoy Theatre, West End); The Book Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre, West End); All Star Musicals (ITV); and Sweet Charity (Manchester Royal Exchange).
Alongside Olly’s performing career, he is an accredited Vocal Balance singing teacher and has taught in many drama schools including Italia Conti, Bird College, LAMDA and PPA. Olly also runs his own private practice for Musical Theatre professionals, young adults who wish to train in Musical Theatre and non-professionals.
Instagram: @ollychristopher_vocals
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
What are some of the things that us singing teachers bang on about daily? One of them is likely vocal health, but how often does this involve the conversation of sleep? In this episode, Dr. Jill McGarry from Sleep Better Doctor dives deep into the science of sleep, sharing tips for performing artists, teachers alike, and anyone balancing erratic schedules. Learn what it takes to get true restorative rest, and how we can safeguard our vocal health by simply improving our sleep routine.
QUOTE
‘If you don't get enough sleep, not only will your body not be recovered for the next day of singing, but all that information that you need to be able to organise your business, your career, your profession, will start to fall off as well.’
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:00-5:17 Bizarre dreams
5:17-14:26 What’s actually happening during sleep?
15:19-19:37 Getting quality sleep
19:47-28:27 Sleep for the touring artist
29:13-38:49 Sleep gadgets
39:37-43:36 What not to eat or drink before bed
43:38-47:21 What to wear in bed
47:23-50:33 Snoring
51:58-55:30 Sleep Better Doctor
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
ABOUT THE GUEST
At Sleep Better Doctor, our mission is to enhance well-being and productivity by resolving sleep challenges for both individuals and organisations. We integrate evidence-based therapies with tailored training to effectively address sleep and fatigue issues. Our practice is deeply rooted in psychology, sleep disorders, and sleep deprivation, backed by extensive experience with direct clients and businesses.
We partner with a range of entities, from large NHS trusts to small companies, to provide expert psychological support and consultation. Our approach encompasses sleep education, CBT-I, mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy, acceptance & commitment therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and systemic therapy, delivering a holistic service designed to meet each client’s or company’s unique needs. Discover how quality sleep can transform your life at Sleep Better Doctor.
Contact Dr Jill McGarry directly: 07768 068 070
Guest Website: sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
What happens when a singing teacher meets a singer struggling with their vocal health? In this episode, and for the second in BAST’s Student Spotlight feature, Alexa meets Lucia Neville - a singing teacher herself, and a performer known for her rock vocals. Lucia shares her story, from knowing nothing about her voice except her passion to sing and experiencing vocal trouble, to singing lessons and the teachers who helped transform her instrument.
QUOTE
‘I wanted to always sing big. I just wanted to be loud, to be proud, to get it out... once I was able to recreate the same sounds at a more consistent volume, a whole new world opened up for me.’
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
00:00 The dream
02:09 My first singing lesson
07:40 When vocal trouble started
13:29 Comments from a stranger
16:22 Rebuilding my voice
23:40 Knowledge is power
29:00 Should a singer understand vocal science and theory?
29:54 What I look for in a singing teacher
32:57 How my singing lessons influence me as a teacher
Music Credit: ‘Breathless’ by Lucia Neville & A Girl’s A Gun
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
ABOUT THE GUEST
Lucia is a seasoned vocalist with over 20 years of experience in both touring and recording. Her career has spanned various genres, and she has earned a reputation as a passionate and skilled performer. After sustaining a vocal injury while on tour, Lucia sought guidance from Sydney's leading vocal instructors, dedicating herself to mastering proper vocal technique and vocal health. This experience shaped her deep understanding of the voice and reinforced her commitment to maintaining a healthy and sustainable singing career.
Lucia has shared stages with some of the biggest names in the Australian blues, performing at major festivals, sold-out shows, and alongside internationally renowned blues artists. Her extensive experience and expertise have made her a sought-after mentor in the vocal community.
Lucia is a dedicated Committee Member of ANATS. She actively contributes to advancing vocal pedagogy standards and supports the vocal community in maintaining the highest levels of vocal education and performance excellence.
Website: luciaperry.com
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
Breathing is something most of us do each day without much consideration, so why does breathing for singing tie us up in such knots? In this episode, Alexa is joined by Lucinda Allen, MDH Breathing Coordination coach and founder of Voice Unlocked, to find answers to some of the most common breathing challenges singers face. Lucinda breaks down the fundamentals of breathing for singing, including the power of touch, and how we can find an optimal inhale to inspire our voices.
QUOTE
‘We’re all surviving and alive and breathing, but we’re not always breathing as optimally as we could for the task we are taking part in.’
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:00 Why does breathing for singing tie us in knots?
03:36 Common breathing challenges in singers
05:06 When is breath the problem, and when is it the solution?
12:37 Why MDH Breathing Co-ordination?
21:23 The power of touch
25:09 What we’re actually trying to achieve at inhale
30:34 A breathing exercise
50:59 Working with physiology and conditions
53:26 Mouth or nose?
55:21 Performer case studies
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
ABOUT THE GUEST
Lucinda has more than 15 years experience as a highly regarded voice, singing, and MDH breathing coordination coach. Her private coaching practice, Voice Unlocked, serves clients including performers from West End shows such as Lion King, Dirty Dancing, Choir of Man, and Aladdin, as well as touring artists like Grammy award winner Lalah Hathaway and UK-based artists Kelli-Leigh, Newton Faulkner, JP Cooper, and Skin (Skunk Anansie)
Lucinda manages Vocals on the Contemporary Music Programmes at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, one of London's leading music schools, where she teaches and designs the curriculum, and she has recently designed the new MA Vocal Studies course for aspiring coaches and contemporary singers.
Lucinda's coaching practice is primarily based on the MDH Breathing Coordination (MDHBC) method, which focuses on functional breathing. Lucinda combines her own teaching methods with MDHBC to help individuals explore undiscovered aspects of their voice. In more challenging cases of vocal rehabilitation, she also provides support for individuals in rediscovering their voices.
Guest Websites: voiceunlocked.com
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
Can your ears make or break your singing career? And how do we even protect such a valuable asset? In this episode, Alexa is joined by Jono Heale, a musician turned hearing health advocate. Learn how the ears work, how they can become damaged, and discover the game-changing technology of ear plugs and in-ear monitors that might just save your profession.
QUOTE
'If your ears don't work, neither do you’
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? (AUDIO VERSION)
00:00:00 From musician to hearing health advocate
00:09:09 Managing tinnitus
00:12:00 How the ear works
00:20:27 Understanding noise exposure
00:26:24 What are ear plugs and in-ear monitors?
00:31:28 Who should wear in-ear monitors?
00:33:51 How in-ear monitors impact the stage set up
00:44:50 Musician's Hearing Health Scheme
00:46:46 Getting your custom hearing protection and in-ear monitors
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
ACS DISCOUNT CODE (UK ONLY)
For custom hearing protection & in-ear monitors: BAST15
ABOUT GUEST
Jono has over 35 years in the music entertainment industry, including 15 years as a professional musician with tours and sessions, including work at the BBC. He developed a national music student network that launched talents like Ed Sheeran. After retraining as a Health and Safety Advisor, he specialises in noise and hearing health, driven by his own experience with music-induced tinnitus and hearing loss.
Jono is passionate about hearing conservation and sits on the Board of Directors at ACS, a leading custom hearing protection company. He launched the "Play Safe Now - Hear Tomorrow" campaign in 2014, receiving support from music industry figures. Jono lectures at top UK conservatoires, serves on the Musicians’ Health Advisory Board for Help Musicians UK, and is involved with various health initiatives in the music sector.
Website: acscustom.com/uk
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
Alexa has a compelling conversation with Sing Up Foundation's Baz Chapman and Celi Barberia. They explore how singing can profoundly impact children's mental health and well-being. With alarming statistics showing that 50% of mental health issues are established by age 14, what happens when we normalise singing in schools, and how can it provide a support? Tune in to discover how the foundation is creating lasting change through music
QUOTE
‘Singing can be a lifeline for children facing mental health challenges, and the impact goes far beyond the music itself.’ - Celi Barberia
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
00:04:00 The science behind singing and wellness
00:08:30 Sneaking singing into school days
00:14:45 Why some teachers fear singing and how to overcome it
00:16:30 How music can heal emotional scars
00:22:00 Questioning ‘excellence’
00:26:30 The difference between singing for performance and singing for well-being
00:34:30 Connecting with boys and young men
00:45:00 The power of normalising singing in everyday life to build confidence
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Inspiring Voices Podcast Let’s talk singing research with Professor Graham Welch
The Choir with No Name
Ex Cathedra
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.160 Tuning into Trauma: Strategies for Singing Teachers
@kitbrownnn
Emily Foulkes
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.71 Singing for Trauma
SK Shlomo
The Sing Space Choir
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.179 From 1 to 40 Choirs and Touring with Gareth Malone
The Singing School Handbook: How to Make Your School Sing (Faber Music) by Michelle James
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.155 & 156 Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios P1 & P2
ABOUT THE GUESTS
For BAZ and Cell's bios click HERE
Sing Up Foundation believe in the power of singing to improve health and wellbeing for all. With 50% of mental health problems established by the age of 14 and 75% by the age of 24, it’s critical to focus on prevention with young people. The foundation produce, promote and create opportunities for children and young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing through singing. The benefits of singing, songwriting and voice exploration, especially in groups, are wide-ranging with extensive research supporting the physiological, social, psychological and behavioural benefits. Creating a healthier world through song.
Websites: singupfoundation.org
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
What happens when a singer steps into the spotlight to share their lessons learned? In this new ‘Student Spotlight’ feature, singing teachers will understandwhy singers might seek us out in the first place, what their expectations of lessons are, and what helps and hinders them. In this episode, we welcome Jackie Pryce, one half of the musical duo Maud’s Dog, understanding her journey from Gosport to The Troubadour, how singing lessons have transformed her technique, what was important for her to find in a teacher and how those open questions really feel.
QUOTE
‘In 2021 obviously we'd all been through the pandemic, and I think a lot of us were looking at our lives and thinking…what really matters to me? What do I need to be doing more of?… It made me want to review my life and I thought: what do I really want to do, and what do I really love? And I thought I need to be singing again…’
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
00:00 Where it all started
5:33 Who are Maud’s Dog?
10:19 Why I wanted singing lessons
11:37 What I was looking for in a singing teacher
16:18 Expectations of the teacher
17:09 Technical challenges and how I overcame them
20:20 An impactful moment in my singing lessons
24:13 The perfect singing lesson
26:15 Those open questions
30:35 What’s next for Maud’s Dog?
Music Credit:
Not Tonight written and performed by Maud’s Dog
Vocals by Jackie Pryce
Guitar by Mark Fisher
Production by Jordan Humphreys
Click for presenter bios
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
ABOUT THE GUEST
Maud’s Dog are a captivating acoustic songwriting and performing duo that weave soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics into a musical tapestry. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists like James Taylor and the ethereal Kate Bush, they infuse their compositions with a touch of jazz, a hint of blues, and the energy of rock.
Guest Websites: maudsdog.com
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
In this episode, we welcome back Rachel Lynes, founder of The Sing Space, to share her journey of growing one choir to 40 adult musical theatre choirs across the UK. Rachel discusses the challenges of building a successful choir community, finding the perfect venue, recruiting members, and creating meaningful connections through music. We dive into exciting projects like her collaboration with Gareth Malone and she gives tips for aspiring choir leaders. Whether you're looking to start your own choir or grow an existing one this episode is full of inspiring insights.
QUOTE
‘I didn’t realise what this was that we were setting up… I thought we were doing musical theatre choirs, and now I’m like, no, no, no—this is so much more.’
00:04:00 From 1 choir to 40 choirs nationwide network
00:06:00 Financial realities of running choirs
00:10:00 The importance of venue choice
00:12:00 Recruiting choir members
00:15:00 Authentic marketing tips
00:22:00 Selecting & arranging Musical Theatre songs
00:25:00 How to teach harmony effectively
00:30:00 Incorporating vocal technique into choir sessions
00:32:00 Advice for aspiring choir leaders
00:39:00 How to start your own choir
00:43:00 Gareth Malone Tour
Click for presenter bios
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
ABOUT THE GUEST
Fondly named, 'the voice whisperer' by the singers she works with, Rachel's rigorously technical yet accessible approach combines the science with the heart. Rachel works with singers who include recording artists, West End performers and Vocal Coaches. She has been studying the voice for over 20 years.
As a performer, she spent 10 years playing leading roles in the West End and internationally.
She is published in the Journal of Voice. Recommendations for voice healthcare based on expert-by-experience and practitioner consensus. She has lectured at The Theatre Royal Haymarket, many of the top training institutions and at the Vocal Health Education BioPsychosocial conference in London, co-authoring a speech with clinician Joanna Cazden.
Rachel is director of Sing Space Choirs, offering Musical Theatre singing to almost a two thousand singers per week. As a vocal coach, Rachel incorporates singing technique into each session, including tips on mindset, breathing, posture, range, muscle release and lots more.
Guest Websites: rachellynes.co.uk www.singspacechoir.com
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.
Website: basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | Join the Free FB Group
"I am so glad I took the course! It has given me the confidence to move forward in my teaching knowing that I am practising safely, with a wealth of knowledge and support that I simply didn't have before! Hayley Ross, UK...more testimonials
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