Singing Teachers Talk

BAST Training
Singing Teachers Talk

Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who want 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. Website:  FB & IG @basttraining

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Ep.219 10 Songs for Male Contemporary Musical Theatre Singers with Conor O’Hara

    This week, Alexa is joined by performer and vocal coach Conor O’Hara (fresh from the UK tour of Wicked) to explore 10 standout songs for male singers in the contemporary musical theatre space. From smart audition choices to vocal technique tips, Conor offers practical, performer-led insight that both singers and teachers will find invaluable. Whether you're building your rep book or guiding a student through their next audition, this episode is packed with gold.    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?     1:04 What is Conor’s dream Musical Theatre role?   2:37 What was Conor’s journey into Musical theatre?   5:44  What is a Musical Theatre audition like?   12:25  What’s Conor’s ‘go-to’ song?  13:20 What song should you really take to an audition?   20:35 Conor’s 10 song list     About the presenter, click HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Emily Kristen Morris  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.200 The Secret to Powerful Belting and Seamless Mixing  The Hangar Theatre Company  GSA  Mountview   RSC  Debbie O’Brien   Artists mentioned: Jamie Muscato; Jeremy Jordon; Ben Platt; Aaron Tveit; Jack Wolfe; Brian Darcy James; Ben Joyce; Gavin Creel  Danielle Tarento   Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.212 10 Songs to Find Your Pop Style  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.205 10 Songs to Inspire Your Singing Lessons  Royal Scotland Conservatoire   Spotify Radio  Jeanine Tesori     ABOUT THE GUEST  Conor trained at Mountview Dramatic Training, gaining a BA (Hons) in Performance (Musical Theatre). He led the UK premier tour of 'Bedknobs and Broomsticks' as Charlie Rawlins, was a swing in the Royal Shakespeare Company's 'A Christmas Carol' and has recently finished touring around the UK with the Musical 'Wicked'.    Alongside a career as a performer, he is currently a singing teacher at Italia Conti. Based in North London, he offers private tuition in person and online for professionals looking to book their next job, students in or out of work aiming to better their technique, drama school auditionees, non-professionals and more.    Conor believes strongly in finding the right repertoire to suit the goals of the performer, whether that's to forward the development of technique, to book the job or even just to keep the enjoyment of singing alive.    E: cohara1998@gmail.com  Instagram: @conorcoaches  BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher. "The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

    1h 4m
  2. 8 JUL

    Ep.218 8 Things I’ve Learnt in 8 Years as a Singing Teacher with Alexa Terry

    From cruise ship stages to kitchen-table career pivots, Alexa Terry reflects on eight transformative lessons learned over eight years as a singing teacher in this honest, funny, and heartfelt episode of the Singing Teachers Talk podcast. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your teaching journey, this is the perfect mix of personal storytelling, practical insights, and the occasional existential wobble we all pretend not to have.  Come for the laughs, stay for the reassurance — and leave with a little more clarity, confidence, and comfort in your own path.  About the presenter, click HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.213 Medicine to Music: A Journey Back to a Creative Calling  Aime McNee  We Need Your Art by Aime McNee  Substack  Aime’s Substack: I Didn’t Want a Job   Nathan Lubbock Smith  Aida Cruises  BritishTheatre.com   New York Vocal Coaching  John Henny   The Naked Vocalist    Training Contemporary Commercial Singers by Elizabeth Ann Benson  Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.215 10 Invaluable Resources for Singing Teachers     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 entry 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 The Sing Space and Vocology in Practice.    SEE FULL BIO HERE   Website  Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching  BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher. "The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

    25 min
  3. 1 JUL

    Ep.217 Setting Up for Success: Singing Teacher’s Studio Essentials with Alexa Terry

    Ever wondered what makes a great singing studio setup? In this solo episode, Alexa Terry explores the key elements of a well-equipped singing studio, offering practical insights for teachers working in both private and institutional settings. From essential tools to thoughtful touches that support vocal, emotional, and educational needs, this episode is packed with practical tips for building a space that enhances learning, creativity, and professionalism.  About the presenter click HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Sarah Joyce  Cat Ogden  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.69 Understanding Pregnancy for the Singer and the Self-Employed   Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.155 & 156 Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios  Yamaha Clavinova   Bose Soundlink Max  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.174 Demystifying Tax for the Self-Employed Singing Teacher  Zoom  MyMusicStaff  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.93 How to Organise Your Singing Studio Business with MyMusicStaff  Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Olly Christopher Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.186 How to Balance a Teaching and Performance Career   The Pianist of Willesden Lane Walt Fritz Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.193 How to Master Tongue Tension for Better Singing   Kaya Herstad Carney Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.159 How Toys and Props Can Create Dynamic Singing Lessons  Line Hilton Feldenkrais Becca Luter Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.204 Mastering Self Tapes for Auditions with Becca Luter  Jessica Friend    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 entry 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 The Sing Space and Vocology in Practice.    SEE FULL BIO HERE: https://www.basttraining.com/blog/ep-217-setting-up-for-success-singing-teachers-studio-essentials-with-alexa-terry/   Website Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching     BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher. "The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

    29 min
  4. 24 JUN

    Ep.216 Dialects and Accents in the Singing Studio: Challenges & Choices with Louisa Morgan

    How do actors convincingly switch accents, and what happens when singing enters the mix? Voice teacher, researcher and spoken voice expert Louisa Morgan returns to explore the rich world of accents and dialects—from phonetics and oral posture to emotional authenticity and ethical considerations. Louisa dives into the challenges singers face when shifting from speech to song in character, how to manage biases, and why understanding your own “home” sounds is key. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST  2:35 What actually are accents and dialects? 7:37 What makes an accent easier vs difficult to learn? 15:05 How can we understand accent mapping? 22:51 Speaking Vs Singing in an accent 30:58 What are the challenges of teaching a singer who has a different accent to you? 36:09 What ethical considerations are required? 41:16 Getting to grips with IPA 46:32 Louisa’s favourite resources 48:29 Live accent and dialect coaching About the presenter click HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.109 Mastering ‘Acting Through Song’ Techniques to Elevate Musical Theatre Performance Voice Study Centre Guildford School of Acting IPA Singing Teachers Talk Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang Singing Teachers Talk Ep.194 From Jersey to Bali: Relocating a Singing Teaching Business How to Do Accents by Edda Sharpe and Jan Hayden Rowles Knight Thompson Phonetics by J D O’Connor The Experiencing Accents Book Knight Thompson Phonetics by Peter Roach Accents and Dialects for Stage and Screen by Paul Meier International Dialects of English Archive Killing Eve Estill VASTA Conference   ABOUT THE GUEST Louisa Morgan is a lecturer, voice teacher, and researcher specialising in spoken and sung emotion. She teaches with the Voice Study Centre (as Spoken Voice Lead) and she is also completing a PhD in emotion in Acting Through Song with Guildford School of Acting. Louisa has taught at institutions including Italia Conti and the Cygnet Training Theatre, alongside 15 years of private coaching. She holds an MA in Vocal Pedagogy, a diploma in Acting with Directing, and a BA in English and Literary Studies. Louisa is a Vocal Process accredited teacher and former editor of AOTOS. She has presented at PEVoC and will speak at the 2025 VASTA conference.   SEE FULL BIO HERE   Website Instagram: Contact Louisa Directly Book a place on one of Louisa’s courses BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher. "The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

    58 min
  5. 17 JUN

    Ep.215 10 Invaluable Resources for Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry

    In this episode, Alexa shares 10 game-changing resources that have transformed her own practice as a singing teacher. From essential books and pitch apps to surprising finds, this episode is packed with fresh inspiration for teachers at every stage of their journey.Which resource could become your new secret weapon? Tune in to find out.  About the presenter click HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Anatomy of Voice by Blandine Calais-Germain & Francois Germain   Training Contemporary Commercial Singers by Elizabeth Ann Benson    The Voice Teacher's Cookbook, Creative Recipes for Teachers of Singing by Brian Winnie  SpeechPlusLanguage  Etsy   Canva  Ultimate Guitar  musicaltheatreresources.com  Stage Door Unlocked   Dr Dan’s Voice Essentials   Vocal Pitch Monitor     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 entry 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   Website  Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher. "The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

    11 min
  6. 11 JUN

    Ep.214 The Secret to a Portfolio Career: Singing, Teaching and Creating with Rosie Williamson

    What happens when you mix Julie Andrews, musical theatre, and a dash of cheeky cabaret? This week, Alexa chats to performer and singing teacher Rosie Williamson about her show What Would Julie Do?—a musical comedy cabaret. Rosie shares how she built a heartwarming, hilarious, harmony-filled show that uplifts audiences and champions mental health causes. Plus: perfectionism, parody law, and why your passion project might just be your best work yet. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST 4:16 What are the first steps to devising your own show?  10:54 How audiences describe ‘What Would Julie Do?’ 12:58 Performing as a singing teacher 18:23 What’s it like working with a friend? 20:46 Rights and approvals 23:16 How to hire singers 26:06 Balancing performing and teaching 29:11 Getting the project off the ground 33:29 Funding 43:42 Should devising be a standard part of theatre training curriculums? About the presenter click HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Sarah Louise Young Yvonne Kenny Leontine Hass Matt Samer Mind Carers UK Dan Turek Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.154 Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers Mandy UK Spotlight The Pheasantry Arts Council Develop Your Creative Practice (DYCP) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.213 Medicine to Music. A Journey Back to A Creative Calling Crazy Coqs ABOUT THE GUEST Rosie Williamson is a London-based singing teacher, performer, and writer with a background in classical voice and musical theatre. Inspired by frequent comparisons to Julie Andrews—her school tutor once described her as “just like Mary Poppins”—Rosie created What Would Julie Do?, musical comedy cabaret blending self-help themes with show tunes and parody. Her work has been performed at leading London cabaret venues, Brighton Fringe, and Mountview’s Catalyst Festival. Rosie trained at the University of Sheffield, University of York, and Associated Studios, and now teaches at institutions including ArtsEd and LAMDA.  FULL BIO HERE Teaching | What Would Julie Do | Show Tickets HERE BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher. "The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

    51 min
  7. 4 JUN

    Ep.213 Medicine to Music. A Journey Back to A Creative Calling with Estelle Idoko

    In this episode of Singing Teachers Talk, Estelle Idoko shares her journey from medical school to music school. We explore how she helps others reconnect with their creativity, and what holds so many back from living artistically. Whether you're a singer, teacher, or someone wondering: “Is it too late to live creatively?”, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, stirred, and ready to explore your own creative path.    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  1:00 Medical school vs music school  7:08 The perception of artistic occupations   17:56 Should my creativity be a hobby or a career?   19:30 Women and singing   24:20 Men and singing   27:31 What is Estelle’s coaching framework?   34:06 Leading a creative life   39:44 The ‘Sing Confidently, live Creatively’ podcast    About the presenter click HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  The Elements by Tom Lehrer  Sing Confidently, Live Creatively Ep.208 Start Singing Today Because We Need Your Art with Amie McNee   Aimee McNee  We Need Your Art by Aimee McNee   Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults by Jenevora Williams   Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.179 From 1 to 40 Choirs and Touring with Gareth Malone - a Chat with Rachel Lynes     ABOUT THE GUEST  Estelle Idoko is a Singer, Actor, and Voice Teacher based in Durham, North Carolina, currently completing her Master’s in Music and Music Education at Columbia University. She is the founder of Creatively Performing Arts, offering online voice lessons and resources for adult beginners. Estelle hosts the globally ranked podcast Sing Confidently, Live Creatively and performs regularly in cabarets, open mics, worship teams, and theatre. Her acting credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Comedy of Errors, and the upcoming Sound of Music. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from VCU and a professional voice certificate from Berklee. Estelle is passionate about helping artists reconnect with their creativity and build lasting vocal confidence.    SEE FULL BIO HERE   Website  Instagram: @creativelybyestelle   Facebook: Singing Tips and Technique for Women.    Listen to Estelle’s podcast ‘Sing Confidently, Live Creatively’ here   BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher. "The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

    44 min
  8. 27 MAY

    Ep.212 10 Songs to Find Your Pop Style with Hannah Smikle

    Want to help your singers master pop stylings like belt, riffing, breathy tone, and yodel flips? Alexa has invited singing coach Hannah Smikle back to the podcast for this practical episode, to share 10 killer pop songs that unlock vocal agility, texture, and expressive flair. What vocal tools can help singers to progress into certain melodies, and how do you apply pop texture in a piano-only space? A must-listen for singing teachers looking to spark creativity in the studio!    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  1:56 Should singing teachers pick the songs?   3:15 How to collate a repertoire list   4:15 What is ‘popular’ in pop?  6:13 What must a singer keep in mind?  9:42 Hannah’s 10 song choices     About the presenter click 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.51 How to Boost a Singer’s Confidence   Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.112 Helping Musical Theatre Singers Build a Reliable Pop Toolbox  Spotify Radio  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.112 Helping Musical Theatre Singers Build a Reliable Pop Toolbox  Microphone SM58  Chris Johnson Teach Voice  Arthur Lessac    ABOUT THE GUEST  Hannah Smikle is a professional voice coach and vocalist with over 15 years’ experience in the music industry. She has worked extensively as a live performer, backing vocalist, session singer, and recording artist. Known for her holistic, multi-disciplinary approach, Hannah combines technical expertise with industry insight to support singers both on stage and in the studio. She regularly engineers and coaches recording sessions, helping artists deliver authentic, high-quality vocals. Passionate about whole-person wellbeing, she integrates vocal health and counselling skills into her coaching. Hannah is a Vocal Habilitation Professional, Vocal Health First Aider, and committed to ongoing professional development.    SEE FULL BIO HERE   Website  Instagram: @vocalperformancecoaching   BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher. "The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group

    55 min
5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Hosted by BAST Training expect interviews and conversations to inspire and inform singing teachers and singers who want 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. Website:  FB & IG @basttraining

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