Vocal Tips in 10 with Amber Mogg Cathey

Your voice is affected by illness—what now? How much should you rest, when is it okay to sing, and how do you ease back in?

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, we’re talking about supporting your voice through sickness and recovery. We’ll cover rest, internal and surface hydration, medication considerations, and gentle exercises to help you gradually return to singing.

We’ll also discuss when to skip singing, how to modify your vocal demands when performing is appropriate, and when to reach out to a voice specialist.

🎤 Voca...

Cooler weather, more germs, and a packed performance calendar can create a perfect storm for singers. So how do you give your voice the support it needs before you’re sick or worn out?

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, we’re talking prevention: prioritizing sleep, managing your daily “vocal budget,” staying hydrated, and understanding what teas and throat lozenges actually do. We’ll also cover surface hydration, nasal breathing in cold weather, warmups and cooldowns, and why medications deserve a little extra attention when you rely on your voice.

You can’t out-techni...

Changing the key can help you protect your voice and deliver your best performance—but is it always the right choice?

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, I explore when changing the key can take away something essential to the song. From its overall feel to an instrumental hook that doesn’t land the same way in another key, we’ll talk about when to rethink transposing—and how to consider both your voice and the music.

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Need a vocal warm-up? Press play and warm up with me!

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, I'm taking you through a quick, practical vocal warm-up you can actually sing along with - and come back to anytime you need your voice ready for rehearsal, recording, a performance or just a day of singing.

We'll move through three of my go-to warm-up exercises, including SOVT work to get the voice moving with more ease, a floppy jaw exercise to release unnecessary jaw and tongue tension, and a final resonance exercise to help...

If high notes make your chin lift, shoulder tense or whole body reach upward, this episode is for you.

Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down why chasing a high note can make it harder - and shares simple tools to help you hit the high notes with more freedom and less effort.

You'll learn:

What does it actually mean to “sound like yourself” as a singer? If you’ve ever wondered What’s my sound?—or caught yourself trying to sound like the artist, genre, or version of a singer you think you’re supposed to be—this episode is for you.

Amber shares practical exercises to help singers uncover the vocal and stylistic choices that naturally sound like them—from starting with the speaking voice and purposeful imitation to experimenting with melody, genre, phrasing, and more.

Because your authentic sound isn’t something you need to manufacture or lock...

Your voice gives you clues when something isn’t quite right — if you know what to listen for.

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey shares two simple tools you can use to check in on your voice, establish what’s normal for you, and catch early warning signs of swelling, irritation, or overuse before they become a bigger problem.

She breaks down the Bastian Swelling Test and a simple morning humming check, what each one can tell you, and — most importantly — what to do when something changes.

You’ll le...

Vocal fry gets a bad reputation — but is it actually damaging your voice? In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down one of the most misunderstood techniques in singing and speaking, and why modern voice science says it's not the villain people think it is.

Amber explains how vocal fry supports gentle vocal fold closure, why it shows up stylistically across pop, R&B, country, folk, and soul, and how it's used as a real tool in vocal therapy and rehabilitation. She also gets honest about when it can become an issue — usual...

Vocal Cooldowns 101: The Quick Habit That Saves Your Voice

Do you warm up before you sing but skip the cooldown after? You're not alone — and it might be costing you more than you think. In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down why cooldowns deserve a permanent spot in every singer's routine, helping your voice transition safely from athletic singing back down to your relaxed speaking voice.

You'll learn simple, practical cooldown exercises you can start using today, including sliding intervals, SOVT techniques like lip trills and raspberries, vocal si...

🎙️ This week: a fan-favorite replay!

I'm knee-deep in boxes finally moving back into my house here in Nashville — getting the studio set up, getting my son settled into school, all of it. So this week I'm resharing one of the all-time most-listened-to episodes of Vocal Tips in 10, and brand new episodes are back starting Wednesday, 8/19.

If you missed it the first time (or want a refresher): here's the 5-Minute Vocal Warm-Up You Can Do In the Car.

Join me this week as I share a quick and effective 5-minute vocal warm-up you can do...

Ever wonder what gives Hayley Williams' voice its bright, edgy punch? In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down the techniques behind that signature sound — from vowel shaping to crisp consonant articulation. Recorded from a past session (life's mid-move over here!), it's a full breakdown of an acoustic performance of "Into You," covering the "nay-nay" scale for tone, forward articulation, and vocal cries for emotional punch.

Whether you're new to pop vocals or sharpening your edge, these are practical, voice-healthy techniques you can adapt into your own sound — no copying, just inspiration.

Outdoor gigs are every singer's nemesis — no walls, no ceiling, nothing for your sound to bounce off, so you often can't hear yourself. Add heat, wind, and dust, and it's a fast track to vocal strain if you don't know what to do.

In this episode, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down how to protect your voice and perform your best when the elements aren't on your side: why pushing to compensate only hurts you, how to rely on feel when monitors fail you, hydration strategies that start before the gig, and how to modify your setlist fo...

Struggling to keep up a consistent vocal practice when your schedule is packed or unpredictable? In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey shares how singers can make short, focused practice sessions actually count — so busy seasons don't have to mean losing progress.

You'll learn how to set realistic goals, why short daily sessions can outperform long inconsistent ones, how to avoid vocal overtraining, and why working with a vocal coach can amplify everything you're already doing. Plus, tips for embracing seasonal breaks without guilt — because rest is part of the process too.

You're busy. You're tired. You barely have time to think, let alone think about your voice. But if you're a singer, speaker, or anyone who relies on your voice professionally, the chaotic seasons are exactly when your vocal care matters most.

In this episode, Amber Mogg Cathey shares the strategies that got her through a cross-country move and a health scare without sacrificing her voice — proof that even when life feels like too much, there are still small, doable things you can do to prioritize feeling and sounding your best.

No fancy equipment. No...

After 20+ years of coaching singers professionally, vocal coach Amber Mogg Cathey has heard the same questions come up again and again — and in this episode she's answering the five biggest ones. From why singers sound so different on a recording to how to get more power without straining, these are the questions every singer has asked at some point. Short, direct, and packed with real answers from two decades in the vocal studio.

In this episode:

If you've been feeling stuck, disconnected, anxious, overwhelmed, or like you're carrying tension into your singing, this episode is for you.

In this special guided episode of Vocal Tips in 10, licensed hypnotherapist Katie Crooks leads Amber through a Vocal Reset Hypnosis designed specifically for singers and performers.

This isn't about learning more technique.

It's about creating space.

Space to release tension.

Space to let go of unhelpful thoughts and patterns.

Space to reconnect with your voice, your confidence, and your authentic expression.

If you’ve ever felt like you know what to do technically — you have the skills, the talent, the exercises — and yet something still feels blocked when you sing… this episode is for you.

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey sits down with licensed hypnotherapist Katie Crooks to explore the connection between the mind, nervous system, emotions, and the voice — and why technique alone isn’t always enough to unlock the voice and artistry you’re capable of.

Katie shares how decades of working with singers and speakers e...

If you don't know why an exercise works — what it's actually doing in your voice — you're practicing in the dark.

In this episode, vocal coach and certified vocal rehabilitation specialist Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down the single most transformative shift she sees in singers: the moment they stop just doing exercises and start understanding them.

She shares a real story of a seasoned singer whose confidence and control completely changed once he understood the purpose behind his training — and why that understanding matters whether you're a beginner or a working professional.

You'll...

Most singers believe their voice is the problem.

It’s not.

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down one of the most common patterns she sees in singers and voice-led artists: feeling stuck, strained, or limited—not because of their voice, but because of the training, messaging, and beliefs they’ve absorbed along the way.

Many artists assume their voice “can’t” do certain things—whether it’s high notes, mix, power, or consistency. But in most cases, the issue isn’t ability. It’s a mismatch between th...

If your voice feels off—scratchy, swollen, stuck, or just not doing what you want—this episode is for you.

Allergy season, post-nasal drip, congestion, travel, fatigue… it happens. And when it does, most singers either push through (not helpful) or stop singing altogether (also not helpful).

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, I’m walking you through a simple, strategic sequence of exercises to help your voice reset and start feeling like you again—without forcing or overworking.

We’ll work through:

Why Your Vocal Practice Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)

If your vocal practice isn’t translating into real progress… this episode is for you.

Most singers think they need to do more—more exercises, more songs, more time.

But the real problem? You’re trying to work on too many things at once.

In this episode, I break down why that approach keeps you stuck—and what actually works instead.

You’ll learn how to focus your practice so your voice can actually improve, not just...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re searching for the right way to sing… this episode is your permission to stop.

Because here’s the truth: there isn’t just one.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why great singers don’t rely on one perfect technique—they build options. Your voice isn’t a formula, it’s a skill. And the more ways you can access ease, power, and consistency, the more reliable your voice becomes in real-world situations.

We’ll talk about:

Most singers focus on what they should be practicing… but overlook something just as important: who they’re learning with.

In this episode, vocal coach and Vocal Rehabilitation Specialist Amber Mogg Cathey explores the power of community and group learning—and why it can completely change the way your voice grows.

You’ll learn:

Whether it’s a coaching program, a choir, a ba...

Ready for mix voice exercises that actually work?

In this episode, we build on last week’s foundation with practical drills to help you connect your voice, smooth your break, and develop a strong, flexible mix.

Learn how to coordinate your registers, use resonance effectively, and access both power and ease—without forcing.

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🎙️Erase Your Break method & course

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Mix Voice Foundations Episode

Vocal Res...

If your mix voice feels inconsistent or strained, this episode breaks down the foundational work most singers skip—and how to build a voice that actually coordinates.

🚨Grab Your FREE 5-Minute Vocal Warm-Up + Bonus Belt Exercise

🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube

🎙️Erase Your Break method & course

🌟Vocal Pro Collective

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Unlock the secret to a voice that carries with ease—without pushing or strain.

In this episode, Amber Mogg Cathey shares simple tools and exercises that help singers create a buzzier, more resonant sound. If you’ve ever wondered how great singers develop that forward, vibrant tone, this episode will help you feel exactly where resonance lives and how to activate it.

You’ll explore practical exercises like NG sounds, humming, and forward resonance drills that bring vibration into the lips, nose, and cheekbones—helping you find and maintain the resonant “buzz” that makes a voice c...

Your performance starts long before you step on stage.

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Cathey shares the key habits that help singers show up energized, confident, and vocally ready for a performance.

Learn how sleep, hydration, and smart food choices impact your voice, how to pace your vocal energy throughout the day, and how to use soundcheck to dial in your setup before the show.

If you want to feel stronger, steadier, and more in control on stage, these simple pre-show strategies make all the difference.

So many singers feel like they have a breathing problem.

And while that can sometimes be the case, what often feels like poor breath “support” is actually incomplete vocal fold closure — air leaking through the sound instead of being efficiently used.

When the vocal folds don’t connect fully and efficiently, phrases can feel breathy, unstable, and exhausting. You may feel like you’re constantly running out of air, when the real issue is coordination at the level of the folds.

I

n this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, we break do...

Your voice doesn’t exist in isolation — you are the instrument.

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Cathey explores how your physical health and mental state directly impact your singing. From injury and illness to stress, fatigue, and even subtle discomfort, what’s happening in your body and mind will always show up in your voice.

You’ll learn why tension isn’t just “in your head,” how small physical setbacks can affect technique and confidence, and how to recognize when your voice needs support beyond vocal exercises.

If something fe...

Reflux doesn’t always show up as heartburn — and for singers, that matters.

In this episode, I share my personal experience with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), or silent reflux, and how it affected my singing. We talk about the subtle vocal signs many singers miss, how LPR differs from GERD, and why reflux is so often misunderstood in the voice world.

I also share practical, singer-friendly ways to support vocal health while navigating reflux, along with when it’s important to seek medical guidance.

This conversation is about awareness, support, and building...

Have you ever sung a song that means so much to you — but performing it keeps pulling you back into a painful moment?

This is a question I hear from singers all the time:

How do I deliver an emotional performance without having to relive the hardest feelings every single time?

In this episode, I share practical, sustainable tools that help singers communicate deep emotion without emotionally draining themselves. Whether you’re performing original music, covers, or emotionally heavy material night after night, these strategies allow the music to carry the feeling...

What if one small change could make a massive difference in how your voice feels, sounds, and holds up over time?

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Cathey breaks down the power of vocal budgeting and why taking short, intentional vocal breaks throughout your day can dramatically improve vocal health, stamina, and longevity.

If your voice often feels tired, tight, or inconsistent, this episode offers a smarter, more sustainable approach.

🚨Grab Your FREE 5-Minute Vocal Warm-Up + Bonus Belt Exercise

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Stress doesn’t just affect your mindset—it affects your voice. In this episode, vocal coach Amber Cathey explains why high notes often feel harder or disappear entirely during stressful seasons. Learn how tension in the body interferes with vocal stretch, and hear simple, practical ways to calm your nervous system, release physical tension, and regain access to your upper range.

🚨Grab Your FREE 5-Minute Vocal Warm-Up + Bonus Belt Exercise

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In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Cathey addresses one of the most common questions singers ask: How do I know if I’m singing wrong?

Instead of chasing “perfect” technique, Amber offers a simpler, more grounded approach—two key questions every singer can use to check in with their voice: Does it feel good? and Do I like how it sounds? These questions help singers build trust with their instrument, reduce overthinking, and make more confident vocal choices.

This episode encourages singers to listen to their instincts, understand when support might be helpful, an...

In this Season premiere of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey offers a gentle reset for the new year.

You'll reflect on what worked and what didn't in your vocal journey in 2025, using clear prompts to help you set supportive goals and intentions for 2026 - without the pressure to do it all at once.

The episode also includes five simple vocal exercises to ease your voice back into motion, making it perfect if you've some time over the holidays and want a way to reconnect to singing.

🚨Gra...

December can be a lot — busy schedules, end-of-year pressure, holiday obligations, germs, exhaustion, and the added demands of singing and performing. In this final episode of 2025, Amber Mogg Cathey shares a compassionate, realistic approach to getting through the month without burning out.

In this episode, Amber walks you through her four pillars for surviving December as a singer:

• Budgeting your energy when everything feels demanding

• Giving yourself permission to do less (without losing momentum)

• Supporting your whole well-being — not just your voice

• Letting go of guilt around practice, performance, an...

Looking for vocal exercises that actually make a difference? In this week’s episode, vocal coach and rehabilitation specialist Amber Mogg Cathey shares her seven go-to exercises she’s using with singers every day — simple, effective tools you can use to warm up, release tension, build strength, and feel more connected to your voice.

Inside the episode, you’ll get:

• An on-the-go vocal warm-up you can do anywhere

• A silent vocal rest technique to reset the voice

• Articulator + tension release tools to free up your sound

• Head voice, chest voice, and mix voice...

In this episode, Amber Mogg Cathey is joined by renowned artist development coach Wendy Parr for a powerful conversation on discovering your true artist identity.

Wendy shares how real artist development starts with self-discovery, authenticity, and understanding the personal stories that shape who you are. Amber and Wendy discuss how to lean into your unique identity, connect more deeply with your audience, and build a brand that feels true to you.

They explore:

• Why knowing yourself is the foundation of successful artistry

• How your lived experiences shape your sound and crea...

When illness strikes, singers face tough decisions: Should you sing? Cancel? Push through?

In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey walks you through how to care for and recover your voice when you’re sick — without setting your healing back.

Learn how to:

This episode is all about na...

As singers, we often think about how to recover our voices after something goes wrong — but what about protecting them before it does? In this week’s episode, Amber Mogg Cathey shares how to keep your healthy voice… healthy, especially as cold and flu season hits.

Learn simple, science-backed habits to maintain peak vocal wellness all year long — from hydration and rest to vocal budgeting and smart warm-ups. Amber also explains why your overall health and stress levels play a major role in vocal resilience.

Whether you’re performing, recording, or just keeping up with less...