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What inspires a musician to turn their passion into a global legacy of education and creativity?

In this inspiring episode of Voice with Vielka, we welcome Andrew D. Gordon—a true musical trailblazer! From his 1960s London roots shaped by The Beatles to authoring over 150 instructional books, Andrew’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and impact. Discover how he blends education with artistry, crafts practical resources for musicians, and inspires creativity in students worldwide. Whether you’re a teacher, performer, or music lover, this episode will leave you motivated to make your own mark on the world of music! 🎶

About Andrew
Andrew D. Gordon is a celebrated musician, educator, recording artist, and prolific author whose career spans decades and encompasses a wide range of genres, including blues, jazz, funk, reggae, and Latin music. Originally from London, England, Andrew moved to Los Angeles in 1979, where he built a multifaceted career inspired by the vibrant musical culture of the 1960s and 1970s. Influenced by legends like John Mayall, Nicky Hopkins, and Keith Emerson, Andrew's artistry shines in both his recordings—such as Infinite Optimism, Beyond Boundaries, and thematic albums like Under the 1960’s British Sky—and his dynamic performances across styles.

A pioneer in modern music education, Andrew has authored over 150 instructional books and multimedia courses, making him a guiding force for musicians and educators worldwide. His practical teaching materials span instruments such as piano, keyboard, guitar, saxophone, and flute, covering genres from jazz and blues to Latin and country. His innovative and accessible approach to teaching has earned him a reputation as a beloved mentor who simplifies complex musical concepts for learners of all levels.

Beyond his published works, Andrew is a dedicated teacher who shares his knowledge with students worldwide through online lessons. Known for his engaging and personalized teaching style, he continues to inspire aspiring musicians and educators alike. Whether through his recordings, instructional materials, or direct mentorship, Andrew D. Gordon has profoundly impacted the global music community, leaving an enduring legacy of creativity, education, and inspiration.

Promotions & Upcoming Events

📚 Get exclusive access to Andrew’s beginner-friendly music books, complete with downloadable audio tracks to inspire your students!

💻 Sign up for Andrew’s new improvisation workshop, tailored for young and beginner musicians.

🗓️ Details at www.adgproductions.com. Don’t miss out!

Where to Find Andrew

• Website - http://www.adgproductions.com
• Facebook - @adgproductions
• Youtube - @addg

Linktree - https://linktr.ee/adgpro

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus

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🎤 Are we empowering young voices to thrive—or just teaching them to hit the right notes?

In this episode, we dive into a heart-opening conversation with Emily, a vocal educator with a master’s degree in voice pedagogy and an advocate for inclusivity in singing. From teaching 5-year-olds to creating safe spaces for gender-expansive adolescents, Emily shares her incredible journey of empowering young singers to embrace their voices authentically. Expect actionable insights into fostering "ambient belonging," encouraging student-led discovery, and the transformative power of listening to (not just for) your students. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and ready to rethink your teaching strategies!

About Emily
Emily, an international speaker on Gender Inclusivity in Vocal Education and a Performing Arts graduate from the University of Sunderland, boasts an impressive career performing with top acts in Europe, including Andrea Bocelli's UK Arena Tour and Ray Davies' Meltdown finale at the Royal Festival Hall. Her recording credits feature on movie soundtracks like The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Life of Pi. As a previous member of the acclaimed Crouch End Festival Chorus, Emily brings extensive experience in classical and popular performance. Specializing in children's workshops and whole-class music sessions, Emily, with 11 years of dedicated voice teaching experience, is currently pursuing a Master's in voice pedagogy. Her passion lies in creating an inclusive framework for adolescents, contributing to the emerging field of trans*+ and gender-expansive voices. Her goal is to empower young voices, fostering an environment where every voice can thrive authentically.

Where you can find Emily:

Website - Lowe Academy

Instagram - @loweacademy_vocalstudio

Facebook - @emlinder

LinkedIn - @emily-lowe-58986ba4

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus

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🎤 How do you turn vocal struggles into breakthroughs and guide young singers to their most confident, authentic voice?

🎧 This episode features the unstoppable Sasha Divain, an Estill Master Trainer, vocal health innovator, and advocate for diverse voices. Get ready for a deep dive into the cutting-edge techniques that can transform your teaching!

Here’s what’s on the playlist:
✨ How to tackle tough vocal challenges with innovative rehabilitation strategies.
🏳️‍⚧️ Practical tips for empowering transgender and non-binary singers in your studio.
💡 A peek into the Estill Voice Model and how it can elevate your teaching game.

Whether you’re coaching the next pop prodigy or helping a shy student find their confidence, this episode is packed with insights and tools you’ll want to try right away. Tune in and become the vocal guru your students need! 🎙️🌟

About Sasha
Sasha Divain (New York, USA) - professor and president of the DIVAin International Voice Association and International Association of Teachers of Singing www.diva-voice.com, American Voice Academy by DIVA www.divain.academy, Master of Music in Music Theatre Vocal Pedagogy (Carthage College, Estill Voice Affiliate, WI, US), Bachelor of Music in CCM Voice and Vocal Pedagogy (Glier Music Academy, Kyiv, Ukraine), Associate in Arts Degree in Classical Voice and Vocal Pedagogy (Tchaikovsky College of Music, Simferopol, Ukraine). 

Voice teacher and Vocal Rehabilitation Specialist of celebrities, winner and jury member of international singing competitions, laureate of the State Prize. A.S. Karamanova. Founder of the new profession, training, and certification program Vocal Rehabilitation Specialist. Host of more than 100 voice courses, studied and had internships in the USA, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Spain, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Austria, and the Netherlands.Translator of the voice courses and education materials (English, Russian, Ukrainian), Estill Master Trainer. 

Sasha has over 20 years of experience in singing and over 15 years of experience in teaching. Her journey as a voice teacher has been deeply rewarding, marked by a dedication to nurturing the talents of aspiring singers and voice teachers guiding them toward achieving their full potential.  

As a founder and president of the International Association of Teachers of Singing (the first voice teachers’ association in Eastern Europe & Central Asia), she developed and implemented innovative curricula that blended science-based voice methods with contemporary styles, preparing singers and voice teachers for a diverse range of musical careers. Together with a team Sasha created the first online course for teachers of contemporary singing in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Where you can find Sasha:

Website - DIVA Voice

Instagram - @divain.voice, @sasha_divain 

FB, VK - @divain.voice, @sasha.divain

Youtube - @divain_voice

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus

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EPISODE SUMMARY

What does it mean to offer your students choice and agency in their vocal development? How can mindfulness reshape the way you approach teaching? In this episode of Voice with Vielka, we are joined by the insightful Megan Durham, a renowned voice teacher, vocologist, and advocate for trauma-informed care in voice education. Get ready to dive into an empowering conversation where Megan shares her unique approach to creating safe, supportive spaces for young singers, helping them unlock their full vocal potential while nurturing their emotional well-being. 🌟

Megan takes us through the essentials of trauma-informed care—why it matters and how it can transform your teaching practice. We discuss practical techniques, from mindful communication to creating environments that foster trust and confidence in students. Whether you’re working with young singers or professional vocalists, this episode will equip you with tools to empower your students through thoughtful, trauma-informed practices. 🎶✨

By tuning in, you’ll discover how to build stronger connections with your students, offering them agency in their learning process and guiding them toward authentic self-expression. Megan’s wisdom and compassion shine through in this eye-opening discussion, leaving you inspired to bring more empathy, understanding, and care into your voice studio. Don’t miss it!

SHORT GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Megan Durham is a sought-after singing voice specialist and vocologist, known for her trauma-informed care approach in voice education. She integrates trauma-sensitive practices to create compassionate, student-centered learning spaces for vocalists. Megan serves on the voice faculty at the University of Louisville and is the Education Director for the Voice and Trauma Research and Connection Group.

A recognized member of the Pan American Vocology Association, Megan holds a Master of Music degree in voice pedagogy and performance from Westminster Choir College and a Bachelor of Arts in music from the University of Richmond. She is also a certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, bringing her expertise in vocal health and mindfulness to her work with students.

UPCOMING EVENTS, ITEMS, OR SERVICES:

✨ Trauma-Informed Voice Care Workshop Series

✨ Mindfulness in Voice Education Retreat

✨ Private voice lessons with trauma-sensitive practices

✨ Mindful Singing Sessions (on request)

YOU CAN FIND MEGAN DURHAM AT:

Her Website:  Respire Vocal Wellness

On Instagram: @respirevocalwellness

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus

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Looking for a way to hook students on practice?

Join us as we chat with Robert Miller, co-founder of the Practice Space app – the game-changing app that makes music practice exciting for kids of all ages! 🎶 Discover how this innovative tool keeps students motivated, gamifies practice, and makes life easier for music teachers. We’ll explore the benefits, share real-life success stories, and give you tips on how to use this app to level up your music practice game. Whether you’re a teacher or a student, this episode is packed with upbeat insights to keep the joy of learning music alive! 

About Robert:

Robert Miller is a renowned classical guitarist, educator, and co-founder based in the San Francisco Bay Area. His debut duo recording, “Go Haka,” was praised by Classical Guitar Magazine for its brilliance. Beyond his performance career, Robert is a visionary in music education. In 2011, he co-founded the California Conservatory of Music, which now serves over 1,300 students. He also co-founded the Peninsula Guitar Series, bringing international guitar talent to the community, and Practice Space, an online platform supporting music teachers and students worldwide. Robert holds degrees from Ithaca College and the Eastman School of Music, along with further studies in Belgium.

Promotions & Upcoming Events:

•Explore Practice Space, the dynamic platform designed to motivate and support music students. 

•The California Conservatory of Music is currently accepting new students. Visit their website for more information.

•Peninsula Guitar Series events are back! Stay tuned for upcoming concerts featuring international guitar talents.

Where you can find Robert Miller:

•Website: Practice Space

•Instagram: @robertmillerguitar

•LinkedIn: Robert Miller

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus

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What if you could help your students not only sing, but conquer their fears?

In this episode, Emily DenBleyker—a voice teacher, actor, and singer from Seattle—shares her mission of making singing accessible to everyone, even those who believe they “can’t sing.” With over 20 years of experience, Emily discusses her three-pronged approach to teaching adult beginners, focusing on self-efficacy (building confidence in their abilities), participation (encouraging active engagement over performance), and balancing safety with risk (creating a space for growth while minimizing fear). You’ll learn how to create a supportive, judgment-free environment that nurtures growth and encourages students to express themselves freely.

About Emily

Emily DenBleyker (she/her) is a South Jersey-born, Seattle-based singer, actor, voice teacher, vocal coach, and graduate student. With a lifelong love for singing and over 20 years of performance experience in musical theatre and choral music, Emily is passionate about music education and making singing accessible to people, especially those who “can’t sing.” She holds a Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) in music and communication arts from Gordon College and a current Master of Arts candidate in voice pedagogy with the Voice Study Centre/University of Wales Trinity Saint David. When not singing or thinking about singing or writing about singing, Emily enjoys reading books about archaeology, knitting, watching baseball (go Phillies!), and petting every dog and cat she can.

Where you can find Emily Denbleyker:

Emily's Website

On Instagram @emilyfaithkitty

On Facebook @emily.denbleyker

On Voice Study Center

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus

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In this episode of Voice with Vielka, the focus is on enhancing your teaching by incorporating videos into your lessons. The episode explores how video content can create flexible, engaging learning experiences tailored to meet students where they are, regardless of their schedules.

One example shared is about Sarah, an adult beginner passionate about singing, who struggled to find time for live lessons. By leveraging step-by-step video lessons, Sarah was able to make significant progress despite limited live interaction.

The episode highlights the advantages of asynchronous private video coaching, which offers flexibility for students with busy schedules or those in different time zones. This approach allows teachers to provide high-quality feedback without needing real-time sessions. By reviewing students’ videos and offering personalized advice, you can support their growth, build their confidence, and encourage them to celebrate their wins.

To streamline this process, tools like the Practice Space app are recommended. The app helps track practice, rewards progress with badges and leaderboards, and keeps students motivated. Whether working with beginners or advanced learners, video coaching can easily be integrated into your teaching routine.

About Vielka
Based in NYC, Vielka's mission is to help humanity sing. With over 25 years in music education, she is the founder of the international voice studio, Vielka’s Young Singers Academy, and The Vielka Method™ voice education approach. Previously, Vielka worked for Juilliard, Carnegie Hall, and NYU where she served as a thought partner for music teachers and creator of music education resources.

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus

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In this episode, Laura Jean Penrod, an award-winning educator and advocate, shares insights on how personalized, competency-based learning (CBL) and technology can transform education. She emphasizes that instead of adhering to rigid pacing guides, educators should focus on meeting students where they are, allowing them to learn at their own pace while mastering the necessary skills. This approach, combined with thoughtful integration of technology like AI tools, can help reduce the workload on teachers and enhance the learning experience for students by providing more tailored support.

The conversation also highlights the importance of critical thinking and digital citizenship in today’s educational landscape. Teachers play a crucial role not just as instructors but as guides who inspire curiosity and model ethical use of information. Penrod encourages educators to prioritize both their well-being and that of their students, fostering environments where learning is engaging, inclusive, and student-centered. Ultimately, her message is one of hope and progress: with the right tools, mindset, and collaboration, teachers can be agents of meaningful change in education.

About Jeannie

Laura Jeanne ("Jeannie") Penrod's journey as a high school educator has spanned 18 years in the Clark County School District. She facilitates meaningful learning experiences with students using project-based learning (PBL) and social-emotional learning (SEL) to foster student reflection and advocacy. She is passionate about teacher leadership and has engaged in local, statewide, national, and global fellowships. She is the 2024 Nevada State Teacher of the Year and the recipient of the 2024-25 NASDTEC Forward Fund for the country's western region.


Where Listeners Can Find Laura Jeanne Penrod:

• On Instagram 
• Her Website
• On LinkedIn 
• On X

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus

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What is museum education?

Join us as Natalie Williams,  Director of Education at Miami Children's Museum, explains this unique learning space where children engage through play and connect with their community and collections. In this episode, Natalie shares her 16+ years of experience in shaping young minds as a director of preschools across Florida and Manhattan.

Natalie's insights are invaluable and applicable to all ages. Discover her holistic approach that focuses on exploration, play, creativity, and collaboration.  Learn how children can lead their own learning journeys and how teachers can enhance their professional development through teacher-guided field trips and reflective play. Get inspired to reignite your love and passion for education with Natalie Williams!

About Natalie:
Natalie Williams is an extraordinary educator and advocate. With a bachelor's in Child Development from Florida State University, a master’s degree in Business Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, and a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Miami, Natalie has dedicated over 16 years to shaping young minds as a director of preschools across Florida and Manhattan. A passionate community builder and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she champions the needs of brown and black children and those with special needs.

Natalie's impressive roles include serving on the Early Learning Coalition of Broward, the FLAEYC board, and the City of Miramar's Education Advisory Board. She's also a NAEYC affiliate advisory council member, an international presenter, and a recent appointee to the City of Miami's Blue Ribbon Commission on Education. Her work with the National Black Child Development Institute and her enthusiasm for museum education showcase her commitment to creating impactful learning experiences for families worldwide.

Upcoming Event:
June 25-29, 2024 – North America Reggio Emilia Summer Conference
Meet the Museum Playful Learning Collective at our very first reception in Albuquerque, NM. On June 25th, a group of museum school administrators, teachers, and educators will kick off the North America Reggio Emilia Summer Conference June 26 - 29th at Explora Children's and Science Museum! 

Resources:

• https://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/
• LinkedIn: Natalie Williams 

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus

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What does it mean to be a mental-health informed teacher? How do we navigate the inner critique with our students? 

In this episode, Petra Rosinski, a vocal, somatic, and cognitive behavioral coach, brings her unique expertise to the conversation, blending her background in singing, teaching, and therapeutic practices. She dives into the critical topic of performance anxiety, exploring how it affects singers and offering practical strategies to manage it. Petra emphasizes that anxiety in performers isn’t one-size-fits-all; it can manifest physically, cognitively, and behaviorally. Understanding these different forms is essential in supporting students to perform confidently.

Petra introduces the idea that, as teachers, we should normalize performance nerves while distinguishing them from true performance anxiety. She discusses a balanced approach that combines “top-down” cognitive methods with “bottom-up” body-centered techniques to address anxiety from multiple angles. By fostering a safe environment, students can explore their feelings and sensations without judgment. This allows them to build resilience, face their fears head-on, and develop a healthier relationship with performance, ultimately leading to more confident singing and enjoyment of their craft.

About Petra

Petra Borzynski is a vocal, somatic and cognitive behavioural coach and accredited therapist with special expertise in helping (performing) artists and creatives to perform better and despite their fears.

She currently runs a busy private studio/practice, is one of the Solo Performance Specialists (Voice) for the University of the Highlands and Islands and also regularly works with corporate clients (e.g. Google), helping performers and speakers all over the world sustain a (singing) career and find professional and personal fulfilment.

Petra’s work in the field of singing, creativity, performance anxiety, performance psychology and mental health for performing artists has been featured at conferences, in several publications and podcasts. One of her main areas of expertise is the education of other voice professionals in mental health and trauma awareness in their studios, organisations and institutions.

Petra’s vision is access to continuous mental health support for every performer, and that looking after our mental and emotional health becomes preventative instead of curative.

Where you can find Petra Borzynski:

On Singing Sense

On Facebook

On Instagram

On Youtube

On LinkedIn

On Twitter 

Learn more about Vielka at www.vielka.com and follow us at @voicewithvielka.

Graphic Design by Jeff Yas
Podcast Music by Andrew Markus