Explore every episode of the podcast Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 1 - "Origin Stories" with Dr. Felix Graham | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:44:40 | |
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: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 17 - "Artistry in Western Classical Music" with Elizabeth Mondragon | 03 Sep 2025 | 00:55:24 | |
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 Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on all platforms Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs | |||
| Ep. 16 - "Equity-Centered Teaching" with Alex Shevrin Venet | 20 Aug 2025 | 00:37:19 | |
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 Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on all platforms Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs | |||
| Ep. 7 - "Selecting Repertoire with the Student" with Zipporah Peddle & Paul M. Patinka | 09 Apr 2025 | 00:45:23 | |
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: Paul M. Patinka's Contact Information: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 6 - "One Time, at Summer Camp" with Dr. Everett McCorvey | 26 Mar 2025 | 00:45:58 | |
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: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 5 - "Working Within the Window of Tolerance" with Marcia Lesser, SEP | 12 Mar 2025 | 00:45:25 | |
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: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 4 - "Teachers & Therapists: Similarities & Differences" with Dr. Ritu Agarwal | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:45:44 | |
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 Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 3 - Teacher- vs. Student-Centered Learning" with Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith & Dr. Travis Sherwood | 12 Feb 2025 | 00:45:05 | |
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 Contact Information for Dr. Travis Sherwood Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 2 - "The Master-Apprentice Model" with Justin Petersen | 29 Jan 2025 | 00:45:50 | |
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: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 15 - "Queering Vocal Pedagogy" with Dr. William Sauerland | 06 Aug 2025 | 00:50:23 | |
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 Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on all platforms Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs | |||
| Ep. 14 - "Sex Hormones and the Singer" with Dr. Vindhya Khare | 23 Jul 2025 | 00:48:23 | |
In this episode, we discuss the importance of continuing to expand our island of knowledge as voice teachers. My very special guest is Dr. Vindhya Khare, who teaches me a tremendous amount about female sex hormones and their impacts on the singing voice. I am so grateful for her vulnerability and tremendous knowledge, and can affirm you will learn so much from this episode! Dr. Vindhya Khare's Contact Information: Show Notes: Birth Control Changes Who You Are & How You Feel About Your Partner (Diary of a CEO - Interview with Sarah Hill): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGposaKNJKQ This Is Your Brain on Birth Control (Sarah Hill): https://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Brain-Birth-Control/dp/0525536035 Sex Hormones and the Female Voice: Communication in the Voice Studio (Kimberly Mullendore Brown) - NATS Journal of Singing (Vol. 71, Issue 4, p. 447) Mary Claire Haver, OB/GYN, MD, FACOG, MCP Dr. Stacy Sims - Women Are Not Small Men Dr. Vonda Wright - Expert in Aging & Longevity Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 13 - "The Book Launch Episode" with Justin Petersen, Dr. Felix Graham, Dr. Luvada Harrison, and Adalynn Eller | 09 Jul 2025 | 00:58:32 | |
Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy has officially been published by Routledge Press and is now available wherever books are sold! To celebrate, I had some wonderful conversations with previous guests Justin Petersen and Dr. Felix Graham, my colleague Dr. Luvada Harrison, and former student, Adalynn Eller. Listen to find out more about what's in the book and how this wonderful array of pedagogues are thinking about teaching voice. Contact Information for Justin Petersen Contact Information for Dr. Felix Graham Contact Information for Dr. Luvada Harrison Contact Information for Adalynn Eller Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 12 - "Lessons Learned" with host David Sisco | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:27:47 | |
In this last episode before my book release, I share three lessons I learned while researching, writing, and trying to get the book published. No guests this week—it's just you and me. I hope this story inspires your own journey toward creativity, passion, and truth. David Sisco's Contact Information: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 11 - "Trauma-Informed Care in the Voice Studio" with Megan Durham | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:53:27 | |
What is trauma? How do we assess trauma and activate a trauma-informed response? And how do we balance this with self-care? In this episode, I have a wonderfully rich conversation with voice teacher and vocologist Megan Durham about engaging trauma-informed care in the voice studio. Megan shares some fantastic resources and insights. See show notes below. Megan’s Contact Information: Resources discussed during the episode: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 10 - "Exploring Artistry with the Student" with Amer Khosla | 21 May 2025 | 00:50:50 | |
In this episode, I have an in-depth conversation with Amer Khosla, whom I had the pleasure of working with while he completed his degree at NYU Gallatin, and now as a singer/songwriter based in India. Amer and I discuss how to help students explore artistry through the lens of his own evolution as a performer and creator. Amer Khosla's Contact Information: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 9 - "Setting Healthy Boundaries with Students" with Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz | 07 May 2025 | 00:48:23 | |
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz, author of Connected Teaching, about the importance of setting healthy, flexible boundaries with students. Using the framework of Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), Dr. Schwartz offers helpful ways to think about the student-teacher relationship and offers real-life examples of how boundaries and clear communication can support connection. Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz's Contact Information: Check out her fantastic book on Amazon Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 8 - "Curiosity" with Maurice Goodwin, SLP | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:39:00 | |
Curiosity is central to our work as voice teachers. But how do we express curiosity and encourage students to engage their own? How can it create a value added in the voice studio? Join me for a great conversation with Maurice Goodwin, SLP who illuminates how curiosity can be useful in both clinical and academic arenas. Maurice Goodwin's Contact Information: Also check out: @voiceproed on Instagram Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 20 - "Fat Liberation in the Voice Studio" with Dr. Elizabeth Ann Benson & Kate Rosen | 23 Oct 2025 | 01:04:54 | |
On this episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Elizabeth Ann Benson and Kate Rosen about Fat Liberation in the Voice Studio. I am so grateful to both Elizabeth and Kate for being so open and offering actionable steps for supporting all bodies in the studio. I personally took so much from this episode and hope you will as well! Dr. Elizabeth Ann Benson Kate Rosen Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 19 - "Culturally-Responsive Teaching" with Dr. Noélia Luna Archambeault de Hernández | 08 Oct 2025 | 00:43:23 | |
On this episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Noélia Luna Archambealt de Hernández about the power of culturally-responsive teaching in the voice studio. She shares some very insightful examples of how we can engage this teaching modality in a way that supports student growth. Noélia's Contact Information: Website: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/school-of-music/our-people/noel-archambeault/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/noeliasvoice/ Stay engaged!! Subscribe to this channel and find this podcast on all platforms Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs TikTok: @wholeheartedvoice @siscosongs | |||
| Ep. 18 - "Practicing Self-Care" with David Sisco | 17 Sep 2025 | 00:25:36 | |
In this episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, David takes a thoughtful dive into the science behind self-care—and why it's not just beneficial, but essential for voice teachers. Drawing from current research, we’ll unpack the proven benefits of meditation, journaling, boundary-setting, and strategies for cultivating a healthier work-life balance. Whether you're feeling burnt out or simply curious about how to support your own wellbeing, this episode offers evidence-based tools to help you teach—and live—with more intention and heart. Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 35 - "Overcoming a Vocal Injury" with Sondrine Bontemps | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:46:34 | |
On the next episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, Sondrine Bontemps shares her experience of what precipitated her experiencing a vocal injury and how she overcame it. I'm so grateful for her generosity and openness, knowing we all need to be having these conversations out in the open more. We talk about de-catastrophizing and the work required to rediscover a healthy voice. So proud of this one... Sondrine's Contact Information: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 34 - "One Year in the Rearview Mirror, Part II" with Andrea Bush & Julia Ortiz-Luis | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:42:23 | |
On this episode of the podcast, I continue my conversation with recent graduates of NYU Steinhardt, talking about what their first year out of school has been like for them. Here, I speak with Julia Ortiz-Luis and Andrea Bush, both of whom graduated with a MM in Vocal Performance (Musical Theatre) and an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy. Talking to them was such a great reminder to me of how our students—who often have boots on the ground in a different way than we do—can continue to teach us. Enjoy! Julia Ortiz-Luis' Contact Information: Andrea Bush's Contact Information: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 25 - "Laughing Matters" with Justin Petersen | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:48:35 | |
On this episode of the podcast, I talk about using humor as a pedagogical tool with my dear friend and colleague, Justin Petersen, author of the Substack, "A Voice Teacher's Chrestomathy." How are you using humor in the voice studio to your students' benefit? How do you use it as a means of self-care? This episode is filled with laughter and insights. Enjoy! Contact Information for Justin Petersen Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 24 - "Motivation & Mindset" with Kelli Youngman Singh | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:47:56 | |
On today's episode, I talk to Broadway performer and life coach Kelli Youngman Singh about the role of motivation and mindset in achieving our goals. She shares some great insights through her personal experience and those with clients, along with practical ways of manifesting your highest aspirations. Kelli also encourages teachers to activate curiosity when students encounter resistance. This open-hearted, energizing episode is not to be missed! Contact Information for Kelli Youngman Singh Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 23 - "Looking Back, Moving Forward" with David Sisco | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:41:51 | |
In this first episode of Season 2, David reflects on several of the most meaningful and memorable moments from the first season of the podcast and talks about all that is to come! Enjoy great insights from Dr. Ritu Agarwal, Dr. Brian Manternach, Dr, Marisa Lee Naismith, Dr. Noélia Luna Archambeault de Hernández, Dr. Elizabeth Benson & Kate Rosen, Alex Shevrin Venet, Amer Khosla, Justin Petersen, and Dr. Everett McCorvey. Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 22 - "Voices of Influence" with Dr. Brian Manternach | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:45:01 | |
On the final episode of this season of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, I have an in-depth conversation with Dr. Brian Manternach about his new book, Voices of Influence. Brian opens up about the impact of his family and mentors, including his doctoral voice teacher at Indiana University, Robert J. Harrison (or Bob). Brian beautifully illustrates how voice science and growth-fostering relationships can be symbiotic in the voice studio. This is a must-watch episode. Contact Information for Dr. Brian Manternach: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 21 - "The Teaching Artist" with Anthony Turner | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:56:11 | |
On this episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, I have a far-ranging conversation with my dear colleague Anthony Turner about what it means to be a teaching artist. Anthony opens up about his life, his training, and what he's curious about these days. There are plenty of insights (not to mention lots of laughs) in this episode. I'm so pleased to share it with you! Anthony Turner's Contact Information: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 33 - "Collaboration" with Laura Strickling | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:53:04 | |
On this episode of the podcast, I have an in-depth conversation with two-time Grammy Award nominee and soprano Laura Strickling about collaboration. Laura has had a wonderfully varied career and offers great insights on collaborating with everyone from pianists, to composers, to labels. We also talk about collaborating together on my new album, Infrastructure: The Songs of David Sisco. Laura Strickling's Contact Information: Infrastructure: The Songs of David Sisco Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 32 - "One Year in the Rearview Mirror, Part I" with Mariana Beauchamp & Josh Gaba | 20 May 2026 | 00:52:56 | |
On this episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, I have the pleasure of speaking to Mariana Beauchamp and Josh Gaba about their first year out of college (Mariana completed a MM in Vocal Performance/Musical Theatre with a Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy, and Josh a BM in Vocal Performance/Contemporary Voice). They generously share their insights on the transition from being a student to a working artist, and have some suggestions for voice teachers about how to help students make the leap into the industry. Mariana Beauchamp's Contact Information: Josh Gaba's Contact Information: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 31 - "Nature and Nurture" with Dr. Adam L. Kelly | 06 May 2026 | 00:35:27 | |
On this episode of Wholehearted Pedagogy, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Adam L. Kelly, Professor of Sport and Exercise and Director of Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab at Birmingham City University, United Kingdom. Adam and his colleagues have been researching the influence of nature and nurture on talent development in sports. This has a direct correlation to the work we do with singers. You won't want to miss this fascinating conversation! Dr. Adam L. Kelly's Contact Information: Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 30 - "Assessing the Singer" with Jina Nam | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:43:26 | |
On this episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, I talk to Jina Nam about assessing the singer, both in an initial lesson and throughout the working relationship with a student or client. Jina's background as a voice teacher, performer, and SLP adds nuance to this conversation, which I'm so happy to share with you! Jina Nam's Contact Information Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 29 - "Ethics and the Voice Teacher" with Dr. Nicholas Perna | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:59:20 | |
On this episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, I have the great pleasure of speaking to Dr. Nicholas Perna, who is Associate Professor and Director of Vocal Pedagogy at the University of Colorado Boulder, where he directs the Berton Coffin Voice Lab. Together, we dive into the murky topic of ethics. Nick generously shares his personal experiences and offers some potent moments of reflection for all teachers: secondary, post-secondary, or independent. | |||
| Ep. 28 - "A Pedagogy of Kindness" with Dr. Cate Denial | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:43:15 | |
On this episode of Wholehearted Pedagogy, I talk to Dr. Cate Denial about her book, A Pedagogy of Kindness. We discuss ways of expressing kindness while maintaining healthy boundaries and academic rigor. Cate has some incredibly helpful advice about how to engage kindness within institutional structures and how to navigate conflict with students. So much food for thought in this episode! Be sure to like, share, and subscribe! Dr. Cate Denial's Contact Information Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 27 - "Teaching Beyond Academia" with Dr. Jennifer & Dr. Mark McQuade | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:54:20 | |
On this episode of the podcast, I have the tremendous pleasure of speaking to Dr. Jennifer & Dr. Mark McQuade who, after 16 years of teaching in higher education, moved into secondary education and independent studio teaching. They generously reflect on the differences in teaching styles and relating to students. Their investment in student excellence and student care is a wonderful model for us all. Dr. Jennifer & Dr. Mark McQuade's Contact Information Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 26 - "Power-over vs. Power-with" with Jovan Rivera-Lovato | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:50:34 | |
On this episode of the podcast, we explore the concepts of "power-over," "power-with," and temporary and permanent inequality through the lens of Relational-Cultural Theory. My special guest Jovan Rivera-Lovato offers fantastic insights on these frameworks through their Masters thesis "Unsettling graduate social work education at DePaul University." Consider how you can engage RCT's "Five Good Things" in order to foster a "power-with" environment in your voice studio. Jovan Rivera-Lovato's Contact Information Resources Stay engaged!! | |||
| Ep. 36 - "Leadership" with Dr. Isaí Jess Muñoz | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:44:31 | |
On this episode of the podcast, I have the joy of speaking to my dear colleague Dr. Isaí Jess Muñoz about how leadership shapes academic institutions and arts organizations. Based on his work as Chair and Artistic Director of the Vocal Arts Department at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, former Interim Dean of the Music Division, Immediate Past President of the National Opera Association, and service with other organizations, we are in very knowledgeable (and wholehearted) hands! Dr. Isaí Jess Muñoz's Contact Information: Stay engaged!! | |||