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 can we run a business and negotiate illness? 
26:00 What’s the secret to managing student behaviour and expectation? 
30:00 How can we follow opportunity and protect income? 
35:00 How can we handle emotional moments without overstepping as a teacher?
41:00 When do student relationships cross a boundary? 
47:00 How can we recognise when boundaries are being challenged? 
50:00 What is BAST planning for 2025?

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Line Hilton

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.149 Part One: Finding the Best Posture and Alignment for Singing with Jennie Morton
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.150 Part Two: Finding the Best Posture and Alignment for Singing with Jennie Morton
Singing Teachers Talk -Ep.164 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part One
Singing Teachers Talk -Ep.165 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part Two
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.170 Understanding the Science of SOVTs: In Conversation with Ingo Titze & Karin Titze Cox
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.183 How to Fix Your Inhale and Transform Your Singing with Lucinda Allen
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.191 How to Set Up the Best Exhale for Singing Success with Lucinda Allen
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang with Kerrie Obert
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.146 How to Understand and Apply Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy with Ken Bozeman
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.146 How to Understand and Apply Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy with Ken Bozeman - Ep.172 Understanding Acoustic Registers with Ken Bozeman
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.185 How to Sing Better by Sleeping Better with Dr Jill McGarry
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.180 Student Spotlight: How I Got to Know My Voice Through Singing Lessons with Jackie Pryce (Maud’s Dog)
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.184 Student Spotlight: How Singing Lessons Helped Rebuild My Voice with Lucia Neville
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.188 Student Spotlight: Singing Lessons Gave Me the Confidence to Call Myself an Artist with Kristina Mann
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.160 Tuning into Trauma: Strategies for Singing Teachers with Psychologist Dr. Lydia Stone

Mental Health First Aid England

Mental Health First Aid Australia

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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’S IN THIS PODCAST? 

1:04-2:22 Common ‘exhale’ challenges  
2:30-4:32 Matching air with vocal task  
4:32-13:07 What we’re actually trying to achieve with the exhale 
13:08-23:09 Air, pressure, and absorption  
23:50-29:13 Breath Support 
29:13-35:09 Exhaling for belt  
35:48-38:09 Anchoring 
38:09-41:53 Exercise 
41:53-44:10 MDH Breathing Co-ordination and lung conditions  

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.183 How to Fix Your Inhale and Transform Your Singing with Lucinda Allen  

MDH Breathing Co-ordination 

Cynthia Erivo  

Estill 

Path of the Voice by Robin De Haas 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Lucinda has more than 15 years experience as a highly regarded voice, singing, and MDH breathing coordination coach. Her private coaching practice, Voice Unlocked, serves clients including performers from West End shows such as Lion King, Dirty Dancing, Choir of Man, and Aladdin, as well as touring artists like Grammy award winner Lalah Hathaway and UK-based artists Kelli-Leigh, Newton Faulkner, JP Cooper, and Skin (Skunk Anansie).   

Lucinda manages Vocals on the Contemporary Music Programmes at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, one of London's leading music schools, where she teaches and designs the curriculum, and she has recently designed the new MA Vocal Studies course for aspiring coaches and contemporary singers.   

Lucinda's coaching practice is primarily based on the MDH Breathing Coordination (MDHBC) method, which focuses on functional breathing. Lucinda combines her own teaching methods with MDHBC to help individuals explore undiscovered aspects of their voice. In more challenging cases of vocal rehabilitation, she also provides support for individuals in rediscovering their voices. 

Guest Website: voiceunlocked.com 

Instagram: @voiceunlocked 

LinkedIn 

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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.’

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

1:41-5:39 Pursuing a music career
5:40-9:27 Performing with Katy Perry & The Goo Goo Dolls
9:28-15:11 Challenges of being on tour
15:12-20:57 Maintaining vocal health on tour
21:00-25:18 Performing on morning TV
25:21-30:22 Preparing singers for touring life
30:45-35:54 The dark side of fame
36:29-49:02 Exit strategy
49:36-53:26 The multi-instrumentalist and the voice

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Red Rocks
Neil Med Nasal Rinse
Sleep Better Doctor
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.185 How to Sing Better by Sleeping Better
Waterbear
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.189 The Dark Side of Fame: Tackling Mental Health Challenges in the Music Industry
Dave Stroud
Vocology in Practice
Singing Teachers Talk  Ep.149 & 150 Finding the Best Posture and Alignment Parts 1 & 2 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

For the past two decades, Korel Tunador has toured the globe as a singer and multi-instrumentalist, performing with acclaimed artists like Rob Thomas, Katy Perry, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Jada Pinkett Smith. He has appeared on major television shows, including The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, Ellen, Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Top of the Pops, Saturday Night Takeaway, and the MTV Awards.
 
 A Berklee College of Music graduate with honors in Jazz Performance, Korel’s versatile background spans Suzuki Classical Piano, improv jazz big bands, songwriting, and music production. As a voice coach, he serves on the Board of Directors for Vocology in Practice, and teaches with a unique "cross-training" approach, blending vocal technique with songwriting, music theory, ear training, guitar, and piano skills. Korel’s professional recording studio allows students to seamlessly transition from lessons to creating professional recordings. koreltunador.com

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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.’

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
9:32-19:10 Challenges artists are facing in the music industry today
19:13-27:14 Dealing with rejection
27:14-33;17 Managing commercial pressure
33:23-43:51 Fame and staying grounded
50:33-55:29 Parasocial relationships
55:29-1:00:00 Fear of failure and success
1:00:00-1:06:23 Counselling for Musicians

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Artists mentioned: Robbie Williams; That Take; East17; Five; One Direction; Liam Payne; Justin Bieber; Caroline Flack; Chapell Roan
British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
Help Musicians
Music Support
Boybands Forever Documentary
Musicians Union
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.154 Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers
The Centre for Mental Health in the Music Industry

ABOUT THE GUEST
Rachel Jepson has over 25 years of experience in the music industry as a singer and 8 years of experience as a BACP-accredited psychotherapist. Struggling with her own mental health, partly from being involved in the music industry, Rachel has created the first and only training courses on Mental Health in the Music Industry. Her CPD Accredited certificate ‘Mental Health Awareness In the Music Industry’ has been delivered to over 500 participants in the music industry since it was Accredited. Rachel runs The Centre For Mental Health in the Music Industry in Manchester, providing a place for discussion and change in music education.
Her latest course ‘How to Be A Woman In Music’ focuses on issues that many women have struggled with in the Music Industry such as parenting, sexual harassment, and power imbalance, no other music industry course provides these insights and opportunities for discussion and change.
Rachel’s current PhD thesis focuses on creating a code of practice for Mental Health in the Music Industry, to provide a set of guidelines so members of the music industry community can be protected and supported.
Website: counsellingformusicians.co.uk

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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 as an artist."

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

4:53-6:58 Kristina’s first singing memory
6:58-14:58 Taking art seriously
15:00-18:30 What Kristina was looking for in a singing teacher
18:30-32:32 An insight into Kristina’s singing lessons
33:34-35:24 Being positively challenged
35:24-38:18 The benefit of having singing lessons
38:18-39:18 Top 3 qualities to find in a singing teacher

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

• Open Hands by Kristina Mann
• Artists Mentioned: Emile Sande; Imogen Heap; India Arie
• @Inspiredtowrite
• Amie McNee
• Hannah Smikle
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.180 Student Spotlight: How I Got to Know My Voice Through Singing Lessons with Jackie Pryce (Maud's Dog)
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.51 How to Boost a Singer’s Confidence
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.112 Helping Musical Theatre Singers Build a Reliable Pop Toolbox 
• Speech Level Singing

ABOUT THE GUEST
After the launch of her first album Gold in 2019, Kristina has been working behind the scenes exploring her sound and crafting her story. Now armed with a vocal looper and the confidence to be uniquely herself, she is surrounded by her own harmonious melodies and beats drawing the listener in, allowing them to experience her experiences through each performance.
Residing in Stockport, this determined and passionate singer / songwriter / spoken word artist is committed to bringing her authentic self to every performance. She has been likened to artists such as Emeli Sande, Imogen Heap and Massive Attack; fusing genres such as soul, pop and R&B to create a unique and distinct sound that is undeniably Kristina Mann.
The body of work produced for her first album Gold gives glimpses to the building blocks which can now be evidenced in her latest material. There is a greater depth and maturity seen recently as she has navigated some deeper valleys of life but on her return, has been able to bring the treasure of these darker times into to light. She hopes to give words to those who have none as they navigate the many questions that arise in being human whilst living with great expectation in life.
Music: Spotify  IG: @kristinamannofficial

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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 typical day in the life of a singing teacher
1:49-04:48 Deciding to specialise or not
4:52-12:34 What is a specialist?
12:34-17:38 Advantages of specialising
18:11-24:37 Disadvantages of specialising
24:37-32:27 Staying up to date
32:27-34:21 Molly’s studio

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

• How to Balance a Teaching and Performance Career with Olly Christopher 
• Melissa Cross
• Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.77 How to Teach Singing to Children with Dana Lentini
• Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.139 Understanding Play-Based Learning for Children and Young Adult Singers with Nikki Loney
• School of Rock
• Joshua Alamu @madaboutthevoice
• Sing Up Foundation
• Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.181 The Role of Singing in Mental Wellness with Baz Chapman and Cell Barbara from the Sing Up Foundation
• NATS
• Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.157 What Singing Teachers Need to Know about NATS with Dr Kari Rogan
• Musical Theatre Educators Alliance
• Olly Christopher @ollychristopher_vocals
• Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.186 How to Balance a Teaching and Performance Career with with Olly Christopher

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Molly McLinden is a Chicago based vocal coach and singer who has been teaching singers of all ages and styles for over twenty years. Previous and current students include an American Idol finalist, as well as professional musical theater actors and even punk rockers!

A big fan of all styles and methods , She has trained with CoreSinging founder Dr. Meribeth Dayme, and recently became a certified Neuro-Vocal Method™ coach. Molly is also a proud member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Currently, she maintains a busy private studio where she teaches students in person as well as online. In addition to teaching singing, she also offers beginner level acting instruction, improv, speaking voice assistance, beginner level piano and music theory and ear training. 

Website: vocalmolly.com 

Instagram: @vocalmolly 

Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@VocalMolly 

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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 hand in hand.’

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

2:16-6:43 Getting in to Musical Theatre
6:45-7:06 The most challenging vocal role
8:07-17:23 Challenges & successes in Musical Theatre training
20:13-25:46 Advice to the aspiring Musical Theatre performer
25:46-27:45 Advantages & disadvantages a teaching & performance career
28:20-37:12 Maintaining a teaching and performance career
38:27-41:42 Advice for those wanting to do both
41:42-43:23 Vocal Balance
44:57-45:24 Get in touch with Olly 

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

• The Churchill Theatre
• Guildford School of Acting
• Mountview
• Arts Ed
• Stephen Oremus
• Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.109 Mastering ‘Acting Through Song’ Techniques to Elevate Musical Theatre Performance
• Vocal Balance
• BAST Blog - How to Nurture a Singers Authentic Voice
• Dr Trineice Robinson-Martin

ABOUT THE GUEST

Olly Christopher is both a performer and singing teacher and has worked across the UK and internationally.

Olly trained at Arts Educational Schools, gaining a BA(Hons) degree in Musical Theatre. As a performer his credits include; A Christmas Carol (The Lowry, Manchester) Hello Dolly! (London Palladium), 42nd Street (Leicester Curve, Sadlers Wells, UK Tour & Toronto), Featured Soloist in The Greatest Showtunes (Raymond Gubbay Entertainment); South Pacific (Sadlers Wells & UK Tour); The Original London Cast of Pretty Woman: The Musical (Savoy Theatre, West End); The Book Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre, West End); All Star Musicals (ITV); and Sweet Charity (Manchester Royal Exchange).

Alongside Olly’s performing career, he is an accredited Vocal Balance singing teacher and has taught in many drama schools including Italia Conti, Bird College, LAMDA and PPA. Olly also runs his own private practice for Musical Theatre professionals, young adults who wish to train in Musical Theatre and non-professionals.

Instagram: @ollychristopher_vocals

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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, not only will your body not be recovered for the next day of singing, but all that information that you need to be able to organise your business, your career, your profession, will start to fall off as well.’

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

0:00-5:17 Bizarre dreams

5:17-14:26 What’s actually happening during sleep?

15:19-19:37 Getting quality sleep

19:47-28:27 Sleep for the touring artist

29:13-38:49 Sleep gadgets

39:37-43:36 What not to eat or drink before bed

43:38-47:21 What to wear in bed

47:23-50:33 Snoring

51:58-55:30 Sleep Better Doctor

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 

• Dr Michael Mosley
• Fast Asleep by Dr Michael Mosley
• The Epworth Sleepiness Scale
• Lux Lamps
• Stanford Sleep Medicine Centre
• Dr Cheri Mah
• Diary of a CEO Podcast - The Woman Who Helps NBA Stars to Sleep: Stop Having Showers Just Before Bed! Dr Cheri Mah
• Patrick McKeown
• Nasal Strips
• Dr Matt Walker

ABOUT THE GUEST 

At Sleep Better Doctor, our mission is to enhance well-being and productivity by resolving sleep challenges for both individuals and organisations. We integrate evidence-based therapies with tailored training to effectively address sleep and fatigue issues. Our practice is deeply rooted in psychology, sleep disorders, and sleep deprivation, backed by extensive experience with direct clients and businesses.

We partner with a range of entities, from large NHS trusts to small companies, to provide expert psychological support and consultation. Our approach encompasses sleep education, CBT-I, mindfulness, compassion-focused therapy, acceptance & commitment therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and systemic therapy, delivering a holistic service designed to meet each client’s or company’s unique needs. Discover how quality sleep can transform your life at Sleep Better Doctor.

Contact Dr Jill McGarry directly: 07768 068 070

Guest Website: sleepbetterdoctor.co.uk 

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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... once I was able to recreate the same sounds at a more consistent volume, a whole new world opened up for me.’

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

00:00 The dream
02:09 My first singing lesson
07:40 When vocal trouble started
13:29 Comments from a stranger
16:22 Rebuilding my voice
23:40 Knowledge is power
29:00 Should a singer understand vocal science and theory?
29:54 What I look for in a singing teacher
32:57 How my singing lessons influence me as a teacher

Music Credit: ‘Breathless’ by Lucia Neville & A Girl’s A Gun

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

• I Am: Celine Dion documentary
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.164 & 165 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice
• Dr Molly Gebrian
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.137 Creating Optimal Learning Environments for Children and Young Adults
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang
• Kerrie Obert
• Yoga with Adriene
• Feldenkrais Method
• Head Up, Above the Clouds by A Girl’s a Gun

ABOUT THE GUEST

Lucia is a seasoned vocalist with over 20 years of experience in both touring and recording. Her career has spanned various genres, and she has earned a reputation as a passionate and skilled performer. After sustaining a vocal injury while on tour, Lucia sought guidance from Sydney's leading vocal instructors, dedicating herself to mastering proper vocal technique and vocal health. This experience shaped her deep understanding of the voice and reinforced her commitment to maintaining a healthy and sustainable singing career.

Lucia has shared stages with some of the biggest names in the Australian blues, performing at major festivals, sold-out shows, and alongside internationally renowned blues artists. Her extensive experience and expertise have made her a sought-after mentor in the vocal community.

Lucia is a dedicated Committee Member of ANATS. She actively contributes to advancing vocal pedagogy standards and supports the vocal community in maintaining the highest levels of vocal education and performance excellence.

Website: luciaperry.com

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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 always breathing as optimally as we could for the task we are taking part in.’

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

0:00 Why does breathing for singing tie us in knots?

03:36 Common breathing challenges in singers

05:06 When is breath the problem, and when is it the solution?

12:37 Why MDH Breathing Co-ordination?

21:23 The power of touch

25:09 What we’re actually trying to achieve at inhale

30:34 A breathing exercise

50:59 Working with physiology and conditions

53:26 Mouth or nose?

55:21 Performer case studies

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

• MDH Breathing Co-Ordination
• Robin De Haas
• Robert Sussuma
• Feldenkrais
• Patrick McKeown
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.40 Integrated Skills: Teaching Singing to Dancers with Jennie Morton
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.175 Understanding the Transmasculine Voice with Stephen Davidson

ABOUT THE GUEST

Lucinda has more than 15 years experience as a highly regarded voice, singing, and MDH breathing coordination coach. Her private coaching practice, Voice Unlocked, serves clients including performers from West End shows such as Lion King, Dirty Dancing, Choir of Man, and Aladdin, as well as touring artists like Grammy award winner Lalah Hathaway and UK-based artists Kelli-Leigh, Newton Faulkner, JP Cooper, and Skin (Skunk Anansie)

Lucinda manages Vocals on the Contemporary Music Programmes at The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, one of London's leading music schools, where she teaches and designs the curriculum, and she has recently designed the new MA Vocal Studies course for aspiring coaches and contemporary singers.

Lucinda's coaching practice is primarily based on the MDH Breathing Coordination (MDHBC) method, which focuses on functional breathing. Lucinda combines her own teaching methods with MDHBC to help individuals explore undiscovered aspects of their voice. In more challenging cases of vocal rehabilitation, she also provides support for individuals in rediscovering their voices.

Guest Websites: voiceunlocked.com

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

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 the ear works
00:20:27 Understanding noise exposure
00:26:24 What are ear plugs and in-ear monitors?
00:31:28 Who should wear in-ear monitors?
00:33:51 How in-ear monitors impact the stage set up
00:44:50 Musician's Hearing Health Scheme
00:46:46 Getting your custom hearing protection and in-ear monitors

About the presenter click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

• Musicians Union
• Help Musicians UK
• The Musicians Hearing Health Scheme
• Harley Street Hearing
• Tinnitus UK
• Tinnisoothe
• Singing Teachers Talk Youtube
• The Control of Noise at Work Regulations
• World Health Organisation
• The Independent Society of Musicians
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.117 The ISM: What Singers and Singing Teachers Need to Know 
• Singing Teachers Talk Ep.67 Protecting the Singer’s Ears for Performance Longevity 

ACS DISCOUNT CODE (UK ONLY)

For custom hearing protection & in-ear monitors: BAST15

ABOUT GUEST

Jono has over 35 years in the music entertainment industry, including 15 years as a professional musician with tours and sessions, including work at the BBC. He developed a national music student network that launched talents like Ed Sheeran. After retraining as a Health and Safety Advisor, he specialises in noise and hearing health, driven by his own experience with music-induced tinnitus and hearing loss.

Jono is passionate about hearing conservation and sits on the Board of Directors at ACS, a leading custom hearing protection company. He launched the "Play Safe Now - Hear Tomorrow" campaign in 2014, receiving support from music industry figures. Jono lectures at top UK conservatoires, serves on the Musicians’ Health Advisory Board for Help Musicians UK, and is involved with various health initiatives in the music sector.

Website: acscustom.com/uk

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group