Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who are ready to teach.
ABOUT BAST TRAINING
We are here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills, understanding and qualifications required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill.
Start with the Foundition course or level up into a Level 5 qualification.
Ep.237 Beyond the Vocal Tract: How the Brain Shapes What We Hear with Ian Howell
mercredi 19 novembre 2025 • Durée 01:36:55
This week, Alexa chats with the brilliant Ian Howell to explore how we really hear the singers we work with. From psychoacoustics and functional listening to timbre, bias and intention, Ian unpacks the hidden processes behind vocal perception—and how understanding them can transform the way we teach. A deep, fascinating conversation for any singing teacher wanting sharper ears and smarter tools.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
1:53 What is psychoacoustics?
5:28 How is sound perceived by us?
12:38 What impacts the way we perceive sound?
20:46 Separating function from bias
25:48 Belt scenario
35:36 How do singers hear themselves?
40:59 How to listen and observe with skill
1:05:27 The relationship between intent and perception
Dr. Ian Howell is the Founder and Chief Educator of the Embodied Music Lab, offering professional development and consulting for musicians and teachers. He is the author of Advice for Young Musicians (2023) and Hearing Singing: A Guide to Functional Listening and Voice Perception (2025). From 2013–2023, Ian served on the voice faculty at the New England Conservatory, directing the graduate voice pedagogy program and leading research in the NEC Voice and Sound Analysis Lab, where he and his students presented widely and contributed vital work during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
Ep.236 The Academic Path to Pop-Rock with Becky Morton
mercredi 12 novembre 2025 • Durée 34:28
In this episode, Becky Morton, Principal of Further Education at ACM and Alexa explore what the FE academic route can offer young singers stepping into today’s music industry. Becky shares curriculum structure with project-based training, and how this helps students to build both industry awareness and artist identity. The pair dig into why early professional habits matter, how the diploma pathway compares to traditional A-levels, and what young performers gain from learning to work with producers, bands and music businesses in a real-world environment. Becky also talks about current vocal trends, the technical demands of pop-rock singing, and how ACM is adapting its teaching to industry changes, including the rise of AI.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
03:50 The role of Principle of FE at the Academy of Contemporary Music
5:00 Benefits and challenges of an academic route into music
10:13 A look at technique for pop-rock
12:50 Defining the pop-rock aesthetic
15:14 Artists to study in this genre
18:16 How important is music theory and sight singing?
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.231 Evolving Vocal Trends: Training Functional Registration in Contemporary Commercial Music
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.222 The Rise of AI: What it Means for Singers & Teachers with Singing Teachers Talk - Ep,226 The Rise of AI: Practical Tools and Strategies for the Singing Teachers
Ep.227 Following Your Bliss: How to Align Your Life and Business
mercredi 10 septembre 2025 • Durée 43:22
What does it really take to reinvent yourself as a coach or creative? In this episode, we welcome back Gemma Sugrue; singer, entrepreneur, and business mentor to explore how she’s turned her own career pivots into powerful lessons for others. From wedding singer to studio owner, online educator to branding coach, Gemma has never been afraid to follow her curiosity and shed what no longer feels aligned.
She shares how we can tune into our energy, recognise when it’s time for change, and build the trust muscle needed to step into something new. If you’ve ever felt pulled towards a different path, struggled with balancing security and creativity, or wondered how to make your business feel more you, this conversation will leave you inspired, encouraged, and ready to take the next step.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:44 How did Gemma get to where she is now?
7:27 How do you recognise when your are in alignment with bliss?
13:29 How can I make the first step to change?
16:30 The transferable skills of life coaching
19:14 What is a common theme between vocal coaches?
20:44 Reinventing yourself
23:07 How to have difficult conversations to find alignment
25:49 How can we pull on all of our interests as vocal coaches?
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.8 The Natural Entrepreneur with Gemma Sugrue
Ep.137 Creating Optimal Learning Environments for Children and Young Adults with Roberta Wolff
Épisode 137
mercredi 15 novembre 2023 • Durée 55:39
Joining Alexa today is Professor of Performing Arts Pedagogy at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Roberta Wolff. As well as teaching on the Guildhall PGCert programme, she provides professional development on teaching skills to teachers across the performing arts disciplines. Roberta is also a workshop leader, coach, and piano teacher. In this episode, we will discuss how to create optimal learning environments to serve children and young adult singers.
KEY MOMENTS
‘I love it when students challenge me because it shows that they’re really thinking’
‘If the ideas are coming from the student themselves, they’re going to be more likely to remember and more motivated to follow through’
‘I feel we have to manage the impact of our own moods and frustrations so that they don’t damage the environment we’re creating’
‘The quality we bring to our listening can improve the quality of the other person’s thinking’
RELEVANT LINKS & MENTIONS
(Book) Time to Think by Nancy Kline
(Podcast) The Full Voice - Ep.169 Happy Hormones for Learning with Dr Jenevora Williams
(Book) Introducing Neuroeducational Research by Paul Howard-Jones
(Book) Grit by Angela Duckworth
Do you have a burning question on the voice or being a singing teacher? Maybe you have a topic you want us to explore or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know by completing the Podcast Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/naUum9N3unzNMPLN8
ABOUT THE GUEST Roberta is a professor of performing arts pedagogy at Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She teaches on an innovative PGCert programme providing professional development in teaching skills to teachers across the performing arts disciplines. This role has led to staff development work both within Guildhall, and across other institutions such as Italia Conti. She is an experienced workshop facilitator, coach, and piano teacher. A cross-section of these competencies has resulted in a particular interest in learning environments and how to curate these for the maximum benefit of students. This includes a space that is safe, with plenty of time for the student's voice, questions, and mistakes (!); an environment that is enriching and nourishing for both the teacher and student. EPISODE RESOURCES
Ep.136 Discussing the Music Industry's Response to LGBTQIA Singers: In Conversation with Nate James
Épisode 136
mercredi 8 novembre 2023 • Durée 33:29
Nate James is an independent soul artist with a successful career to date, having sold over a million albums, received MOBO nominations and urban music awards, and he has headlined festivals across Europe. He has also toured with the likes of Amy Winehouse and John Legend. Nate joins Alexa today to fly the flag for the music industry's LGBTQIA+ community, sharing his own personal story, including how his school teacher supported him in his early years. He discusses the response to particularly gay male-presenting singers within music, which is the topic of his thesis.
KEY MOMENTS
‘I was effectively living two lives, that’s the case for most gay male pop stars’
‘You can't tell someone to be themselves but have parameters and boundaries over that’
‘From the consumers point of view things have got better, but if you look beneath it there’s still a lot to be done’
RELEVANT LINKS & MENTIONS
Artist Mentioned: George Michael; Wham; Little Nas X; Frank Ocean; Duncan James; Stephen Gately; Will Young; Freddie Mercury; Da Brat; Elton John; Harry Styles; Sam Smith; Kim Petras;
Do you have a burning question on the voice or being a singing teacher? Maybe you have a topic you want us to explore or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know by completing the Podcast Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/naUum9N3unzNMPLN8
ABOUT THE GUEST Nate James, is a singer-songwriter who, since his 2005 debut, has sold over 1,000,000 albums. His debut album, "Set the Tone," earned Nate three MOBO nominations and the Urban Music Award for Best Soul Artist. Nate's live performances have been equally impressive, selling out venues like London's Jazz Café and winning the prestigious Festivalbar in Italy in 2006.
Ep.135 The Valentine Voice Care Mission and Building Your Own Practice Premises with Kate Valentine
Épisode 135
mercredi 1 novembre 2023 • Durée 38:51
We first welcomed Kate Valentine to the Singing Teachers Talk podcast back on episode 85. But now, Kate is back with us in episode 135, to tell us all about Valentine Voice Care Lewes, a centre for vocal wellness development, prevention, and rehabilitation, which she has built in East Sussex
KEY MOMENTS
‘It felt like hell, I was so lonely and felt so stripped of my identity because of my vocal injury’
‘This shrinking pool of opportunities means everyone is anxious’
‘Feel the fear and do it anyway’
RELEVANT LINKS & MENTIONS
Practitioners mentioned: Hannah Sanderson; Daisy Duval; Julie Cooper; Pemma Ashdown; Chloe Spencer; Amy Hunter; Ann Coxhead; Gillian Ramm; Louisa Barry; Philippa Poulton; Leigh Bisset; Rebecca Meitlis; Charlotte Mobbs; Lee Bisset; Rebecca Carolyn Andrews; Sian Winstanley
Do you have a burning question on the voice or being a singing teacher? Maybe you have a topic you want us to explore or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know by completing the Podcast Suggestion Form:
Ep.134 How to Get Your Students to Practise with Line Hilton
Épisode 134
mardi 24 octobre 2023 • Durée 47:24
Back in 2019, teenager Eddie Cortez went viral for a letter that he wrote to his teacher, explaining why he didn't do his homework. In that letter, he said, "I don't want to do school work over the weekend because it's a stress-free time to go out with friends, watch TV, play games. I don't do it also because it makes me very mad and unhappy. I do what makes me happy because I want to be happy. Homework is not a real thing in the real world, so we should not have to do it in school because it's not useful." BAST Founder Line Hilton joins Alexa to discuss the excuses we encounter with our students about why they can't practise their craft.
KEY MOMENTS
‘Practise is just a way of reinforcing the thing we want to do’
‘Don’t stop at “it didn’t work”, ask yourself what do I need to do to make it work’
‘Having a specific strategy is needed for practice, just running the song through with no plan is not practice’
‘People aren’t motivated by what we think. People want autonomy’
Do you have a burning question on the voice or being a singing teacher? Maybe you have a topic you want us to explore or a guest you’d like to hear from? Let us know by completing the Podcast Suggestion Form: https://forms.gle/naUum9N3unzNMPLN8
Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre with Amanda Flynn
Épisode 133
mardi 17 octobre 2023 • Durée 59:44
To continue our discussion on the juicy topic of "belt," Alexa is joined by voice teacher and trainer of musical theatre and CCM, Amanda Flynn. Amanda has performed in shows like "Wicked" and "Mamma Mia" and has held the position of Production Vocal Coach for "The Lightning Thief" and "Be More Chill" on Broadway. She is the author of "So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre," the updated and expanded edition, and is here to chat about mastering belt in musical theatre.
KEY MOMENTS
Belt is the most common and popular musical expression we have Belting is complex, it’s not simple and straightforward They said you were belting out a sound because it’s this big pop of a sound, almost like a punch One of the top questions I’m asked is what is belting, but we never ask a classical singer what classical is
RELEVANT LINKS & MENTIONS
Artists mentioned: Ma Rainey; Ida Cox; Bessie Smith; Ethel Merman;
Musical Theatre shows mentioned: Wicked; Oklahoma! Annie Get Your Gun; Jagged Little Pill; Six; Lizzie; Little Women; Anastasia
Acoustic Comparison of Lower and Higher Belt Ranges in Professional Broadway Actresses by Amanda Flynn, Jared Trudeau & Aaron M. Johnson: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30409455
Cross-Training in the Voice Studio: A Balancing Act by Mary Saunders Barton and Norman Spivey
New York Singing Teacher Organisation:
Ep.132 Understanding Vibrato in Singing with John Nix
Épisode 132
mercredi 11 octobre 2023 • Durée 51:07
Joining Alexa this week to discuss all things vibrato is Professor of Voice and Voice Pedagogy and Chair of Voice at the University of Texas at San Antonio, John Nix. John is a voice researcher himself, and his mentors include Barbara Doscher and Ingo Titze. John has produced 50 published articles and eight book chapters, co-chairs the Voice Science Advisory Committee, and serves on both the Journal of Singing and the Rowman and Littlefield/NATS book editorial boards.
KEY MOMENTS
‘Vibrato extent is measured in cents not hertz because that confuses it with rate’
‘The vibrato esthetic has become more international than regional over time’
‘Heightened emotion imprints itself upon our voice through the tremulousness’
‘It’s easier to target something slower than your natural rate’
RELEVANT LINKS & MENTIONS
Research/Researchers mentioned: Carl Seashore; Ingo Titze; Joshua Glasner; Iwata & Large; Thomas Shipp; Paul Patinka; King & Horii; C. Dromey; Dr Jenevora Williams; David Howard; Graham Welch; Eric Prame; Randy Wooding
(Article) Shaken, Not Stirred: Practical Ideas for Addressing Vibrato and Non Vibrato Singing in the Studio and the Choral Rehearsal by John Nix
Oren Brown
ABOUT THE GUEST
John Nix is Professor of Voice and Voice Pedagogy and chair of the voice area at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His mentors include Barbara Doscher (singing, pedagogy) and Ingo Titze (voice science). Current and former students have sung with the Santa Fe, Arizona, Chautauqua, St. Louis, Nevada, Omaha, Utah Festival, and San Antonio opera companies, and two have served as NATS Intern Program Master Teachers. In addition to his active voice teaching studio, he performs research in voice pedagogy, literature, and acoustics, having produced 50 published articles and 8 book chapters; he also co-chairs the NATS Voice Science Advisory Committee, serves on The Journal of Singing’s editorial board, and serves on the Rowman and Littlefield/NATS book editorial board. EPISODE RESOURCES
Ep.131 Mastering Research Papers: How to Read with Ease and Extract Knowledge with Kate Cubley
Épisode 131
mercredi 4 octobre 2023 • Durée 31:03
Want to understand research papers but find them dull and impenetrable? Kate Cubley, dynamic voice researcher and vocal coach, is here to help. In this episode, Kate shares her passion for research and demystifies how to efficiently extract useful information. Learn her cheat sheet for navigating papers, focusing on the abstract, conclusion and applicable gems. Discover where to find studies, how to assess their legitimacy, and why collecting options beats seeking definitive answers. Kate also explains emerging trends in voice research like increased diversity and cultural inclusion.
KEY MOMENTS
It's the questions, the little critical questions that come up that are really applicable to the singing studio itself that we can then draw from what's been written before in order to help us with what we're doing. I don't ever need to say those ideas are wrong, but I asked them what they've been learning and what kind of language they're using at the moment. Cheat, cheat, cheat, cheat. Read the abstract, find out whether it's relevant or what the answers that you're trying to find, then look at the conclusion. I think we're moving out of a very Western-centric classical music research into a more contemporary world that is way more inclusive. Go to Google and go and find out what you can find out. And when you find out perhaps something that matches up with what your opinion is, then go and search for the exact opposite opinion.
RELEVANT LINKS & MENTIONS
(Podcast) My First Million by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri (Podcast) How to Take Over the World by Ben Wilson (Podcast) The Podcaster’s Podcast by Kane Baron (Podcast) The Joe Rogan Experience by Joe Rogan (Podcast) Marketing School by Neil Patel and Eric Siu (Podcast) The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett (Podcast) The Interesting Health and Safety Podcast by Colin Nottage Patreon: patreon.com
ABOUT THE GUEST
Kate Cubley
Kate Cubley is a dynamic voice researcher and dedicated advocate for vocal health and performance. Currently pursuing her doctoral studies at De Montfort University and serving as an Associate Lecturer at the Voice Study Centre, Kate possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of voice research.
Follow Becky’s Bands: The Likeness; Two’s Up; The Hooch Toots
ABOUT THE GUEST
Rebecca Morton, Principal of FE at ACM, is a professional musician, vocal coach, and musical director with 20+ years of experience. She has collaborated with artists such as Adrian Smith, Imogen Heap, and Alexander O’Neal, and toured as the solo backing vocalist for Hitomi Yaida across major UK and Japanese arenas. Her work includes recordings with Crispian Mills, Mattafix, cast albums, and dance releases with EMI and Hed Kandi. A vocal coach since 2002, she has supported artists like James Toseland and Marlon Roudette. Holding a Masters in Music Psychology, she champions passion, reliability, and excellence at ACM.
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.49 Unlocking Your Creative Potential with Tommy Ludgate
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.195 How Unlocking Your True Values Can Transform Your Teaching and Life with Louise Callin
Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zealand
ABOUT THE GUEST
Encouraged by her mum to “follow her bliss,” Gemma began touring the world at 17 as the singer in an Irish dance show. After earning her degree and master’s in classical music, she co-founded a successful singing school in Ireland, guiding students who went on to become acclaimed artists and stars. Her career has spanned performing on dream stages worldwide, releasing a debut jazz album, lecturing, and coaching artists internationally. She later launched an online business supporting musicians to share their work. Now back in Ireland, Gemma is an accredited leadership coach, working with coaches who share her passion for growth, creativity, and joy.
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
In 2007, Nate self-funded his second album, "Kingdom Falls," inspired by a charity mission to Rwanda. It received critical acclaim, winning him Urban Music Awards for Best Album and Best Neo-Soul Artist. Currently, working on his third album "In My Skin" with Mark Hill, it explores themes of love and life's trials.
EPISODE RESOURCES
Social Media:
Instagram: @thenatejames
Facebook: Nate James Official
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
ABOUT THE GUEST Kate Valentine specialises in Vocal Health and Injury Prevention for singers, Vocal Massage and Laryngeal Manual Therapy. A passionate ambassador for vocal health, it is her mission to help remove the mystery and stigma surrounding vocal wellbeing and injury, and to provide a safe space for clients to support them with their careers. Kate is now the proud owner of Valentine Voice Care in Lewes.
Discount Code: Use the code BAST50 for a 50% discount off VOCAL TRIAGE with Kate Valentine (expires 25th December 2023)
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
Amanda is a voice teacher specialising in musical theatre and CCM singing. She coached Broadway performers and served as a vocal consultant at Two River Theatre. She aids injured singers and holds an MM in Vocal Performance and multiple vocal certificates. An active researcher, Amanda authored "So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre." She's a Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Head at Pace University.
Sign up for one of Amanda’s classes, Here Get your copy of Amanda’s book on Amazon
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
In 2023, Kate founded Tala Performance, a venture that offers comprehensive voice and breath coaching services to individuals, groups, and corporate clients. By blending her passion for research, education, and play, Kate empowers her clients to achieve remarkable performances both on and off the stage.
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
Découvrez des podcasts liées à Singing Teachers Talk. Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !
