Singing Teachers Talk BAST Training

Robert Price is a voice teacher, director, and level five advanced clinical massage therapist specialising in the voice and jaw. He trained in voice studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama before teaching and directing in many drama schools and currently serves voice users at his Vocal Massage London and at the Voice Care Centre. Robert teaches vocal massage to other teachers, osteopaths, physiotherapists, and SLTs, and he's here to help us understand how we can perform massage on ourselves and guide our clients in self-massage in the studio.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Robert finds massage beneficial for stress and anxiety. He discusses how vocal massage helps shift from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic state, calming the nervous system and fostering connection. Individuals should listen to their bodies and engage in self-massage with care, avoiding extremes and focusing on gentle, thoughtful touch. Robert also recommends seeking professional training for those interested in pursuing vocal massage as a practice. Robert's vocal massage techniques for stress management include gently mobilising the larynx, performing anterior neck stretches, massaging the submental region, encouraging thoughtful self-touch, using a holistic approach with whole-body techniques like Qigong, and ensuring consent-based touch. These methods promote relaxation, improve mobility, and reduce tension in the vocal area. Example Daily Routine. Morning: Start your day with a few minutes of gentle neck stretches and submental massages. Afternoon Break: Take a short break to practise deep breathing and light self-massage on your neck and shoulders. Evening: End your day with a more extended self-massage session, focusing on the entire neck and throat area, and incorporating whole-body stretches. BEST MOMENTS 
"The fundamental value of massage is to move people from a sympathetic state to a parasympathetic state."
"The benefits of vocal massage are subjective. It usually helps people, but quite what's happening within that is about the person."
"Consent and safety are at the heart of manual therapy. The person should have agency over the touch and feel comfortable throughout the session."
EPISODE RESOURCES
Guest Website:
Vocal Massage London : https://www.vocalmassagelondon.com Voice Care Centre : https://voicecarecentre.co.uk Vocal Massage Training : https://voicecarecentre.co.uk/vocal-massage-training/ Social Media:
Instagram: @robertprice1969 Email Robert directly: robert@vocalmassagelondon.com or robertprice1869@gmail.com BAST Level 5 Singing Teacher Training Qualification
BAST Book A Call
Relevant Links & Mentions: 
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Ep.32 The Bio-Psycho-Social Model with Stephen King (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Ep.90 Help! I’ve Got a Voice Problem with Lydia Hart and  Stephen King Voice Care Centre: https://voicecarecentre.co.uk/ Stephen King at the Voice Care Centre: https://voicecarecentre.co.uk/stephen-king/ (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Ep.74 Understanding Manual Therapy with Walt Fritz  (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Ep.65 The Top Benefits of Vocal Massage with Lydia Flock  Feldenkrais Method: https://feldenkrais.com/about-the-feldenkrais-method/ Qigong Practice  ABOUT THE GUEST 
Robert is a voice teacher, director, and Level 5 Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist specialising in the voice and jaw. He trained in voice studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama and has taught at RADA, LAMDA, ArtsEd, Central, East 15, Rose Bruford, and The Lir. He works at the Voice Care Centre in Soho and runs Vocal Massage London. Robert also teaches vocal massage to professionals globally.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.
basttraining.com
Updates from BAST Training

Join voice scientist, Dr Ingo Titze and Speech and Language Pathologist, Karin Titze-Cox as they discuss their book 'Voices Free after SOVT', exploring the science and application of Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract exercises. They delve into the benefits, implementation, and clinical applications of SOVTs, including using straws and tools to improve vocal health and performance. The interview is preceded by a brief review of the book from singing teacher and podcast host, Alexa Terry.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The book 'Voices Free after SOVT' provides a comprehensive understanding of the science and application of SOVT exercises. SOVT exercises can be beneficial for singers, clinicians, teachers, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of the voice. Repetition, analogy, and clear explanations are used in the book to make complex concepts accessible to a wide audience. Different types of SOVT exercises have varying intraoral pressures and can be used to achieve specific vocal objectives. SOVT exercises can be used for evaluation, conditioning, and rehabilitation in clinical settings. SOVT exercises, such as using straws, can be beneficial for vocal health and performance. Finding the right resistance and pressure is important for effective SOVT exercises. Different materials and configurations can be used for SOVT exercises, depending on individual preferences and needs. SOVT exercises can help improve vocal resonance, muscle tension, and overall vocal technique. BEST MOMENTS 
"When you pick up a book by Ingo Tietze and Karen Tietze-Cox, you know you're entering academic territory."
"The deeper you go into the water, the less the tube or the straw makes a difference."
"The material doesn't really matter much. That's our first conclusion."
EPISODE RESOURCES
BAST Book A Call
https://ncvs.org/ Get your copy of  ‘Voice is FREE after SOVT’ here: https://ncvs.org/book-purchase-voice-is-free-after-sovt/
Further watching:
Why Straw – NCVS The Science Behind the Straw Exercise: Video 1  NCVS.org The Science Behind the Straw Exercise: Video 2 NCVS.org The Science Behind the Straw Exercise: Video 3  NCVS.org High Resistance Straw in Water (Karin Titze Cox and Ingo Titze) short update Relevant Links & Mentions: 
Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.131 Mastering Research Papers: How to Read with Ease and Extract Knowledge with Kate Cubley Chris Johnson’s Teach Voice: https://www.teachvoice.com/ John Henny: https://johnhenny.com/ The Intelligent Vocalist: Episode 356: SOVTs with Karin Titze Cox & Ingo Titze The work of Marco Guzman The work of Anne-Maria Laukkanen  Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Therapy  Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.164 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part One Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.165 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part Two Journal of Speech and Hearing Research: https://pubs.asha.org/journal/jslhr The work of Kitty Verdolini Abbott  (Singer) Renee Flemming  Vocal Tubes: https://www.vocaltubes.com/ Belt Box: https://www.beltyafaceoff.com/ Mindy Pack: https://www.mindypack.com/shop Resono Straw by Oren Boder: https://www.rayvox.co.uk/collections/all ABOUT THE GUEST 
Ingo R. Titze, known as the father of vocology, coined the term with George Gates in 1989 and developed the original vocology curricula in 1990. He has held various appointments and written over 500 publications and six books on voice production.
Karin Titze Cox, SLP-CCC, specialises in vocology and voice habilitation. She received her BA from BYU and MA from University of Iowa. She's worked in research, private practice, and clinic director roles in Salt Lake City. She's served on the Pan American Vocology Association board and National Center for Voice and Speech executive board.
 

Heather Baker, Founding Director of the Institute for Vocal Advancement, explains how gestures enhance vocal training by providing an additional modality for the brain to learn new vocal skills. She explores the connection between gestures and the brain, sharing examples of personalised and meaningful gestures.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1) Cognitive and Neuroscience Aspects: Heather has found that gesture can serve as an additional input for the brain, which helps in understanding and solidifying vocal training. This mixed modality input (combining visual, kinesthetic, and auditory cues) enhances learning and performance. 2) Impact on Vocal Folds and Articulation: Gesture can directly influence what happens at the larynx and vocal folds, as well as affect articulation. By using specific gestures, singers can be guided to achieve better vocal production and coordination. For example, certain gestures can help with airflow, pitch accuracy, and the overall sound quality. 3) Personalization and Metaphor: By creating their own gestures to mimic the sound or sensation they are aiming for, students can make a stronger connection between the gesture and the vocal task.  4) External Focus of Attention: External focus of attention (such as focusing on a gesture) can enhance the internal mechanism of vocal production. By focusing on the gesture, singers can indirectly improve their vocal coordination and performance. 5) Observing and Performing Gestures: While observing a gesture can be minimally effective, actively performing the gesture is more impactful. For instance, observing a conductor's gesture can influence how singers breathe and perform. 6) Gesture Selection: Selecting the right gesture for a specific vocal task is crucial. Different gestures can help with different aspects of singing, such as airflow, pitch accuracy, or creating a certain sound quality. It's important to find the gesture that best mimics the desired vocal outcome. BEST MOMENTS 
"Observing gesture can impact the way singers breathe and produce sound"
"Performing the gesture oneself is more effective than just observing"
"Gesture is something I have always used in my teaching"
 
EPISODE RESOURCES
Guest Website:
www.thesingingteacher.biz www.vocaladvancement.com Social Media:
www.facebook.com/heatherbakersingingstudios www.instagram.com/heatherbakersingingstudios www.YouTube.com/the.singingteacher www.TikTok.com/the.singingteacher Relevant Links & Mentions: 
Kerrie Obert: www.ObertVoiceStudios.com Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.59 Top Tongue Tips for Boosting High Frequency Energy with Kerrie Obert Julia Nafisi: https://julianafisi.com/ Jenna Brown: https://www.jennabrownmezzo.co.uk/ Lisa Popeil: https://www.popeil.com/ Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.155 & 156: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coates The work of Konstantin Stanislavski  The work of Arthur Lessac Chris Johnson Vocal Coach: https://chrisjohnsonvocalcoach.com/ Chris Johnson Teach Voice: https://www.teachvoice.com/ Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.109 Mastering ‘Acting Through Song’ Techniques to Elevate Musical Theatre Performance with Louisa Morgan  Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.40 Integrated Skills: Teaching Singing to Dancers with Jennie Morton BAST Book A Call
ABOUT THE GUEST 
Heather Baker, a Contemporary Voice Teacher in Northern England, is the Founding Director of the Institute for Vocal Advancement (IVA) and an IVA Ambassador. With an MA in Vocal Pedagogy, her research spans cognitive and neuroscience of singing, pitch problems, and vocal pedagogy. She presents globally, runs adult choirs, and co-hosts the Vocal Advancement Podcast, sharing her expertise and passion for voice teaching.
ABOUT THE PODCAST
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

Alexa is joined by Line Hilton to discuss the concept of quick fixes in singing. They explore when it might be appropriate to use a quick fix, such as in auditions or performances, and when it might not be advisable, such as when dealing with a sore throat. They also discuss the importance of understanding the underlying principles and working towards long-term solutions.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Line’s quick fixes are - 1) Vowel adjustments: Modifying the shape of the mouth to produce different vowel sounds can help singers navigate challenging passages or notes. 2) Physical adjustments: Altering the position of the body, such as aligning the spine or adjusting the posture, can sometimes resolve vocal issues. 3) Mindset fixes: Changing the mental approach to singing, such as imagining a different sensation or focusing on a particular aspect of the technique, can also be a quick fix. 4) Changing the melody line or key: To accommodate a singer's range or avoid a difficult passage, the melody or key of a song can be temporarily altered. 5) Adjusting the setlist order: Rearranging the order of songs can help manage a singer's vocal stamina and avoid challenging moments early in a performance. 6) Technical strategies: Using techniques like sliding into a note or falling off at the end can make a difficult note more manageable. 7) Exploiting the challenge: In some cases, the difficulty can be turned into a stylistic choice, such as playing into a registrational flip or yodel. Avoid quick fixes when a singer presents a sore throat or cold before a performance. Painkillers and numbing agents can mask pain and worsen vocal injury. Avoid ibuprofen or aspirin, which increase the risk of vocal fold damage. BEST MOMENTS
"If you had the power to just snap your fingers and have a particular life chore completed immediately, what would that be?"
"A quick fix can be a really useful tool. They can make us get something a little bit more with immediacy and feel like things are even more accessible to us in the singing world."
"Quick fixes can be a valid strategy if it's going to help you deliver what you need to deliver and get through safely."
 
EPISODE RESOURCES
Guest Website:
linehilton.com
Social Media:
@basttraining Relevant Links & Mentions:
Line Hilton: https://linehilton.com/ Dr Molly Gebrian: mollygebrian.com (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep.164 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part One (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep.165 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part Two Dr Dan's Voice Essentials: https://www.youtube.com/@DrDanRobinson Justin Stoney & New York Vocal Coaching: https://www.youtube.com/@NewYorkVocalCoaching (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: Ep.48 Getting Started as a Teacher, Creating Content & Vocal Versatility with Justin Stoney Emily Kristen Morris: https://www.emilykristenmorris.com/ Emily Kristen Morris Instagram: @emilykristenmorris Robert Sussuma: https://thesingingself.com/ (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.63 Developing a Singer’s Self Awareness And Clarifying Intention with Robert Sussuma (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.166 Overcoming Self-Consciousness in Singing with Becky Gilhespie (Article) ‘Steamer or Nebuliser?’ By The Naked Vocalist: https://www.thenakedvocalist.com/upgrade-your-vocal-steamer/ BAST Book A Call
ABOUT THE PODCAST
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.
basttraining.com
Updates from BAST Training

Alexa is joined by Dr Nicholas Perna to talk about nasality. They discuss and unravel the mysteries of the nose’s role in vocal production. From debunking myths about nasal resonance to exploring the benefits of nasal airflow, Dr Perna’s insights will challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of vocal technique. Whether you’re a singing teacher or a curious vocalist, this episode offers a fresh perspective on an often misunderstood aspect of voice production.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Nasality in singing is often misperceived; what we think sounds nasal is usually twang or high spectral energy, not actual nasal airflow. The soft palate's movement in singing is more of a backward motion rather than an upward lift, contrary to common teaching cues. A mild amount of velopharyngeal opening can positively impact resonance stability, especially in the passaggio range for tenors. The term 'nasal resonance' may be misleading, as the nose neither amplifies nor enriches sound in singing. Contemporary singing styles often rely on audio processing and EQ adjustments, which significantly affect the final sound beyond the singer's raw vocal output. Good scientific research seeks to disprove itself, challenging researchers to remain curious and open to new findings. Singers and teachers should focus on the journey of learning rather than believing they've reached a definitive destination in understanding vocal technique. Exploring velopharyngeal opening in musical theatre singers, particularly in mix and belt techniques, is an area ripe for future research.  
BEST MOMENTS
"What nasality is does not often coincide with its perceptual characteristics. And equally, studies have demonstrated that there isn't really this general consensus amongst singing teachers about perceived nasality."
"Good science seeks to disprove itself. Staying curious means that you have an awareness that you are probably wrong."
"The likelihood that that sound includes nasal airflow and that the soft palate is relaxed is very low because what the nasal passage has is very thick mucous membranes. It's moist. There's other structures up there, typically hair, et cetera. And those things, dull sound, particularly high spectral energy."
"I propose that we eliminate the term 'nasal resonance' altogether because if we think of resonance as a definition of amplification and enrichment, the nose is neither amplifying sound, nor is it enriching sound."
"The easiest observation you can obviously make, just to know whether there's anything happening or not, is to simply sustain a tone, pinch your nose shut, and see if, you notice any difference.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
Voice Study Centre (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang with Kerrie Obert (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep. Dr Matt Edwards (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep. Aaron Johnson Journal of Singing: https://www.nats.org/cgi/page.cgi/about_journal_singing.html (JoS) Nasality Deconstructed by Nicholas Perna: https://www.nats.org/_Library/JOS_On_Point/JOS-076-04-2020-429.pdf Heidi Moss:  Spectrum Effects of VPO in Singing by Gill, Lee, La, Sundberg: https://www.jvoice.org/article/S0892-1997(18)30446-6/abstract Effects of Nasalance on the Acoustics of the Tenor Passaggio and Head Voice by Nicholas Perna Celine Dion: An NBC News Special with Hoda Kotb (Full Interview): com/watch?v=ncwhU70I3T4 The work of Christian Herbst: https://www.christian-herbst.org/ University of Colorado Boulder: https://www.colorado.edu/ The work of Berton Coffin: https://www.nats.org/_Library/Named_Funds/Berton_Coffin_Endowment_-_web_ready.pdf
 
ABOUT THE GUEST
Guest Website: 
nicholasperna.com
Contact Nicholas directly: nicholas.perna@colorado.edu
Follow Nichola’s Podcast ‘Vocal Fri’ Here: https://www.vocalfri.com/
Social Media:
Instagram: @vocalfriperna
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vocalfriperna
Tenor Nicholas Perna’s voice has been hailed by the Houston Chronicl

Becky Gilhespie returns to the Singing Teachers Talk podcast to help us overcome our self-consciousness in singing. Becky is an experienced vocal coach working with touring artists, actors, and singers of all levels, having run studios in London and Sydney, and teaching at the Academy of Contemporary Music. Becky is the author of Singing for the Self-Conscious, which we’ll be diving into headfirst in this episode.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Becky Gilhespie recommends several strategies for overcoming self-consciousness in singing: have fun and enjoy the process, sing more throughout the day, journal to address negative self-talk, meditate and focus on breathing, make strange noises and faces to normalise them, video yourself to become comfortable with your appearance, sing for a trusted friend, sing outside to reduce pressure, develop solid vocal technique, express emotions through singing, and use permission slips from her book to take risks. Becky's book, Singing for the Self-Conscious, is a 30-day program designed to help singers overcome self-consciousness, boost confidence, and improve performance. It covers three sections: sense of self, evolving craft, and focusing outward, offering practical advice, exercises, and reflective tasks. Written in an accessible style, the book emphasises technique, personal style, and positive self-awareness, using Gillespie's experiences to relate to readers and guide them towards growth and increased self-confidence. Singing for the Self-Conscious features a 30-day program divided into three sections: Sense of Self, which focuses on personal growth, self-awareness, and confidence; Evolving Craft, which emphasises technique, style, and continuous improvement; and Focusing Outward, which encourages external connections, engaging with the audience, and authentic performance. Each section aims to reduce self-consciousness and boost singing confidence.  
BEST MOMENTS
"It's a book aimed at the singer who finds themselves reeling with self-consciousness, avoiding singing, holding back in their performances, and generally just lacking some self-confidence"
"I've come on leaps and bounds and it feels so good. And it feels so good to help other singers with it too"
"Self-consciousness is a heightened sense of self-awareness that can verge towards the negative"
 
EPISODE RESOURCES
Guest Booking Link: https://beckygilhespievocalcoach.as.me
Social Media:
Instagram: @beckygilhespievocals Relevant Links & Mentions:
(Book) Singing for the Self-Conscious by Becky Gilhespie (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.27 The Singing Masterchef with Becky Gilhespie Vocology in Practice (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.154 Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry The work of Dr Valerie Young Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM): https://www.acm.ac.uk/ Line Hilton: https://linehilton.com/ The Sing Space: https://thesingspace.com/  
 
BAST Book A Call
 
ABOUT THE GUEST
 
Becky is an experienced vocal coach working with touring artists, actors, and singers of all levels. Her experience includes running busy studios in London and Sydney, and teaching at the UK’s Academy of Contemporary Music. She always felt that despite receiving some of the best vocal training available, the biggest hurdle was her crippling sense of self-consciousness.
Becky’s  book, 'Singing for the Self-Conscious', is an easy to follow practical step programme that combines study of mindset with practices in contemporary vocal training. The book helps singers overcome their mental hurdles to confident singing and performing.
 
ABOUT THE PODCAST
 
BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.
basttraining.com
Updates from BAST Training