Singing Teachers Talk

Ep.284 Finding the Right Repertoire: What SIX Can Teach Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry

How do you choose the right repertoire for musical theatre auditions? In this episode of Singing Teachers Talk, we explore the many musical styles of contemporary musical theatre, using SIX the Musical and its six queens as our inspiration. From Beyoncé and Avril Lavigne to Adele and Alicia Keys, discover how pop influences, vocal demands, character and storytelling can help shape repertoire choices. Plus, pick up practical repertoire-searching tips and song suggestions to expand your singing teacher toolbox, whether you teach musical theatre, pop or other contemporary commercial music (CCM) styles. About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.174 Demystifying Tax for the Self-Employed Singing Teachers with Accountant Andy Muckett Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.258 10 Plus ‘Legit’ Songs for Musical Theatre Singers with Alexa Terry So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre by Amanda Flynn Amanda Flynn Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre Singing Teachers talk - Rep eps Six the musical Amelia Carr Musical Theatre Resources Theatre Trip Chicago Shakespeare Theatre Article musicnotes.com ABOUT THE GUEST 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 BritishTheatre.comas 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. Website Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.283 Exploring Gender-Affirming Voice and Vocal Identity with Renée Yoxon

What does it really mean to help someone find a voice that feels like their own? This week, Alexa is joined by gender-affirming voice specialist - Renée Yoxon - to explore the fascinating relationship between voice, gender and identity. From rethinking traditional approaches to vocal training to creating more inclusive spaces for singers, Renée shares fresh perspectives that might just challenge the way we think about the voice, as well as giving us an insight to her book ‘The Trans Voice Practice Journal.’ Whether you're already working with trans and non-binary singers or simply looking to broaden your understanding, this is a conversation every singing teacher can learn from. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:00 Book Review: The Trans Voice Practice Journal by Renee Yoxon 6:33 From physics to gender-affirming voice work 9:00 What is gender-affirming voice work? 12:28 Why is it important to play with gender expression? 16:07 How transferable are speaking voice exercises to singing? 18:01 Understanding hormone replacement therapy 23:57 An insight into gender-affirming voice work in practice 32:34 Creating inclusive learning spaces 37:57 Leveraging online platforms 39:54 Creating The Trans Voice Practice Journal About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Wreck This Journal by Keri Smith Eli Conley Peter Fullerton Stephen Davidson The Transmasculine Voice: A Guide to Vocal Euphoria by Stephen Davidson Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.175 Understanding the Transmasculine Voice with Stephen Davidson The Singing Teacher's Guide to Transgender Voices by Liz Jackson & Brian Kremer Queering Vocal Pedagogy: A Handbook for Teaching Trans and Genderqueer Singers and Fostering Gender-Affirming Spaces by William Sauerland Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.68 Training Transgender Voices with Dr Felix Graham ASHA ABOUT THE GUEST Renée Yoxon (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary, and disabled gender-affirming voice teacher based in Montreal. They have taught voice since 2008, and since 2019 have focused on helping trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive people create speaking voices they love. Renée is known for explaining complicated concepts in plain language, and for an approach that lets each student decide what their own voice should sound like. Their online courses have reached nearly 2,000 students worldwide, and they have trained over 100 voice teachers and speech-language pathologists. Renée is the author of The Trans Voice Practice Journal (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2026) and was named Canada's Inspiring Person of the Year at the 2026 INSPIRE Awards. Learn more at reneeyoxon.com Website Instagram: @reneeyoxon 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.282 How to Support Neurodivergent Singers with Sarah Marrion

How can singing teachers better support neurodivergent singers? In this insightful episode, Alexa is joined by singer, educator and former hospital school deputy head Sarah Marion to explore neurodiversity in singing lessons. From ADHD, autism, Tourette’s and anxiety, to sensory overload, perfectionism and performance overwhelm, Sarah shares practical ways teachers can create safer, more flexible and inclusive learning environments. Discover why structure and preparation matter, how music can support communication and connection, and why focusing on each singer’s individual ‘superpowers’ can transform the way we teach. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 7:33 What is a hospital school? 8:02 The role of music in education and neurodiversity 17:34 Supporting singers with ADHD 19:26 Supporting singers with autism and Tourrette’s 22:42 Recognising the signs of overwhelm 24:00 Preparation, predictability and structuring the singing lesson 30:27 Supporting neurodivergent singers in rehearsals and auditions 31:43 Helping neurodivergent singers with organisation 36:34 The neurodivergent teacher 38:44 Rethinking professionalism and making adaptations About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Alternative Provision Huh - The Importance to the Arts and Wider Opportunities’ by Myatt and John Tomsett Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.280 What Singing Teachers Need to Understand About Performance Anxiety with Mel Toy ABOUT THE GUEST Sarah is a Wirral-based singer and pianist with a lifelong passion for music and performance. In her twenties, based in Manchester she performed extensively with bands, session work and solo gigs, including a stint working abroad. Sarah is a classically trained singer to post graduate level. Following her performing career, Sarah dedicated 30 years to teaching music in Wirral comprehensive schools. During this time, she led numerous school productions and successfully prepared students for GCSE music examinations, inspiring a new generation of musicians. During the last 10 years in education Sarah became a Deputy Headteacher in a hospital school specialising in Trauma Informed Teaching, creating teaching toolkits for reducing anxiety in young people with poor mental health, often comorbid with a diagnosis of neurodiversity. Sarah now combines her time between performing, 1:1 Teaching and has a mentor role with the SSAT. [Schools Students and Teachers Network] Youtube Instagram: @sarah_marrion_sings 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.281 Becoming Céline: Preparing the Voice for Titanique with Corrine Priest

What does it take to be ready to step into multiple roles in the musical theatre industry Today, Alexa is joined by West End performer and vocal coach Corinne Priest to talk about her time in Titanique, where she covered Céline Dion, Rose and Molly Brown alongside her role as a backing vocalist. Corinne shares how she prepared to embody Céline’s unmistakable vocal style, the realities of switching between multiple tracks, and why making a role fit your own voice is so important. They also explore the growing vocal demands of musical theatre, life as a swing, and what it takes to build the versatility and vocal sustainability needed for eight shows a week. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:33 Corrine’s favourite song in a contract so far 2:18 Corrine’s journey into the Musical Theatre industry 4:15 Representation: drama school and agencies 7:45 Titanique 23:24 Impersonation as a training tool 24:30 Vocal coaching Vs performing 26:25 Corrine’s top tip for current musical theatre demands 29:45 Corrine’s contract wish list About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS London School of Musical Theatre (LSMT) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.221 How Knowing Musical Theatre History Makes You a Better Performer with Molly Marie Walsh The Criterion Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.279 On Vocal Crashes, Career Lessons and Sustainable Singing with Chris Killik Mischief Comedy ABOUT THE GUEST Corrine is a professional Musical Theatre Performer and Vocal Coach, originally from Somerset. Training: London School of Musical Theatre 2025 Vocal Balance Accredited Teacher Corrine is a guest tutor at Urdang Academy and full time Singing Teacher at Emil Dale Academy, and also teaches private 1:1s. Credits include: BGV2, cover Celine Dion, Rose and Molly Brown in Titanique the Musical (Criterion Theatre, Lido2Paris), Beauty in Beauty and the Beast (Playhouse Theatre), Swing, cover Sister Mary Robert, cover Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act (UK Tour), Workshop of Disruption (Park Theatre), Fairy Queen / Resident Director in Claus The Musical (The Lowry), Ensemble in Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre), Dance Captain in Les Misérables: The Staged Concert (Sondheim Theatre), Elizabeth Benning in Young Frankenstein (English Theatre Frankfurt), Swing, cover Fantine, cover Gavroche, assistant Dance Captain, assistant Children's Director, in Les Misérables (UK & International Tour), Lucy in Can't Stop It (The Other Palace), Lucy in Ushers: The Front of House Musical (Edinburgh Fringe & Arts Theatre), Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol (Blackpool Opera House), Soloist in Stephen Sondheim 85th Birthday Gala (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), cast in God: The Stephen Sondheim Parody (London Theatre), Amy Thomas in Girlfriends (Union Theatre), Lead Vocalist onboard Holland America Line, and Viv Nicholson in Spend Spend Spend (Bridewell Theatre). Corrine won The Stephen Sondheim Student Performer of the Year award and more recently won a What's Onstage Angel award in 2021. Corrine also recorded the critically acclaimed one-woman song-cycle Heart of Winter, available on iTunes and Spotify. Website Instagram: @corrinepriest @coachingwithcorrine 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.280 What Singing Teachers Need to Understand About Performance Anxiety with Mel Toy

What if performance anxiety isn’t just about what happens on stage? In this episode, Alexa is joined by performance rehabilitation coach and PhD researcher Mel Toy to dig beneath the surface of music performance anxiety. They unpack the surprising factors that can shape anxiety, why common advice doesn’t always help, and how singers and teachers can approach performance with more curiosity, compassion and individuality. They also discuss the surprising impact of noise, sleep and everyday life and why anxiety isn’t always easy to spot. A thought-provoking conversation for singing teachers and performers that challenges some common assumptions about anxiety and performance. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:05 ‘Music Performance Anxiety’ as a social anxiety disorder 8:52 Creating well-being environments for learning 12:40 A note on cognitive reframing 24:52 Anxiety contributors 31:16 Spotting anxiety 35:05: Stress and progress 46:30 What about when it’s the teacher who is anxious? 51:23 Mel’s research About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singer & the Self Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.271 Singer & the Self: Rethinking Singing Teacher CPD with Becky Gilhespie Cat Ogden The Singer’s Guide Podcast by Tessa Smith - Trust the Process: Alexa Terry on Unfinished Sounds and Developing Your Voice This is your Brain on Food by Dr Uma Naidoo Wendy Parr Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.94 Developing The Singer Into an Artist with Wendy Parr Lydia Hart Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.277 Identity, Self-Worth and Burnout in the Performing Arts with Claire Cannon ABOUT THE GUEST Mel Toy is an experienced voice and performance coach, voice massage practitioner, and vocal health specialist dedicated to empowering artists and performers to unlock their creative potential. With a holistic approach that integrates tailored technical exercises, artistic development, and rehabilitative techniques, Mel works to help clients overcome both physiological and psychological challenges, fostering their creative freedom and promoting vocal wellbeing. In addition to her client-focused work, Mel is a seasoned lecturer in voice and contemporary performance. Since 2018, she has taught at leading institutions, including the British Institute of Modern Music (BIMM Institute London), the Voice Study Centre, and the Eastern Institute of Technology (Hawke's Bay). Through these roles, Mel has guided singers and musicians in developing their vocal technique, performance health, collaborative songwriting, and career strategies. She also supervises undergraduate and Master's theses and serves as a reviewer for the Sages Music and Science Journal. As part of her international teaching experience, Mel has contributed to the European Vocal Camp and joined the team in 2025 for the launch of their Asia-Pacific camp. Mel is a certified Vocal Coach through the Institute of Vocal Advancement and Modern Vocal Training, as well as a Vocal Health Habilitation Practitioner with Vocal Health Education. She has also delivered masterclasses on Music Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology, and Vocal Massage to global audiences, helping vocal coaches, singing teachers, and other support practitioners better assist their clients in managing performance-related stress and anxiety. In addition to her vocal techniques education, Mel is a researcher and academic, holding a BA Hons in Creative Musicianship and an MSc Psychology. She is currently undertaking doctoral research through the Department of Culture, Communication, and Media with University College London’s Institute of Education, investigating the ongoing implications of music performance anxiety on the wellbeing of contemporary singers. Website Social Media: @meltoyvocalcoach 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.279 On Vocal Crashes, Career Lessons and Sustainable Singing with Chris Killik

What does it really take to build a sustainable career as a performer? In this episode, Alexa is joined by performer and vocal coach Chris Killik for a warm, funny and refreshingly candid conversation about life in the performing arts. From memorable auditions and unexpected career opportunities to versatility, vocal health and the lessons that only come from experience, Chris shares stories from a career spanning musical theatre, Shakespeare, television and stages across Europe. They also explore how our priorities can shift over time, what it means to truly understand your voice, and why sometimes the most important career moments are the ones you never planned for. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:44 What makes a good audition experience? 1:44 Auditions gone wrong 5:49 Chris’ journey into performing arts 9:29 What did higher education not teach you? 11:45 What does it mean to be versatile? 16:28 The vocal crash 26:57 Performing in the UK Vs Europe 31:16 Setting up The Educated Voice 35:30 Performing and being a Dad 38:20 The remainder of 2026 About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Royal Academy of Music Mary Hammond Jack Shepherd Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.112 Helping Musical Theatre Singers Build a Reliable ToolboxPhysio Ed Chris Johnson Vocal Coach Jeremy Ryan Mossman Tom Burke Anne Marie Speed Maureen Scott Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.241 Is Your Pelvic Floor Affecting Your Voice? A Deep Dive Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.263 The Creative Juggler: Singer, Songwriter and Teacher Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.197 Backing Adele and Beyond: The Art and Craft of Backing Vocals Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. Ep.69 Understanding Pregnancy for the Singer and the Self-Employed Associated Studios ABOUT THE GUEST Theatre credits include:Freddie Mercury inFriday Night Fever!(O2 Arena);Wish You Were Dead(National Tour);How to Build a Better Tulipand Return to the Forbidden Planet(Upstairs at the Gatehouse); Redemption Roomand Iconfidant(Online);Andrew Lloyd Webber Gala(European Tour);Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dreamand Much Ado About Nothing(Park Theatre); The Wind in the Willows(Kew Gardens); Private Lives(Playhouse Theatre, Stockholm); Chicago(City Theatre Stockholm);Jesus Christ Superstar(Turku City Theatre, Finland); The Hired Man(Old Laundry Theatre, Windermere); Love Story(Duchess Theatre); Ash(Arcola Theatre);Sail Away(Lost Musicals, Lilian Baylis Theatre, Sadler's Wells); Closer Than Ever(Cheltenham Playhouse); Closer(Helsinki Fringe) and Merrie England(Finborough Theatre). Concert credits include:Backing Singer for Elton John's Concert for Diana(Wembley Stadium) and Chess in Concert(Royal Albert Hall). Recording credits include:12 Tenors; Love Story(the musical); and his own original music, of which his debut song 'Who Will You Burn For?' reached no. 3 in the iTunes charts. Vocal Coaching Alongside performing, Christopher is a vocal coach who has studied a wide range of vocal methodologies over the years, weaving together the best of each into a rich, multifaceted approach to teaching singing. He previously founded The Educated Voice, a company that ran five-day intensive courses across Scandinavia, bringing over top West End vocal teachers to deliver cutting-edge training in voice technique to international students. He now runs his own vocal coaching practice from his studio in Walthamstow, London. Website Instagram: @christopherkillik 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.278 Behind Vocalzone: Singers, Stories, and a Century of Vocal Care with Vocalzone's Maria & George

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? About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Vocalzone, Saviours or Destroyers? Line Hilton ABOUT THE GUEST 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. Website Social Media: @vocalzonehq 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.277 Identity, Self-Worth and Burnout in the Performing Arts with Claire Cannon

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. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 3:04 What is burnout? 12:29 Burnout and the self-employed 19:41 Identity foreclosure 26:01 How long does it take to feel burnt out? 29:31 Language and identity 38:15 Burnout and peer pressure About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.72 Become a Vocology in Practice Authorised Teacher with Claire Cannon & Kaya Herstad Carney Vocology in Practice Mental Health UK Burnout Report 2026 ABOUT THE GUEST 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. 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. Website Social Media: @clairecannonvoice 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.276 Inside a Singer's Larynx: Live Laryngeal Scoping With Dr Jennifer Rodney

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? About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Sin City Laryngology Jennifer’s Laryngeal Karaoke Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. With Nick Gibbins Vanderbilt University Medical Center Baylor Scott & White Health ABOUT THE GUEST 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.275 Starting the New Academic Year on the Right Note with Alexa Terry

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. About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Lori Sonnenberg Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.199 The Truth About Muscle Tension Dysphonia Line Hilton Gemma Sugrue ABOUT THE GUEST 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 BritishTheatre.comas 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. Website Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.274 The Singer As An Athlete: A Useful Metaphor or a Limiting One? with Line Hilton

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 11:46 Where does the analogy fall down? 25:37 A language debate 30:50 The future of the term ‘vocal athlete?’ About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Line Hilton The Vocal Athlete by Marci Daniels Rosenberg & Wendy D. LeBorgne The Singing Athlete by Andrew Byrne Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.232 The Vocal Athlete: Inside Touring Life with Mindy Pack Denosh Bennet Rob Stevenson Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.81 Teaching Famous Voices with Robert ‘RAab’ Stevenson Sport In Art with Jan Sebastian Tomsa Line’s substack article Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.150 Part Two: Finding the Best Posture and Alignment for Singing with Jennie Morton Singing Teachers Talk Ep.61 Measuring Vocal Load in Contemporary Musical Theatre Dr Steven Zeitels 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.273 How to Use Repertoire to Build Vocal Technique with Alexa Terry

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.’ About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.205 10 Songs to Inspire Your Singing Lessons Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.210 10 Songs to Celebrate Pride in Your Studio Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.212 10 Songs to Find Your Pop Style Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.219 10 Songs for Male Contemporary Musical Theatre Singers Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.223 10 Songs for Child Singers Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.251 10 Songs for Tween Girls Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.258 10 Plus ‘Legit’ Songs for Musical Theatre Singers Ben Platt Listen to Run Away by Ben Platt HERE Ultimate Guitar Tab ABOUT THE GUEST 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. SEE FULL BIO HERE (Add link to the podcast website page) Website Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.272 Rethinking How We Teach Breathing for Singing with Barbara Tanze and Flexiflow

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? 24:41 Using balloons as props 33:40 The Flexiflow About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.45 Discovering Optimal Breathing Ingo Titze Johan Sundberg Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.253 The S-Word: Why It’s Time to Rethink ‘Support’ in Singing Teaching Janice Chapman Ian Howell Ken Bozeman A Copernican Shift: Reframing How We Think About Breath in Singing by Heidi Moss Erickson Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.271 Singer & the Self: Rethinking Singing Teacher CPD MDH Breathing Coordination by Robin De Haas Oren Boder ABOUT THE GUEST 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) Website Instagram: @btbreathing & @the.flexiflow 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.271 Singer & the Self: Rethinking Singing Teacher CPD with Becky Gilhespie

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. About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Presenters: Becky Gilhespie, Louisa Barry, Lindsay Dalton, Rachel Lynes, Michael Rasmussen, Mel Toy, Lydia Hart, Alien Partjilic, Veronica Hodgson, Barbara Tanze, Gemma Sugrue, Cat Ogden 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 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. Website Instagram: @beckygilhespievocals & @singerandtheselfretreats 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.270 How to Help Singers Overcome Fear and Build Confidence with Linor Oren

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. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:00 ‘Sing Away’ by Linor Oren: Book Review 9:29 The catalyst for ‘Sing Anyway’ 12:04 The writing & publishing process 20:41 Paralysing fear & singing 23:40 Performance exercises for mindset 32:52 Linor’s teaching methodology 38:25 The power of group lessons 41:55 Is the singer actually ready? 49:32 What teaching provided that lessons didn’t 55:00 Round up About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Grinberg Method 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. 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. Website Instagram: @linororenvoiceteacher 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

Ep.269 How to Help Singers Learn Faster and Retain More with Noa Kageyama

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? 52:35 Bulletproof Musician About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.242 Understanding Motor Learning: How It Can Help Us Give Better Singing Lessons Line Hilton Alexander Technique Arnold Jacobs Gabrielle Wolf A Way to Amplify (or Weaken) the Effect of Self-Talk on Performance John Wooden The Perfect Wrong Note by William Westney Micah Killion Pablo Casals ABOUT THE GUEST 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. Website Youtube 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.268 What Happens When You Fall Out of Love with Performing? with Grace Hancock

Alexa is joined by singer, songwriter and vocal coach Grace Hancock to explore the relationship between music and craft. Together, they have honest conversations about the moments when making music hasn’t felt good and when it has stopped being joyful for them. They discuss burn out, self-worth, comparison and perfectionism, and how singers can reconnect with their craft in a healthier, more authentic way. As ever, we’re keeping it real on the Singing Teachers Talk podcast. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:55 Memories of travelling as a performer 4:06 Best and worst advice Grace has received as a singer 5:32 Grace’s mission 6:46 Working on cruise ships 12:55 When you fall out of love with performing 17:10 How can a difficult relationship with music influence teaching? 21:49 How to build a healthy relationship to music as a singer 33:23 What conversations should we be having more of as singing teachers? 35:14 Grace’s work About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep 100 The Truth About Singing and Dairy with Nutritionist Duncan Rock Singing Teachers Talk - Ep 267. Acting Through Song: Practical Tools for Singing Teachers with Molly Marie Walsh Amie McNee Singing Teachers Talk - Ep 245. Technique Meets Artistry: Working with Contemporary Singers with Juliet Russell Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 261 Managing Performance Nerves: Tools For Singers & Singing Teachers with Laura Dumbleton ABOUT THE GUEST Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing around the world aboard luxury cruise ships and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She now hosts her podcast for singers: Curious Vocalists, where she talks to industry professionals exploring ways for singers to build a more fulfilling and sustainable career in the arts. Email Website Instagram Facebook 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.267 Acting Through Song: Practical Tools for Singing Teachers with Molly Marie Walsh

What makes a performance truly believable? In this episode, Alexa is joined by fellow BAST teammate Molly Walsh to explore acting through song and the power of gesture mapping. Together they unpack practical acting techniques that help singers communicate emotion authentically, make purposeful physical choices, and create performances that are both vocally sustainable and dramatically compelling. From Meisner and SAVI techniques to storytelling and practical teaching strategies, this episode is packed with insights for singing teachers, vocal coaches, performers, and musical theatre students looking to bring any song to life. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:58 Different acting techniques 7:34 Considerations for method acting 11:24 Inside-out vs Outside-in (& the SAVI technique) 14:01 Where you can find ‘acting through song’ clues 20:19 Gesture mapping 38:45 The SAVI cards 47:42 Consonants 51:48 Facial expression & neurodiversity About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Practitioners Mentioned: Konstantin Stanislavski; Stella Adler; Uta Hagen; Sanford Meisner; Rudolf Laban; Lee Strasberg; Arthur Lessac; Viewpoints Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.221 How Knowing Musical Theatre History Makes You a Better Performer Ernie Losso The Savi Singing Actor by Charles Gilbert Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.109 Mastering ‘Acting Through Song Techniques to Elevate MT Performance Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.266 8 Tips to Make Belt Sound More Impressive Teach Voice by Chris Johnson Heidi Moss Erickson Kaya Herstad-Carney Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.155 Part One: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.156 Part Two: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios ABOUT THE GUEST Molly Marie Walsh (BFA (Hons) Musical Theatre - Molly has had a professional performing career across the US and the UK. As a professional Musical Theatre Performer in the US: the National Tour of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, and productions of WHITE CHRISTMAS, 42nd STREET, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, OKLAHOMA! and INTO THE WOODS. and in the UK: Alan Menken's A CHRISTMAS CAROL, JEWISH LEGENDS, and THE MIKADO. She has been a Vocalist with a classical crossover group, ANCORA, and close-harmony Andrews Sisters trios THE MANHATTAN DOLLS (US), and currently in the UK, THE HONEYBIRDS. She has also been a creative consultant with writing team KANSLEY & LIDERT on their original musicals, CONFESSIONS and AUTUMN RHYTHM. She holds both a BFA in Musical Theatre from University of the Arts (US) and a BAST Level 5 Extended Diploma in Singing Teaching Skills. She is a singing tutor at Italia Conti, and a lecturer of history of dance and musical theatre at Urdang Academy, She has a passion for focusing on equality, inclusivity, curiosity, and decolonising the voice studio and our understanding of theatre history. Website 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.266 8 Tips to Make Belt More Impressive with Alexa Terry

Want a more impressive belt? Before you search for another vocal exercise, you might want to question what you think makes great belting in the first place. In this episode, Alexa Terry shares eight thought-provoking ideas - some that might surprise you. About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Amanda Flynn Voice Study Centre Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre Emily Kristen Morris Singing Teacher’s Talk - Ep.200 The Secret to Powerful Belting and Seamless Mixing Sing Like Never Before by Justin Stoney of New York Vocal Coaching Hadestown by Anaïs Mitchell Kerrie Obert Singing Teacher’s Talk - Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang ABOUT THE GUEST Alexa is a singing teacher and vocal coach who runs her own singing tuition practice in the South of England. She is also a 1-1 singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she regularly panels auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of BAST Training’s Singing Teachers Talk podcast, and is one of the mentors for their level 5 singing teaching qualification. [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 BritishTheatre.comas 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. Website Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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Ep.265 Why Singers Get Jaw Tension (And What Actually Helps) with Physiotherapist Emer Tully

In this episode, Alexa is joined once again by physiotherapist Emer Tully to explore the jaw. They unpack why jaw tension isn't always about the jaw itself, how posture, breathing, hypermobility and stress all play a role, and what singers and teachers can do to improve jaw health and function. Whether you struggle with clenching, clicking, or simply want to better understand the biomechanics behind a free and efficient voice, this conversation is packed with practical insights you'll be able to apply straight away. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:11 How do we know when the jaw is functioning well? 3:32 Hypermobility P1 6:55 Assessing opening and closing of the jaw 14:21 Release vs strengthening 28:34 Biomechanics vs aesthetics 31:52 Hypermobility P2 33:41 Acupuncture and the jaw 36:01 Jaw red flags 36:54 Clicking jaw & TMJ 42:39 Three things to look after your jaw health About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.241 Is Your Pelvic Floor Affecting Your Voice? A Deep Dive with Physiotherapist Emer Tully Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.110 Articulation and Singing: Assessing Jaw Behaviour With Chris Johnson Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers with Sarah Algoet Evolve Bone Prop ABOUT THE GUEST Emer Tully is a physiotherapist specialising in hypermobility, TMJ dysfunction, breathing mechanics, and vocal health. She works closely with singers, performers, and individuals with complex chronic symptoms, exploring how the jaw, airway, voice, and whole-body movement patterns influence health and performance. Her clinical approach focuses on connecting the dots between biomechanics, breathing, the nervous system, and long-term symptom management. Based in Blackheath, South East London. Website Instagram: @core_points 🎁 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 Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW basttraining.com | Stay Updated

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