VocalFri Podcast

#VocalFam this is one we all need to hear. Dr. Maria Maxfield (CU Alum - Sko Buffs!) shares her research investigating touch in the voice studio. She surveyed over one hundred singers about their experiences with touch by their teacher. Topics included consent, non-consent, efficacy, and a whole bunch of ethics. Maria previously published an article in Journal of Singing titled "Physical Touch in the Voice Studio: A Closer Look." We highly recommend reading that as well as her forthcoming article that was discussed today. As a vocal community we need to continue to do better. 

#VocalFam, a truly unique episode this week. We hosted this past summer's NATS National Best Poster Winner Dr. Karina Lago Disdier to share her work both as a blind singer on operatic stages leading to her dissertation. That work was shared in her poster last summer about teaching a blind singer staging. An important episode for all of us involved in singing and stage performance. 

Whitney updates us on ongoing lab activities of the Berton Coffin Voice Lab, as the longitudinal altitude study gets under way. Some interesting preliminary reporting on what singers think they are doing with their breathing physiology. Come join Prof. Pigott, Dr. Del Simone, Prof. South, Whitney, and Dr. P!

#VocalFam we are back for season 10!!! New season, new guests, new co-hosts, new jobs, new houses, new labs, all the things! Dr. P, Prof. Pigott, Dr. Del Simone, and Whitney broke down the summer that was. Great times were had by all at NATS National in San Antonio. Sarah breaks down her Broadway shows from the summer. And we lay out some pop culture reviews. Come join us for season 10!

This week Dr. Del Simone and soon to be Prof. South were back with Prof. Pigott and Dr. P to share with the #VocalFam the first annual Berton Coffin Voice Lab report. Here all about our technology journey of the past two years and our velopharyngeal opening project from this year as well as a preview of next year!

This week VocalFri was joined by regular guests Kayla Gautereaux, Ian Howell, and Theodora Nestorova for a discussion of the current state of AI models and the voice practitioner. Even over the past year AI models have progressed in many ways that are making it more inevitable that you will likely somehow interact with them. We share some insights into how we are using the models, the ethical use of the models, impacts on society, and other topics. We also share a bit about the new Journal of Singing AI policy, co-authored by Howell and Nestorova. 

So terrific to have our friend Noel Smith back on the pod! She shared with us about 2 new books! The Path to Broadway: Tools, Training, and Tactics for the Musical Theater Journey has been receiving rave reviews in its first few months of availability. Noel has launced many pro MT careers, so this is one to have for yourself as an aspiring singer or as a voice teacher. She also just released the follow up to her first book under a completely new title The Sustainable Voice Studio. She has been a highly successful independent teacher, now of a multi-teacher studio and she shares insights including building your studio, business incorporation, and many other critical areas for independent voice teachers of all levels of experience. Come join the #VocalFam!

VocalFam, come join us in San Antonio in July! This year the NATS National Conference is in beautiful San Antonio, TX July 4-7. Joining us today to share all the highlights of the conference were NATS President Alexis Davis-Hazell, NATS President Elect Randall Umstead, and our new NATS Executive Director Melissa Greenblatt. So many great offerings are in store for us from concerts to presentations and all the tremendous networking opportunities. Register on the NATS website, and be sure to book your accommodations at the conference hotel. A great time to see each other, connect, learn, and celebrate the teaching of singing!

#VocalFam today Prof. Pigott and Dr. P were joined by Kathy and Jonathan Price to tell us about the 2026 Westminster Choir College Vocal Pedagogy Institute. Along with the Price's as directors, this year's guest faculty includes Jared Trudeau, Wendy LeBorgne, and Dr. P! Here all about the history and proceedings of this year's institute. Another terrific continuing education opportunity for this summer! Come join the #VocalFam in New Jersey this summer, July 20-24.

#VocalFam you've waited 9 years for an episode dedicated to vocal distortions, well here it is! Toni Linke, @toni_linke_music (IG), @ToniLinke (YouTube) joins us to share his work on vocal distortions, which has become one of his international identities. Toni has shared his work throughout the world with a robust online following thanks to his work on Rough Vocal Effects and distortions. We walk through various types of sounds and how you might start a student navigating into this world. If you're interested in more, definitely check out one of Toni's workshops or his YouTube channel for more!