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.

203 | Non-Competitive Singing Festivals with Linda Fletcher

{fullvoicemusic.com}

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/203/ ⭐

In episode 203 of The FULL VOICE Podcast, Nikki talks with esteemed vocal educator Linda Fletcher about the Oakville Vocal Arts Festival. Unlike traditional competitive festivals, this non-competitive event offers singers of all ages a transformative experience that fosters growth, creativity, and a genuine love for singing in a supportive, pressure-free environment.

Linda shares her motivation for moving away from competitive events and why this new format resonates with everyone, including adjudicators. She’ll explain how the festival’s mission creates incredible opportunities for vocalists to thrive, why stepping away from competition is so important for developing confidence and artistry, and how events like these are crucial for long-term musical development.

🔹[1:42] Oakville Vocal Arts Festival

🔹[9:10] Adjudicators

🔹[21:40] Workshops

🔹[25:57] Singer Songwriter Categories

🔹[35:20] Challenges of prepping for exams

🔹[52:19] Tips on starting your own festival

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Oakville Vocal Arts Festival https://oakvillevocalartsfestival.ca/

🔗 FVM Podcast 176 | Accompanying Young Singers with Linda Fletcher https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/176

⭐ ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Linda Fletcher is an award-winning music educator who maintains a thriving private voice studio as well as directing two church choirs. Her choral and vocal compositions are performed worldwide, and her songs are favourite exam selections for young singers. In 2016, she was honoured by the Royal Conservatory of Music as a Teacher of Distinction in recognition of her commitment and contributions to music education. With a song in her heart, Linda encourages students to find joy in singing and creating music.

🔹website: http://www.lindafletcher.com/

⭐ 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 February 28, 2025

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

FVPC 202 | Early Childhood Music with Ben Bowen {fullvoicemusic.com}

⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/202/ ⭐

In episode 202, Nikki Loney welcomes award-winning childhood music educator and composer Ben Bowen to discuss the life-long impact of music education. This conversation explores the benefits of music for all ages and how Ben’s pop, rock, folk, and jazz melodies inspire and connect singers of every generation.

You’ll hear about Ben’s unique approach to creating music that resonates across all age groups, get a sneak peek at some of his favourite tunes (including never-before-heard songs), and discover how music education can uplift and enrich lives for a lifetime.

🔹 [12:30] The importance of early childhood music

🔹 [27:30] Creatively fulfilling kids' music, lyric discovery, and helping parents sing to their kids

🔹 [41:40] Ben's new album and the recording process

🔹 [55:12] Facilitating the creative process with your students

⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

🔗 Waiting for the Moon https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/waiting-for-the-moon/

🔗 Summer Samba https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/product/summer-samba-by-ben-bowen/

🔗 Ben’s Music on Bandcamp https://mrben.bandcamp.com/

⭐ MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

All Songs composed and performed by Ben Bowen

▶️ Sing

▶️ Waiting for the Moon

▶️ Snowball Fight

▶️ Here Comes the Train

▶️ Dinosaurs

⭐ SPECIAL OFFERS:

Save 20% off all FULL VOICE Online Courses with code: PODCAST https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/online-courses/

⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST:

Ben has been working with kids for 30 years and running preschool music classes since 2009. He has released seven full-length albums, the most recent of which was nominated for Best Children's Album at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards. Last year, he won a City of Hamilton Arts Award, was invited to join the Recording Academy (the Grammys), and served on the jury for the CFMAs. He performs at venues and festivals all year and is slated to release his eighth studio album this year.

🔹website: www.mrbensmusic.ca

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

🔹Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mrbensmusic

🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MrBensMusic

⭐ 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/

⭐ Discover Ben’s Music in the FULL VOICE Song Library: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/shop/songs/?_song_page_search=Ben+Bowen

ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released Jan 31, 2025

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

In this special year-end episode, Nikki Loney welcomes back Steve Ferrell, a therapeutic counsellor, meditation expert, and yoga instructor, to discuss self-care strategies for busy educators. This conversation explores the distinction between soothing activities (that temporarily distract) and restorative practices (that truly replenish). You’ll gain practical tips for weaving moments of restoration into your day, even amid a packed schedule.

3:00 – How can we keep ourselves healthy while holding space for others?

13:30 – Meditation practice, grounding yourself

19:57 – Dealing with frenetic student energy, being an empathetic helper, bypassing vs. “that’s not mine.”

27:20 – Tools to use for perspective-shifting

33:28 – Regulating your nervous system

40:52 – Learning to offer tools rather than blanket prescriptions

56:16 – Emotional Intelligence

1:06:13 – Burnout, self-care, and recovery vs. soothing

This year-end episode is a must-listen for any teacher seeking balance, resilience, and joy in their teaching journey. Let’s close the year by prioritizing ourselves so we can show up fully for our students and loved ones in the new year.

**About our Guest:**

Steve is a Therapeutic Counsellor and yoga/Meditation/Mindfulness teacher who works in Hamilton, Ontario, as well as nationally and internationally. He is a Husband to one and a father to two. He has a passion for all things physical and mental health. @movewellfeelgood

**Links Mentioned in this Episode**

Yoga Nidra

https://youtu.be/3bMP0NSwPgw?si=Glnl9XW8jrs-UmG4

Non-Sleep Deep Rest protocol

https://youtu.be/KHIbgSN2qAU?si=rMZdsDD0rJ6TOmGz

RULER brochure

https://www.rulerapproach.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/RULER_Brochure.pdf

Share your teaching success stories: [email protected]

Looking for a challenging exercise? (Not for your students, but for you?) Business Expert Michelle Markwart Deveaux takes us through an essential training strategy to help you discover (or rediscover) the "WHY" in your business.

What is Institutional Memory?

Often informal and intangible, organizational memory constitutes the body of knowledge and know-how an organization has accumulated throughout its history. It is a repertoire of collective knowledge found in an organization's functioning, practices, events, decisions, and interpretation models, which ensures its harmonious and efficient functioning. To this end, title represents essential capital.

Why is Institutional Memory important?

Intention, intention, intention.

Self-awareness.

Better decision making.

Culture building, brand building

**Key takeaway:** More money with less anxiety.

About our guest:

Michelle Markwart Deveaux uses her background as a performer and director to make business less annoying. As a facilitator, coach, and consultant, she helps those in decision making roles re-discover their generosity and playfulness, while maintaining high standards of integrity, inclusivity, and sustainable business practice. Michelle has taught workshops and delivered keynotes for places such as University of Utah, New England Conservatory, San Francisco Conservatory, The Women’s Networking Alliance, and the National Association of the Teachers of Singing. She is the founder of The SpeakEasy Cooperative®, a company dedicated to teaching artists how to own businesses in a culture of on-demand entertainment and embarrassingly awful residuals. Michelle and her husband are raising their two amazing kiddos to be deep thinkers and strong leaders through careful study of The Fugees, Star Trek, and the MCU.

Find and Follow Michelle

https://www.facebook.com/thespeakeasycooperative

https://www.instagram.com/thespeakeasycooperative

Thank you to all our listeners! Without you, we would have NEVER made it to episode 200.

😄

In Episode 199 of the FULL VOICE Podcast, Dr. Jenevora Williams joins us to discuss her upcoming book, "Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults," releasing in late November. We'll explore her research and practical approach to vocal pedagogy for young singers. A must-listen for voice teachers and music educators looking to deepen their understanding of working with developing voices.