213 | Social Media Update with Karen Michaels

{fullvoicemusic.com}

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/213/ ⭐

In episode #213, returning guest Karen Michaels (voice teacher, performer, and social media strategist) joins Nikki for a practical 2026 update on all things social media. Karen breaks down recent algorithm changes, what’s actually working right now, and how busy voice teachers can show up online with clarity and purpose. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re belting into the void, this episode offers common-sense strategies to help you connect, be seen, and make a real impact in your marketing efforts.

🔹[8:01] What platform is best for voice teachers?

🔹[15:58] How Important is engaging with others on Social Media?

🔹[23:30] Recent changes to the social media algorithms

🔹[31:04] Social media posts to avoid

🔹[34:46] Using Substack to connect with others

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Follow this link for Karen’s Discount code for FV Podcast Listeners

https://socialbutterflygroup.substack.com/aa615601

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST: Karen Michaels

CEE Chief Executive Everything of the Social. Butterfly Group, Positive Viber, Social Media Strategist for Creatives, Musicians, Voice teachers, actors. Social Media can feel daunting…I know. I get you. I am you. I’ve got YOU!

Instagram: IG@socialbutterflygroup

Substack: The Social Butterfly Buzz

⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released January 30th, 2026

ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

212 | Less Talking, Better Teaching

{fullvoicemusic.com}

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/212/ ⭐

As voice teachers, we have so much we want to share, but long explanations, detailed lectures about anatomy, and constant corrective language will unintentionally sabotage learning. In episode 212, Nikki explores why less talking and more singing leads to better teaching. We’ll touch on executive function and Cognitive Load Theory and share simple, practical strategies for more singing, less talking, and deeper learning in your voice lessons.

🔹[2:15] Why Less talking in a Voice Lesson?

🔹[8:38] A typical lesson with a student

🔹[13:35] Attention myths and executive function

🔹[22:30] The nervous system and when learning stops

🔹[29:00] FULL VOICE Teacher Training: Cultivating Consent in the Voice Studio with Megan Durham

🔹[31:55] Cognitive Overload Theory in singing lessons

🔹[44:00] Why talking less makes us feel like we are not doing our job

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Tera Sumptner (SLP and Executive Function Expert) https://terasumpter.com/ IG https://www.instagram.com/terasumpter_slp

🔗 Another Thing New Teacher Workshop: Cultivating Consent in the Voice Studio with Megan Durham https://fullvoicemusic.com/product/cultivating-consent-in-the-voice-studio-with-megan-durham/

🔗 Thank you for your support. Visit our website www.fullvoicemusic.com

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

Nikki is the "Boss of it All" at FULL VOICE Music, where she collaborates with an incredible team, vocal music composers, and music education specialists worldwide to create outstanding singing resources. With 34 years of experience teaching private voice lessons, she shares vocal pedagogy insights and best practices to ensure every student leaves the studio with a smile and you build a teaching business you love.

⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released December 26, 2025

ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

211 | Alleviating Stress & Overfunctioning with Lisa Pinnock

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⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/211/ ⭐

On episode 211 of The FULL VOICE Podcast, Nikki welcomes Lisa Pinnock—music educator, choir director, studio owner, and life coach with over 30 years of experience helping people find their voice.

Together, Nikki and Lisa discuss the growing issue of teacher burnout, how overfunctioning shows up in our work, and why intentional pauses can be a powerful reset for creativity, balance, and authenticity.

A warm, supportive conversation filled with practical insights and gentle reminders that caring for yourself is part of caring for your students.

🎧 Take a breath and enjoy.

🔹[08:24] About Lisa Pinnock

🔹[14:34] Finding that moment of awareness or “pause.”

🔹[16:30] Paying attention to the green, yellow, and red flags

🔹[20:02] What is overfunctioning

🔹[26:23] Strategies for resetting during your day

🔹[40:00] The challenges of setting boundaries

🔹[49:00] Addressing teacher exhaustion and boundaries

🔹[57:40] Work With Lisa

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Check out the new release “Tweens ‘N Teens Songbook” https://fullvoicemusic.com/shop/books/songbooks/tweens-n-teens/

⭐ MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

▶️ Julia, You’re Fired! from Tweens and Teens Songbook by Nicky Phillips and Sarah Ziegler now available on www.fullvoicemusic.com

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

Lisa Pinnock has spent more than three decades helping others find their voice - literally and figuratively. As a music educator, choir director, and longtime studio owner, she’s nurtured countless young singers and pianists to grow in confidence and creativity. Her passion for expression eventually led her into life coaching, where she now helps educators and entrepreneurs rediscover balance, joy, and purpose. Lisa also leads FemCity Markham, a thriving community for women in business grounded in collaboration, connection, and heart.

🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisampinnock

🔹LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lisapinnock

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released November 28, 2025

ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

210 | **Vocal Pacing and Stamina with Dr. Jenevora Williams**

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⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/210/ ⭐

**In episode 210 of The FULL VOICE Podcast,** Nikki welcomes world-renowned voice pedagogue **Dr. Jenevora Williams** for an in-person conversation about vocal pacing, stamina, and vocal health best practices.

Experienced teachers know how demanding this time of year can be. They prioritize vocal health, mindful scheduling, and sustainable singing for both themselves and their students. Dr. Williams offers practical strategies for managing vocal load, building awareness, and fostering resilience in the studio and on stage.

This inspiring episode is filled with encouragement, science-based insight, and actionable tools to help you and your students sing and teach with confidence, ease, and longevity.

🔹[3:43] Reflection from the 2025 International Congress of Voice Teachers

🔹[9:06] Understanding stamina in speaking and singing

🔹[18:54] Jenevora’s vocal rehabilitation work

🔹[24:06] working with tired, overwhelmed singers

🔹[29:19] Preparing students for busy performance seasons

🔹[43:52] Working with young singers in musical theatre shows

🔹[46:30] Best practices for vocal rest

🔹[53:15] Finding balance in busy lives

🔹[58:38] Dr. Jenevora Williams’ vocal pedagogy programs

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Learn more about Jenevora’s courses https://jenevorawilliams.com/

🔗 Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults https://fullvoicemusic.com/product/teaching-singing-to-children-and-young-adults-3rd-edition-by-jenevora-williams/

🔗 ONLINE COURSE Voice Growth and Change in Kids and Teens https://fullvoicemusic.com/product/voice-growth-and-change-in-kids-and-teens/

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

Dr. Jenevora Williams is a globally renowned voice expert, celebrated for her pioneering research in children’s voices, vocal health, and singing pedagogy. A passionate advocate for student-centred learning environments that are imaginative, playful, and inclusive, Jenevora continues to shape vocational education with her practical experience and dedication to the field.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

🔹website: https://jenevorawilliams.com/

🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenevorawilliams/

⭐ Discover MORE Inspired teaching topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released Friday, October 31st, 2025

ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

209 | Student-Centred Voice Teaching with Dr. Shannon Coates

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⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/209/ ⭐

“Student-centred teaching” is a catchy term in education, but the shift from teacher-led to student-led instruction can feel unsettling. For many voice teachers, this approach challenges long-held ideas about their role and identity as educators. In this episode, Dr. Shannon Coates clears up the misunderstandings surrounding student-centered learning and shares inspiration, encouragement, and best practices. Teachers will leave this conversation equipped to adopt a model that fosters autonomy, creativity, and deeper engagement for every singer.

**Podcast preview bonus**: Nikki also shares an exclusive **sneak peek** of the brand-new podcast *How to Run Your Business Without Hating Your Boss,* hosted by **Michelle Markwart Deveaux** and **Sarah Campbell**. If you love the FULL VOICE Podcast, you’ll definitely want to check out their smart and encouraging business conversations for music educators.

🔹[10:04] What is student-led learning?

🔹[12:03] Student centered vs student led

🔹[18:52] Educator identities

🔹[23:52] Our experience as students

🔹[29:19] Simple examples of student-led

🔹[38:50] Teach students to know what they need

🔹[45:02] Clip from “How to run your business without hating your boss” podcast

🔹[47:20] Students taking agency over their choices

🔹[50:27] Performance practice

🔹[55:00] Stepping back as a teacher

🔹[1:03:40] Giving Feedback

🔹[1:23:36] Conclusion

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

I’m Dr. Shannon Coates, a Canadian voice educator who somehow turned a career of singing loudly in public into teaching other people how to teach other people how to sing loudly in public. I run The VoicePed UnDegree (because who needs more degrees when we can just DO THE THING), and I spend a lot of time poking holes in compliance-based teaching so we can build something better. My specialty? Helping voice teachers stop pretending they’re the boss of their students and start teaching singers how to boss themselves. Also: lattes, cats, and a lotta hairstyle variety.

🔹website: https://drshannoncoates.com/

🔹instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voiceped/

🔹youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drshannoncoates

🔹facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VoiceAndTheArtofTeaching

🔹substack: https://substack.com/@voiceped

⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released September 26, 2025

ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

208 | The Ghosts of Students Past with Nikki Loney

fullvoicemusic.com

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/208/ ⭐

In Episode 208, we’re focusing on those students. The challenging ones. The ones we didn’t quite connect with. The ones who made us question our abilities. The ones whose departure had us rewriting our studio policies the very same day.

While these moments can feel like failures, they often offer the greatest opportunities for growth. Reflecting on the not-so-successful student experiences helps us become stronger teachers, clearer communicators, and more grounded mentors. Sometimes, it’s the ones who leave that teach us the most.

🔹[2:45] Planning for back to school

🔹[4:05] Live Office Hours

🔹[5:45] When you know better, you do better

🔹[10:32] Am I actually any good at teaching singing?

🔹[13:31] Students not being a good fit

🔹[16:48] Student behavior

🔹[17:42] Student that couldn’t stay still

🔹[20:41] Always interrupting

🔹[23:09] What emotional baggage do you bring into lessons?

🔹[26:00] How do we hold space for our students?

🔹[28:58] What has stayed with you from “That Student?”

🔹[35:12] Grace and growth

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Live Office Hours https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw_nI-cioxA&list=PL6N4UzEQNYqUTQ20q8Dzr4TsqUQ-MrIP6

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

Nikki is the "Boss of it All" at FULL VOICE Music, where she collaborates with an incredible team, vocal music composers, and music education specialists worldwide to create outstanding singing resources. With 34 years of experience teaching private voice lessons, she shares vocal pedagogy insights and best practices to ensure every student leaves the studio with a smile and you build a teaching business you love.

⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

207 | Updating Your Lesson Policies with Nikki Loney fullvoicemusic.com

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/207/ ⭐

🎙️ **Episode #207 - Studio Policies & Business Strategies (with Nikki Loney)**

Is it time to update your studio policies? Want to strengthen your music teaching business without losing your personality (or your sanity)? In this episode of **The Full Voice Podcast,** Nikki Loney dives into smart, practical ways to fine-tune your policies and shares essential strategies for running a successful studio.

And yes, we promise to make it fun!

✅ Tips for updating outdated policies

✅ Business strategies that actually work

✅ Real talk for real music teachers

🎧 Tune in and get inspired to level up your teaching biz!

🔹[2:42] Are you going to the ICVT in Toronto? (We are!)

🔹[6:00] Why update your policies?

🔹[7:50]What policies are, and what they are NOT.

🔹[10:00] Reflecting on your teaching year BEFORE you update your policies

🔹[15:45] Different types of teaching business models

🔹[24:00] How to get people to read your policy

🔹[33:00] Helpful ChatGPT prompts to improve your policy

🔹[34:42] Communicating the changes to your clients

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Information and registration for the 2025 ICVT https://www.nats.org/icvt2025.html

🔗 Wendy Stevens Information on how teachers can use Flex Weeks https://composecreate.com/snow-days-jury-duty-illness-oh-my/

🔗 FULL VOICE Music Live Office Hours https://fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/live-office-hours/

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

Nikki is the "Boss of it All" at FULL VOICE Music, where she collaborates with an incredible team, vocal music composers, and music education specialists worldwide to create outstanding singing resources. With 34 years of experience teaching private voice lessons, she shares vocal pedagogy insights and best practices to ensure every student leaves the studio with a smile and you build a teaching business you love.

⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released June 27, 2025

ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/206/ ⭐

In episode 206, Host Nikki Loney is joined by the FULL VOICE Music team, Mim Adams, Bethany Turpin, and Shawn Trotter, for an insightful and candid discussion about the realities or “Hard Truths” of music education. Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting your journey, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement for navigating the challenging moments in your teaching studio.

🔹[4:48] Bethany Turpin

🔹[6:13] Update on studio rate increase

🔹[10:59] They didn’t teach me this in music school!

🔹[13:41] Advice to someone getting started

🔹[16:07] Administrative responsibilities

🔹[20:57] Vocal Pedagogy

🔹[28:24] Mim Adams

🔹[29:21] Colleagues

🔹[31:45] People don’t read

🔹[36:05] Every student is different

🔹[39:03] Kindness - A beautiful truth

🔹[41:29] Hill & Valleys - Connection with the student

🔹[55:20] Repertoire

🔹[1:02:25] Shawn Trotter

🔹[1:03:23] It’s not about you

🔹[1:08:44] Keeping current & doing our best

🔹[1:15:38] Helping student teach themselves

🔹[1:17:09] A return to teaching

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Online Courses for Voice Teachers. Use discount code PODCAST to save 20% https://fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/online-courses/

🔗 ICVT Convention Registration

https://www.nats.org/icvt2025.html

🔗 Podcasts mentioned in this episode: Justin Peterson Podcast Historical Vocal Pedagogy: 93 and 94 Bethany’s Podcast: Raising your Rates #187

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUESTS:

Mim Adams, Dr. Bethany Turpin, and Shawn Trotter are dedicated music educators and small but mighty team at FULL VOICE Music. With decades of combined experience, they bring a vibrant mix of teaching, performing, composing, and arranging to their work.

Together, they share a passion for supporting music educators and making learning musical, meaningful, and fun.

⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released May 30, 2025

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/205/ ⭐

In episode #205, Nikki welcomes special guest Jeff Costello, an accomplished musician, vocalist, music educator, and voice teacher with decades of experience.

Today’s conversation dives into a surprisingly controversial topic: using YouTube as a teaching tool. While it’s widely used, some voice teachers still see it as a less-than-ideal option for instruction. Jeff and Nikki unpack common misconceptions and share how YouTube can actually be a powerful and effective resource for both teachers and students.

Tune in for insights, practical tips, and a fresh perspective on serving your students in the digital age on The FULL VOICE Podcast.

🔹[9:40] Meet our Guest, Jeff Costello

🔹[20:31] The FB Post That Started It All

🔹[23:54] Why Some Teachers are Uncomfortable Using YouTube?

🔹[29:20] What is Holding Back Some Teachers

🔹[32:12] Student-led Voice Instruction

🔹[34:22] What about the Musical Literacy?

🔹[45:50] Why Teachers don’t need to be “relevant” to be effective in their instruction

🔹[1:02:28] Credits

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework at Baldwin Wallace University https://cas.bw.edu/departments/teacher-education/lovetri-institute/summer/

🔗 Zoom lessons to teachers and professionals all over the world. https://www.zeelandacademyofmusic.com/contact.html

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

Jeff Costello earned his Bachelor of Applied Arts (Music) from Central Michigan University in 1991, his Bachelor of Music Education from Grand Valley State University in 1996 and his Master's in Education (Music) from GVSU in 2007.

He has been a Professional (including touring regionally) Musician for over thirty years performing in fourteen US states. His band, Paris Blue performed approximately 300 dates per year from 1991 - 1994. Jeff has performed professionally on Vocals, Drums, Guitar, Keyboards and has also been a Sound Engineer for 30+ years.

Jeff has also been performing in Cos & Cos, an acoustic duo, with his brother Michael for 30 years, was a Public School Choir Director for 24 years, was Music Director for Musicals for 20 years, and also directed a Church Choir for 10 years. Jeff is certified in all three levels of Somatic Voicework(TM) The LoVetri Method and has taken the courses (including several post graduate courses) nearly every summer since 2008, the last ten summers while serving as a faculty member, leading breakout sessions, presenting on audio equipment, how to teach pop rock to choirs, how to teach distorted rock vocal sounds and also serving as the official sound engineer for the LoVetri Institute for Somatic Voicework(TM) at Baldwin Wallace University in the Cleveland area and is now on the Executive Board.

Jeff 's writing has been published in Michigan Music Educators Journal (2007) and a chapter in the book Action-Based Approaches in Popular Music Education (2021) by F-flat books.

Music and teaching are Jeff's true passions in life.

🔹website: http://zeelandacademyofmusic.com

🔹instagram: @zeelandacademyofmusic

⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released [April 25, 2025]

ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

204 | You Are Doing A Great Job with Nikki Loney

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/204/⭐

Teaching is not for the faint of heart—especially if you work with beginners! Students who need more support and repetition in lessons can make us doubt our teaching skills. But here’s the truth: YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB.

In episode 204 of The FULL VOICE Podcast, we discuss common teacher traps, what teacher patience really is, and how celebrating the small moments in our students' progress can help us better understand their needs and strengthen our confidence in teaching.

🔹[0:28] Welcome

🔹[3:31] Professional Development with Dr. Jenevora Williams

🔹[9:16] Live Office Hours

🔹[10:12] Professional Development with Michelle Markwart Deveaux

🔹[17:50] Teacher Confidence

🔹[35:01] Outro

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Sign up for the VIP Newsletter to register for our Live Office Hours

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/live-office-hours/

🔗 FULL VOICE Teacher Workshops:

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/workshops/

🔗 Art of the Inquiry PDF

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/art-of-the-inquiry-the-secret-to-revenue-relationships-and-retention-pdf/

🔗 Teaching Singing to Children and Young eBook on Kobo.com

https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/teaching-singing-to-children-and-young-adults-third-edition

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

Nikki is the "Boss of it All" at FULL VOICE Music, where she collaborates with an incredible team, vocal music composers, and music education specialists worldwide to create outstanding singing resources. With 34 years of experience teaching private voice lessons, she shares vocal pedagogy insights and best practices to ensure every student leaves the studio with a smile.

🔹Website: FULL VOICE Music - North America www.fullvoicemusic.com

🔹Australia/New Zealand au.fullvoicemusic.com

🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released [March 28, 2025]

ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.