Thinking about taking your teaching to the next level, diving deeper into your specialist interests, or even writing a degree of your own? In this episode of Singing Teachers Talk, Alexa is joined by educator, performer, and MA creator Kaya Herstad-Carney, who pulls back the curtain on what a master’s degree in the performing arts really offers. From choosing the right pathway and understanding learning outcomes to balancing study with real life, Kaya shares how her own master’s shaped her career, the unexpected opportunities it opened, and what she’s learned from writing not one but two MA programmes. Whether you’re a singing teacher, performer, or creative professional considering postgraduate study, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and the honest realities behind levelling up your education. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:27 Why did Kaya do a masters degree? 5:37 What is the advantage of studying for an MA? 10:10 How to choose an MA course 19:19 Juggling a part time MA 21:46 What If I’m not very academic? 26:11 Writing an MA degree 34:22 Marking degree assessments 39:07 Common errors in MA submissions 41:13 Making your MA decision About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS WaterBear The College of Music Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.154 Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.222 The Rise of AI: What It Means for Singers & Teachers with Rachael Drury Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.226 The Rise of AI: Practical Tools and Strategies for the Singing Teacher with Rachael Drury Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.56 Taking the Academic Route with Debbie Winter Voice Study Centre Arts Council ABOUT THE GUEST Kaya is a higher education leader, vocal pedagogue, and award-winning artist. From September 2025 she becomes Head of Education (Online) at WaterBear College of Music. With an MA from LIPA/Hope and Fellowship of the HEA, she specialises in student-centred learning and CCM vocal habilitation, and has taught at ACM, LIPA, University of Liverpool, and BAST Training. She sits on the Vocology in Practice Advisory Board, researches voice, wellbeing, and sustainable careers, and performs internationally as a singer-songwriter, including with John Grant and Ringo Starr. SEE FULL BIO Here Website Instagram: @kayamusic 🎁 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 | Updates | Email Us | Free Group