Singing Teachers Talk

Singing Teachers Talk

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Singing Teachers Talk episodes

  • Ep.265 Why Singers Get Jaw Tension (And What Actually Helps) with Physiotherapist Emer Tully

    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 to apply straight away. 

     

    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  

    2:11 How do we know when the jaw is functioning well? 

    3:32 Hypermobility P1 

    6:55 Assessing opening and closing of the jaw 

    14:21 Release vs strengthening   

    28:34 Biomechanics vs aesthetics  

    31:52 Hypermobility P2  

    33:41 Acupuncture and the jaw  

    36:01 Jaw red flags  

    36:54 Clicking jaw & TMJ 

    42:39 Three things to look after your jaw health   

     

    About the presenter HERE

     

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.241 Is Your Pelvic Floor Affecting Your Voice? A Deep Dive with Physiotherapist Emer Tully 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.110 Articulation and Singing: Assessing Jaw Behaviour With Chris Johnson 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers with Sarah Algoet 

    Evolve  

    Bone Prop 

     

    ABOUT THE GUEST 

    Emer Tully is a physiotherapist specialising in hypermobility, TMJ dysfunction, breathing mechanics, and vocal health. She works closely with singers, performers, and individuals with complex chronic symptoms, exploring how the jaw, airway, voice, and whole-body movement patterns influence health and performance. Her clinical approach focuses on connecting the dots between biomechanics, breathing, the nervous system, and long-term symptom management. Based in Blackheath, South East London.  

     

    Website 

    Instagram: @core_points 

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    48 min
  • Ep.264 Gender Equality in the Music Industry: Where Are We Now? with Vick Bain

    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 assumptions, shares the evidence behind the headlines, and asks what role we can play in creating a more inclusive future for the artists we teach. Just to let you know some listeners may find some of the topics discussed distressing - take a pause, and we will be right there waiting when you’re ready.  

     

    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  

    1:28 About Vick’s PhD: Women's Careers in the UK Music Industry 

    2:02 What are some of the biggest gender inequality issues currently?  

    5:50 Age discrimination and pay gap statistics  

    15:55 The ‘what about Adele’ question 

    25:06 Where are women missing?  

    27:13 What happens when women ‘over-represent’ in a field?  

    29:44 Being a freelancer  

    32:57 The red flags 

    36:11 Political landscapes  

    40:15 The F-List 

     

    About the presenter HERE

     

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

    The UK Music Diversity Taskforce 

    Musicians Union 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.263 The Creative Juggle: Singer, Songwriter and Teacher 

    Musician Census of 2024 

    Government pay gap reports  

    Intellectual Property Office 

    Gov Misogyny in Music 

    PRS for music 

    Independent Society of Musicians 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.117 The ISM: What Singers and Singing Teachers Need to Know 

    Reform Our Contract With You 

     

    ABOUT THE GUEST 

     

    Vick Bain is an EDI and Research Consultant with nearly 30 years' experience in the music and creative industries. Formerly CEO of the Ivors Academy and Past President of the Independent Society of Musicians, she now leads a consultancy specialising in strategic research, impact evaluation, and diversity and inclusion. A Henley Business School MBA graduate, Vick is completing a PhD at Queen Mary University of London on women's careers in music. She is the Founder of The F-List for Music CIC, a not-for-profit supporting women and gender diverse musicians across the UK and serves as a board director of the ISM. Her clients include IMPALA, Counterculture, Beggars Group, UK Music, Beatport and Attitude is Everything. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and Companion of LIPA - appointed by Sir Paul McCartney - she is included in both the Music Week Women in Music Roll of Honour and the BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour Music Industry Powerlist. 

    Vick trained as a classical singer in the early 1990s, holding Grade 8 singing, an HND in Classical Music (Voice) and a BA in Performing Arts. She recorded and performed with experimental artist Rapoon, sang for many years with the London Bulgarian Choir – during whose time they were runners-up in the BBC Choir of the Year and performed alongside numerous pop and rock acts. She recently joined a Cornish choir, continuing a lifelong relationship with singing.  

    Website 

    The F List 

    Instagram 

    LinkedIn 

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    47 min
  • Ep.263 The Creative Juggle: Singer, Songwriter and Teacher with India Bourne

    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 her instincts, and helped her to continue creating a sustainable, fulfilling career in music. 

     

    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  

    1:08 What venues are India’s favourite to play? 

    3:38 What has India learnt through touring and being a human in the music industry? 

    6:06 Does teaching ever feel in tension with being an artist?  

    12:37 India’s experience with BAST 

    14:50 How has being a classically trained cellist influenced artistry and teaching? 

    18:10 Songwriting and creative ideas 

    25:07 Singing and training emotion in music 

    30:02 Being the creative juggler  

    33:26 Protecting your own creativity  

    35:35 India’s new music 

     

    About the presenter HERE

     

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

    Ben Howard 

    Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw 

    Why Doing Nothing Can Change Your Life by Joseph Jebelli 

    Heidi Moss Erickson 

    Singing in the Brain: Ep.2: The Spaces in Between - Part1 Rest 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.256 The Neuroscience of Singing: What the Singer’s Brain Needs 

    Middle Farm Studios 

    Outside venue 

     

    ABOUT THE GUEST 

    India Bourne is a classically trained musician, songwriter and vocal coach whose voice has travelled the world as a long-time member of Ben Howard's live band. Singing and playing cello, bass and percussion, she has spent years immersed in shared stages and shifting landscapes. Alongside this, she has released music as Tender Central, where electronica and folk intertwine in songs that echo the emotional depth of Massive Attack, Lamb and Joni Mitchell. 

     

    Now, India returns to releasing music under her own name. This new collection is shaped by long-standing musical relationships, featuring collaborators Mickey Smith, Nat Wason and Rich Thomas alongside her all-female choir, The Big Skirts. Recorded live to tape at Middle Farm Studios with producer Peter Miles, these are songs of initiation and becoming - of motherhood, grief, nature, and new life - held together by the rare chemistry of old friends playing in the same room.  

     

    At the heart of the record is the voice, or rather voices. India writes with her women vocalists in mind, weaving their lines together as a living fabric from which melodies emerge. The result is music that feels both grounded and expansive, rooted in collective breath, resonance and connection. 

     

    Website 

    Instagram 

    The Big Skirts 

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    44 min
  • Ep.262 Breaking Down Barriers: Making Arts Education Accessible for All with RABBLE Theatre

    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 passionate about the transformative power of creative education. 

     

    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  

    3:25 What is RABBLE Theatre?  

    5:00 The RABBLE mission 

    7:27 Education and Youth programmes at RABBLE 

    12:07 RABBLE is looking for freelance singing teachers!  

    13:31 The wellbeing benefits of the arts  

    15:36 Getting financial support from RABBLE 

    17:22 Nurturing Performers  

    19:53 Fundraising tips 

    23:21 Pushback and grants  

    25:25 Make a donation 

     

    About the presenter HERE

     

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

    Seamus Allen (Improvisation) 

    Holiday Activities Fund 

    Chris Mitchell  

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.222 The Rise of AI: What it Means for Singers and Singing Teachers   

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.226 The Rise of AI: Practical Tools and Strategies for the Singing Teacher  

    Arts Council 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.162 Voices of the South West: Building Community with the Southwest Voice Hub  

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.224 Your Brain on Art: The Science of Creativity and Healing 

     

    ABOUT THE GUEST 

     

    RABBLE Theatre is an education charity that tells local stories of national significance. They have a large education department, engaging over 2,000 young people and adults every year, 141 of whom access their work through the RABBLE access fund.  

     

    Website 

    @rabble_theatre on Instagram 

    @rabbletheatre on Tik Tok 

    Contact RABBLE to collaborate 

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    32 min
  • Ep.261 Managing Performance Nerves: Tools For Singers & Singing Teachers with Laura Dumbleton

    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?  

    2:39 What is stage fright?  

    4:17 Why might a singer experience stage fright?  

    5:55 Why has performing not evolved to become less stress-provoking?  

    9:40 Symptoms of stage fright to look out for  

    12:59 Is it true that ‘some nerves can be helpful?’  

    15:25 The Boiling Pot Analogy  

    19:20 Stage fright myth busting  

    21:39 Strategies for stage fright 

     

    About the presenter HERE

     

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.155 Part One: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.156 Part Two: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios 

    Dave Cottrell: @mindsetbydave 

    Stress Less: Breath More - Simple Breathing Exercises for Stress Relief 

    Sarah Joyce: @sarahjoycesings 

    Jessie J - Watch Me Work Through a Panic on Stage  

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.80 Understanding Music Performance Anxiety 

     

    ABOUT THE GUEST 

    Laura Dumbleton is a Stage Fright Coach, Voice Coach and Breathwork Teacher with over fourteen years of experience working with singers and voice teachers. She specialises in why technically prepared singers still struggle under pressure, and what can be done about it. She is passionate about getting rid of “just practice more!” as a solution and instead replacing it with actual tools to address the underlying problem. 

    Laura works from her studio in Lincolnshire and online with clients worldwide, offering 1:1 coaching, group workshops, and courses covering musical theatre voice, stage fright, and performance confidence. Her Stage Fright workshops bring together the science of performance anxiety, vocal technique, and nervous system regulation, giving singers and teachers practical tools for building genuine confidence that holds up under pressure. Breathwork runs through everything she does, from coherence breathing to conscious connected breathwork, whether as a standalone session or woven into performance coaching. 

    She holds a Masters of Research from the University of Edinburgh specialising in performance anxiety in singers, alongside being an IVA Advanced Instructor and qualified Breathwork Facilitator and Teacher with Breathing Space. 

    Website 

    Instagram 

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    47 min
  • Ep.260 The Return of In-Person Training: Our Singing Teacher Intensive in Manchester with Line Hilton

    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 teaching. Plus, find out how to get your tickets, access an exclusive podcast discount, and join us on 20–21 June. 

     

    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

    1:36 What happens in a room full of singing teachers that can’t happen online?  

    3:00 What has BAST been cooking up?  

    7:11 How to get a ticket 

    8:37 The BAST Intensive schedule  

    11:17 What might I take away from a weekend intensive event?  

    14:32 What if I don’t know anyone?  

    17:15 What is Line the most excited about?  

     

    About the presenter HERE

     

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS   

    Line Hilton  

    Focus On Events 

    Manchester College 

     

    GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BAST MANCHESTER INTENSIVE 2026 HERE 

    YOUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE: STTINTENSIVESPECIAL 

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    20 min
  • Ep.259 Can You Teach Singing Without Demonstrating? with Line Hilton

    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.  

    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

    2:33 How important is it for a singing teacher to demonstrate?  

    4:32 When should a singing teacher demonstrate?  

    6:33 Demonstration and physiology 

    10:49 Demonstration and the opposite sex 

    15:48 Demonstration and illness  

    20:55 Demonstration and injury 

    25:54 Demonstration and the working singer    

    31:00 Demonstrating and hormones 

     

    About the presenter HERE

     

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS   

    Line Hilton  

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.254 Lessons Learned in the First Year of Teaching Singing with Mark Lowman 

    Vocalzone 

    Vocalzone, Saviours or Destroyers? Article   

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.257 Inside the Voice Clinic: Common Vocal Problems & What Happens Next with ENT Mr Nicholas Gibbins 

    Ejae  

    Renée Fleming 

    Singing and The Premenstrual Voice Article  

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.102 Understanding Singing and Menopause with Joanna Bozeman 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers with Sarah Algoet 

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    40 min
  • Ep.258 10 Plus ‘Legit’ Songs for Musical Theatre Singers with Alexa Terry

    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 PODCAST 

    0:42 Defining ‘legit’ 

    4:16 Common technical challenges  

    5:44 10+ ‘legit’ song ideas 

     

    About the presenter HERE

     

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

    musicnotes.com 

    So You Want To Sing Musical Theatre by Amanda Flynn  

    NATS 

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre 

     

    ABOUT THE GUEST 

    Alexa runs a singing tuition practice in the South of England, and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 qualification, and has presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practise and The Sing Space.  

     

    SEE FULL BIO HERE

     

    Website 

    Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching  

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    15 min
  • Ep.257 Inside the Voice Clinic: Common Vocal Problems & What Happens Next with ENT Mr Nicholas Gibbins

    What are the most common vocal issues singers actually face, and how can we prevent them without falling into the trap of overthinking every tiny symptom? In this engaging and refreshingly honest chat, ENT voice specialist Nick Gibbins breaks down the patterns he sees in clinic, alongside practical insights on building vocal stamina and injury prevention. The conversation tackles what can actually be detected via laryngostroboscopy, reflux, hypermobility, rehabilitation, and Nick also tackles some questions from you, the listeners. Expect expert knowledge, myth-busting, and plenty of down-to-earth, relatable discussion that every singer and teacher will benefit from hearing.

    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

    5:21 What singers does Nick see in clinic?

    8:16 Patterns of challenge and injury in singers

    13:06 Reflux

    17:38 Preparing for vocal load increase

    24:10 What can you actually tell about a singer via laryngostroboscopy?

    26:46 Hypermobility

    36:25 Surgery and recovery

    41:08 Singing teachers and rehabilitation

    47:52 Can you feel your vocal folds?

    54:22 Vocal hygiene without the hype


    About the presenter HERE

     

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

    Declan Costello

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.87 87 How to Manage Allergies and Upper Respiratory Infections

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers

    British Laryngological Association

    CEORL-HNS Congress

    ABOUT THE GUEST 

    Mr Nicholas Gibbins is a Consultant Laryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon at the University Hospital Lewisham. Trained in London and the South-East of England, Nick has built a reputation as an excellent surgeon, teacher and lecturer. Patient outcomes are a key focus for Nick and, along with the whole of the renowned voice team at Lewisham, has built the largest Voice Database in Europe to analyse outcomes.

    His key interests in the voice are the diagnosis and treatment of vocal fold scars and sulci, and the care and treatment of the professional voice. More recently he has been sought after to lecture on musculoskeletal problems that can either originate in the larynx causing muscle tension imbalance or that arising distally and effect the biomechanics of the voice. He has built a team that can address all these issues that includes speech therapists, osteopaths, vocal rehabilitation coaches, kinetic chain specialists, gastroenterologists, neurologists and more.

    He writes and publishes regularly and is the current Editor of the Chapter on the Larynx for Gray’s Anatomy (43rd Ed). His term of office as President of the British Laryngological Association began in 2025.

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    1 hr 3 min
  • Ep.256 The Neuroscience of Singing: What the Singer's Brain Needs with Heidi Moss Erickson

    A fascinating deep dive into what really happens inside the singer’s brain, this episode explores the surprising intersection of neuroscience, pedagogy, and creativity. Joined by renowned voice expert Heidi Moss Erickson, the conversation unpacks how singing is both incredibly complex and beautifully instinctive revealing why play, imagination, and even a bit of “crazy” can unlock better vocal performance. This episode challenges singers and teachers alike to embrace a more brain-friendly, joyful approach to vocal training.

    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

    4:19 Is singing really that complex?

    7:58 Nature Vs. Nuture

    10:19 Brain data for singing

    12:03 The order of things: The Holy Grail P1

    23:10 Integral parts to the brain’s prediction for singing

    29:42 Neurodiversity inclusivity

    34:02 The role of intention

    39:12 The order of things: The Holy Grail P2

    46:26 The brain and learning expectations

    54:29 Who needs to understand ‘singing in the brain?’

    About the presenter HERE

    RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

    The work of Richard Miller

    Erich Jarvis

    Heidi’s Singing in the Brain Series

    The work of Ingo Titze

    Voce Vista

    Singing With Your Whole Self by Samuel H Nelson & Elizabeth L Blades

    Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.63 Developing a Singer’s Self Awareness And Clarifying Intention

    Edward Chang UCSF

    Journal of Singing 

    ABOUT THE GUEST

    Heidi Moss Erickson is an acclaimed soprano, educator, and scientist who has performed on major national and international stages and with leading regional opera companies. A strong advocate for contemporary music, she has premiered works by renowned composers and collaborated with artists such as Jake Heggie and Tarik O’Regan.

    She has earned top honors in prestigious vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Her academic background in voice, biology, and neuroscience has also led to contributions to significant scientific publications.

    After a rare nerve injury, Erickson developed an innovative, neuroscience-based approach to vocal pedagogy, now applied across multiple musical genres. She teaches and lectures internationally and shares her work through publications, courses, and her “Singing in the Brain” series.

    Committed to accessibility, she founded a non-profit providing voice lessons to underserved communities and continues to connect science and singing through her research and writing.

    SEE FULL BIO HERE

    Website

    🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

    At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

    “The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

    Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

    basttraining.com | Stay Updated 

    59 min

About Singing Teachers Talk

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who are ready to teach. 

ABOUT BAST TRAINING 

We are here to…

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