Singing Teachers Talk

In this episode, Alexa shares 10 game-changing resources that have transformed her own practice as a singing teacher. From essential books and pitch apps to surprising finds, this episode is packed with fresh inspiration for teachers at every stage of their journey.Which resource could become your new secret weapon? Tune in to find out. 

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Anatomy of Voice by Blandine Calais-Germain & Francois Germain  

Training Contemporary Commercial Singers by Elizabeth Ann Benson  

 The Voice Teacher's Cookbook, Creative Recipes for Teachers of Singing by Brian Winnie 

SpeechPlusLanguage 

Etsy  

Canva 

Ultimate Guitar 

musicaltheatreresources.com 

Stage Door Unlocked  

Dr Dan’s Voice Essentials  

Vocal Pitch Monitor  

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 entry 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

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What happens when you mix Julie Andrews, musical theatre, and a dash of cheeky cabaret? This week, Alexa chats to performer and singing teacher Rosie Williamson about her show What Would Julie Do?—a musical comedy cabaret. Rosie shares how she built a heartwarming, hilarious, harmony-filled show that uplifts audiences and champions mental health causes. Plus: perfectionism, parody law, and why your passion project might just be your best work yet.

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST

4:16 What are the first steps to devising your own show? 

10:54 How audiences describe ‘What Would Julie Do?’

12:58 Performing as a singing teacher

18:23 What’s it like working with a friend?

20:46 Rights and approvals

23:16 How to hire singers

26:06 Balancing performing and teaching

29:11 Getting the project off the ground

33:29 Funding

43:42 Should devising be a standard part of theatre training curriculums?

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Sarah Louise Young

Yvonne Kenny

Leontine Hass

Matt Samer

Mind

Carers UK

Dan Turek

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.154 Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers

Mandy UK

Spotlight

The Pheasantry

Arts Council

Develop Your Creative Practice (DYCP)

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.213 Medicine to Music. A Journey Back to A Creative Calling

Crazy Coqs

ABOUT THE GUEST

Rosie Williamson is a London-based singing teacher, performer, and writer with a background in classical voice and musical theatre. Inspired by frequent comparisons to Julie Andrews—her school tutor once described her as “just like Mary Poppins”—Rosie created What Would Julie Do?, musical comedy cabaret blending self-help themes with show tunes and parody. Her work has been performed at leading London cabaret venues, Brighton Fringe, and Mountview’s Catalyst Festival. Rosie trained at the University of Sheffield, University of York, and Associated Studios, and now teaches at institutions including ArtsEd and LAMDA. 

FULL BIO HERE

Teaching | What Would Julie Do | Show Tickets HERE

🎁 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

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In this episode of Singing Teachers Talk, Estelle Idoko shares her journey from medical school to music school. We explore how she helps others reconnect with their creativity, and what holds so many back from living artistically. Whether you're a singer, teacher, or someone wondering: “Is it too late to live creatively?”, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, stirred, and ready to explore your own creative path. 

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

1:00 Medical school vs music school 

7:08 The perception of artistic occupations  

17:56 Should my creativity be a hobby or a career?  

19:30 Women and singing  

24:20 Men and singing  

27:31 What is Estelle’s coaching framework?  

34:06 Leading a creative life  

39:44 The ‘Sing Confidently, live Creatively’ podcast 

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

The Elements by Tom Lehrer 

Sing Confidently, Live Creatively Ep.208 Start Singing Today Because We Need Your Art with Amie McNee  

Aimee McNee 

We Need Your Art by Aimee McNee  

Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults by Jenevora Williams  

Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.179 From 1 to 40 Choirs and Touring with Gareth Malone - a Chat with Rachel Lynes  

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Estelle Idoko is a Singer, Actor, and Voice Teacher based in Durham, North Carolina, currently completing her Master’s in Music and Music Education at Columbia University. She is the founder of Creatively Performing Arts, offering online voice lessons and resources for adult beginners. Estelle hosts the globally ranked podcast Sing Confidently, Live Creatively and performs regularly in cabarets, open mics, worship teams, and theatre. Her acting credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Comedy of Errors, and the upcoming Sound of Music. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from VCU and a professional voice certificate from Berklee. Estelle is passionate about helping artists reconnect with their creativity and build lasting vocal confidence. 

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website 

Instagram: @creativelybyestelle  

Facebook: Singing Tips and Technique for Women. 

Listen to Estelle’s podcast ‘Sing Confidently, Live Creatively’ here  

🎁 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

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Want to help your singers master pop stylings like belt, riffing, breathy tone, and yodel flips? Alexa has invited singing coach Hannah Smikle back to the podcast for this practical episode, to share 10 killer pop songs that unlock vocal agility, texture, and expressive flair. What vocal tools can help singers to progress into certain melodies, and how do you apply pop texture in a piano-only space? A must-listen for singing teachers looking to spark creativity in the studio! 

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

1:56 Should singing teachers pick the songs?  

3:15 How to collate a repertoire list  

4:15 What is ‘popular’ in pop? 

6:13 What must a singer keep in mind? 

9:42 Hannah’s 10 song choices  

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.205 10 Songs to Inspire Your Singing Lessons 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.210 10 Songs to Celebrate Pride in Your Studio 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.51 How to Boost a Singer’s Confidence  

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.112 Helping Musical Theatre Singers Build a Reliable Pop Toolbox 

Spotify Radio 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.112 Helping Musical Theatre Singers Build a Reliable Pop Toolbox 

Microphone SM58 

Chris Johnson Teach Voice 

Arthur Lessac 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Hannah Smikle is a professional voice coach and vocalist with over 15 years’ experience in the music industry. She has worked extensively as a live performer, backing vocalist, session singer, and recording artist. Known for her holistic, multi-disciplinary approach, Hannah combines technical expertise with industry insight to support singers both on stage and in the studio. She regularly engineers and coaches recording sessions, helping artists deliver authentic, high-quality vocals. Passionate about whole-person wellbeing, she integrates vocal health and counselling skills into her coaching. Hannah is a Vocal Habilitation Professional, Vocal Health First Aider, and committed to ongoing professional development. 

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website 

Instagram: @vocalperformancecoaching  

🎁 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 

In this episode, we chat with Dublin-based singing teacher and voice science enthusiast Eimear McCarthy Luddy. Eimear shares the story behind her #AnatoMonday Vocal Anatomy Colouring Book—a fun, creative resource designed to make vocal anatomy accessible and engaging. We explore her journey from struggling with traditional anatomy materials to creating her own, how she uses anatomy in teaching, and why she believes learning about the voice should be joyful and memorable. Eimear also shares insights into her creative process, her successful Kickstarter campaign, and what might be next for Vocology Ireland. 

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

2:25 The challenges of learning vocal anatomy  

4:45 How does vocal anatomy play a role in singing teaching?  

7:18 What is anatomy, really? 

9:17 How to get to grips with vocal anatomy  

18:26 What is Eimear’s favourite piece of vocal anatomy?  

22:21 Mindfulness & learning  

28:56 Using kickstarter  

33:25 Publishing and shipping  

35:28 A sneak peak at Eimear’s colouring book 

40:55 The future of the vocal anatomy colouring book 

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.152 Understanding Singing Terminology 

Chris Johnson 

Kerrie Obert  

Rosa Devine 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.155 Part One: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coats 

Singing Teachers Talk. Ep.156 Part Two: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coats 

Kickstarter  

MediBang Paint  

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Eimear is a Dublin-based singing teacher with a passion for vocal health, anatomy, and singing voice rehabilitation. She holds a Masters in Music Performance from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, where she researched vocal health attitudes in Ireland. Eimear founded Vocology Ireland to make voice science more accessible. She delivers vocal health workshops for singers and teachers and published the #AnatoMonday Vocal Anatomy Colouring Book in 2024. Eimear teaches a wide range of students and is an assessor for Vocal Health Education’s accredited courses. 

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website 

Instagram: @vocologyireland  

Get a copy of ‘#AnatoMonday: A Vocal Anatomy Colouring Book’ HERE 

Photo Credit: Lucy Nuzum 

🎁 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 

In this episode ahead of Pride Month, Alexa Terry shares 10 vibrant, emotional, and empowering songs to celebrate LGBTQ+ voices in your singing studio. From folk rock belting to acoustic remixes and Broadway ballads, discover repertoire that not only expands vocal technique, but also tells meaningful stories. Which of these tracks will you be adding to your Pride playlist? 

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Love in Hate Nation by Joe Iconis 

musicnotes.com 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.205 10 Songs to Inspire your Singing Lessons with Alexa Terry 

Walk off the Earth  

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Alexa is a singing teacher and vocal coach who runs her own singing tuition practice in the South of England. She is also a 1-1 singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools - Italia Conti, where she regularly panels auditions. Alexa is the host of BAST Training’s Singing Teachers Talk podcast, and is one of the mentors for their level 5 singing teaching qualification.  

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website: www.aterryvocalcoaching.com 

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 

How can we define ‘gospel,’ and what are the nuances of the style that give it its name? This week, Alexa joins Nashville-based vocal coach and music producer, Amos Evans, to chat about chords, riffs, vibrato and other textures which can contribute to an aesthetic gospel sound. Hit play for teaching tips, advice to choir leaders - and to be serenaded!  

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

0:52 Who is Amos Evans?  

2:47 What is the music scene like in Nashville?  

4:52 From DC To Nashville: How did Amos establish himself up in a new state?  

9:37 Defining and identifying the gospel style  

20:28 How to learn to riff  

22:05 What tends to be the most challenging aspect of learning gospel styles?  

23:02 How can congregations and church singers maintain vocal health?  

25:53 How does technical training for gospel styles compare to others?  

29:43 What has Amos learned from working with gospel choirs and leaders?  

31:36 Getting started with your own gospel choir & working with Jennifer Hudson 

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Artists: Jelly Roll; Brandon Lake; Yolanda Adams; Hezekiah Walker; Jonathan McReynolds; Doe; Mahalia Jackson; Maverick City; The Choir Room; Jennifer Hudson 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.126 The Business of Stories: Game-Changing Marketing Strategy 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.142 How to Sing and Teach Gospel 

Cheryl Porter  

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Amos Evans (Nashville-based vocal coach and producer) is known for his riveting vocal arrangements, gospel-fused approach, and contemporary touch. Amos' career includes the work of industry giants like Josh Groban, Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson and film productions heard from Amazon Prime to Max. As a vocal coach and producer, Amos brings 15+ years of studio recording and live background singing to train current and aspiring artists alike. His academic studies include Carnegie Mellon University (official school of the Tony Awards), Vocal Instruction at the BAST Program (Manchester, United Kingdom) and Audio Engineering at Cue Recording (Falls Church, Virginia). Currently partnering with record labels on Nashville's Music Row, Amos enjoys bringing artists' most captivating stories to life through song. 

Website 

Instagram: @amosevansmusic 

🎁 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 

Are ‘warm ups’ and ‘cool downs’ really necessary for singers? In this episode, Alexa and Line dive into the why, when, and how of warming up and cooling down the voice. With a mix of science, personal insight, and practical tips (yes, including vibrators!) Tune in to rethink your routine and pick up tools that actually work for your voice. 

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

0:43 Should singers warm up? 

2:01 What does the science say? 

6:26 How do we know when the warm is working or not?  

8:27 Who are warm-ups for? 

11:21 How long should a warm up take? 

13:56 How to warm up for shorter lessons  

15:28 What are some of the best warm up exercises?  

32:36 How to lead group warm ups 

 36:45 How should singers cool down? 

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Article Reference List 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.153 Mastering the Spoken Voice for Recording 

PMVS Article  

Dr Ingo Titze 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.170 Understanding the Science of SOVTs: In Conversation with Ingo Titze & Karin Titze Cox 

Joshua Alamu 

Katie Holmes Smith 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.177 Using Physiotherapy to Treat Voice Problems with Genevieve Tawiah  

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

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

Mindy Pack 

Chris Johnson 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.197 Backing Adele and Beyond: The Art and Craft of Backing Vocals 

Instagram: @basttraining  

🎁 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 

What if one of the most powerful moments of someone’s life happened in their final days? And what if that moment was because of music? Founder of Music in Hospices, Joe Cavalli-Price, shares astonishing stories of how live music can transform palliative care, and how singers can bring joy to the dying. This emotional and uplifting episode might just change the way you think about music, care, and connection. (Tissues recommended.) 

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

2:30  Who is Joseph Cavalli-Price?  

3:11  What inspired Music in Hospices?  

5:18 Music Therapy Vs Music Performance  

6:36 What is palliative care? 

9:18 How have Joe’s musical studies and experiences influenced Music in Hospices? 

14:22 Stories from the hospice 

19:32 What do the science and statistics say? 

23:38 How can I become a singer for Music in Hospices? 

27:00 What collaborative research is in the pipeline?  

29:14 Backing from the BBC & Lang Lang 

36:28 Donations  

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Only Boys Aloud (Choir)  

The Sixteen (Choir)  

Social Prescription & The National Centre for Social Prescribing  

Lang Lang International Music Foundation  

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Joe Cavalli-Price is a Welsh-Italian musician, vocal coach, and founder of Music in Hospices, a creative arts organisation for palliative care. His work has earned international recognition, with features on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Breakfast. Joe collaborates with Lang Lang Foundation, Hospice UK, and King’s College London to innovate care through music. 

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website 

Instagram/Facebook: @musicinhospices & @joecavalliprice 

🎁 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 

In this thought-provoking episode, Stephen King returns to explore the deep links between psychology and voice. How can we integrate body psychotherapy into our lessons without a psychology degree? And how can we respond when we don’t have all the answers? This episode invites you to rethink what it means to really listen. 

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

2:40 From vocal coach to psychotherapist 

16:30 How can singing teachers play a positive role?  

41:01 What exercises from Body Psychotherapy can teachers apply in the lesson?  

50:50 What was Stephen’s first experience of massage?  

53:25 Are we frightened of ‘touch’ as teachers?  

57:05 What is a ‘relational’ approach?  

1:02:06 What can we expect from ‘The Handbook of Vocal Massage?’ 

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.32 The Bio-Psycho-Social Model 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.90 Help! I’ve Got a Voice Problem 

Jeremy Ryan Mossman  

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.128 Considering the Whole Self in Singing and Teaching Singing 

Industry Minds 

Dr Jenevora Williams  

Vocal Health Education 

Claire Delaney 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.147 TV Vocal Coach: Behind the scenes on ITV’s Mamma Mia 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.199 The Truth About Muscle Tension Dysphonia 

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van Der Kolk 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep160 Tuning into Trauma: Strategies for Singing Teachers 

Character Analysis by Wilhelm Reich 

Chadley Ballantyne 

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.52 Getting to Grips with Vocal Acoustics  

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.171 A Guide to Vocal Self-Massage 

Lydia Flock  

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Stephen is a leading voice care specialist with qualifications in Voice Pedagogy, Integrative Therapy, Manual Therapy, and Medical Acupuncture. He is the co-author of several bestselling books on vocal health and the director of the award-winning Voice Care Centre. Stephen pioneered a holistic, para-medical model of voice care and has trained thousands of practitioners across the UK and beyond. As co-founder of Vocal Health Education, he continues to educate globally while working online with complex voice cases from his home in North Devon. 

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website 

Instagram: @voicecarecentre 

🎁 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