The FULL VOICE Podcast With Nikki Loney

Five teaching artists, 250 students, and no front desk. How does Caitlin Duckworth do it?

Caitlin, contemporary singing specialist and founder of Houston Voice Studio, walks Nikki through the systems and automations that let her and her manager run a multi-teacher studio as a team of two, and why ethical employment sits at the centre of it all.

Timestamps

2:33 From classical training to contemporary singing

13:52 Opening Houston Voice Studio

23:38 Hiring her first admin

27:19 One application form that runs onboarding

32:41 The reschedule form, coupon codes, and Slack alerts

39:02 Why her teachers are W2 employees, not contractors

42:29 Benefits, birthdays off, and paying through a power outage

51:37 Google Voice and keeping personal numbers private

54:11 Paid time for email, no work outside paid hours

56:10 Paid prep time, absences, and the full tool stack

1:09:12 Slack for teachers and Zapier as the glue

1:14:27 First steps: built-in integrations and Gmail filters

About Caitlin Duckworth

Founder, Houston Voice Studio | Contemporary Singing Specialist

Caitlin Duckworth is a Contemporary Commercial Music specialist and founder of Houston Voice Studio, a Houston-based training program for pop and musical theater singers. Teaching is her first love, but much of her current focus is building an ethical employment model for teaching artists, systems that let her team focus on their singers, and wider access to the arts in her community.

houstonvoicestudio.com

Full show notes, reflective questions, and transcript: [episode 220 page link]

The FULL VOICE Podcast is for voice teachers who want practical ideas for their teaching and their studio business.

Visit our website: www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/220

219 | The Best Exercise is…

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/219/

Voice teachers are always asking "What is the best vocal exercise for..." In this episode, we dig into what vocal exercises actually are, and what they aren't, and how they fit into effective vocal pedagogy for young singers. We also talk about improving our instructional language, because the way we cue an exercise can matter as much as the exercise itself, and better language means a stronger teacher-student connection in your private voice studio.

Then we walk through one straightforward vocal exercise with ten variations, giving you a practical warm-up toolkit to help your students explore their voice, build musicianship, and grow their musical literacy, all in a single lesson.

⭐ About our guest:

Nikki Loney is the boss of it all at FULL VOICE Music. She spends her days working alongside music educators, voice experts, children's composers, and her incredible team, all in the name of helping young singers find their voice (and have a little fun doing it).

Do you love working with young singers? If you're not there yet, you're in the right place.

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

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released August 28, 2026.

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

Apple verification: 868564

218 | Repertoire Negotiations (Live Office Hours)

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/218/

This episode is a recording from our FULL VOICE Music Live Office Hours (Free Teacher Webinars) where we tackled one of the biggest pain points teachers bring to us: finding great repertoire for young singers.

We dug into two tricky situations: singers who genuinely don't know what they like, and singers who know exactly what they don't like when it comes to the songs you pick. Both come with their own challenges, and we shared teaching strategies to help you navigate them and win the repertoire negotiations.

If you've ever struggled to find songs that click with your students, this conversation is for you.

⭐ FULL VOICE Live Office Hours are our chance to dig into the real, practical questions voice teachers are wrestling with, no scripted lecture, just an honest working conversation. Missed the live session? You can catch the replay anytime on our YouTube channel.

⭐ Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about our Live Office Hours Webinars: https://fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/live-office-hours/

Sign up for our Teaching Young Voices Newsletter: https://fullvoicemusic.com/newsletter/

⭐ About our guest:

Nikki Loney has been in repertoire negotiations for over 30 years, first as a private voice teacher and now as a teacher trainer and publisher helping other voice professionals navigate the same tug-of-war. If anyone's earned some hard-won strategies for picking songs young singers will actually love, it's her.

Website: https://fullvoicemusic.com/

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

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

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released July 31, 2026.

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

217 | When Students Leave Your Music Studio

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/217/

In this episode of the FULL VOICE Podcast, Nikki Loney explores the good, the not-so-good, and the ugly side of students leaving your studio. From graduating seniors and heartfelt goodbyes to ghosting families and awkward exits, this honest conversation reminds teachers that student departures are a normal part of studio life.

Perfect for voice teachers, music educators, and private studio owners, this episode reminds us to hold fast to our studio policies, navigate difficult communication professionally, never burn bridges with students or families, and recognize that some students unexpectedly find their way back years later.

🔹 2:40 - Music studios and student retention

🔹 3:15 - "The Good": the healthy student goodbyes

🔹 5:25 - Families are part of the music studio community

🔹 6:28 - "Not-so-good" student departures

🔹 11:24 - Leaving the door open

🔹 18:45 - Live Office Hours #18: Summer Studio Strategies

🔹 20:10 - "The Ugly": families who ghost you

🔹 25:54 - Live Office Hours: register for the free webinar

🔹 27:00 - Upcoming Summer Workshop Series

— — — — —

⭐ Mentioned in this episode:

Sign up for FULL VOICE Music Live Office Hours here:

https://fullvoicemusic.com/newsletter/

Register for Live Teacher workshops here:

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

Listen to Baby Girl here:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkdnRdgQZHNghIFrNneczBQ

FULL VOICE Podcasts about onboarding:

https://fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/166-onboarding-new-students/

https://fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/167-onboarding-new-students-part-2/

How to Run Your Business without Hating Your Boss podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1znZiSyyEjNMWPevetQPVs

— — — — —

⭐ About our guest:

Nikki Loney is the "Boss-of-it-all" at FULL VOICE Music. With 36 years of experience in private voice teaching, she understands the ebb and flow of student retention. Inspired by the youngest students in her private voice studio, Nikki challenges teachers to redefine what singing lessons look like for young voices. She works with music education specialists, children's composers, and voice experts to create music education resources for professional voice teachers.

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

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released May 29, 2026.

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

216 | The Voice Teacher's Role in Vocal Health Challenges, with Dr. Heather Nelson

⭐ Full show notes, links, and timestamps: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/216/

What can a voice teacher actually say when a student has a vocal health concern, and where's the line before it becomes medical advice? In this episode, vocologist Dr. Heather Nelson unpacks the ethics of diagnosing vocal health issues, and how a genuine desire to help can sometimes lead teachers beyond their scope. She brings clarity to what you can and cannot say, and how to support singers with care and professionalism, including how to work with students who are waiting for a diagnosis or choose not to seek one at all.

🔹 2:20 - About Dr. Heather Nelson

🔹 3:40 - A "typical" week in the life of a vocologist

🔹 7:40 - Educational paths for vocology

🔹 13:00 - Understanding "scope of practice" boundaries

🔹 17:00 - Changing voices and vocal health

🔹 20:30 - Looking for patterns in the singing voice

🔹 24:35 - Finding the right specialist for a voice issue

🔹 37:15 - How to work with students awaiting a medical diagnosis

🔹 44:43 - How anxiety and depression affect vocal health

🔹 51:04 - Building a support team around vocal health

🔹 54:20 - Heather's Vocal Pedagogy Parties

⭐ Mentioned in this episode:

FULL VOICE Music Live Teacher Trainings: https://fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/workshops/

Vocal Pedagogy Parties with Dr. Heather Nelson: https://www.drheathernelson.com/contact

⭐ About our guest:

Dr. Heather Nelson is a vocologist who translates the science of the voice into practical strategies for independent voice teachers and choir directors. She works with singers who have vocal injuries, tough vocal changes, and other "wonky voice" problems that won't go away. Fun, optimism, and curiosity drive her work, and puns are her love language.

Website: https://www.drheathernelson.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drheathernelson/

⭐ More episodes: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released April 24, 2026.

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

215 | Themed Recitals for Community Connection and Profit

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/215/

Performer and voice teacher Elizabeth Saunders shares her journey creating themed recitals that engage audiences, inspire musical collaboration with composers, and build community through accessible, unforgettable performances.

🔹 0:00 - Information

🔹 8:41 - Working with living composers

🔹 9:58 - Songs about dogs (The Dog Recital)

🔹 28:20 - Marketing the caregiver fundraising recital

🔹 32:30 - The songs for love, care, and being at home

🔹 40:51 - Elizabeth's 3-day retreat: UnMuted: Reclaiming Your Authentic Expression Through Music and Mindset

— — — — —

🎵 Elizabeth's Dog Recital Song List:

🔹 Times Like This (from "Lucky Stiff") by Ahrens & Flaherty

🔹 Two Tellings of the Tragic Tale of Mama Hubbard and Her Pooch

🔹 Mrs. Hubbard (from Mother Goose Sonnets of John V. Hicks) by David L. McIntyre

🔹 Old Mother Hubbard (set in the manner of Handel) by Victor Hely-Hutchinson

🎵 Song Cycle: Going to the Dogs by Bruce Lazarus

🔹 Song of the Mischievous Dog (D. Thomas)

🔹 Engraved on the Collar of His Highness' Dog (A. Pope)

🔹 The Hairy Dog (H. Asquith)

🔹 Advice to a Dog Painter (J. Swift)

🔹 The Dachshund (J.E. Donovan)

🎵 Beethoven and Haydn Speak of Poodles

🔹 Elegie auf den Tod eines Pudels by Ludwig van Beethoven

🔹 Der schlaue und dienstfertige Pudel by Franz Josef Haydn

🎵 Pups from Opposite Sides of the Tracks

🔹 Lone Dog (Irene R. McLeod, from Tom Tiddler's Ground) by Benjamin Britten

🔹 Sophie's Song (Fredericka von Stade) by Jake Heggie

🎵 Dogs and Romance

🔹 My Dog Loves Your Dog (from "George White's Scandals") by Ray Henderson

🔹 DOG (from "Eight Unnecessary Songs") by Susan Werner

🎵 Songs in Remembrance

🔹 Old Dog Tray by Stephen Foster

🔹 Slow March (Inscribed to the Children's Faithful Friend) by Charles Ives

🔹 What Do I Do with the Love? by Phil Hall

🎵 Dogs Being Dogs

🔹 Duetto Buffo di due Good Boys (The Dog Duet, after Rossini, performed with my pianist) by Robbie Ellis

🔹 For Whom the Dog Tolls (An Opera in One Act for Voice, Piano, Whistle, and Duck Call) by Ashi Day

🎵 Facebook groups to connect with art song composers and find songs on your recital theme:

🔹 American Art Song Composers

🔹 The African American Art Song Alliance

🔹 The Art Songs and Lieder Group

🔹 Classical Art Song Friends

— — — — —

⭐ Special offer: Contact Elizabeth about her $200 discount for FULL VOICE Podcast listeners.

Learn more about Elizabeth's retreat: https://elizabethsaundersvoice.com/unmuted-reclaiming-your-authentic-expression-through-music-and-mindset/

⭐ About our guest:

Elizabeth is President of the New York Singing Teachers Association, a singing teacher, actor, and performer. After an international career in opera and concert, she expanded into a wider range of vocal styles and acting to explore more authentic human expression. She is the creator and facilitator of Unmuted: Reclaiming Your Authentic Expression Through Music and Mindset, a three-day retreat in the Catskills focused on voice, connection, and healthy vocal instincts.

Website: https://elizabethsaundersvoice.com/

— — — — —

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

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released March 27, 2026.

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

214 | Navigating Chronic Illness & Vocal Injury with Hannah May

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/214/

Illness and vocal health challenges touch every voice professional, in our own lives or in the lives of our students. Tasmanian-born singer, songwriter, and voice teacher Hannah May shares her journey through chronic illness and recovery from vocal injury, and how that experience transformed the way she holds space for her students and sets clear, compassionate boundaries in her studio. In Episode 214, we explore a story of resilience, perspective, and a powerful redefinition of sustainable singing.

🔹 4:12 - Tasmania (Lutruwita)

🔹 14:13 - The impact of voice injury in your life

🔹 15:30 - Navigating a voice injury diagnosis

🔹 19:04 - Endometriosis and adenomyosis diagnosis

🔹 29:00 - The priority of rest and health

🔹 33:00 - Sharing information about vocal injury with students

🔹 35:00 - My vocal health support team

🔹 47:05 - How I use a student feedback form

🔹 52:00 - Find your support team in your health journey

🔹 55:00 - Songwriting tools and coaching

— — — — —

⭐ I'm currently developing a series of tools to support singers/songwriters, set to launch in mid-2026. To stay updated and learn more, follow the studio on Instagram: @hm.voicestudio

— — — — —

⭐ About our guest:

Hannah May is a Tasmania/Lutruwita-born singer, songwriter, pianist, and vocal coach with over 20 years of experience in singing, performance, and songwriting. Known for her soulful, genre-blending sound, she has performed on iconic stages including the Sydney Opera House, major festivals, and alongside ARIA-winning artists such as Monique Brumby, Clare Bowditch, The Audreys, Wes Carr, and Damon Albarn (UK).

Hannah has over 15 years of experience in various pedagogical environments, and in 2020 established HM Voice Studio (offering in-person and online coaching), helping singers and songwriters at every stage of their journey develop authentic, confident voices through expert technique and individualised, empathetic support.

Hannah's journey has also been shaped by personal challenges. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and experiencing a voice injury, she gained a deep understanding of the voice's physical and emotional demands. These experiences have fuelled her passion for holistic vocal health, resilience, and empowerment for herself and everyone she works with.

Website: https://www.hannahmaymusic.com.au/

Instagram: @hannahmaymusic

— — — — —

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

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released February 27, 2026.

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

213 | Social Media Update with Karen Michaels

⭐ 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 FULL VOICE Podcast listeners:

https://socialbutterflygroup.substack.com/aa615601

— — — — —

⭐ About our guest: Karen Michaels

CEE (Chief Executive Everything) of The Social Butterfly Group, Positive Viber, and social media strategist for creatives, musicians, voice teachers, and actors. Social media can feel daunting, I know. I get you. I am you. I've got you!

Instagram: @socialbutterflygroup

Substack: The Social Butterfly Buzz (socialbutterflygroup.substack.com)

— — — — —

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

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released January 30, 2026.

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

212 | Less Talking, Better Teaching

⭐ 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 load theory in singing lessons

🔹 44:00 - Why talking less makes us feel like we're not doing our job

— — — — —

⭐ Mentioned in this episode:

Tera Sumpter (SLP and executive function expert):

https://terasumpter.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terasumpter_slp

Cultivating Consent in the Voice Studio with Megan Durham (teacher training workshop):

https://fullvoicemusic.com/product/cultivating-consent-in-the-voice-studio-with-megan-durham/

Thank you for your support. Visit our website:

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com

— — — — —

⭐ About our 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/

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic

⭐ FULL VOICE Music on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/

Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released December 26, 2025.

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

211 | Alleviating Stress & Overfunctioning with Lisa Pinnock

⭐ 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.

🔹 8:24 - 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 at:

https://www.fullvoicemusic.com

— — — — —

⭐ About our 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

Hosted by Nikki Loney. Edited and theme music by Shawn Trotter. Released November 28, 2025.

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