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.278 Behind Vocalzone: Singers, Stories, and a Century of Vocal Care with Vocalzone's Maria & George
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 46:36
What’s the story behind one of the best-known vocal products on the market? In this episode, Alexa is joined by Maria and George from Vocalzone to uncover the fascinating history behind the century-old family business, and why its distinctive pastilles have become a backstage staple for performers around the world, including Tom Jones, Katherine Jenkins and Michael Ball.
They also get into some of the debates that have divided singers and singing teachers over the years- including the ever-contentious question of menthol - tackling myths, misconceptions and strongly held opinions around vocal care. Expect fascinating history, practical insight and plenty of brilliant behind-the-scenes stories along the way.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
1:55 The history of Vocalzone
5:37 What’s it like working with family?
7:45 What are the Vocalzone products?
11:32 Safety checks
16:54 What do Vocalzone products actually do?
23:34 The menthol argument
28:10 The other ingredients: myrrh tincture & peppermint oil
31:46 How to properly use the Vocalzone pastilles
38:07 What should singing teachers understand about Vocalzone?
Vocalzone is a vocal care brand with a history stretching back more than a century. Originally formulated in 1907 by William Lloyd for legendary Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, Vocalzone’s distinctive throat pastilles first went on sale in 1912 and have since become a familiar part of the toolkit for singers and professional voice users around the world.
Today, Vocalzone produces a range of pastilles, teas and throat spray designed to support hardworking voices, utilised by everyone from singers and actors to broadcasters, teachers and public speakers. With its roots firmly in the performing arts, the brand continues to combine its remarkable heritage with a focus on the needs of modern voice users.
🎁 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.277 Identity, Self-Worth and Burnout in the Performing Arts with Claire Cannon
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 • Duration 44:42
What happens when being a singer becomes more than what you do, and starts to define who you are? In this episode, Alexa is joined by vocal coach Claire Cannon to explore the connection between burnout, identity and life in the performing arts. They unpack the idea of identity foreclosure, the pressures of tying self-worth to success, and why burnout is about far more than simply feeling tired. From external validation and industry expectations to the importance of developing a sense of self beyond your work, this conversation offers plenty to reflect on for singers, teachers and anyone whose passion has become their profession.
Claire Cannon is a professional vocal coach, mentor and performer based in Cheshire, UK, working with aspiring and professional singers both in person and online.
Ep.276 Inside a Singer's Larynx: Live Laryngeal Scoping With Dr Jennifer Rodney
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 • Duration 51:19
What’s really happening inside the larynx when we sing? In this fascinating episode, Alexa is joined by laryngologist and singer Dr Jennifer Rodney - aka Singing Surgeon MD - for a rare look inside the voice in action. From vocal registers and tension to vibrato, breathiness, vocal fry and more, Jennifer brings vocal anatomy to life - and even scopes herself live to show us what’s happening in real time. Whether you’re a singer, voice teacher or simply fascinated by how the voice works, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen to the full episode, or head over to YouTube to watch the live demonstrations.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
3:19 Who does Dr Jennifer Rodney see in her clinic?
5:44 The difference between rigid and flexi laryngoscopy
7:46 Does flexi laryngoscopy hurt?
10:51 Live scope!
42:26 Why can some people sing well when others cannot?
44:36 Does ‘everyone’ have a laryngeal abnormality?
46:33 What does Dr Jennifer wish singers knew more about?
Ep.275 Starting the New Academic Year on the Right Note with Alexa Terry
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 12:55
As September rolls around and a new academic year begins, Alexa reflects on what it means to return to singing, teaching and learning with a fresh perspective. She shares some gentle reminders for singers and singing teachers alike about progress, curiosity, collaboration and being a little kinder to ourselves and each other along the way.
Whether you’re heading back into the studio, starting something completely new, or simply wondering what you want to take into the new academic year ahead, this episode is an encouraging listen to help you step into September feeling inspired, grounded and ready for what’s next.
Alexa is the Deputy Head of Singing at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools - Italia Conti, and she also runs a private singing tuition practice in the South of England. In addition, Alexa is the host of BAST Training’s Singing Teachers Talk podcast, and acts as both unit tutor and mentor for their level 5 vocational singing teaching qualification, as well as mentoring on their foundation course.[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]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 as a reviewer. Alexa has also presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practice and The Sing Space; and at the BAST Intensive Weekend of Summer 2026, Alexa delivered talks in diagnosing and assessing voices and choosing repertoire to build technique.
Ep.274 The Singer As An Athlete: A Useful Metaphor or a Limiting One? with Line Hilton
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 35:32
In this episode, Alexa and Line take a closer look at the familiar idea of the singer as a ‘vocal athlete’. Drawing on examples from across the performing arts, they explore what the comparison can teach us about the demands placed on singers, and where it might not tell the whole story. From training and performance to vocal health and wellbeing, this conversation invites us to think differently about what singers ask of their voices and bodies, and how we can better support them along the way.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:24 When did you first hear the term ‘vocal athlete?’
3:36 The definition of ‘athlete’ and where it holds up for singers
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.81 Teaching Famous Voices with Robert ‘RAab’ Stevenson
Ep.273 How to Use Repertoire to Build Vocal Technique with Alexa Terry
Wednesday, August 19, 2026 • Duration 16:04
What if the ‘right’ song could help bridge the gap between vocal exercises and repertoire? In this episode, Alexa explores how snippets of songs can become useful technical stepping stones. Discover how to analyse repertoire for its vocal demands, identify opportunities for skill-building, and weave them into your lessons so that the singer is always ‘singing.’
Alexa runs a 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 auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 qualification, and has presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practise and The Sing Space.
Ep.272 Rethinking How We Teach Breathing for Singing with Barbara Tanze and Flexiflow
Wednesday, August 12, 2026 • Duration 58:00
What do we really know about breathing for singing? Breathing specialist Barbara Tanze returns to explore the evolving science of airflow and pressure regulation in the singing voice. We discuss what research tells us about the diaphragm and respiratory muscles, and why what singers feel may not reflect what is actually happening physiologically. Barbara also introduces the Flexiflow, a tool that gives singers immediate feedback on airflow and pressure, helping them explore breath coordination without complicated anatomical instructions. Along the way, we question what “breath support” really means, whether breath should always come first in vocal training, and how a more individual, exploratory approach could help singers better understand their voices. Here we go!
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:56 What’s changed since 2022?
3:10 What we do know about the body, pressure and airflow
6:30 Barbara’s burning question
8:07 Common breath management issues in singing
11:18 What is typically happening in the body during exhalation?
20:33 Where does ‘breathing’ sit in the hierarchy of vocal training?
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.253 The S-Word: Why It’s Time to Rethink ‘Support’ in Singing Teaching
Ep.271 Singer & the Self: Rethinking Singing Teacher CPD with Becky Gilhespie
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 • Duration 28:52
In this episode, Alexa shares her experience of attending the very first Singer & the Self Singing Teacher CPD Holiday in Slovenia before sitting down with organiser Becky Gillespie to discuss how the event came to life. From voice science, business and wellbeing to spa days, cultural adventures and meaningful conversations, they explore why combining professional development with a holiday created such a unique and inspiring experience for singing teachers. If you've ever wondered what a singing teacher CPD holiday is really like—or whether it's worth it—this episode takes you behind the scenes.
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.55 Teaching Singing for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.69 Understanding Pregnancy for the Singer and the Self-Employed
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.46 How to Develop Lasting and Positive Habits
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.118 Mastering Mix Voice and Belt
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.28 Finding the Fundamental Truths of Singing
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.179 From 1 to 40 Choirs and Touring with Gareth Malone
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.166 Overcoming Self-Consciousness in Singing
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.45 Discovering Optimal Breathing with Barbara Tanze
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.58 Understanding the Speaking Voice
Ep.270 How to Help Singers Overcome Fear and Build Confidence with Linor Oren
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 58:42
What happens when a singer desperately wants to sing, but fear, self-doubt and past criticism keep getting in the way? In this episode, Alexa is joined by vocal coach and Sing Anyway author - Linor Oren, to explore singing confidence, stage fright and mindset, questioning what happens when we stop chasing a ‘good’ sound and start exploring what the voice can actually do? Plus, before the conversation begins, Alexa shares her honest review of Sing Anyway and reflects on some of the book’s key ideas, ready for your bookshelves.
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.261 Managing Performance Nerves: Tools For Singers & Singing Teachers with Laura Dumbleton
ABOUT THE GUEST
Linor Oren is a singer, voice teacher and author who knows what it is to go from 'I can't sing' to singing in a hall full of strangers. As a shy kid who didn't take her first singing lesson until she was 21, she graduated from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and went on to study and perform in Germany. In 2017 she moved to the Netherlands, where she runs her voice studio and leads The Merry Poppins Musical Choir. Her teaching method blends vocal technique with bodywork and mental practice to help shy singers find their voice.
Ep.269 How to Help Singers Learn Faster and Retain More with Noa Kageyama
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 • Duration 55:51
In this fascinating conversation, performance psychologist Noa Kageyama explores what learning science really tells us about effective practice, mindful learning, and why repetition alone isn't enough. Discover practical, research-backed strategies that can transform the way you plan lessons, deliver them, and help singers structure practice more efficiently, giving you and them fresh ideas to reach those goals.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
1:30 What are elite institutions actually looking for?
2:49 Reflection: The shift in musicians needs/desires
6:28 Mindful Vs Mindless learning
14:26 Learning in the beginner Vs the advanced
19:20 Achieving positive change
28:18 When is the best time to give instruction, feedback and praise?
36:49 The thing about repetition…
45:37 Rest
49:55 What makes an excellent teacher exceptional?
A graduate of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), Claire holds a Diploma in Song and a Degree in Performing Arts (Music). She began her teaching journey with BAST in 2014 and has continued to develop her expertise in vocal pedagogy, achieving a Certification in Contemporary Vocal Coaching, becoming a Vocology in Practice (ViP) Authorized Instructor, Vocal Health First Aider and Mental Health Informed Practitioner. She also holds a Level 2 qualification in counselling and a master’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy, specialising in efficient, evidence-based approaches to vocal health and occupational wellness.
Alongside her coaching, Claire brings more than two decades of professional experience across live performance and session work. Her professional credits include multiple single releases as lead vocalist and co-writer for electronic dance group ‘Flip & Fill’, as well as recording the female vocals for the Emerald Storm international tour.
Through her private studio, Claire Cannon Voice, and her work in higher education, she specialises in developing healthy, resilient and authentic voices that can meet the demands of a career in the music industry. Claire has a particular passion for musical theatre and enjoys working with performers on repertoire selection and audition prep.
Claire’s approach considers the whole performer, combining vocal technique with wellbeing, psychology and artistry. She believes effective coaching should help singers not only develop their voices, but also understand their instrument, build confidence and develop an authentic identity that can support them throughout their careers.
🎁 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
Dr. Rodney grew up in Saint Petersburg, FL, and has sung professionally throughout her life. Her background in music led her to become a laryngologist. Dr. Rodney’s practice welcomes patients with voice, airway, and swallowing disorders. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical care of disorders that affect the voice, professional voice, benign and malignant laryngeal lesions, and vocal cord paralysis. Dr. Rodney also has expertise in neurolaryngological disorders, such as spasmodic dysphonia. She works collaboratively with speech-language pathologists in The Voice Center to provide multidisciplinary care. She also enjoys training young physicians and has published many articles in the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. In her spare time, Dr. Rodney enjoys singing, attending live performances, kayaking, traveling with her husband and spending time with her children.
Social Media: @singingsurgeonmd
🎁 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
🎁 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
A professional singer and vocal pedagogue, Barbara Tanze works at the intersection of voice, movement, physiology and learning. Drawing on a background in opera, vocal pedagogy, manual therapy and breathing coordination, she takes a functional, individual approach to helping singers, speakers and professional voice users understand and develop their voices. Barbara teaches at the Akademija za glasbo, Univerza v Ljubljani, and is currently pursuing doctoral research into expiratory pressure regulation in singing. Her work brings together biomechanics, motor learning and inquiry-based exploration, bridging research with everyday vocal practice. Barbara is also the creator of Flexiflow, a patented airflow-feedback tool, and the author of the interactive children’s book Take a Deep Breath, Charlie!
SEE FULL BIO HERE (Add link to the podcast website page)
🎁 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 Podcast - Ep.90 - Help! I’ve Got a Voice Problem
Ken Bozeman
Chadley Ballantyne
Ian Howell
Focus on Vocal Technique: Update! Breath Management - Shirley Emmons
Book your place at the 2027 Voice Conference Spa Holiday
ABOUT THE GUEST
Singer & The Self was founded by Rachel Lynes and Becky Gilhespie, leading vocal coaches based in the UK but working with artists and singers all over the globe.
Their retreats combine expert voice coaching with yoga, breath work and mindfulness to unlock each participant’s unique sound and self-expression. Rachel and Becky came together in 2021 to bring their vision of The Singer & the Self to life - their shared belief that to develop your singing voice you must work on the mind and body, and equally, that the voice is the most powerful route into the ‘self’. They know that each singer is wonderfully unique - not only in the human anatomy that makes up one’s personal sound but in the expression, which comes from the stories, the rich life experiences and perspective each person has on the world.
Together, they have hosted sell-out retreats in the UK countryside and are now bringing their holistic approach to singing and self-care internationally. Their retreats are open to all levels, whether you are interested in exploring finding your voice for the first time or whether you are a professional, looking to advance your singing and creativity.
🎁 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
The traditional method of vocal coaching often starts with the assumption that mastering vocal technique is the only way to enjoy singing. In this approach, the teacher jumps straight into technical work, which can feel overwhelming. Her approach flips this on its head. She believes that enjoyment is the key to unlocking your true potential. Instead of diving headfirst into technique, Linor begins by addressing mental blockages— fear, hesitation, and self-doubt — so that singing feels joyful right from the start. Once a student feels comfortable and confident, the systematic work on vocal technique can start.
🎁 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
Performance psychologist Noa Kageyama is on the faculty of The Juilliard School and Cleveland Institute of Music. A violinist with degrees from Oberlin and Juilliard before completing a Ph.D. in counseling psychology at Indiana University, Noa specializes in teaching performing artists how to utilize sport psychology principles to more consistently perform up to their full abilities under pressure.
He has conducted workshops for institutions including Curtis, Eastman, Peabody, New England Conservatory, and the U.S. Armed Forces School of Music, programs such as the Starling-Delay Symposium, the Perlman Music Program, and Meadowmount, and for organizations like the Music Teachers' National Association, Performing Arts Medicine Association, and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.
Noa's work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, CNN, Forbes, Slate, and Lifehacker. He has taught over 10,000 musicians, educators, and learners through his online courses, and authors The Bulletproof Musician blog and podcast, which reaches over 45,000 subscribers every week.
🎁 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
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