Singing Teachers Talk

BAST Training

Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who are ready to teach. ABOUT BAST TRAINING We are here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills, understanding and qualifications required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill. Start with the Foundition course or level up into a Level 5 qualification. https://basttraining.com | info@basttraining.com | FB & IG @basttraining

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Ep.246 Inside TV Drama Voice Work: Coaching Matt Smith, with Candi Underwood

    How does a singing teacher land a vocal coaching job on a TV drama? In this episode, Alexa is joined by vocal coach, performer and returning guest - Candi Underwood, who shares her experience coaching Matt Smith for the Sky Atlantic adaptation of The Death of Bunny Munro, based on the novel by Nick Cave. They explore how the opportunity came about, what was required on set, and which skills singing teachers already have that translate directly into TV coaching work. Perfect listening for singing teachers curious about taking their work beyond the studio and onto screen. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   5:03 What is The Death of Bunny Munro? 6:42 What was the production company looking for in a vocal coach? 10:59 Preparing for the job 16:01 Taking a history 19:12 Surprising essential skills 20:30 Working on technique 23:39 Keeping it professional with high profile figures 28:53 Top 3 skills singing teachers needs for a TV coaching role 32:12 How to get your food in the door About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep31. Where to Start with Digital Marketing Nick Cave Matt Smith The Death of Bunny Munro Frank Sinatra Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.198 Mastering Singing for Stage, Screen & the Music Industry Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.242 Understanding Motor Learning: How It Can Help Us Give Better Singing Lessons - Eps. 155 & 156 Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.222 The Rise of AI: What It Means for Singers & Teachers Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.226 The Rise of AI: Practical Tools and Strategies For the Singing Teacher ABOUT THE GUEST Candi Underwood is a professional performer, session singer, vocal coach and founder/leader of City of Stars, a group of intermediate musical theatre choirs across Sussex. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, she's been featured as both a singer and songwriter on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6Music, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, Radio X, Planet Rock and more, performed at nationwide festivals and featured in TV ads; all while building a successful coaching business dedicated to nurturing healthy, resilient voices and inspiring bold, fearless performances for singers and screamers alike. Most recently she collaborated with Nick Cave and Matt Smith on Sky TV's 'The Death of Bunny Munro', coaching the former through a singing scene, and featured in the Marks & Spencer Christmas Advert with her choir alongside Dawn French. Website Instagram 🎁 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

    40 min
  2. 4 FEB

    Ep.245 Technique Meets Artistry: Working with Contemporary Singers with Juliet Russell

    Alexa is joined by vocal performance coach Juliet Russell for a rich conversation about identity, artistry, and contemporary vocal training. Juliet shares how she helps singers identify and trust what makes them unique, evolve their voices alongside life and experience, and connect more deeply with audiences — drawing on her work across major TV formats as well as her one-to-one coaching with artists. We explore how to make vocal exercises more musical and stylistically relevant, how voice science can be translated into practical studio tools, and what Juliet sees as key pillars of contemporary vocal training for singing teachers today. The episode also dives into Juliet’s new app Do Your Sing, a contemporary training toolkit designed to support singers with creative, performance-led vocal development.  About the presenter HERE WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:19 How to help an artist identify what makes them unique 17:54 What do artists tend to overlook about their craft? 20:43 What is ‘talent’ and what can be learned? 24:08 The difference between a singing teacher, vocal coach and performance coach 30:08 Translating voice science in the studio 34:18 Contemporary teaching tools 1:04:10 Parting advice to contemporary singers and singing teachers RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Joshua Alamu Jai Ramage Jono McNeil Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.198 Mastering Singing for Stage, Screen & the Music Industry  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.123 Insights Into TV Vocal Coaching  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.124 Mastering Vocal Style: Licks, Riffs and Runs with  Emer Tully Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.241 Is Your Pelvic Floor Affecting Your Voice? A Deep Dive with Physiotherapist Jenevora Williams Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.242 Understanding Motor Learning: How It Can Help Us Give Better Singing Lessons  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.169 How to Use Gesture for Better Singing  ABOUT THE GUEST Juliet Russell stands as one of the UK’s leading vocal performance coaches, with an exceptional track record with award-winning artists and groundbreaking shows. As a vocal coach and arranger on Netflix's breakout hit show Building the Band, Juliet helped shape the voices that captivated millions globally. She also coaches on BAFTA winning shows The Voice UK and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.   SEE FULL BIO HERE Do Your Sing App | 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

    1h 10m
  3. 28 JAN

    Ep.244 10 Ways to Help a Singer with Tempo with Alexa Terry

    In this episode, Alexa explores tempo and timekeeping in the voice studio — and why struggling with tempo might not be “just a rhythm problem.” If you find yourself working with a singer who rushes, drags, freezes, or falls apart this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and plenty of practical takeaways — all wrapped up in a very relatable Sunday afternoon analogy.     About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Karaoke Version    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, acts as mentor and unit tutor 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 Practice and The Sing Space.     SEE FULL BIO HERE   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

    13 min
  4. 21 JAN

    Ep.243 House Talent Agency Can Open New Possibilities in Your Singing Studio with Josephine Lancuba

    What if your singing studio could open doors to the industry, too? In this episode, Alexa is joined by talent agent and educator Josephine Lancuba, founder of Studio Talent Collective, to lift the curtain on in-house talent agencies. From creating real audition opportunities for your singers to boosting retention, revenue, and industry credibility, Josephine breaks down how singing teachers can step confidently into talent management. If you’ve ever wondered how to better support your students beyond the studio, this conversation might just have the answer.     WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   1:50 Who is Josephine Lancuba?  9:05 What was the catalyst for having an in-house agency?   10:55 In-house talent agency advantages for teacher and client   17:01 How does the industry view in-house talent agencies?   19:59 Getting the contacts   23:41 Balancing singing teaching and being a talent manager   26:25 Helping clients manage rejection   36:55 Integrating an in-house agency   55:35 Would would Josephine change from her journey?     About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Spotlight   Casting Networks   Singing Teachers Talk Ep.230 How to Survive Drama School Auditions: 10 Expert Tips  Studio Talent Collective, The Podcast  Canva  Singing Teachers Talk Ep.192 How to Set Better Boundaries as a Singing Teacher    ABOUT THE GUEST  Josephine Lancuba is an award-winning performing arts business coach and talent management professional. With over 20 years in the arts industry, she has led and managed studios, entertainment, and production-based businesses, including her own dance and musical theatre studio along with its in-house talent agency service.  A former performer, Josephine spent over a decade appearing on stage and screen before shifting her focus to business and talent development. Today, she helps performing arts studio owners build profitable, joy-filled businesses and guides aspiring talent managers through her world-first course, Talent Manager Bootcamp, as well as her plug-in talent agency, Studio Talent Collective, which enables Studio Owners to create and run their own in-house talent agencies.  Passionate about the social, emotional, and the physical benefits of the performing arts, Josephine advocates for inclusive, positive opportunities for talent and the industry alike.  Website  Instagram: @studiotalentcollective 🎁 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

    1h 6m
  5. 14 JAN

    Ep.242 Understanding Motor Learning: How It Can Help Us Give Better Singing Lessons with Dr Jenevora Williams

    To kick off the 2026 season, Alexa and Jenevora Williams dive into the fascinating world of motor learning and what it really means for singing and teaching singing. From walking toddlers and chocolate metaphors to the neuroscience behind skill acquisition, the conversation unpacks why learning to sing is far more complex—and far more human—than we often assume. Together they explore implicit versus explicit learning, internal versus external focus, imagination, metaphor, and the role of trust, play, and mistake-making in vocal development. A thoughtful, wide-ranging discussion that invites singing teachers to simplify their language, deepen their listening, and give both themselves and their students permission to learn messily and creatively.  WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   1:59 What is motor control and motor learning? 10:41 What are the stages of learning? 15:48 What is the brain and larynx interface? 18:59 Internal Vs External focus in motor learning 33:35 Choosing metaphorical and imagery based instruction 50:53 Impairment to motor skills 55:09 The future of voice pedagogy integrating neuroscience and imagination About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS  Singing Teachers Talk Ep.75 Vocal Rehabilitation for Singers  Motor Control, Motor Learning and Brain-Computer Interfaces Heidi Moss Erickson Hearing Singing: A Guide to Functional Listening and Voice Perception by Ian Howell Singing Teachers Talk Ep.237 Beyond the Vocal Tract: How the Brain Shapes What We Hear with Ian Howell Tilting Article Paul Eckman PEVoC Vocal Health Education ABOUT THE GUEST Dr Jenevora Williams is an expert in the fields of vocal health and singing teaching. After a successful career in Opera, she turned her attention to investigating healthy and efficient vocal function. The combination of academic study and practical experience has resulted in a unique perception for understanding the human voice. She was the first singing teacher to be awarded a PhD in voice science in the UK, and won the 2010 BVA Van Lawrence Prize for her outstanding contribution to voice research. Her book, Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults, has been enormously popular with singing teachers throughout the world.  Jenevora is well-known for her imaginative and rigorous international training courses for singing teachers and voice professionals. She is director of Vocal Health Education and Evolving Voice, training the first generation of Voice Rehabilitation Specialists worldwide. As a teacher of singing, she works with professional singers of all ages in both voice rehabilitation and career mentoring.  W: jenevorawilliams.com 🎁 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

    1h 1m
  6. 17/12/2025

    Ep.241 Is Your Pelvic Floor Affecting Your Voice? A Deep Dive with Physiotherapist Emer Tully

    We’re wrapping up 2025 with a conversation that will change the way you think about the voice forever. Physiotherapist Emer Tully from Neuro Tour joins us to unravel the vital — and often underestimated — role of the pelvic floor in singing. From breathing mechanics to alignment, from recognising tightness vs. weakness, to understanding why singers, dancers, teachers and performers of all kinds should care about this powerhouse of stability, this episode is packed with practical insights and surprising - the perfect finale to a year of rich conversations.   WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:38 Thank YOU! 5:20 Why is the pelvic floor so intriguing? 7:59 The 5 diaphragms 12:01 The function of the pelvic floor 13:53 Pregnancy & performance 16:48 Signs of a tight or weak pelvic floor & the impact on singing 21:16 Helping a singer with a tight or weak pelvic floor 30:07 Advice about the gym and methods of ‘support’ in singing 39:32 Pelvic floor & stress 45:25 Recommended resources   About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 201 Working with Hypermobile Singers with Sarah Algoet Jennie Morton Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.69 Understanding Pregnancy for the Singer and the Self-Employed with Sarah Joyce & Cat Ogden Feldenkrais Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.183 How to Fix Your Inhale and Transform Your Singing with Lucinda Allen Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.191How to Set Up the Best Exhale for Singing with Lucinda Allen Duncan Rock Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.120 Understanding Singing and Fitness with Duncan Rock Anatomy of Voice by Blandine-Calais-Germain & François Germain Dr Sara Reardon Michelle Edminson @mvmt.101 Jane App ABOUT THE GUEST Emer is NEURO TOUR’s London Associate Director of Education. She qualified from Manchester University with a BSc Physiotherapy degree, and is HCPC accredited as well as a member of the CSP. She is a Vocal Specialist and a Certified Women’s Health Practitioner. She has an advanced medical acupuncture certification; APPI Matwork & Reformer Pilates training & specialises in vocal/ TMJ physiotherapy.  Website  Instagram: @physio.emer  🎁 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

    50 min
  7. 10/12/2025

    Ep.240 Inside the Master’s Degree: How Postgraduate Study Can Transform Your Teaching & Career with Kaya Herstad-Carney

    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 | Stay Updated

    45 min
  8. 03/12/2025

    Ep.239 10 Common Barriers to Being a Singing Teacher. And How to Overcome Them with Line Hilton

    Thinking about becoming a singing teacher but not sure what’s holding you back? In this episode, Alexa and Line break down the most common barriers aspiring singing teachers face. Learn how to get started with what you already know, build confidence step by step, choose the right training, and grow your teaching practice with clarity and purpose. If you’re ready to take the next step in your singing teaching journey, this conversation will help you move forward with confidence.    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  0:31 How did Line become a singing teacher?   4:22 I don’t know enough & imposter syndrome  11:26 There’s too much choice  18:26 I don’t have the piano skills  23:37 I don’t have confidence in my own voice   28:25 I’m just not qualified   31:26 What about money?   36:51 My schedule is already busy   40:59 I don’t know how to start a business   46:10 What if I hurt a student’s voice?     About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS    Line Hilton   Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.237 Beyond the Vocal Tract: How the Brain Shapes What We Hear with Ian Howell  Hearing Singing - A Guide to Functional Listening and Voice Perception   Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.111 Essential Piano Skills for Singers and Voice Teachers with Brenda Earle Stokes   Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.158 How Music Theory and Keyboard Skills Can Transform Your Singing Teaching with Amy Walton   Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.88 Pros and Cons of Singing Teacher Qualifications with Line Hilton  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.229 Ways to Make More Money as a Singing Teacher with Zoe Stibi  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.227 Following Your Bliss: How to Align your Life and Business with Gemma Sugrue   Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.220 Time Management: Making Time When There Isn't Any with Line Hilton & Alexa Terry  Chris Johnson  🎁 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

    54 min

About

Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who are ready to teach. ABOUT BAST TRAINING We are here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills, understanding and qualifications required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill. Start with the Foundition course or level up into a Level 5 qualification. https://basttraining.com | info@basttraining.com | FB & IG @basttraining

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