Join IVA co-founders Heather Baker and Tom Bathgate as they explore the art and science of singing. From vocal technique and mindset to health, business, and beyond, they bring practical tips and inspiring conversations to help voice teachers thrive.
Each episode features expert guests from around the globe who share their unique insights and experiences. Expect lively chats, actionable advice, and plenty of laughs—with the occasional biscuit tale thrown in!
Listen in and elevate your vocal journey.
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And that's a wrap! IVACON 2024 was one for the books, and we already can't wait for the next conference! Learning and growing alongside voice teachers from all over the world is an experience like no other. Join Tom and Heather as they review the past 5 days.
Did you enjoy learning more about our conference? Follow us on the Vocal Advancement Podcast and subscribe to our YouTube channel to see all the latest coverage of IVACON! We'll also be sharing even more footage and photos on our Instagram and Facebook, so make sure to follow along.
About the Institute for Vocal Advancement
The Institute of Vocal Advancement (IVA) was created to provide voice teachers with a support network to provide you with the best teaching tools and strategies to advance your career. Our trainers teach from the empathic mindset, showing you how to improve your own teaching style.
Check out our webinars in our list of upcoming events and learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help advance your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
Day five is here, can you believe it? We're fresh off a great karaoke night with our attendees, and we're excited to share a recap of our final day of the conference!
The Institute of Vocal Advancement (IVA) was created to provide voice teachers with a support network to provide you with the best teaching tools and strategies to advance your career. Our trainers teach from the empathic mindset, showing you how to improve your own teaching style.
Check out our webinars in our list of upcoming events and learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help advance your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
As voice teachers, we want to offer good feedback to our students and let them know how they can improve their performance.
But could our delivery of this feedback affect how well our students take in the new information?
As the Associate Director of the National Center for Voice and Speech, Lynn Maxfield, PhD, regularly researches voice pedagogy, vocology, and how motor learning applies to voice teachers. His studies have revealed that although teachers are conditioned to regularly comment on a student’s performance, remaining silent and allowing a student time to process their actions — as opposed to immediately providing feedback — is more beneficial for active learning.
In this episode, we discuss:
(4:22) How Lynn’s experiences in vocology gave him an appreciation for the complexity of the cognitive and neuromuscular system.
(9:22) Why instructors find it so challenging to not provide feedback.
(11:51) The value of creating silent spaces to let students process their performance before they hear your feedback.
(17:40) When most teachers begin providing feedback during lessons (and why this disrupts the learning process).
(20:38) The difficulties of reflecting on the skills used in a longer performance
(25:55) If giving yourself time to process your own performance when practicing alone is helpful
(28:13) The debate over whether students benefit more from an internal or external locus of attention (and why their skill level may factor into this)
(35:44) Why teachers need to constantly adapt their general teaching skills during each lesson
(37:30) Why students need to be in the proper headspace to benefit from a lesson (and the scientific reason for why yelling yourself hoarse at a concert isn’t good for you).
(48:08) Why spacing voice lessons further apart can be beneficial for advanced singers
Find Lynn at the Utah Center for Vocology and the . The textbook Lynn mentions, “Motor Learning and Performance: From Principles to Application” by Timothy D. Lee and Richard A. Schmidt, can be on Amazon.
About the Institute for Vocal Advancement
Personalising the Use of Imagery in Voice Lessons with Jenna Brown
Thursday, May 2, 2024 • Duration 54:55
If you’re like many vocal coaches, you’ve probably used the metaphor of a balloon filling up with air to illustrate proper breathing techniques to your students.
But does this type of imagery make sense to everyone?
According to this episode’s guest, vocal health specialist Jenna Brown, a more effective technique is to let students take an active role in creating images that resonate with them during your singing lessons. Using this “symbolic modeling” technique not only builds a stronger rapport between teacher and student but can also offer shortcuts to learning.
In her chat with Tom and Heather, Jenna delves into what she’s discovered as both a voice researcher and vocal coach. She examines the different types of imagery teachers can use in their classes and the effectiveness of using multiple forms of imagery.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
(6:00) Why singing and teaching professionally led Jenna to become a MA voice pedagogy student researching ways of teaching students better.
(9:18) How science, the arts, and relationships all play a part in imagery and voice
(11:31) What imagery in voice lessons looks like
(14:24) Why adopting a multi-modal approach to imagery can be useful for making learning connections.
(16:01) Why most teachers tend to use “stock imagery” in their lessons — and how we can make these images more personal to students
(18:45) How Jenna helps students discover the singing images that resonate most with them
(22:55) When (and if) teachers should impose their own understanding of how the voice works onto a lesson
(24:35) The challenges of personalizing imagery when teaching large classes — and the common experiences singers can have with their voices
(27:38) How teachers can help students learn faster by building a shared language of personalized metaphors
(30:49) The negative side of using imagery — how metaphors can lead to confusion and misinterpretation for some students
(34:52) How science is regarding imagery now
About the Institute for Vocal Advancement
A Very Important Message for Voice Teachers with Bob Marks
Thursday, April 25, 2024 • Duration 01:02:13
How does auditioning for the stage and screen look like in today’s post-pandemic era?
Now, casting directors prefer reviewing “self-tapes” or pre-recorded videos that showcase a performer’s acting or singing talents during the initial audition process. It’s a major shift from the days when actors had to meet in person and perform live.
But according to vocal coach Bob Marks, this break with tradition is opening many opportunities for performers who no longer need to travel across the country to audition for their dream roles. That said, creating an excellent self-tape and leveraging the power of online casting takes skill — which is why Bob now coaches performers on how to produce the type of self-tape that not only showcases their skills but also helps them stand out from thousands of other auditions.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
(7:11) How networking enabled Bob to build a successful career as a vocal coach
(13:58) The advantages of using self-tapes in auditions
(15:49) How to appear professional when creating self-tapes for auditions
(19:11) The number of songs an actor should have ready when auditioning — and how to choose an appropriate song for an audition
(20:25) How to pick out a 90-second cut out of a song to include for your self-tape audition
(23:25) The songs you don’t want to pick for your audition (which many other singers often overuse)
(29:37) How Bob helps prioritize and organize material when a performer needs to make and submit a self-tape right away
(32:34) Why the self-tape is here to stay — and why that’s a good thing for singers, actors, and casting directors
(33:56) How self-tapes can open the door for performers not based in New York and London
(35:02) How online learning is changing the way voice coaches teach, and how singing teachers need to adapt to such changes
(45:00) How self-tapes are being used for marketing
(50:00) The benefits of being able to email self-tapes vs. traveling to auditions
About the Institute for Vocal Advancement
Empowering Transgender and Non-Binary Singers in Voice Lessons with Ajay Henry
Thursday, April 18, 2024 • Duration 59:51
As singing teachers, we want our students to be comfortable with their voices and willing to explore their range. But what happens when we instruct non-binary and transgender students who experience voice dysphoria, or discomfort from the feeling that their voice does not match their gender identity?
This episode’s guest, vocal coach, songwriter, and music lecturer Ajay Henry, has been exploring ways to help non-binary and transgender students feel more empowered and comfortable with their voices. Having taught many non-binary and transgender singers, Ajay encourages vocal teachers to focus on what each individual student wants to achieve and let them help guide their lessons.
It’s an approach that requires teachers to rethink common beliefs about music, such as gendered roles in singing. Yet it also helps build trust between student and teacher — and can create a massive impact in a transgender or non-binary singer’s identity that goes beyond their singing.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
(17:57) How early vocal injuries and an experience with a vocal therapist led Ajay to do his Masters study on vocal anatomy and breathing
(12:00) How Ajay built on the work of voice educator Liz Jackson Hearns to better help his transgender students
(16:07) Why it’s so important to view each singer as an individual when making voice lessons more inclusive and choosing what language to use
(18:09) How Ajay deals with voice dysphoria by focusing on each singer’s comfort level and goals for their voice
(21:56) How steering away from gendered roles in singing can help students discover the ranges where they feel their voices best fit
(29:01) How teachers can prepare to teach transgender or non-binary students — and what type of support network they should have to provide needed help
(32:38) The practice of “binding,” how it can affect a student’s ability to do breathwork, and what adjustments a teacher can make to sensitively work with the student
(36:45) How helping students become more comfortable with their voices can positively impact them outside of singing lessons
About the Institute for Vocal Advancement
Using Singing to build Communities, Health and a sense of belonging with Lisa Strong
Thursday, April 11, 2024 • Duration 55:07
Think back to your time singing in your favorite choir or band. What did you love most about the experience?
You likely enjoyed the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a group that shares your love of music. Ideally, you found good friends and formed close bonds.
But did you know this feeling of community offers mental, physical, and emotional benefits that go beyond socializing?
This episode’s guest, Lisa Strong, does. An occupational therapist, professional singer, and leader of the Walton Feel Good Choir, Lisa started her singing group to raise community spirit in the Tendring area of Essex, England. As community members, which included retirees, dementia patients, and the socially isolated, joined, Lisa saw improvements in their cognition, multi-tasking abilities, and communication as they sang together and supported each other.
The group even became motivated to raise money for local charities through their performances, further nurturing their sense of belonging and interconnectedness.
These experiences motivated Lisa to conduct formal research on health and singing to show health professionals the holistic benefits of singing and how inclusive choirs can improve the health of an entire community. She shares some of her findings with Heather and Tom, revealing how choir leaders can create a greater sense of belonging in their groups by adopting a more inclusive policy.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
(8:46) How Lisa started the Walton Feel Good Choir to deal with the social isolation in her town
(12:07) Why Lisa is building an evidence-based model to show health professionals the holistic benefits of group singing
(16:20) What people need to have to enjoy the mental and emotional benefits of group singing
(17:47) How group singing helps improve memory, attention, focus, and other cognitive abilities
(21:21) Why certain choirs do not foster a sense of belonging
(25:47) How to build a sense of belonging in your choir by welcoming and accommodating choir members of all backgrounds
About the Institute for Vocal Advancement
Getting Started as a Voice Teacher with Heather and Tom
Thursday, April 4, 2024 • Duration 51:50
Welcome to Season Two of the Vocal Advancement Podcast! Whether you’re a longtime listener or tuning in for the first time, we invite you to delve into all the fun and useful resources we have for you.
Join Tom and Heather as they share the exciting lineup of voice coaches, researchers, and professional singers they’ll be interviewing this season. You’ll also get the inside scoop on IVACON 2024, the first IVA conference open to all voice teachers (not just IVA students and teachers) and all the amazing opportunities you’ll have to practice and level up your teaching skills with veteran vocal coaches.
If you’re just getting started in voice teaching and wondering how to gain the skills and confidence to manage your classes, you’ll love this episode. Heather and Tom reflect on their early teaching days and explain how they turned teaching theory into practice.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
4:57: Who Tom and Heather will be interviewing about singing and teaching this season
(7:13) How to attend this year’s Vocal Advancement conference in June 2024 — even if you’re not affiliated with IVA!
(13:00) How Heather got her start as a voice teacher and gained the skills and confidence to build a full-time career offering private vocal lessons
(15:34) How Tom’s singing teacher helped him build his career as a voice coach
(18:10) Why new teachers have a high turnover of students in their first year — and why this can be a good thing
(20:07) The transformation singing teachers go through in their first year as they learn to shift focus from their lessons to their students’ needs
(21:40) Why improving your own singing technique can make you a better voice teacher
(22:50) How attending conferences and observing other teachers can improve your teaching
(24:42) The challenges that come with teaching an advanced singer — and what you as a voice coach can offer them
(29:32) Why it’s important to go off-book and try unconventional teaching methods
About the Institute for Vocal Advancement
Working on The Voice Germany
Thursday, November 2, 2023 • Duration 01:11:39
Do any of your students dream of performing on a TV show like The Voice or one of the Idols singing competitions?
Then they’ll want to hear the insights of this week’s guest Stephanie Borm-Krüger, co-founder of the Institute for Vocal Advancement and vocal coach for The Voice of Germany. Being a coach on a TV show like The Voice is challenging, especially when you only get a few minutes with each contestant to help them sound their best. Yet according to Stephanie, working in such a high-pressure environment also inspires coaches be more creative in their teaching methods — and unlocks opportunities to work some truly extraordinary people.
Join us as Stephanie reveals what it really takes for anyone — singer and teacher — to succeed in the world of show business. Learn how stepping out of your comfort zone helps you gain more trust in your instincts. And discover where resilience really comes into play when working in such a high-stress field.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How learning how to fix her own damaged voice helped Stephanie discover how to fix hard voices in other singers 8:05
The vital role networking played in introducing Stephanie to the world of show business 13:52
How much time a vocal coach gets to work with the singers on The Voice — and the challenges this creates 21:54
The issues of maintaining vocal health and advocating for singers in a competitive and high-stress atmosphere 26:39
How to succeed in a show like The Voice 35:16
The importance of realizing if working in a high-stress field is right for you 41:17
Why stepping out of your comfort zone is important for developing a good toolbox of teaching techniques 44:11
The benefits of observing other master teachers at work 49:47
Stephanie offers professional voice training to singers of all levels and styles. Learn how she can help you by visiting her IVA profile page
About the Institute for Vocal Advancement
Can gesturing help with your singing?
Thursday, October 12, 2023 • Duration 47:23
Join Heather and Tom as they talk about the effects of gestures on singing.
The Vocal Advancement Podcast interviews many talented performers and educators, each with their own unique perspective on music and teaching. Follow us and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss an episode!
IVA offers plenty of great resources for singers and voice coaches, including a FREE singing teacher’s summit in November 2023 and a vocal warm-up app for IOS and Android phones that’s due in October 2023. Sign up for our mailing list and be notified when these resources come out!
About the Institute for Vocal Advancement
Interested in becoming a better vocal coach? The Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA) connects you with teachers who can provide you with more teaching tools for your classrooms. The IVA community and trainers teach from the empathic mindset that students of all ages benefit from, showing you how to improve your own teaching style.
Check out our list of upcoming events and learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
Tom started a spirited discussion with Lynn at (25:55) on the value of practicing without feedback. Join in by sharing your thoughts, opinions, and insights by emailing us at hello@vocaladvancement.com and leave us a comment!
And make sure you hear from all of our guests by following us on the Vocal Advancement Podcast and subscribing to our YouTube channel!
The Institute of Vocal Advancement (IVA) was created to provide voice teachers with a support network to provide you with the best teaching tools and strategies to advance your career. Learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help advance your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
Check out our YouTube channel — and subscribe to see all our other podcast videos! Is there a teacher, performer, or researcher you think would make a great guest on our show? Email us at hello@vocaladvancement.com and let us know!
The Institute of Vocal Advancement (IVA) was created to provide voice teachers with a support network to provide you with the best teaching tools and strategies to advance your career. Learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help advance your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
(52:10) How casting practices both limit and increase opportunities for performers
If you’d like Bob to help you with your voice and auditioning technique, contact him via his website.
Bob’s book, “88 Keys to Successful Singing Performances: Audition Advice from One of America’s Top Vocal Coaches” can be purchased on Amazon.
Download Bob’s IVA webinar, “Keys to Audition Success with Bob Marks” which covers how to prepare for your audition, build confidence, choose your music, and work with accompanists.
We’ve got many other exciting guests lined up for this season’s Vocal Advancement Podcast. Make sure you hear from all of them by following us!
Is there a teacher, performer, or researcher you think would make a great guest on our show? Email us at hello@vocaladvancement.com and let us know!
Check out our webinars in our list of upcoming events and learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help advance your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
(41:34) The difficulties of adapting current singing curriculums to the needs and challenges of non-binary and transgender singers
(44:24) How to find more resources to help teach non-binary and transgender singers
Keep up with Ajay’s activities on his Instagram and his website. The singing teacher Ajay references is Liz Jackson Hearns, co-founder of The Voice Lab, an inclusive voice studio dedicated to cultivating transformative relationships through voice and music education.
Ajay Henry is just one of the many talented performers and educators we’ll be interviewing this season. Make sure you hear from them all by following us on the Vocal Advancement Podcast.
The Institute of Vocal Advancement (IVA) was created to provide voice teachers with a support network to provide you with the best teaching tools and strategies to advance your career. Our trainers teach from an empathic mindset, showing you how to improve your own teaching style. Learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help advance your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
(30:17) Why different styles of choir leadership may attract different types of singers
(34:32) How to effectively promote the mental and emotional health benefits of group singing to the mental health community
(39:28) The business benefits of creating a space for group singing
(42:12) The mental and emotional benefits singing instructors gain from leading a choir
Visit the Walton Feel Good Choir website and its Facebook page to learn more about its mission and Lisa’s work.
You can hear valuable insights from talented performers and educators right now by listening to the Vocal Advancement Podcast. Follow us and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss an episode!
The Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA) was created to provide both veteran vocal coaches and teachers-in-training with a community that provides teaching tools for your classrooms. And our conferences are fun events where guests can socialize, teach, and learn from each other. Want to see what we can do for you? Learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
(32:11) The importance of taking advantage of every teaching opportunity when you’re starting out — and where you can find those opportunities
(39:15) The business side of voice teaching — what realities do you have to be prepared for when you become self-employed?
(45:34) The importance of constantly investing in your own education as you grow as a teacher
Ready for our upcoming IVACON 2024 in Edinburgh from June 17-21? Then visit the IVACON 2024 event page to learn all about our event speakers, programming, and accommodations. Be sure to register today to take advantage of all our sessions, resources, goodies — and karaoke night!
Are you excited to hear from all the talented performers and educators we’ll be interviewing this season? Make sure you don’t miss a single episode by following us on the Vocal Advancement Podcast.
This year’s IVA conference may be months away, but you can start enjoying the teaching resources IVA provides you with right now by checking out how our Teacher Training Programs can help advance your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
Disclaimer: The free November online teaching summit Tom mentions has been pushed to January 2024 — sign up for our mailing list, and we’ll let you know when you can sign up for this and other great free resources!
Can’t wait for the summit? You can hear valuable insights from talented performers and educators right now by listening to the Vocal Advancement Podcast. Follow us and subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss an episode!
Interested in becoming a better vocal coach? The Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA) connects you with teachers who can provide you with more teaching tools for your classrooms. The IVA community and trainers teach from the empathic mindset that students of all ages benefit from, showing you how to improve your own teaching style.
Check out our list of upcoming events and learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee!
