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. HACE 3 H

    Ep.253 The S-Word: Why It's Time to Rethink 'Support' in Singing Teaching with Line Hilton

    Line Hilton hosts the Singing Teachers Talk podcast and challenges the continued, vague use of “support” and appoggio in breath management teaching, arguing that research shows no single correct breathing strategy among elite singers and that singers often misidentify what their respiratory muscles are doing. She explains how singing uses much larger lung-volume ranges than speech, often requiring controlled braking against passive recoil rather than pushing more air, and notes that trained singers don’t have bigger lungs—just better coordination. Drawing on sources including Miller, McCoy, Titze, Sundberg, and EMG research, she reframes “support” as task-specific breath management shaped by genre, physiology, and performance demands, and offers practical studio strategies such as audiation, mental rehearsal, the Underwood method, SPLAT, physiological sigh, sustained S/counting, straw phonation, gestural calibration, score marking, CO2 tolerance work, and respiratory hygiene.    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  00:19 Why the term support bothers me  01:47 What the research says  04:23 Why breath is complex  08:42 The problem with support  14:55 Reframing as Breath Management  15:32 Studio tools and exercises  23:43 Bigger picture  and hygiene  24:42 Key takeaways and language shift    About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS    SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL LIST OF RESOURCES HERE   🎁 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

    28 min
  2. 25 MAR

    Ep.252 Cross-Training Through a Latin American Lens: A Modern Vocal Pedagogy with Dr Luciano Simões

    This week, Alexa is joined by Dr Luciano Simões to explore cross-training as a modern vocal pedagogy through a Latin American lens, unpacking how singers can develop flexibility, resilience, and stylistic authenticity across different genres. Drawing on the rich hybridity of Latin American music Luciano shares how cross-training equips singers to navigate diverse vocal demands with both technical freedom and cultural awareness. This conversation challenges the idea of fixed vocal identities, inviting teachers and singers alike to embrace versatility, curiosity, and the vibrant diversity of global vocal styles.  WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   2:10 Who is Dr Luciano Simões?   6:42 Understanding Latin American music   21:13 What functional technique is included in cross-training?   27:57 What does a cross-training singing lesson look like?   37:41 Technical conflicts in cross-training     About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Jeanie LoVetri  Alexander Technique  Feldenkrais  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.245 Technique Meets Artistry: Working with Contemporary Singers    ABOUT THE GUEST  Dr. Luciano Simões is a baritone, voice pedagogue, conductor, and researcher with over 30 years of teaching experience. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from Michigan State University, alongside advanced degrees in choral conducting and musicology, and has undertaken postdoctoral research on Fado and musical theatre belting. He previously taught at institutions including the Latin American Integration University, where he developed a pioneering cross-training voice programme based on Latin American styles.  Now based in Germany, he runs an independent voice studio and lectures internationally on cross-training and hybrid vocal technique. His work has been presented at major global conferences and published in leading voice journals. As a performer, he has sung across genres from opera to Brazilian jazz and maintains an active profile in both solo and choral music.  SEE FULL BIO HERE Instagram: @lucianosimoes_dma  🎁 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

    51 min
  3. 18 MAR

    Ep.251 10 Plus Songs for Tween Girls with Alexa Terry

    In this episode, Alexa explores how to choose repertoire that sits comfortably within developing ‘tween’ voices while still feeling relevant and exciting for young singers today. From musical theatre gems to contemporary chart hits, the episode offers a thoughtfully curated selection of songs alongside practical considerations around vocal range, lyrical appropriateness, and the ever-evolving cultural world of 9–12 year olds—helping teachers feel a little more in touch (and maybe even a little bit cooler) in the process.    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST  1:10 Defining ‘tween’  2:24 Considerations for the tween girl   5:35 10+ songs for tween girls     About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.223 10 Songs for Child Singers  Vocal Health Education   Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults by Jenevora Williams   Sing Up Foundation  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.181 The Role of Singing in Mental Wellness  musicnotes.com  Sarah Joyce   War Child UK    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, 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   🎁 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

    17 min
  4. 11 MAR

    Ep.250 Building a Musical Theatre Rep Folder That Actually Works with Grace Galloway

    In this episode, Alexa is joined by performer and vocal coach Grace Galloway, fresh from her run in Ride the Cyclone in London. Together they dive into one of the biggest questions for musical theatre performers: how to build a rep folder that actually works in the audition room. Grace shares practical advice on choosing songs you can rely on “come rain or shine,” shaping material to fit different auditions, and finding repertoire that highlights your unique selling points as a performer. From audition stages to song cuts and the myth of the “perfect” choice, this episode is packed with honest insights to help performers create a versatile, confident rep book that can adapt to whatever audition comes next.  WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   1:07 Grace’s best and worst audition experiences  5:40 The stages of a musical theatre audition   9:20 How important is song choice?   16:05 Should you transpose songs for auditions?   19:25 What is the most common style asked for in an audition at the moment?   24:20 Mindset in the Musical Theatre industry   30:54 The current audition ‘buzz’ song  31:36 What should be in your audition rep folder?   37:31 Making song cuts    42:37 A musical theatre rep book case study     About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Danceworks  Debbie O’Brien  Aida  Pineapple  Grace sings ‘The Ballad of Jane Doe’   Harry Blumenau   Dundee Rep Theatre     ABOUT THE GUEST  Grace is originally from Liverpool and trained at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She will be appearing as the title role of Rita in Educating Rita at Dundee Rep Theatre this Spring. Grace is also a qualified vocal coach and holds an Estill Figure Proficiency certificate with Estill Voice International. She is a lecturer in voice, repertoire coach and audition preparation mentor at Mountview and Italia Conti. She currently coaches professionals, those in training or those wanting to pursue vocational training.    Theatre credits include: Jane Doe in Ride the Cyclone (Southwark Playhouse), Astrid Kirchherr/On stage MD in Shake It Up Baby! (Epstein Theatre, Liverpool), Diva 1 in Priscilla The Party! (West End), Marchesa Zuliani & 1st Cover Azzurra in the world premiere of Stiletto (Charing Cross Theatre), Donna Marie/Miss Jones/Alternate Mrs Lyons in Blood Brothers (UK tour), The Amazing Adventures of Pinocchio (UK tour), Di and Viv and Rose (The Hope Street Theatre), Velma Kelly (emergency cover) in Chicago (Pitlochry Festival Theatre). TV credits include: G'wed (ITV), Greggs-Bag Some Joy ( 🎁 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

    55 min
  5. 4 MAR

    Ep. 249 Why Your Singing Studio Isn’t Growing (And What to Do About It) with Meta Ads Strategist Danny Young

    Do you have a stellar service or a product you truly believe in… but you’re just not attracting the right people? In this episode Meta Ads strategist Danny Young breaks down how advertising really works in 2026 — and why understanding strategy and buyer psychology matters more than simply “running ads.” From navigating today’s trust recession to building a powerful Connect & Convert Ecosystem, he shares how to turn cold audiences into warm, ready-to-buy clients. You’ll hear how a simple shift in messaging helped one coach scale from six to seven figures, why most business owners waste budget on the wrong objectives, and how to make your marketing feel relevant rather than intrusive. If you’re ready to stop hoping and start advertising with intention, this episode is for you.    WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   3:32 Sian’s success story  7:15 How has online advertising changed over the last 20-years?  13:25 Facebook in 2026  15:44 Facebook Vs Instagram marketing   16:45 Advertising products Vs services   19:42 Buyer Psychology of 2026   21:44 Standing out  25:57 Danny’s Connect And Covert Ecosystem   39:31 What questions should we be asking ourselves?   43:34 Working with Danny Young     About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Buyer Psychology   ChatGPT  Claude   The Azaylia Foundation   Danny’s Academy     ABOUT THE GUEST  Danny Young is a Meta ads strategist and agency owner who helps infopreneurs and expert-led businesses generate leads, enquiries and sales for their business using simple, low-cost advertising coupled with clear strategy.  With more than a decade of experience, Danny is known for cutting through the complexity of online marketing and helping business owners understand how ads really work - not as a quick fix, but as a way to amplify strong messaging and reach the right people at the right time.  He specialises in making paid traffic feel practical and approachable, helping clients build sustainable growth without overcomplicating the process.  Instagram: @dannyyoungonline  🎁 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
  6. 25 FEB

    Ep.248 Thyroid Tilt Under the Microscope: Perception vs Physiology with Dr Mathias Aaen

    What’s really happening inside the larynx when we ‘tilt?’ In this episode, Alexa is joined by voice researcher Dr Mathias Aaen to unpack the science behind thyroid tilt - exploring what his latest studies reveal about pitch, vocal fold lengthening, and healthy singing. The pair cut through common misconceptions, translate research into studio-ready language, and ask the big question: are our teaching prompts actually doing what we think they are? If you love practical pedagogy grounded in solid science, this one’s for you.  WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?   2:58 What is tilt? Anatomy & physiology   6:35 CVT framework  16:13 Study results   22:45 Physiology vs the perceptual   25:36 Teaching prompts   43:10 Vocal fold length and pitch change   48:14 Enemies of tilt  52:37 Common misconceptions about tilt   About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  Investigating Laryngeal “Tilt” on Same-pitch Phonation—Preliminary Findings of Vocal Mode, Metal and Density Parameters as Alternatives to Cricothyroid-Thyroarytenoid “Mix” by Mathias Aaen et al  Correlating Degree of Thyroid Tilt Independent of fo Control as a Mechanism for Phonatory Density with EGG and Acoustic Measures across Loudness Conditions by Aaen. M et al  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.131 Mastering Research Papers: How to Read with Ease and Extract Knowledge   Complete Vocal Institute   Dr Ian Howell  Dr Mark Tempesta  Kerrie Obert   Dr Ingo Titze  Estill  CVT App  Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica   Manuel Garcia   Praat  ABOUT THE GUEST  Mathias Aaen, PhD, is a voice researcher, educator, and certified rehabilitation specialist. He serves as Honorary Researcher at Nottingham University Hospitals and VP of Research & Collaboration at CVI, and was previously a Fulbright Fellow at UC Berkeley. His work focuses on voice physiology, acoustics, auditory-perceptual analysis, and voice habilitation and rehabilitation, with groundbreaking research into the physiology and health of contemporary commercial music styles, including rock and heavy metal. He recently completed a PostDoc investigating the CVT framework as a clinical treatment for dysphonia in MTD and ABI patients. An award-winning researcher and Authorised CVT Teacher, Mathias is also an active performer who has worked with leading opera houses and voice professionals worldwide.   SEE FULL BIO HERE 🎁 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

    1 h 5 min
  7. 18 FEB

    Ep.247 The 5-Day Challenge: Clarity, Confidence, and Getting Started as a Singing Teacher with Line Hilton

    What if you’re not stuck because you don’t know enough, but because you think you should know everything before you begin? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by where to start, unsure how to market yourself, or quietly battling imposter syndrome, this episode is for you. We’re exploring why so many singers hesitate to step into teaching — and how a simple 5-Day Challenge might be the reset that brings clarity, confidence, and momentum. Could five focused days change everything?  WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  0:52 The things that overwhelm us in singing teaching and business  7:42 Pushing the ‘reset’ button  11:47 What is a 5-day challenge?   16:27 Can I do it again if I’ve already done one?  17:11 Why a 5-day challenge helps singing teachers  20:14 What shift might you notice from doing a 5-day challenge?   21:44 The 5-day challenge special offer  22:30 The next BAST Training 5-day challenge     About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS    Line Hilton The Stage Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.192 How to Set Boundaries as a Singing Teacher  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 239 10 Common Barriers to Being a Singing Teacher and How to Overcome Them  Insight Timer The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron  Phil Harrison The Business of Stories by Susan Payton  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.126 ‘The Business of Stories’ - Game-Changing Marketing Strategy  Kaya Herstad-Carney   REGISTER FOR THE BAST TRAINING 5-DAY CHALLENGE, HERE  🎁 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

    25 min
  8. 11 FEB

    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

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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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