Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy – Details, episodes & analysis

Host David Sisco shares three origin stories that inspired him to create this podcast and write Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy: An Integrative Approach to Training Vocal Artists (which will be released by Routledge Press in Summer 2025 ).

Special Guest Dr. Felix Graham talks about the power of narratives and how voice teachers can help students overcome stories that are negatively impacting their singing without taking on the role of a psychotherapist.

Dr. Felix Graham's Contact Information:
https://www.felix-graham.com/
https://www.instagram.com/singwithdrfelix/

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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com 
Social Media: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs

On this episode of the podcast, we continue our conversation about artistry, this time focusing on it from the perspective of Western classical music. My very special guest is my dear friend and colleague, Elizabeth Mondragon, an in-demand DC-based mezzo soprano. I have written more art song for Elizabeth than any other singer. She is innately musical and has some wonderful insights on balancing artistry with technique and fostering artistry in young performers. 

Elizabeth Mondragon's Contact Information:

http://www.elizabethmondragon.com

IG: @emondragroff 

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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com

IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs

TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs

In this episode of the podcast, we focus on equity-centered teaching and how it intersects with trauma-informed practices. Our special guest is Alex Shevrin Venet, who is an educator and professional development facilitator. She is also the author of Equity-Centered Trauma Informed Education and Becoming an Everyday Changemaker. 

Alex Shevrin Venet's Contact Information:

https://www.unconditionallearning.org

IG: @unconditionallearning 

Books: Equity-Centered Trauma Informed Education, Becoming and Everyday Changemaker

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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com

IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs

TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs

There are a number of challenges voice teachers must navigate when considering repertoire selection for their students. In this episode, David speaks to Zipporah Peddle and Paul M. Patinka, who continue to bring our community scholarly research on repertoire selection and its impacts on student learning and growth. 

Zipporah Peddle's Contact Information:
https://www.zipporahpeddlevoice.com
https://www.instagram.com/zeezeevoice/

Paul M. Patinka's Contact Information:
https://paulpatinka.com

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Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on all platforms
Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
Instagram: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscoscongs

In this episode, David has a far-reaching conversation with his first formal voice teacher, Dr. Everett McCorvey, who has had an accomplished career as a singer, teacher, and conductor. Together, they discuss mentorship, adjusting to the ever-evolving needs of students, vulnerability, and much more.

Dr. Everett McCorvey's Contact Information:
https://www.everettmccorvey.com
https://www.instagram.com/everett_mccorvey

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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
Insta: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs

In this episode, David explores Dr. Dan Siegel's theory of the Window of Tolerance and Dr. Stephen Porgress' Polyvagal Theory as frameworks for understanding how to keep singers regulated in the voice studio. Special guest Marcia Lesser, SEP offers valuable insights on the Autonomic Nervous System and how we can create learning spaces that are safe enough for student growth. 

Contact Information for Marcia Lesser:
https://marcialesser.com

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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
Insta: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs

In this episode, David explores the similarities and differences between teachers and therapists with the help of psychologist Dr. Ritu Agarwal. Together, they discuss how to co-create a safe environment for students and outline the signs when it may be time to refer a student to a licensed therapist. 

Contact Information for Dr. Ritu Agarwal
https://www.syncpsych.com/our-team/ritu-agarwal

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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
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TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs

In this episode, David highlights the differences between teacher-centered and student-centered learning—a natural off-shoot of his conversation with special guest Justin Petersen in Episode 2. This week, David speaks with Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith (Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University) and Dr. Travis Sherwood (San Diego State University). Together, they explore how to bring student-centered practices to the voice studio. 

Contact Information for Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith
https://drmarisaleenaismith.com
https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/podcast/
https://www.instagram.com/drmarisaleenaismith/

Contact Information for Dr. Travis Sherwood
https://travissherwoodbaritone.com
https://www.instagram.com/doc_travis_sherwood/

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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
Insta: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs

In this episode, David considers the relationship between voice student and voice teacher through the lens of the master-apprentice model. How has this relationship changed over the centuries? How do we view this evolution without judgment? Special guest Justin Petersen brings in-depth, thoughtful context to this conversation.

Contact Information for Justin Petersen:
https://petersenvoicestudio.com
https://justinpetersen.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/justinpetersensings/

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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
Social Media: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs

On this episode, we consider ways to co-create safe, student-centered learning spaces for transgender and genderqueer students. My special guest is Dr. William Sauerland, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies for the School of Music at Purdue University Fort Wayne. He is the author of Queering Vocal Pedagogy (Roman & Littlefield) among many other published articles and chapters. Billy brings such humanity to this work. You don't want to miss this episode!

Dr. William Sauerland's Contact Information:

https://www.pfw.edu/visual-performing-arts/music/william-sauerland-biography

Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/stores/William-Sauerland/author/B0B36LC71J?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on all platforms

Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com

IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs

TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs