Vocal Labs director Elle Holiday joins Alexa this week all the way from Adelaide in South Australia. Elle is a voice-specialising speech pathologist and singing teacher whose methodology is customised and based on evidence, focusing on retraining vocal techniques, enhancing performance stamina, and fostering confidence. Elle offers services in voice care, voice training, rehabilitation, and massage therapy. Elle is here to discuss training the speaking voice versus training the singing voice.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• As a singing teacher, Elle listens for signs of strain, roughness, breathiness, strength/loudness, breathing patterns, and onset/offset when assessing a student's speaking voice at the start of a lesson. These observations provide crucial insights into their overall vocal status.
• If a student experiences vocal trouble, Elle recommends gentle rehabilitative exercises, avoiding high-intensity belting, and singing repertoire in a lower range. If issues persist for more than two weeks, she advises seeing a medical professional for further assessment.
• Singing teachers should not diagnose students but can recommend seeing an ENT and speech pathologist if they hear vocal anomalies. Teachers can help students sing safely until a formal medical assessment is conducted, ensuring students' vocal health.
• In vocal rehabilitation, intensive therapy typically spans about 12 weeks from diagnosis to discharge. Elle works intensively with students for the first four weeks, then helps generalise the techniques into daily life. Success largely depends on the patient's commitment.
• Key differences in vocal therapy for speaking versus singing include the emotional component in singing and the need to unlearn singing habits for the speaking voice. Safety and identity considerations are also more prominent in speaking voice work, highlighting its unique challenges.

BEST MOMENTS 

"Singers with vocal injuries, who have rehabilitated from vocal injuries, are the people we should be seeking out the most for information on the voice."

"If you were a football player and you do your ACL on the field, no one says you have horrendous football playing technique."

"Safety is a huge thing in the trans community."

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Website:

https://vocalab.com.au/

Social Media:

Instagram: @vocalabau

Elle’s Advanced Vocal Technique Workshop: https://avt.vocalab.com.au/

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• (Singing Teachers Talk Podcast) Ep 75 - Vocal Rehabilitation for Singers with Dr Jenevora Williams 
• Vocal Health Education: https://www.vocalhealth.co.uk/
• Voice Care Centre: https://voicecarecentre.co.uk/ 
• The work of Sarah Brown: https://www.sarahkbrownvoice.com/ & @vocalhealthskb
• The work of Andrea Fleming (Performance Anxiety) 

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Elle Holiday, based in Adelaide, South Australia, is a voice-specialising speech pathologist and singing teacher. As the director of VocaLab, she provides voice care and training, including vocal rehabilitation, specialised training for transgender clients and professional vocalists, and massage therapy for muscle tension dysphonia. Elle’s evidence-based methodology focuses on retraining vocal techniques, enhancing performance stamina, and fostering confidence. Through her Instagram @VocaLabAU, she offers free, accessible voice education.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

In this week's episode Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Lydia Stone, joins Alexa Terry to discuss the topic of trauma. Lydia specialises in working with fostered and adopted children and families, she also runs a choir and is currently on the BAST Training Level 5 qualification course. Lydia explains the potential impacts of trauma on the singer, and helps us understand how we can conduct more trauma-informed singing lessons. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• When conducting trauma-informed singing lessons, it's essential to approach each session with empathy and sensitivity towards the experiences of the singers. While it's important to acknowledge the potential presence of trauma, it's equally crucial not to assume or pry beyond professional boundaries.
• Using recording and analysis tools during lessons can provide valuable feedback without overwhelming the singer or detracting from the session's focus. Concentrating on physical cues, such as mouth movements, can enhance communication and instruction.
• Familiar exercises like scales aid vocal technique. Gradually introduce minor scales for challenge. Connecting major and minor patterns enhances musical understanding. Encourage musical literacy and instrumental skills for independence.
• Positive reinforcement fosters confidence and growth while avoiding criticism preserves the singer's emotional well-being. Patience is key, allowing singers to progress at their own pace and respecting their boundaries.
• It's crucial to have resources available if singers require further support outside of the lesson. This could include referrals to counselling or other mental health services. By offering a holistic approach to singing education, teachers can empower their students not only as musicians but also as individuals capable of overcoming challenges and reaching their full potential.

BEST MOMENTS

"Trauma responses impact muscle tension and vocal control"

"Accept and empathise but maintain professional boundaries"

"Self-care helps teachers support singers' mental health"

EPISODE RESOURCES

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
• Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.147 TV Vocal Coach: Behind the Scenes on ITV’s Mamma Mia with Claire Delaney ]Dr Shannon Coates: Dr Shannon Coates
• Singing Teachers Talk: Eps. 155 & 156 - Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coates
• PACE: Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy
• Vocal Health Education: Vocal Health Education
• The work of Petra Raspel Borzynski
• NSPCC: nspcc.org.uk
• UK Trauma Council: UK Trauma Council
• Beacon House: Resources
• Attach Team (Oxfordshire): The ATTACH team | Oxfordshire County Council

Contact Dr Lydia Stone directly: [email protected]

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr Lydia Stone is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, who started her career with a choral scholarship at Cambridge University before completing her doctorate at Surrey University. Having an interest in trauma from an early stage, her professional work has taken her from London and the south of England as far afield as Tanzania and Bangladesh. She now specialises in work with fostered and adopted children and families in Oxford. This includes using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Video Interaction Guidance.

Throughout this time, she has continued her interest in singing, eventually finding her musical and spiritual home in Gospel music; and she was a long-time member of Soul Sanctuary Gospel Choir (www.soulsanctuarygospel.com). Leaving that role to focus on family life, she now directs Tyndale Community Gospel Choir (www.tyndalegospel.fun) as well as choral groups at a local primary school. In the midst of this, she somehow squeezes in studying for the BAST Level 5 Singing Teacher Qualification.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

Kaya Herstad-Carney returns to the podcast but this time she’s brought her Mary Poppins bag of tricks. Join Alexa and Kaya as they discuss the gadgets and props you can use as a singing teacher, the benefits they have to the student's voice and learning, and how best to utilise them in your singing lessons.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Using props in singing training provides a kinesthetic experience, prompting students to consider technique and form habits that feel innate. Physical engagement aids memory recall, reinforcing learning through tactile stimuli. This approach enhances understanding and skill development in vocal performance, it’s also more fun. 
• Balls aid singing teaching by enhancing breath control and support through exercises like tossing or squeezing. They engage students physically and mentally, adding a playful distraction that fosters focus and skill development.
• Straw warm-ups, blowing air through a straw into water or the air, enhance singing by focusing airflow and promoting proper breath support. They gently prepare the voice, reducing strain, improving resonance, and enhancing vocal control for better performance.
• Ask the singing student how using props like a TheraBand feels: does it improve, worsen, or maintain their vocal control and support? Assessing their experience helps tailor exercises for optimal vocal development.

BEST MOMENTS 

"Because of its expandable nature, I like to use this with singers who feel constriction in the throat”

“I love my singing straw”

“The important thing is that you know the research and why”

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Website:

• kayamusic.com

Social Media:

• Handle: @kayamusic

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• Vocology in Practice: https://www.vocologyinpractice.org/
• (Youtube) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SingingTeachersTalk
• Dr Shannon Coates: https://drshannoncoates.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Eps. 155 & 156 - Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coates (Parts One & Two)
• Mindy Pack: https://www.mindypack.com/
• Dana Lentini: https://www.born2singkids.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.77 - How to Teach Singing to Children with Dana Lentini 
• Singing and Teaching Singing - A Holistic Approach to Classical Voice by Janice L. Chapman
• Estill Voice Training System: https://estillvoice.com/
• Voce Vista: https://www.vocevista.com/
• Matrix VocalizeU Spectogram: https://matrix.vocalizeu.com/spectrodev/
• Heidi Moss: https://www.heidimosserickson.com/
• Actions - The Actor’s Thesaurus by Marina Caldarone & Maggie Lloyd-Williams 
• Amelia Carr: https://www.ameliacarrvoice.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.50 - Managing ‘Pushy Parents’ and Teaching ‘Legit’ with Amelia Carr
• The Morrison Bone Prop: https://www.themorrisonboneprop.com/
• The work of Ken Bozeman: http://www.kenbozeman.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.146 How to Understand and Apply Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy with Ken Bozeman
• The work of Ian Howell
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.145 Style Vs Technique with Kaya Herstad-Carney

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Kaya, a Norwegian artist based in the UK since '99, excels in original music, vocal coaching, and artist development. Her career includes performances on The Royal Variety Show and the BBC Songwriting Showcase. Passionate about mentoring, directing festivals, and teaching, she serves as a board member for Vocology in Practice, training singing teachers globally. Specialising in singing, songwriting, and artist development at Waterbear and esteemed institutions.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

Amy Walton, with expertise in musical literacy and keyboard skills, joins Alexa to explore essential music theory and piano skills for singing teachers. Trained in jazz performance, she reshaped curriculum at the Academy of Contemporary Music and teaches at Toronto's Singers Edge.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Musical literacy and keyboard skills are crucial for singing teachers. They enable accompaniment, enhance communication, and empower independent leadership. Understanding theory and tonality enriches teaching, making instructors more versatile and employable.
• Strategies for engaging music lessons include adding movement to exercises like scale learning, keeping a lighthearted atmosphere by involving students in activities like song form sketching, and tailoring lessons to their goals, whether karaoke or music school. Amy advocates for making theory accessible through arranging exercises and introducing concepts subtly. Amy also recommends using recording for feedback and preparing accompaniments in advance to focus on students during lessons.
• Vocal warm-ups using scales and arpeggios are essential for singers. They expand range, improve technique, and enhance articulation. From practising major scales for technique to exploring melodic minors for range, these exercises offer diverse challenges and benefits.
• To identify augmented and diminished chords on piano, understand their structure. Augmented chords raise the fifth scale degree, while diminished chords lower it. Play augmented chords by raising the fifth note of a major triad, and diminished chords by lowering the fifth note of a minor triad. Listen closely to distinguish their sound from major or minor chords. With practice, you'll master playing these chords.

BEST MOMENTS 

"I try to incorporate movement into it. It's a bit of dance."

“Don't look at it as what can I do, but what can theory do for you in your practice."

“Sometimes I do that in a way to hide the vegetables."

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Social Media:

• Instagram: @amywaltonmusic

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• Jacob Collier: https://www.jacobcollier.com/
• Kaya Herstad-Carney: https://kayamusic.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 70 Coaching Contemporary Commercial Music with Kim Chandler 
• Open Music Theory - Viva Press Books: https://viva.pressbooks.pub/openmusictheory/
• Popular Music Theory from University of West London: https://lcmmusicshop.uwl.ac.uk/shop/dept/Popular-Music-Theory/100105
• Adult Piano Adventure Books 
• Modern Pop Keyboard Books (Hal Leonard) 
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. Essential Piano Skills for Singers and Voice Teachers with Brenda Earle Stokes

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Amy, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, boasts over 15 years' experience as a soloist and voice teacher. Trained in Jazz Performance at the University of Cape Town, she later led vocals at the Academy of Contemporary Music in London, reshaping their curriculum. Now based in Toronto, Amy teaches at Singer’s Edge and offers consultancy services while presenting at Vocology In Practice conferences. Her expertise spans vocal physiology, musical literacy, keyboard skills, and contemporary improvisation. Notable career highlights include performances with the KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in South Africa and on the Eiffel Tower.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

Dr. Kari Ragan, is a voice teacher and rehab specialist, Master Teacher for National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Intern Program, co-founder of Northwest Voice Conference. She joins Alexa to discuss NATS’ mission, benefits of membership, and the upcoming conference. Also, insights on NATS International Congress of Voice Teachers 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) supports singing teachers with resources, networking, and professional development, promoting excellence in vocal instruction through conferences, workshops, publications, and certification programs.
• NATS Chat offers live online discussions for voice teachers and singers on diverse topics like vocal technique, repertoire, teaching, and business strategies. Hosted by NATS member Kari Ragan, it features prominent guests from the industry.
• The International Congress of Voice Teachers (ICVT), is a global event facilitated by NATS and other associations, offers masterclasses and sessions for voice teachers worldwide. The next event is ICVT Toronto 2025, hosted by NATS, The Royal Conservatory, and University of Toronto Faculty of Music, from July 31 to August 3.

BEST MOMENTS 

“It’s where I came out of the mindset of wanting to be a singer to wanting to be a teacher”

“We believe in moving the profession forward”

“It can be so overwhelming with what we’re expected to know nowadays”

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:

• KariRagan.com

Social Media:

• Facebook: @Voice Studio of Dr. Kari Ragan

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS): https://www.nats.org/
• NATS International Congress of Voice Teachers Conference 2025: https://www.nats.org/icvt2025.html
• NATS Chat Archives: https://www.nats.org/nats-chat-transcript-archive.html
• NATS Chat Youtube Platform: https://www.youtube.com/officialnats
• The work of Scott McCoy
• Kerrie Obert: https://obertvoicestudios.com/ & https://portal.getvocal-now.com/pages/home
• The work of Dr Marco Guzman 
• The Efficacy of Vocal Cool-down Exercises by Dr Kari Ragan: https://kariragan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/The-Efficacy-of-Vocal-Cool-Down-Exercises-JOS-2018.pdf
• The work of Lynn Helding: https://lynnhelding.com/
• The work of Lynn Maxfield  
• The work of Marci Rosenberg: https://www.marci-rosenberg.com/
• The work of Leda Scearce
• The work of Peggy Baroody
• The work of Karen Brunssen 
• So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre by Amanda Flynn 
• A Systematic Approach to Voice: The Art of Studio Application by Dr Kari Ragan
• Singing Voice Rehabilitation: A Guide for the Voice Teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist by Karen Wicklund 
• NorthWest Voice: NWVoice.org
• The work of Martin Nevdahl 
• The work of Albert L Merati 
• The work of Dr Ingo Titze
• Dr H Steven Sims
• John Henny: https://johnhenny.com/
• The Fall Voice Conference: https://www.fallvoice.org/
• The Voice Foundation: https://voicefoundation.org/
• Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA): https://pavavocology.org/
• The work of Ian Howell 
• Vocology in Practice: https://www.vocologyinpractice.org/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: 154 Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry: https://linktr.ee/basttraining?utm_source & https://www.youtube.com/@SingingTeachersTalk/videos

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Kari Ragan, DMA, MM, BM, is an accomplished singing voice rehabilitation specialist and educator. With numerous awards and affiliations, including the University of Washington Laryngology program, she's known for her book "A Systematic Approach to Voice '' and co-founding the Northwest Voice Conference.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

Dr Shannon Coates is with us for part two of this discussion on building neurodiversity inclusive voice studios and we're picking up just where we left off last week. Shannon is a singer, voice teacher, and educator who began developing training and educational resources specifically for independent voice teachers. She works with smaller groups of teachers in an eight-month training called the VoicePed UnDegree that runs each year. This week, Shannon helps us to understand the terminology of neurodiversity, and we start to explore how we can be inclusive for the likes of dyslexia and ADHD.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• In the classroom, autistic individuals may struggle with sensory overload, heightened sensitivities, difficulty filtering stimuli, hyperfocus, and executive functioning challenges. They may show their overwhelm with a perceived lack of attention or disengagement. 
• Some autistic individuals benefit from physical guidance and tactile feedback to understand and replicate movements accurately. Singing teachers may gently guide their students' hands, arms, or facial muscles to demonstrate proper technique and expression. This hands-on approach provides sensory input that can enhance the learning experience and help autistic singers internalise correct movements.
• Autistic individuals often thrive in environments with clear structure and predictable routines. Singing teachers can establish a consistent lesson structure with clearly defined goals, activities, and transitions. Providing a visual schedule or checklist can help autistic singers anticipate what to expect during each session, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security.
• Singing teachers can support autistic individuals' stimming by normalizing it, recognizing individual patterns, providing a sensory-friendly environment, incorporating movement and breaks, using stimming as a teaching tool, and offering positive reinforcement.

BEST MOMENTS 

“I cannot focus on what you’re asking me to do, my senses are in complete overwhelm”

“The things we do in the studio to affirm neurodiversity do not just affirm neurodivergent singers, they affirm all singers”

“There is a lifetime of trying to figure out the rules because our social rules are based on reading other people”

“Clarity is kindness”

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:

• www.drshannoncoates.com

Social Media:

• Instagram: @voiceped
• Facebook: @VoiceAndTheArtofTeaching 

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.155 Part One: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coates
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.104 Teaching Singers with ADHD with Colin McGee
• Lewis Capaldi 
• Nikki Loney & Full Voice Music: www.fullvoicemusic.com 
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.139 Understanding Play-Based Learning for Children and Young Adult Singers with Nikki Loney

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Shannon is a singer, voice teacher, and educator with nearly two decades of experience running a successful independent voice studio. She develops training and resources for voice teachers worldwide, focusing on inclusivity and neurodiversity. Shannon holds three vocal performance degrees from the University of Toronto and offers subject-specific training, including Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed and Contemporary Voice. She promotes best practices in teaching and advocates for inclusive voice spaces through social media.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

Dr Shannon Coates will be keeping us company over the next two weeks to help us understand how we can build neurodiversity-inclusive voice studios. Shannon is a singer, voice teacher, and educator who began developing training and educational resources specifically for independent voice teachers. She works with smaller groups of teachers in an eight-month training called the VoicePed UnDegree that runs each year. This week, Shannon helps us to understand the terminology of neurodiversity, and we start to explore how we can be inclusive for the likes of dyslexia and ADHD.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Neurodivergent refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning differ from what is typically considered typical or neurotypical. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Neurodivergent individuals may have unique ways of thinking, processing information, and interacting with the world. The term emphasises the natural diversity of human brains and challenges the notion of a single "normal" or "correct" neurological makeup.
• ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with maintaining focus, organising tasks, and controlling impulses. ADHD can impact various aspects of daily life, including academic performance, work, and relationships. 
• Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder characterised by difficulty in reading, spelling, and writing despite ‘normal’ intelligence and adequate educational opportunities. Individuals with dyslexia may have challenges with phonological processing, which affects their ability to recognize and decode words and symbols accurately. 

BEST MOMENTS 

‘Not being associated with academia doesn't mean that you can’t be a specialist voice teacher’

‘In the process of working with my own children I also began to see some of those similar things in the studio’

‘Practising the new thing is always in my brain, I want to get into it and the novelty of it, ADHD singers will love it’

‘No matter who we’re working with, the most effective reframing is asking what they focused in on and found interesting’

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:

• www.drshannoncoates.com

Social Media:

• Instagram: @voiceped
• Facebook: @VoiceAndTheArtofTeaching 

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• (Column) Neurodiversity in the Voice Studio, Clinic, and Performance Space: Using a Neurodiversity Affirming Lens to Build More Inclusive Spaces for Singers: Part 1, Current Understanding of Neurodiversity by Dr Shannon Coates; Journal of Singing (2022)
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.152 ‘Tomayto, Tomahto’: Understanding Singing Terminology with Line Hilton
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.104 Teaching Singers with ADHD with Colin McGee
• Tera Sumpter: https://terasumpter.com/

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Shannon is a singer, voice teacher, and educator with nearly two decades of experience running a successful independent voice studio. She develops training and resources for voice teachers worldwide, focusing on inclusivity and neurodiversity. Shannon holds three vocal performance degrees from the University of Toronto and offers subject-specific training, including Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed and Contemporary Voice. She promotes best practices in teaching and advocates for inclusive voice spaces through social media.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

In this solo episode, Alexa dives into the common struggles of imposter syndrome, low confidence, and feeling overwhelmed that many singing teachers face. As an experienced voice instructor and singer herself, Alexa shares personal stories and insights on managing these challenges in your teaching career and life. Learn how to overcome negative self-talk, build your confidence both in and out of the studio, and avoid burnout through self-care and planning. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Imposter syndrome, low confidence, and overwhelm are common among singing teachers. Imposter thoughts prevail due to isolation, comparison, and teaching observations. These feelings stem from self-doubt, fear of judgement, and perfectionism.
• Strategies like reframing thoughts and celebrating achievements can counter imposter syndrome. Perspective-taking and building a support network are beneficial. Despite accomplishments, imposter syndrome affects individuals across fields, emphasising the importance of sharing experiences for community support.
• You can build a support network by joining online communities and forums, attending conferences, and seeking mentorship. Forming mastermind groups, scheduling catch-ups, and following inspirational accounts on social media offer additional support. Investing in a coach and being open with students about imposter feelings can also aid in managing challenges.

BEST MOMENTS 

"100% of them reported having felt imposter syndrome, low confidence and overwhelm."

"The most common intrusive thoughts reported include 'Just quit. You don't know enough' and 'You don't have the skills.'"  

"Sometimes, I am completely overwhelmed by the amount of information and responsibility I'm faced with as a singing teacher."

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:

• www.aterryvocalcoaching.com 

Social Media:

• Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching
• Facebook: @ATerryVocalCoaching 

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• Vocology in Practice
• The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention by Dr Pauline R Clance & Dr Suzanne A Imes (1978)
• Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw (1903)
• (Blog) Singing and the Premenstrual Voice
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.102 Understanding Singing and Menopause with Joanne Bozeman 
• Psychologist Lev Vygotsky (The Zone of Proximal Development & ‘Scaffolding’) 
• The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young
• (Youtube) TED Talk by Valerie Young (2017)
• Tommy Ludgate: https://tommyludgate.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.49 Unlocking Your Creative Potential with Tommy Ludgate 
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang with Kerrie Obert
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre with Amanda Flynn
• Steven Bartlett & The Diary of a CEO
• John Henny: https://johnhenny.com/
• Voice Study Centre: voicestudycentre.com
• Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/
• The 6-minute Success Journal
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.147 TV Coach: Behind the Scenes on ITV’s Mamma Mia with Claire Delaney 
• [email protected]

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

After graduating with a BA Musical Theatre degree, Alexa Terry donned her sailor’s cap and performed as a lead soloist on cruise ships travelling the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Baltic seas. She trod the boards in London’s West End as the protagonist in a new Musical Theatre project, studied as a librettist with Book, Music and Lyrics (BML), and has written for the likes of BritishTheatre.com as a reviewer. 

Alexa runs her own 1-1 singing tuition practice in the South of England and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools - Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels entry auditions. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk Podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 Qualification, and has presented on the topics of Musical Theatre repertoire and authentic Musical Theatre performance. 

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

Joining Alexa this week is Nic Redman, who has been working with the spoken voice for almost 20 years and who is the author of the best-selling book ‘On the Mic’. Nic has featured across the BBC, Times Radio, The Guardian, Irish Times, and The Metro. She offers one-to-one coaching for voice-over artists, narrators, podcasters, and speakers to master their speaking voice, working with the likes of Peloton and comedian Sarah Millican.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

In Nic's experience, musical theatre often places a significant emphasis on appearance alongside vocal ability. This can create pressure for performers to conform to certain physical standards. However, in the realm of voiceover work, the focus solely revolves around vocal performance.

Nic Redman's five techniques for improving vocal performance and recording quality, as discussed, are as follows: 

• Focusing on using your natural voice and avoiding an artificial "announcer" style.
• Being mindful of posture and alignment to allow the voice to resonate fully.
• Engaging in vocal warm-ups and exercises to enhance flexibility and range.
• Paying attention to microphone technique, including maintaining consistent distance and angle.
• Listening critically to recordings to identify areas for improvement.

Nic's recommended vocal warm-ups for voice over work are:

• Lip trills and tongue trills: These exercises help relax the vocal mechanism and can be effective in warming up the voice.
• Pitch glides: Practising pitch glides up and down the vocal range helps in warming up the voice and increasing flexibility.
• Tongue twisters for articulation: Working on tongue twisters helps improve articulation and clarity in speech.
• Breath control exercises: Techniques such as hissing and sighing can improve breath support, which is crucial for sustained vocal performance.
• Humming exercises: Humming exercises help in exploring vocal resonance and can contribute to a fuller, more resonant sound.

BEST MOMENTS 

‘I had this like, ping of this feels nice. This feels where I'm supposed to be on the microphone’

‘The huge contrast to the musical theatre world was that nobody was going, your voice is great, but you don't look quite right’

‘I was really intrigued by the idea of spoken voice and the potential that it really has as a performer’

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:

• onthemicbook.com

Social Media:

• Instagram: @nicredvoice

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• Central School of Speech and Drama: https://www.cssd.ac.uk/
• The Voice Coach Podcast by Nic Redman
• The Voice Deck by Nic Redman 
• Dane Chalfin: https://danechalfin.com/
• Gravy for the Brain: https://www.gravyforthebrain.com/
• The Voice Over Network: https://www.thevoiceovernetwork.org/
• Voice Over KickStart: https://voiceoverkickstart.com/
• The Voice Over Social: https://thevosocial.com/
• Vocal Booth to Go: https://www.vocalboothtogo.co.uk/
• Microphone: Rode NT1-A
• Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT 770

Get Nic’s Free Warm-up HERE: https://nicolaredman.com/freebies/

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Nic Redman, with nearly 20 years of experience in recording and coaching, specializes in helping individuals feel vocally confident on the microphone. Featured on BBC, Times Radio, The Guardian, Irish Times, and the Metro, Nic offers personalized coaching for voice artists, podcasters, and speakers, counting Sarah Millican and Channel 4 among her clients. She conducts retreats, online courses, and masterclasses, providing on-mic direction for brands like Peloton and Mercedes Petronus. Nic is a sought-after speaker, panelist, and co-creator of the award-winning Voiceover Social Podcast. Her bestselling book, "On The Mic," offers invaluable insights into voice training and recording.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

Alexa Terry talks about vocal related terminology with BAST founder Line Hilton in Ep.152. Line explains some of the anatomical terminology a singing teacher may encounter in a medical or voice science setting this includes anatomical terms, register names, support and resonance. She and Alexa play a register names pop quiz to see how many of the 107 names they know. Line emphasises the importance of understanding and using terminologies in a flexible and adaptable manner, considering the context and audience. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Discussing anatomical terms like superior, inferior, lateral, medial, anterior, posterior is key for voice teachers. Line linked these to body parts, aiding medical report understanding. Muscle names, tied to origin and insertion, enhance comprehension.
• Alexa and Line explored varied names for vocal registers like chest, head, mix, belt. They noted diverse pedagogical and field terms, emphasising context-dependent meanings. Line stressed grasping intent behind terms over feeling overwhelmed.
• Line rarely uses "support" directly, viewing it as a result of vocal balance, not a specific technique. She favours strategies like transverse abdominis engagement for a supportive sensation, coupled with overall vocal coordination.
• Line challenges the "open throat" concept, noting pharynx narrowing as pitch ascends. She opts for tongue and larynx strategies, rejecting the focus on throat constrictors. Imagery like "open up the sound" proves useful based on student response.
• Line distinguishes a singing teacher's technique focus from a vocal coach's guiding role. She underlines SEO and student-friendly terms' importance. "Voice teacher" holds spoken connotations, advocating comfort in choosing terms.

BEST MOMENTS 

'If there really are 107 different names for registers, do we need to know them all? ’

‘What we feel isn't necessarily a correlation to what's going on mechanically.'

‘What does support mean? Pretty much as many people as I've asked, is the amount of answers that I've received.’

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:

• basttraining.com

Social Media:

• @basttraining

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• (BAST Blog) The Laryngeal Nerves: https://www.basttraining.com/the-laryngeal-nerves/
• Kerrie Obert: https://obertvoicestudios.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang with Kerrie Obert 
• (Book) Anatomy of Voice by Blandine Calais-Germain & Francois Germain 
• (Book) Singing & Science: Body, Brain and Voice by Jean Callaghan 
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.62 How to Choose the Best Vocal Exercises with Line Hilton 
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.73 The Best Vocal Exercises for Laryngeal Stability with Line Hilton
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.83 The Best Vocal Exercises for Sick Voices with Line Hilton
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.113 The Best Vocal Exercises for Chest Voice with Line Hilton
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.114 The Best Vocal Exercises for Head Voice with Line Hilton
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.115 The Best Vocal Exercises for The Transition with Line Hilton 
• Chris Johnson: https://chrisjohnsonvocalcoach.com/
• Teach Voice: https://www.teachvoice.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.44 Exploring Vocal Registers with Chris Johnson 
• Traditional Belt Example: Johnny One Note from Babes in Arms 
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre with Amanda Flynn 
• Physio Ed: https://www.physioedmedical.co.uk/
• Vocology in Practice: https://www.vocologyinpractice.org/

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

Presenters Bios

Vocal coach Kerrie Obert joins Alexa to discuss the technique of twang in singing—what it is, how to find it, and how to apply it in a healthy way across your range. We bust myths about twang and larynx position, examine impactful but overlooked research, and learn exercises to develop this bright, forward resonance while avoiding excess tension. For all singers looking to understand the mechanics behind great country, rock, and belt singing, this is an episode you won't want to miss. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Teaching Back for Enhanced Learning: Teaching back in singing lessons reinforces skills, promotes compliance, and fosters lasting habits, enhancing knowledge retention and practical application.
• Clarity in Teaching Directives: Clear teaching directives are pivotal in vocal education, especially when exploring intricate concepts like "twang." Transparent communication deepens understanding and enriches the learning experience.
• Nuanced Roles of Velum and VLM: Understanding the nuanced functions of the velum and Vertical Laryngeal Movement (VLM) shapes vocal sounds. This insight guides students in refining techniques and comprehending the impact of pharyngeal narrowing on larynx positioning.
• Effective Singing Techniques: Effective singing involves maintaining vocal fold thickness during belting and strategic breath control. Integration of these elements achieves a harmonious balance, enhancing overall vocal quality and impact.

BEST MOMENTS

‘I would say it's very high, like 70 or 80 percent of the people who twang don't have aryepiglottic narrowing.’ 

'It actually gives you credibility, to be able to acknowledge that that you think differently about something’

‘I want to look at what point those pharyngeal constrictors narrow in the range. And to see how that relates to our perception of passaggio’

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Website:

• getvocal-now.com
• com

Social Media:

• Instagram: @kerrieobert

Relevant Links & Mentions:

• Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep.59 Top Tongue Tips for Boosting High Frequency Energy with Kerrie Obert
• The work of William Vennard
• Jo Estill: https://estillvoice.com/
• Amanda Flynn: https://www.amandaflynnvoice.com/
• Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre with Amanda Flynn

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST

Kerrie Obert is a speech language pathologist and singing voice specialist from Columbus Ohio. Ms. Obert holds degrees in both musical theatre performance and speech language pathology. She spent nearly 20 years working at The Ohio State University JamesCare Voice & Swallowing Disorders Clinic where she performed thousands of endoscopies as part of a diagnostic team and provided therapy to patients with a wide variety of laryngeal disorders. Ms. Obert was instrumental in setting up the Singing Health Specialization at OSU and served as the Director of Medical Arts for that program. Although she stepped away from her clinical duties at OSU, she remains on the faculty for research purposes. Ms. Obert has written four books on voice and has conducted clinical research using acoustics, MRI and EGG. She has presented on several continents and is passionate about bridging science and art. Ms. Obert is the executive principal of Getvocal-now.com, an online continuing education platform for singers, speech language pathologists and voice teachers. Her current research interests are in pharyngeal and tongue positions as they relate to boosting high frequency energy.

Kerrie Obert is also a guest lecture on the BAST Training Level 5 Singing Teacher Qualification.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

Presenters Bios