Curious Vocalists

Grace Hancock Music
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For the curious singers who want to find more fulfilment from their craft, join Grace for a deep dive into comprehensive vocal training techniques and profound emotional awareness. Featuring insightful interviews with experienced performers and practitioners, listen in as Grace gleans wisdom about the technical know-how, mental resilience and ways to navigate this turbulent industry with integrity and purpose.

  1. 3 HR AGO

    #15 Musical Theatre Mastery and Mindset with Rebecca Southard

    Need help navigating the technical and nerve-wracking world of Musical Theatre singing? In this episode, powerhouse vocalist, Rebecca Southard who won 2nd place in her vocal category in the New York IMTA contest 2023, talks about the vast landscape of the Musical Theatre sound—from the bell-like clarity of Julie Andrews to the more modern emotive belt. They clear up the distinction between twang and nasality, give practical exercises for vocal stamina, strengthening your head voice and ways to combat tension for optimal vocal performance. Rebecca gives tips on how to approach those dreaded auditions and reminds us that singing in character requires a surrendering to the role and a trade-in of anxiety for overt self-belief. It’s an invitation to stop competing and start trusting, ensuring your craft is driven by a love for the music rather than the weight of comparison.   Takeaways There are a variety of vocal styles to explore within Musical Theatre The Legit musical theatre sound is the classic, bell-like quality like Julie Andrews Twang and nasality are two different things Belting is a style, not a register Vocal stamina starts with a mindset shift Balancing head and chest voice can lead to natural development of mix voice Singing in character requires an element of self trust and surrender to the character Audition anxiety can be combatted with overt self-belief Singers should assess what drives them - the love of it or the culture of competition and comparison   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rebecca Southard 04:07 The Legit Musical Theatre Sound 08:57 The Belt Box for Muffling Loud Rehearsals 11:01 The Difference Between Twang and Nasal 13:47 Vocal Longevity For Regular Belting 18:16 The Importance of Strengthening the Head Voice 20:29 The Art of The Mix Voice 22:54 Character Development in Musical Theatre 26:20 Override Nerves With Belief 29:28 What Do You Do Onstage When NOT Singing?? 36:11 Relieving Tongue Tension for Optimal Singing 41:36 The Importance of Self-Observation in Performance 47:44 Tips for Music Theatre Auditions 50:25 Finding Joy and Perspective in Performance 53:25 Where To Hear Rebecca's Work 54:53 QuickFire Round 57:14 Outro   Rebecca’s Socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjsouthard/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SecondNature-s7o8c Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7G1JAoODQoiPyoB5kFEbT8?si=uwzybX9MS7G2I6KxSEdWhw Website: https://www.rebeccasouthard.co.uk/   Mentions: Belt Box: https://beltyafaceoff.com/ Curious Vocalists episode on vocal tone including mentions of difference between nasal and twang: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-b58qn-1a18f99   About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world 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 strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method gracehancockmusic@gmail.com www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician   #musicaltheatre #vocaltechniques #singing #characterdevelopment #auditions #performanceanxiety #belting #headvoice #chestvoice #twang #nasality

    58 min

  2. 6 FEB

    #14 Music & Motherhood: Reframing the Creative Career Balance with Cloudi Lewis

    Singer songwriter Cloudi Lewis discusses the surprising benefits to her creative career since having children. Hear how she faced disillusionment with life and music after graduating from her Popular Music Degree and how the additions to the family have shaped her creative powers - from ultra efficient time management, to discovering her own resourcefulness in monetizing a wider range of her creative skills. This episode is a light in the dark for those anxious about the balance between family life and a creative career.   Key Topics The impact of parenthood on creativity, time management, and personal identity Strategies for juggling multiple roles: performer, teacher, photographer, and community contributor How moving back to Devon and networking transformed her music scene involvement and opportunities The role of support from her partner Sam and how shared responsibilities enable her to thrive creatively The effect of motherhood on her productivity, mindset, and self-confidence Practical insights on adapting to life's unpredictability and finding creative inspiration in daily routines Reflection on postnatal depression, anxieties, and how her perspective on time and self-care evolved Cloudi’s upcoming projects, including new singles, gigs, and freelancing work under her creative brand Studio Cloud Creative   Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Cloudi Lewis 02:38 Disillusionment with Life and Music 06:13 Kids Made Me More Productive 09:09 Embracing New Opportunities 10:13 Motherhood Quietened my Inner Negative Voice 11:58 The Importance of Sharing the Load 14:00 Creating In And Around Family Life 15:58 Getting Creative With Skill Monetisation 19:19 How 'Mother Mode' Helps Conquer Fears 20:21 Anxiety Before Vs After Kids 22:53 The Hardest Part is Also the Most Fleeting 26:14 Financial Reality and Opportunity 28:43 Where To Find Cloudi's Music 33:14 Outro   Connect with Cloudi Lewis Instagram Spotify Facebook For more info on Cloudi's Music Photography and Videography: https://www.instagram.com/studiocloudcreative?igsh=MnZ5ajNhazZqYnVs    About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world 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 strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method gracehancockmusic@gmail.com www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician

    34 min

  3. 30 JAN

    #13 The Courage Hack: Creative Growth in Adulthood (with Toby & Grace)

    Lost that passion for your music you had when you were a kid? In this conversation, Toby and Grace explore the pitfalls of their courage in their creative lives as adults, how adulthood can grind your creativity down to a pulp, and the mindset shifts around courage that are key to claiming back your passion. They invite you to analyse your subtext: are you being impatient with yourself? Could your priorities be re-jigged a bit? Who are you ultimately trying to please? Avoid being crushed by your own ambition as a singer and put your craft firmly in the place of enrichment. Then you will see it blossom in an environment like the free, joy-filled one you had as a child.   Takeaways Courage is often misunderstood as the absence of fear. Creativity can become pressured as adults, leading to self-doubt. Courage can be engineered and is often the one thing missing in creative adults. Overcoming fear involves accepting mediocrity and failure. Setting small, achievable goals can lower inertia in creative practice. Poor creativity levels can be directly linked to poor self-care practices. The vague ‘what ifs' of negative thought need to be brought into the light to be countered. Relationships and community should take precedence over work. Creative work should be seen as enrichment, not your whole life and worth. Action is the key to overcoming fear and self-doubt.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Courage in Creativity 02:30 Falling Short of Childhood Expectations 08:23 Strategies for Building Courage 13:11 Fostering Self-Belief 18:54 Self-Care and its Impact on Creativity 19:52 Patience is Key for a Creative Life 22:51 Talk Back to the Self Criticism 26:48 Overthinking Sucks Balls 31:57 A Priorities Shift Changes Everything 35:41 Final Words of Encouragement   Books mentioned: The War of Art - Steven Pressfield Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor Frankl   Find today’s co-host, Toby Brown on: Facebook: @tobybrownmusic Instagram: @tobybrownguitar   About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world 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 strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method gracehancockmusic@gmail.com www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician   Keywords #courage #creativity #self-doubt #mentalhealth #artisticjourney #overcomingfear #selfcare #relationships #creativepractice #personalgrowth

    37 min

  4. 23 JAN

    #12 Biological Hacks for Nervous Singers - Activate Your Vagus Nerve

    In this episode, Grace explores the intricate relationship between singing and the vagus nerve and how singing can serve as a powerful tool for relaxation and emotional regulation. She explains the physiological mechanisms behind the vagus nerve's influence on vocal control and stress reduction, and shares practical exercises to stimulate the vagus nerve, ultimately highlighting the profound impact of singing on mental health and well-being.   Takeaways The vagus nerve activation is crucial for vocal control. Singing can help reduce stress and anxiety. Diaphragmatic breathing massages the vagus nerve. Singing activates a sense of safety in the body. Warm-up exercises can stimulate the vagus nerve. Singing in groups can synchronise heart rates. Vocal exercises can improve mood and emotional state. The vagus nerve connects physical and mental health. Singing is a way to manipulate your biological state. It's normal- and helpful- to feel a little nervous before a performance.   Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:34 The Vagus Nerve and Its Role in Singing 03:16 Singing as a Tool for Relaxation 04:50 Vagus Nerve Stimulation Exercises 14:39 Outro   About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world 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 strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method gracehancockmusic@gmail.com www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician   #vagusnerve #singing #relaxation #vocalcontrol #diaphragmaticbreathing #nervoussystem #performanceanxiety #vocalexercises #mentalhealth #musictherapy #optimization

    15 min

  5. 16 JAN

    #11 Good Vocal Tone Can Be Learned - Daniel Jarvis

    In this conversation, Dan Jarvis, a musical director and vocal expert, discusses the intricacies of vocal tone, the anatomy of the voice, and various singing techniques to manipulate tone to suit the genre of music being sung. He discusses the differences between head voice and falsetto, nasal tonality and twang, the role of vowels and consonants in achieving a desired tone, and the techniques for developing a mix voice and belt. The discussion also touches on the essence of good singing, highlighting the need for emotional connection and storytelling in performance.   Takeaways There's a lot you can change and manipulate in your vocal tone. Vocal folds vibrate to create sound, and their thickness affects pitch. Head voice and falsetto are different, with varying anatomical positions. Vowels alterations are used in shaping vocal tone and quality. You don’t need more air to sing loud/high Nasality and Twang both create bright tone and are often confused for one another Vibrato often emerges as a byproduct of good vocal technique. A good singer connects truthfully with the material they perform. Technique work should complement performance, not overshadow it.   Chapters 00:00 Exploring Vocal Tone and Choices 02:12 Understanding Head Voice and Vocal Folds 04:56 Navigating Vocal Techniques: Chest Voice vs. Head Voice 07:44 Falsetto vs. Head Voice: Anatomical Differences 10:38 The Role of Vowels in Vocal Tone 16:19 Twang vs. Nasality in Singing 19:04 Impressions and Natural Singing 21:53 Ways to Use and Improve Breath Control 26:28 Good Posture Makes a Big Difference! 29:48 Vibrato: Byproduct of Good Technique 34:18 What Makes A Good Singer? 37:02 Wrap Up and Where to Find Dan's Work   Mentions/ resources: Dan’s Website: https://www.danieljarvismusic.com/ Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danjarvis7 Video showing the structure of the Cricoid and Thyroid cartilages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QhVoaVUGmM  Video of the vocal structures (Aryepiglottic Sphincter) used in Twang https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPTBdcYiMy4.    About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world 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 strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method gracehancockmusic@gmail.com www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician   #vocaltone #singingtechniques #headvoice #falsetto #mixvoice #belt #vocalanatomy #musicaltheatre #vocalexercises #vocalscience

    40 min

  6. 9 JAN

    #10 Modify Your Vowels Like A Pro - Whitney Houston Study

    In this episode, Grace delves into the intricacies of vowel alterations in singing, explaining their importance in achieving better pitch, resonance, and vocal health. She goes through the 12 vowels in the English dialect, practical ways to use them and how they resonate in different areas of the mouth. The conversation also includes an analysis of Whitney Houston’s vowel manipulation, how she gravitates each vowel towards the ‘neutral vowels’ for more powerful and fluid singing.   Takeaways Vowels are your steering wheel for tone and placement. The right vowel alterations can help relieve vocal strain and improve resonance Avoid dipthongs - sing into the widest part of every vowel Vowels are formed more by the tongue and less by the face and mouth than you think Different pitches resonate better with specific vowels. Closed vowels need to open and wide vowels need to round off as you go higher. Whitney Houston’s vowels keep the airflow as consistent as possible   Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Vowel Sounds in Singing 00:43 Two Big Adjustments You Can Make Right Now 07:11 The 12 Vowels and Where They Resonate 13:26 Analysing Whitney Houston's Vowels 19:19 Vowel Modification Exercises and Experiments 23:30 Outro   Mentions/ Resources: The diagram of vowels within the mouth from Heart of Florida Chorus (now singwithhof.com) - https://www.heartoffloridachorus.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Craft.Singing-Better-Vowels.pdf   The 12 vowel sounds in the English dialect: ‘Ee’ as in ‘Pete’ ‘Ih’ as in ‘Jim’ ‘Ay’ as in ‘Dave’ ‘Eh’ as in ‘Ted’ ‘Aah’ as in ‘Dan’ Ah’ as in ‘Father’ ‘Uh’ as in ‘Bud’ ‘Er’ as in ‘Word’ ‘Aww’ as in ‘ Aww look at that puppy’ ‘Oh’ as in ‘Joe’ ‘Ouhh’ as in ‘Woody’ ‘Oo’ as in ‘Shoe’   Tricia Leines - Youtube Series ‘Perfect Vowels’ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR0uR6OzjcfZFlFUjLgBGtofu8lidaPUu   Vowel Modification Cheat Sheet: - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N73mYP-qQKbmHRguPAx4rZGDJYj48CPq/view?usp=sharing   About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world 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 strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method gracehancockmusic@gmail.com www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician   #singing #vowels #vocaltechnique #resonance #pitch #tension #WhitneyHouston #vocalexercises #singingtips #vocalrange

    24 min

  7. 2 JAN

    #9 How to Become a Cruise Ship Musician

    In this episode of the Curious Vocalists podcast, Grace Hancock shares her journey to becoming a cruise ship musician, offering valuable insights and tips for aspiring performers. She discusses the challenges of preparing for the role, including learning a vast repertoire of songs, building a showreel, and networking with agents. Grace also addresses the health challenges musicians face on board, emphasising the importance of vocal care and managing seasickness. Throughout the conversation, she encourages listeners to embrace their passion for music and take the leap into the world of cruise ship performance.   Takeaways You don't need to be a master instrumentalist to succeed. You need at least 150-200 songs in your repertoire to start as a solo musician on ships You don’t have to read music to be a solo cruise ship musician Store all your arrangements of songs as videos on a Google Drive With the right incentive, anything is possible Vitamin C and other health boosting products are crucial for performers on ships. It’s not the motion that creates seasickness but your resistance to the movement Invest in good equipment for practicing in your cabin. Managing your voice and avoiding over-talking is key to longevity. Confidence grows with experience; don't wait to feel ready.   Chapters 00:00 The Allure of Cruise Ship Musicianship 01:29 The Journey to Getting Hired 03:22 Building Your Repertoire by Ear, from Scratch 07:07 Navigating Challenges on Board 10:36 Tech and Packing Essentials 16:27 Dealing with Seasickness 18:00 Vocal Longevity Tips 20:09 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Taking Action 21:40 Outro   Resources/Mentions: The relatively lightweight keyboard with weighted keys I first took onboard with me in my cabin: Casio CDP-S110 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Og2OyW6G454   My fold up Keyboard: OYAYO 88 key, semi-weighted, foldable keyboard - https://shorturl.at/Q8FbN   Gator TSA 88 Hard Flight case that fitted the Casio keyboard: https://shorturl.at/Hojgl   Agents: Hatch Box Talent Gary Parkes Music Suoni Music Management Sonic Artistes East West Entertainment Warshaw Entertainment   About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world 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 strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method gracehancockmusic@gmail.com www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician   Keywords #cruiseshipmusician #musiccareer #performancetips #vocalhealth #showreel #networking #musicpreparation #travel #musicianlifestyle

    22 min
  8. #8 Techniques for Vocal Versatility with Stephanie Webber

    19/12/2025

    #8 Techniques for Vocal Versatility with Stephanie Webber

    Stephanie Webber shares her experience as a full-time vocalist and how she has developed such versatility and longevity in her voice. Hear about her time as a contestant on The Voice, being so flustered that she made the judges laugh, performing in front of Tom Jones, Rita Ora, Will.I.Am and Ricky Wilson and being mentored by Sir Tom. She discusses her vocal techniques, the importance of ongoing training, and the challenges of performing various genres. Stephanie also reflects on her growth as an artist and her aspirations for the future.   Takeaways Stephanie Webber is a versatile vocalist with a rich background in various music genres. It’s important to do ongoing vocal training and lessons even as a professional. You need less air than you think to sing. Especially high and loud. The Estill technique teaches how to sing with less air. Understanding vocal placement is crucial for achieving different singing styles. Warm-up routines are essential for maintaining vocal health and performance quality. Performing in front of an audience requires constant self-checking and awareness of technique. Stephanie's journey reflects the importance of resilience and adaptability in a singing career.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Stephanie Webber 01:26 Vocal Health and Versatility 04:02 The Importance of Placement and Air Pressure 13:08 Watching Yourself Back Can Be Painful! 15:33 Stephanie’s Experience on ‘The Voice’ 22:13 Stephanie’s Pre-Gig Exercises 30:09 Future Aspirations 31:59 Outro   Resources Estill Technique - https://estillvoice.com/ Tim Richards - https://www.howthevoiceworks.co.uk/tim-richards Ken Tamplin - https://kentamplinvocalacademy.com/ Madeleine Harvey - https://www.youtube.com/@MadeleineHarveyVoice   About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world 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 strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.   Contact Method gracehancockmusic@gmail.com www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician   #StephanieWebber #SirTomJones #RitaOra #Will.I.Am #RickyWilson #vocaltechniques #TheVoice #BBCradioWales #singing #cruiseshipperformer #warmuproutines #vocaltraining #performance  #music industry #estill

    33 min
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About

For the curious singers who want to find more fulfilment from their craft, join Grace for a deep dive into comprehensive vocal training techniques and profound emotional awareness. Featuring insightful interviews with experienced performers and practitioners, listen in as Grace gleans wisdom about the technical know-how, mental resilience and ways to navigate this turbulent industry with integrity and purpose.

Information

  • Creator
    Grace Hancock Music
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Curious Vocalists