Singing Teachers Talk
Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who want to teach. ABOUT BAST TRAINING We are here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills, understanding and qualifications required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill.Website: FB & IG @basttraining
Ep.217 Setting Up for Success: Singing Teacher’s Studio Essentials with Alexa Terry
Ever wondered what makes a great singing studio setup? In this solo episode, Alexa Terry explores the key elements of a well-equipped singing studio, offering practical insights for teachers working in both private and institutional settings. From essential tools to thoughtful touches that support vocal, emotional, and educational needs, this episode is packed with practical tips for building a space that enhances learning, creativity, and professionalism.
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Sarah Joyce
Cat Ogden
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.69...
Ep.216 Dialects and Accents in the Singing Studio: Challenges & Choices with Louisa Morgan
How do actors convincingly switch accents, and what happens when singing enters the mix? Voice teacher, researcher and spoken voice expert Louisa Morgan returns to explore the rich world of accents and dialects—from phonetics and oral posture to emotional authenticity and ethical considerations. Louisa dives into the challenges singers face when shifting from speech to song in character, how to manage biases, and why understanding your own “home” sounds is key.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST
2:35 What actually are accents and dialects?
7:37 What makes an accent easier vs diffic...
Ep.215 10 Invaluable Resources for Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry
In this episode, Alexa shares 10 game-changing resources that have transformed her own practice as a singing teacher. From essential books and pitch apps to surprising finds, this episode is packed with fresh inspiration for teachers at every stage of their journey.Which resource could become your new secret weapon? Tune in to find out.
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Anatomy of Voice by Blandine Calais-Germain & Francois Germain
Training Contemporary Commercial Singers by Elizabeth Ann Benson
The Voice Teacher's Cookbook, Creati...
Ep.214 The Secret to a Portfolio Career: Singing, Teaching and Creating with Rosie Williamson
What happens when you mix Julie Andrews, musical theatre, and a dash of cheeky cabaret? This week, Alexa chats to performer and singing teacher Rosie Williamson about her show What Would Julie Do?—a musical comedy cabaret. Rosie shares how she built a heartwarming, hilarious, harmony-filled show that uplifts audiences and champions mental health causes. Plus: perfectionism, parody law, and why your passion project might just be your best work yet.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST
4:16 What are the first steps to devising your own show?
10:54 How audiences describe ‘What Would Julie D...
Ep.213 Medicine to Music. A Journey Back to A Creative Calling with Estelle Idoko
In this episode of Singing Teachers Talk, Estelle Idoko shares her journey from medical school to music school. We explore how she helps others reconnect with their creativity, and what holds so many back from living artistically. Whether you're a singer, teacher, or someone wondering: “Is it too late to live creatively?”, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, stirred, and ready to explore your own creative path.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
1:00 Medical school vs music school
7:08 The perception of artistic occupations
17:56 Should my creativity be a hobby or...
Ep.212 10 Songs to Find Your Pop Style with Hannah Smikle
Want to help your singers master pop stylings like belt, riffing, breathy tone, and yodel flips? Alexa has invited singing coach Hannah Smikle back to the podcast for this practical episode, to share 10 killer pop songs that unlock vocal agility, texture, and expressive flair. What vocal tools can help singers to progress into certain melodies, and how do you apply pop texture in a piano-only space? A must-listen for singing teachers looking to spark creativity in the studio!
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
1:56 Should singing teachers pick the songs?
3:15 How to...
Ep.211 Learning Vocal Anatomy through Mindful Colouring with Eimear McCarthy Luddy
In this episode, we chat with Dublin-based singing teacher and voice science enthusiast Eimear McCarthy Luddy. Eimear shares the story behind her #AnatoMonday Vocal Anatomy Colouring Book—a fun, creative resource designed to make vocal anatomy accessible and engaging. We explore her journey from struggling with traditional anatomy materials to creating her own, how she uses anatomy in teaching, and why she believes learning about the voice should be joyful and memorable. Eimear also shares insights into her creative process, her successful Kickstarter campaign, and what might be next for Vocology Ireland.
WHAT’S IN THI...
Ep.210 10 Songs to Celebrate Pride in your Studio with Alexa Terry
In this episode ahead of Pride Month, Alexa Terry shares 10 vibrant, emotional, and empowering songs to celebrate LGBTQ+ voices in your singing studio. From folk rock belting to acoustic remixes and Broadway ballads, discover repertoire that not only expands vocal technique, but also tells meaningful stories. Which of these tracks will you be adding to your Pride playlist?
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Love in Hate Nation by Joe Iconis
musicnotes.com
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.205 10 Songs to Inspire your Singing Lesso...
Ep.209 From DC To Nashville: The Art of Gospel Singing with Amos Evans
How can we define ‘gospel,’ and what are the nuances of the style that give it its name? This week, Alexa joins Nashville-based vocal coach and music producer, Amos Evans, to chat about chords, riffs, vibrato and other textures which can contribute to an aesthetic gospel sound. Hit play for teaching tips, advice to choir leaders - and to be serenaded!
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:52 Who is Amos Evans?
2:47 What is the music scene like in Nashville?
4:52 From DC To Nashville: How did Amos establish himself up in a new...
Ep.208 The Best Vocal Exercises for Warm Ups & Cool Downs with Line Hilton & Alexa Terry
Are ‘warm ups’ and ‘cool downs’ really necessary for singers? In this episode, Alexa and Line dive into the why, when, and how of warming up and cooling down the voice. With a mix of science, personal insight, and practical tips (yes, including vibrators!) Tune in to rethink your routine and pick up tools that actually work for your voice.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:43 Should singers warm up?
2:01 What does the science say?
6:26 How do we know when the warm is working or not?
8:27 Who ar...
Ep.207 Singing at the End of Life: The Magic of Music in Hospices with Joseph Cavalli-Price
What if one of the most powerful moments of someone’s life happened in their final days? And what if that moment was because of music? Founder of Music in Hospices, Joe Cavalli-Price, shares astonishing stories of how live music can transform palliative care, and how singers can bring joy to the dying. This emotional and uplifting episode might just change the way you think about music, care, and connection. (Tissues recommended.)
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:30 Who is Joseph Cavalli-Price?
3:11 What inspired Music in Hospices?
5:18 Music Therapy Vs...
Ep.206 Singing, Psychotherapy and the Voice: Exploring Deeper Connections with Stephen King
In this thought-provoking episode, Stephen King returns to explore the deep links between psychology and voice. How can we integrate body psychotherapy into our lessons without a psychology degree? And how can we respond when we don’t have all the answers? This episode invites you to rethink what it means to really listen.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:40 From vocal coach to psychotherapist
16:30 How can singing teachers play a positive role?
41:01 What exercises from Body Psychotherapy can teachers apply in the lesson?
50:50 What was Stephen’s...
Ep.205 10 Songs to Inspire your Singing Lessons with Alexa Terry
In this solo episode, Alexa unveils a brand-new podcast feature all about repertoire. But why is choosing the right song so much more than just picking a tune your student likes?Join Alexa as she shares 10 songs for a range of student needs.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
1:27 Should singing teachers assign repertoire?
2:14 What might we want to consider when suggesting repertoire to singers?
6:37 Alexa’s 10 song selections
About the presenter click HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Ka...
Ep.204 Mastering Self Tapes for Auditions with Becca Luter
This week, Alexa is chatting with singing teacher and performer of stage and screen - Becca Luter, about mastering the art of stress-free self-taping for auditions. Discover valuable tips and techniques to enhance the audition process for you and your students, from setting up the perfect environment to building a rapport through the screen. Tune in and learn how to turn audition anxiety into creative success!
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:56 How can a performer adapt to recording self tapes?
4:53 How can performers pace a self-tape recording?
7:33 How can...
Ep.203 Demystifying Vocal Classifications and Ranges with Line Hilton
Vocal Range – What the Fach?! Ever wondered what really defines a singer’s voice type? In this episode, BAST founder Line Hilton demystifies the world of vocal fach—but is it really all about range? From booming basses to soaring sopranos, discover the roles of tone and timbre, hear some of the exercises we can offer in the studio to help a singer expand their vocal range, and get to know where might raise ‘vocal health’ red flags.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:30 What is a ‘fach?’
4:30 How do we know what fach we are...
Ep.202 Tongue Ties and Singing: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment with Jessica Luffey
Could a hidden tongue tie be holding your singers back? In this episode, certified orofacial myology specialist Jessica Luffey reveals how tongue ties impact vocal freedom - and it’s more common than you might think. Discover how to spot a tongue tie with a simple self-assessment, the surprising symptoms that could be affecting your singers, and why the right treatment could transform their voice. Are you missing this crucial piece of the vocal puzzle? Tune in to find out!
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
1:04 What is a tongue tie?
2:15 What causes...
Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers with Sarah Algoet
Did you know that hypermobility can impact vocal technique, breath control, and even performance anxiety? In this episode, voice coach and viral blogger Sarah Algoet discusses the surprising ways hypermobility affects singers—both as a gift and a challenge. Tune in to discover insights, practical approaches, and how teachers can better support hypermobile singers!
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:10 What is hypermobility?
10:21 Using the Beighton Score
16:00 Who is more likely to have it?
17:00 Possible benefits and challenges
35:52 A polyvagal drill exercise
42:25 How can voice...
Ep.200 The Secret to Powerful Belting and Seamless Mixing with Emily Kristen Morris
Episode 200! We're celebrating this milestone with none other than Emily Kristen Morris, a powerhouse performer from the stages of Wicked, Frozen, and Something Rotten! Get ready for a deep dive into the mysteries of mix and belt, what they are, how they work, and how singers can master them. Expect vocal geekery, expert insights, and a few laughs along the way! Don't miss this special episode of the Singing Teachers Talk Podcast.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
4:56 What’s is actually like playing Elphaba in Wicked?
6:22 What do Belt, Mix and...
Ep.199 The Truth About Muscle Tension Dysphonia: Insights from Dr. Lori Sonnenberg
Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is one of the most common voice diagnoses—but what does it actually mean? What are the symptoms? And how can we continue to support singers with suspected or diagnosed MTD? In this episode, Dr Lori Sonnenberg unpacks the truth about MTD, rights the misconceptions, and offers some solutions for voice professionals.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:42 What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
7:41 What’s the difference between dysphonia and dystonia?
8:38 How is MTD diagnosed?
30:23 Who is prone?
34:07 What are the audible signs?<...
Ep.198 Mastering Singing for Stage, Screen & the Music Industry with Jai Ramage
What makes a singer stand out in a West End audition? How do vocal coaches prepare artists for The Voice? And why are singers struggling to make it in today’s music industry?
This week, we dive into the world of high-performance vocal coaching with Jai Ramage—an expert who’s trained everyone from theatre stars to recording artists. She reveals what happens behind closed doors in auditions, the vocal challenges singers face in different industries, and the surprising truths about making it as an artist today.
What are you waiting for? Press the play button...
Ep.197 Backing Adele and beyond: the art and craft of backing vocals with Katie Holmes Smith
What’s it really like to be a backing vocalist for some of the biggest stars on the planet? In this episode, we are joined by Katie Holmes-Smith, whose impressive career has seen her perform with the likes of Adele, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, and more. How do you become a backing singer? What skills do you need? And what’s the reality of balancing global tours with family life? Join us as Katie shares stories, career advice, and insights from behind the mic.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
4:54 Ho...
Ep.196 How to Be a Singing Teacher in Higher Education with Trudy Kerr
How do you land a job in a higher education music institution? And what do they actually look for in a singing teacher? This week, Alexa sits down with Trudy Kerr, Head of Vocals at London College of Contemporary Music (LCCM), to uncover the reality of teaching at this level. From the application process to lesson structures, student challenges, and even salary expectations, Trudy offers an insight to what it takes to make it in higher education.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:57 What qualifications or experiences do I need?
6:42 Wha...
Ep.195 How Unlocking Your True Values Can Transform Your Teaching and Life with Louise Callin
Are your values driving your work as a singing teacher, or holding you back? This week, we chat with Louise Callin, a dance teacher, mindset coach, and NLP practitioner, to explore tools for handling imposter syndrome, confidence dips, and daily stresses.
Curious how a deep dive into your true values can transform your teaching, boost your authenticity, and create a balanced, purposeful life? Then, hit the play button!
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
1:21 How dancing led to mindset coaching
9:43 What is mindset coaching, belief coding & NLP?
14:26 An exercise to try
Ep.194 From Jersey to Bali: Relocating a Singing Teaching Business with Gia Morgan
If you could live and work anywhere in the world, where would it be? For Gia Morgan, the answer was Bali. Join us as Gia shares her journey from the bustling life of a singing teacher in Jersey to creating a business and studio in Indonesia. How is she navigating the challenges of relocation, building a thriving international student base, and embracing the beauty of a new culture? And what surprising lessons is she learning along the way!
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
1:09 Life in Jersey: Why I left a studio of 90...
Ep.193 How to Master Tongue Tension for Better Singing with Walt Fritz
How much do you really know about your tongue? Could a simple touch or stretch transform your vocal performance? In this episode, we reconnect with manual therapist Walt Fritz to explore the fascinating world of tongue awareness, self-stretching techniques, and how understanding sensation and shared decision making in the studio can reshape singing.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:45 Are humans just wonky?
4:02 What is the power of shared decision making?
7:24 How do singers describe pain, fatigue and tension?
11:30 How do we know when awareness has improved?
23:14 How do we know wh...
Ep.192 How to Set Better Boundaries as a Singing Teacher with Line Hilton
How can singing teachers set boundaries that help them thrive - both in and out of the studio? In this 2024 finale, Line Hilton shares her tips to maintaining work-life balance, protecting vocal health, and creating clear policies that work for you and your students. Are your 2025 boundaries ready to transform your teaching life?
About the presenter click HERE
Instagram: @basttraining
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST
1:00 What can teacher training really do for your confidence and career?
12:00 How do we maintain work-life balance without sacrificing success?
22:00 How c...
Ep.191 How to Set Up the Best Exhale for Singing Success with Lucinda Allen
This week, singing teacher and MDH Breathing Coordination coach Lucinda Allen is back, and we are diving deeper into the art of the exhale. From understanding airflow and pressure to optimising support through absorption, join us as we unravel the secrets to powerful, effortless singing.
QUOTE
‘Pressure can only go one way in the body, and that’s out. If we don’t allow the body to absorb it, it will find its way to the vocal cords, creating strain. True support is about flexibility and movement, not tension or force.’
WHAT...
Ep.190 How to Prepare a Singer for Touring Life with Korel Tunador
What’s it really like to tour the world, play iconic venues, and navigate the highs and lows of life on the road? Korel Tunador, a multi-instrumentalist and singing teacher, has performed with the likes of Katy Perry and The Goo Goo Dolls, and he is here to share the challenges of tour life, and to give insider tips for aspiring musicians.
QUOTE
‘You’re trapped in a bus for months, and being able to put up your shields personality-wise, and keep your center of gravity, is probably the most challenging thing.’
WHA...
Ep.189 The Dark Side of Fame: Tackling Mental Health Challenges in the Music Industry with Rachel Jepson
What role does the music industry play in shaping artists’ mental health, and how can we better support musicians who inspire us as listeners? In this episode, we explore some of the challenges musicians face with Rachel Jepson, a singer, BACP accredited psychotherapist and advocate for mental health in the arts. From rejection to fame’s pressures, Rachel shares her journey and some practical solutions for protecting our artists' mental health.
QUOTE
‘Mental health knows no figure. It's going to get you whether you've got a pound or a bazillion pounds in the bank.’
Ep.188 Student Spotlight: Singing Lessons Gave Me the Confidence to Call Myself an Artist with Kristina Mann
What does it really mean to call yourself an artist? In this inspiring Student Spotlight, singer-songwriter Kristina Mann shares how her journey with Hannah Smikle at Vocal Performance Coaching helped her take her art seriously, overcome self-doubt, and embrace her own voice. Tune in to uncover her story of creativity, resilience, and the power of mentorship.
QUOTE
"I never have learned so much about myself than in a singing lesson. What I've discovered about my fears, my habits, and what holds me back has transformed not just my voice, but who I am...
Ep.187 Specialisation in Singing Teaching: Essential or Optional? with Molly McLinden
Should you specialise as a singing teacher, or could staying generalist be the secret to a fulfilled career? This week, Alexa sits down with vocal coach Molly McLinden to explore the pros and cons of specialisation. Molly shares her experiences teaching everyone from teenage musical theatre hopefuls to karaoke-loving rockers, so tune in as they dive into the curious world of voice teaching with and without labels.
QUOTE
‘Jack of all trades master of none, though oftentimes better than master of one.’
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:00-1:48 A...
Ep.186 How to Balance a Teaching and Performance Career with with Olly Christopher
Are you a teacher who misses singing? Or a performer who would love to know how to supplement your career with teaching? In this episode, Olly Christopher from The Book of Mormon and Hello Dolly reveals his journey from Musical Theatre professional performance to the teaching room, sharing how he found harmony between his dual passions. Discover how you can balance both a busy teaching schedule and a professional performing career.
QUOTE
‘Anything you do as a performer is going to be valuable to you as a teacher. I really think they go ha...
Ep.185 How to Sing Better by Sleeping Better with Dr Jill McGarry
What are some of the things that us singing teachers bang on about daily? One of them is likely vocal health, but how often does this involve the conversation of sleep? In this episode, Dr. Jill McGarry from Sleep Better Doctor dives deep into the science of sleep, sharing tips for performing artists, teachers alike, and anyone balancing erratic schedules. Learn what it takes to get true restorative rest, and how we can safeguard our vocal health by simply improving our sleep routine.
QUOTE
‘If you don't get enough sleep, no...
Ep.184 Student Spotlight: How Singing Lessons Helped Rebuild My Voice with Lucia Neville
What happens when a singing teacher meets a singer struggling with their vocal health? In this episode, and for the second in BAST’s Student Spotlight feature, Alexa meets Lucia Neville - a singing teacher herself, and a performer known for her rock vocals. Lucia shares her story, from knowing nothing about her voice except her passion to sing and experiencing vocal trouble, to singing lessons and the teachers who helped transform her instrument.
QUOTE
‘I wanted to always sing big. I just wanted to be loud, to be proud, to get it out...
Ep.183 How to Fix Your Inhale and Transform Your Singing with Lucinda Allen
Breathing is something most of us do each day without much consideration, so why does breathing for singing tie us up in such knots? In this episode, Alexa is joined by Lucinda Allen, MDH Breathing Coordination coach and founder of Voice Unlocked, to find answers to some of the most common breathing challenges singers face. Lucinda breaks down the fundamentals of breathing for singing, including the power of touch, and how we can find an optimal inhale to inspire our voices.
QUOTE
‘We’re all surviving and alive and breathing, but we’re not al...
Ep.182 How to Save Your Singing Career by Protecting Your Ears with Jono Heale (ACS)
Can your ears make or break your singing career? And how do we even protect such a valuable asset? In this episode, Alexa is joined by Jono Heale, a musician turned hearing health advocate. Learn how the ears work, how they can become damaged, and discover the game-changing technology of ear plugs and in-ear monitors that might just save your profession.
QUOTE
'If your ears don't work, neither do you’
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? (AUDIO VERSION)
00:00:00 From musician to hearing health advocate
00:09:09 Managing tinnitus
00:12:00 How...
Ep.181 The Role of Singing in Mental Wellness with Baz Chapman and Celi Barberia from the Sing Up Foundation
Alexa has a compelling conversation with Sing Up Foundation's Baz Chapman and Celi Barberia. They explore how singing can profoundly impact children's mental health and well-being. With alarming statistics showing that 50% of mental health issues are established by age 14, what happens when we normalise singing in schools, and how can it provide a support? Tune in to discover how the foundation is creating lasting change through music
QUOTE
‘Singing can be a lifeline for children facing mental health challenges, and the impact goes far beyond the music itself.’ - Celi Barberia
WHAT...
Ep.180 Student Spotlight: How I Got to Know my Voice Through Singing Lessons with Jackie Pryce (Maud's Dog)
What happens when a singer steps into the spotlight to share their lessons learned? In this new ‘Student Spotlight’ feature, singing teachers will understandwhy singers might seek us out in the first place, what their expectations of lessons are, and what helps and hinders them. In this episode, we welcome Jackie Pryce, one half of the musical duo Maud’s Dog, understanding her journey from Gosport to The Troubadour, how singing lessons have transformed her technique, what was important for her to find in a teacher and how those open questions really feel.
QUOTE
‘In...
Ep.179 From 1 to 40 Choirs and Touring with Gareth Malone – A Chat with Rachel Lynes
In this episode, we welcome back Rachel Lynes, founder of The Sing Space, to share her journey of growing one choir to 40 adult musical theatre choirs across the UK. Rachel discusses the challenges of building a successful choir community, finding the perfect venue, recruiting members, and creating meaningful connections through music. We dive into exciting projects like her collaboration with Gareth Malone and she gives tips for aspiring choir leaders. Whether you're looking to start your own choir or grow an existing one this episode is full of inspiring insights.
QUOTE
‘I didn’t re...
Ep.178 Mastering Sound: Insights into audio engineering and the voice with Gareth Henderson
In this episode, Alexa Terry is joined by fellow singing teacher Gareth Henderson. With a wealth of experience in sound engineering and music production, Gareth shares insights on the balance between technology and artistry. From understanding the functional equipment to crafting a pleasing soundscape for live and recorded audio, Gareth’s expertise offers valuable takeaways for singers and teachers alike.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
00:02:00 The secret behind those knobs
00:03:00 Mixing audio is really just like cooking
00:07:00 Can your laptop compete with Abbey Road?
00:08:00 How to train your ear like a pr...
