The FULL VOICE Podcast With Nikki Loney

The FULL VOICE podcast shares modern teaching tips, vocal pedagogy, business best practices for voice professionals.

Sharing inspiring interviews with music educators from around the world, the FULL VOICE Podcast shares pedagogy, business strategies, and best practices for your voice studio.

  1. 217 | When Students Leave Your Music Studio

    May 27

    217 | When Students Leave Your Music Studio

    217 | When Students Leave Your Music Studio {fullvoicemusic.com} ⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/217/ ⭐ In this episode of the FULL VOICE Podcast, Nikki Loney explores the good, the not-so-good, and the ugly side of students leaving your studio. From graduating seniors and heartfelt goodbyes to ghosting families and awkward exits, this honest conversation reminds teachers that student departures are a normal part of studio life. Perfect for voice teachers, music educators, and private studio owners, this episode reminds us to hold fast to our studio policies, navigate difficult communication professionally, never burn bridges with students or families, and recognize that some students unexpectedly find their way back years later. 🔹[2:40] Music studios and student retention 🔹[3:15] “The Good” The healthy student goodbyes 🔹[5:25] Families are part of the music studio community 🔹[6:28] “Not-so-good” student departures 🔹[11:24] Leaving the door open 🔹[18:45] Live Office Hours #18 - Summer Studio Strategies 🔹[20:10] “The Ugly” Families who ghost you 🔹[25:54] Live Office Hours - register for free webinar 🔹[27:00] Upcoming Summer Workshop Series ⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Sign up for FULL VOICE Music Live Office Hours Here: https://fullvoicemusic.com/newsletter/ Register for Live Teacher workshops here: https://fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/workshops/ Listen to Baby Girl here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkdnRdgQZHNghIFrNneczBQ **FULL VOICE Podcasts about Onboarding:** https://fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/166-onboarding-new-students/ https://fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/167-onboarding-new-students-part-2/ How to Run Your Business without Hating Your Boss Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1znZiSyyEjNMWPevetQPVs ⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST: Nikki Loney is the “Boss-of-it-all” at FULL VOICE Music. With 36 years of experience in private voice teaching she understands the ebb and flow of student retention. Inspired by the youngest students in her private voice studio, Nikki challenges teachers to redefine what singing lessons looks like for young voices. She works with music education specialists, children’s composers, and voice experts to create music education resources for professional voice teachers. ⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/ ⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/ ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released May 29th, 2026 ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

    30 min
  2. 216 | The Voice Teacher’s Role in Vocal Health Challenges with Dr. Heather Nelson

    Apr 23

    216 | The Voice Teacher’s Role in Vocal Health Challenges with Dr. Heather Nelson

    216 | The Voice Teacher’s Role in Vocal Health Challenges with Dr. Heather Nelson {fullvoicemusic.com} ⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/216/ ⭐ Episode 216 features vocologist, Dr. Heather Nelson and explores the ethics of diagnosing vocal health issues, and how our genuine desire to help can sometimes lead us beyond our scope. Heather brings clarity to what you can and cannot say, and how to support singers with care and professionalism. You’ll also learn how to work with students who are waiting for a medical diagnosis, or who choose not to seek one at all, without overstepping your role. If you’ve ever wondered where the line is, this episode will help you navigate it with confidence. 🔹[2:20] About Dr. Heather Nelson 🔹[3:40] A “typical” week in the life of a vocologist 🔹[7:40] Educational paths for vocology 🔹[13:00] Understanding the ‘scope of practice’ boundaries 🔹[17:00] Changing voices and vocal health 🔹[20:30] Looking for patterns in the singing voice 🔹[24:35] Finding the right specialist for voice issue 🔹[37:15] How to work with students awaiting medical diagnosis 🔹[44:43] How anxiety and depression affect vocal health 🔹[51:04] Building a support team around vocal health 🔹[54:20] Heather’s Vocal Pedagogy Parties ⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🔗 FULL VOICE Music Live Teacher Trainings https://fullvoicemusic.com/shop/teacher-training/workshops/ 🔗 Vocal Ped Parties with Dr. Heather Nelson https://www.drheathernelson.com/contact ⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST: Dr. Heather Nelson is a vocal nerd who loves studying how it all works together, and then telling people about all the cool things she finds. She aims to take all the science-y goodness and translate it into understandable terms and into practical strategies that can actually make a difference to the independent voice teacher and the choir director in the trenches of school music life. Additionally, as a vocologist she loves working with wonky voices who have a little something extra going on, like vocal injuries, tough vocal changes, and sticky voice problems that won't go away. Puns and terrible jokes are her love language, and fun, optimism, and curiosity are the three values that drive her business. 🔹website: www.drheathernelson.com 🔹instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drheathernelson/ ⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/ ⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/ ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released April 24, 2026 ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

    1h 4m
  3. 215 |Themed Recitals for Community Connection and Profit

    Mar 27

    215 |Themed Recitals for Community Connection and Profit

    215 |Themed Recitals for Community Connection and Profit {fullvoicemusic.com} ⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/215/ ⭐ Performer and voice teacher Elizabeth Saunders shares her journey creating themed recitals that engage audiences, inspire musical collaboration with composers, and build community through accessible, unforgettable performances. 🔹[0:00] Information 🔹[8:41] Working with living composers 🔹[9:58] Songs about dogs (The Dog Recital) 🔹[28:20] Marketing the caregiver fundraising recital 🔹[32:30] The Songs for Love, Care, and being at home 🔹[40:51] Elizabeth’s 3-day retreat: UnMuted: Reclaiming Your Authentic Expression Through Music and Mindset **Elizabeth’s Dog Recital Song List:** 🔹Times Like This (from “Lucky Stiff”) by Ahrens & Flaherty 🔹Two Tellings of the Tragic Tale of Mama Hubbard and Her Pooch** 🔹Mrs. Hubbard (from Mother Goose Sonnets of John V. Hicks) by David L. McIntyre 🔹Old Mother Hubbard (set in the manner of Handel) by Victor Hely-Hutchinson **Song Cycle: Going to the Dogs by Bruce Lazarus** 🔹Song of the Mischievous Dog (D. Thomas) 🔹Engraved on the Collar of His Highness’ Dog (A. Pope) 🔹The Hairy Dog (H. Asquith) 🔹Advice to a Dog Painter (J. Swift) 🔹The Dachsund (J.E. Donovan) **Beethoven and Haydn Speak of Poodles** 🔹 Elegie auf den Tod eines Pudels by Ludwig van Beethoven 🔹Der schlaue und dienstfertige Pudel by Franz Josef Haydn **Pups from Opposite Sides of the Tracks** 🔹Lone Dog (Irene R. McLeod from Tom Tiddler’s Ground) by Benjamin Britten 🔹Sophie’s Song (Fredericka von Stade) by Jake Heggie **Dogs and Romance** 🔹My Dog Loves Your Dog (from Fox Picture “George White’s Scandals”) by Ray Henderson 🔹DOG (from “Eight Unnecessary Songs”) by Susan Werner **Songs in Remembrance** 🔹Old Dog Tray by Stephen Foster 🔹Slow March (Inscribed to the Children’s Faithful Friend) by Charles Ives 🔹What do I do with the Love? by Phil Hall **Dogs Being Dogs** 🔹Duetto Buffo di due Good Boys (The Dog Duet, after Rossini, performed with my pianist) by Robbie Ellis 🔹For Whom the Dog Tolls (An Opera in One Act for Voice, Piano, Whistle, and Duck Call) by Ashi Day **Facebook groups to connect with art song composers and find songs on your recital theme:** 🔹American Art Song Composers 🔹The African American Art Song Alliance 🔹The Art Songs and Lieder Group 🔹Classical Art Song Friends ⭐ Special Offer: Contact Elizabeth about her $200 discount for FULL VOICE Podcast Listeners Learn more about Elizabeth’s Retreat: https://elizabethsaundersvoice.com/unmuted-reclaiming-your-authentic-expression-through-music-and-mindset/ ⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST: Elizabeth is President of the New York Singing Teachers Association, a singing teacher, actor, and performer. After an international career in opera and concert, she expanded into a wider range of vocal styles and acting to explore more authentic human expression. She is the creator and facilitator of Unmuted: Reclaiming your authentic expression through music, a three-day retreat in the Catskills focused on voice, connection, and healthy vocal instincts. 🔹https://elizabethsaundersvoice.com/ ⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/ ⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/ ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released March 27, 2026 ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

    47 min
  4. 214 | Navigating Chronic Illness & Vocal Injury with Hannah May

    Feb 27

    214 | Navigating Chronic Illness & Vocal Injury with Hannah May

    214 | Navigating Chronic Illness & Vocal Injury with Hannah May {fullvoicemusic.com} ⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/214/ ⭐ Illness and vocal health challenges touch every voice professional, in our own lives or in the lives of our students. Tasmanian-born singer, songwriter, and voice teacher Hannah May shares her journey through chronic illness and recovery from vocal injury and how that experience transformed the way she holds space for her students and sets clear, compassionate boundaries in her studio. In Episode 214, we explore a story of resilience, perspective, and a powerful redefinition of sustainable singing. 🔹[4:12] Tasmania (Lutruwita) 🔹[14:13] the impact of voice injury in your life 🔹[15:30] Navigating a voice injury diagnosis 🔹[19:04] Endometriosis and adenomyosis diagnosis 🔹[29:00] The priority of rest and health 🔹[33:00] Sharing information about vocal injury with students 🔹[35:00] My vocal health support team 🔹[47:05] How I use a student feedback form 🔹[52:00] Find your support team in your health journey 🔹[55:00] Songwriting tools and coaching ⭐ I’m currently developing a series of tools to support singers/songwriters, set to launch in mid-2026. To stay updated and learn more, follow the studio on Instagram @hm.voicestudio ⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST: Hannah May is a Tasmania/Lutruwita-born singer, songwriter, pianist, and vocal coach with over 20 years of experience in singing, performance, and songwriting. Known for her soulful, genre-blending sound she has performed on iconic stages including the Sydney Opera House, major festivals, and alongside ARIA-winning artists such as Monique Brumby, Clare Bowditch, The Audreys, Wes Carr, and Damon Albarn (UK). Hannah has over 15 years of experience in various pedagogical environments and in 2020, established HM Voice Studio (offering in-person and online coaching), helping singers and songwriters at every stage of their journey develop authentic, confident voices through expert technique and individualised, empathetic support. Hannah’s journey has also been shaped by personal challenges. After being diagnosed with endometriosis and experiencing a voice injury, she gained a deep understanding of the voice’s physical and emotional demands. These experiences have fuelled her passion for holistic vocal health, resilience, and empowerment for herself and everyone that she works with. 🔹website: [https://www.hannahmaymusic.com.au/](https://www.hannahmaymusic.com.au/) 🔹instagram: @hannahmaymusic ⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/ ⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/ ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released February 27th, 2026 ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

    1h 5m
  5. 213 | Social Media Update with Karen Michaels

    Jan 30

    213 | Social Media Update with Karen Michaels

    213 | Social Media Update with Karen Michaels {fullvoicemusic.com} ⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/213/ ⭐ In episode #213, returning guest Karen Michaels (voice teacher, performer, and social media strategist) joins Nikki for a practical 2026 update on all things social media. Karen breaks down recent algorithm changes, what’s actually working right now, and how busy voice teachers can show up online with clarity and purpose. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re belting into the void, this episode offers common-sense strategies to help you connect, be seen, and make a real impact in your marketing efforts. 🔹[8:01] What platform is best for voice teachers? 🔹[15:58] How Important is engaging with others on Social Media? 🔹[23:30] Recent changes to the social media algorithms 🔹[31:04] Social media posts to avoid 🔹[34:46] Using Substack to connect with others ⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🔗 Follow this link for Karen’s Discount code for FV Podcast Listeners https://socialbutterflygroup.substack.com/aa615601 ⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST: Karen Michaels CEE Chief Executive Everything of the Social. Butterfly Group, Positive Viber, Social Media Strategist for Creatives, Musicians, Voice teachers, actors. Social Media can feel daunting…I know. I get you. I am you. I’ve got YOU! Instagram: IG@socialbutterflygroup Substack: The Social Butterfly Buzz ⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/ ⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/ ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released January 30th, 2026 ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

    44 min
  6. 212 | Less Talking, Better Teaching

    12/26/2025

    212 | Less Talking, Better Teaching

    212 | Less Talking, Better Teaching {fullvoicemusic.com} ⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/212/ ⭐ As voice teachers, we have so much we want to share, but long explanations, detailed lectures about anatomy, and constant corrective language will unintentionally sabotage learning. In episode 212, Nikki explores why less talking and more singing leads to better teaching. We’ll touch on executive function and Cognitive Load Theory and share simple, practical strategies for more singing, less talking, and deeper learning in your voice lessons. 🔹[2:15] Why Less talking in a Voice Lesson? 🔹[8:38] A typical lesson with a student 🔹[13:35] Attention myths and executive function 🔹[22:30] The nervous system and when learning stops 🔹[29:00] FULL VOICE Teacher Training: Cultivating Consent in the Voice Studio with Megan Durham 🔹[31:55] Cognitive Overload Theory in singing lessons 🔹[44:00] Why talking less makes us feel like we are not doing our job ⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🔗 Tera Sumptner (SLP and Executive Function Expert) https://terasumpter.com/ IG https://www.instagram.com/terasumpter_slp 🔗 Another Thing New Teacher Workshop: Cultivating Consent in the Voice Studio with Megan Durham https://fullvoicemusic.com/product/cultivating-consent-in-the-voice-studio-with-megan-durham/ 🔗 Thank you for your support. Visit our website www.fullvoicemusic.com ⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST: Nikki is the "Boss of it All" at FULL VOICE Music, where she collaborates with an incredible team, vocal music composers, and music education specialists worldwide to create outstanding singing resources. With 34 years of experience teaching private voice lessons, she shares vocal pedagogy insights and best practices to ensure every student leaves the studio with a smile and you build a teaching business you love. ⭐ Discover MORE great topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/ ⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/ ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released December 26, 2025 ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

    48 min
  7. 211 | Alleviating Stress & Overfunctioning with Lisa Pinnock

    11/28/2025

    211 | Alleviating Stress & Overfunctioning with Lisa Pinnock

    211 | Alleviating Stress & Overfunctioning with Lisa Pinnock {fullvoicemusic.com} ⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/211/ ⭐ On episode 211 of The FULL VOICE Podcast, Nikki welcomes Lisa Pinnock—music educator, choir director, studio owner, and life coach with over 30 years of experience helping people find their voice. Together, Nikki and Lisa discuss the growing issue of teacher burnout, how overfunctioning shows up in our work, and why intentional pauses can be a powerful reset for creativity, balance, and authenticity. A warm, supportive conversation filled with practical insights and gentle reminders that caring for yourself is part of caring for your students. 🎧 Take a breath and enjoy. 🔹[08:24] About Lisa Pinnock 🔹[14:34] Finding that moment of awareness or “pause.” 🔹[16:30] Paying attention to the green, yellow, and red flags 🔹[20:02] What is overfunctioning 🔹[26:23] Strategies for resetting during your day 🔹[40:00] The challenges of setting boundaries 🔹[49:00] Addressing teacher exhaustion and boundaries 🔹[57:40] Work With Lisa ⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🔗 Check out the new release “Tweens ‘N Teens Songbook” https://fullvoicemusic.com/shop/books/songbooks/tweens-n-teens/ ⭐ MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE: ▶️ Julia, You’re Fired! from Tweens and Teens Songbook by Nicky Phillips and Sarah Ziegler now available on www.fullvoicemusic.com ⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST: Lisa Pinnock has spent more than three decades helping others find their voice - literally and figuratively. As a music educator, choir director, and longtime studio owner, she’s nurtured countless young singers and pianists to grow in confidence and creativity. Her passion for expression eventually led her into life coaching, where she now helps educators and entrepreneurs rediscover balance, joy, and purpose. Lisa also leads FemCity Markham, a thriving community for women in business grounded in collaboration, connection, and heart. 🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisampinnock 🔹LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/lisapinnock ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released November 28, 2025 ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

    1h 3m
  8. 210 | Vocal Pacing and Stamina with Dr. Jenevora Williams

    10/31/2025

    210 | Vocal Pacing and Stamina with Dr. Jenevora Williams

    210 | **Vocal Pacing and Stamina with Dr. Jenevora Williams** {fullvoicemusic.com} ⭐ Find links mentioned in this episode here: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcast/210/ ⭐ **In episode 210 of The FULL VOICE Podcast,** Nikki welcomes world-renowned voice pedagogue **Dr. Jenevora Williams** for an in-person conversation about vocal pacing, stamina, and vocal health best practices. Experienced teachers know how demanding this time of year can be. They prioritize vocal health, mindful scheduling, and sustainable singing for both themselves and their students. Dr. Williams offers practical strategies for managing vocal load, building awareness, and fostering resilience in the studio and on stage. This inspiring episode is filled with encouragement, science-based insight, and actionable tools to help you and your students sing and teach with confidence, ease, and longevity. 🔹[3:43] Reflection from the 2025 International Congress of Voice Teachers 🔹[9:06] Understanding stamina in speaking and singing 🔹[18:54] Jenevora’s vocal rehabilitation work 🔹[24:06] working with tired, overwhelmed singers 🔹[29:19] Preparing students for busy performance seasons 🔹[43:52] Working with young singers in musical theatre shows 🔹[46:30] Best practices for vocal rest 🔹[53:15] Finding balance in busy lives 🔹[58:38] Dr. Jenevora Williams’ vocal pedagogy programs ⭐ MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🔗 Learn more about Jenevora’s courses https://jenevorawilliams.com/ 🔗 Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults https://fullvoicemusic.com/product/teaching-singing-to-children-and-young-adults-3rd-edition-by-jenevora-williams/ 🔗 ONLINE COURSE Voice Growth and Change in Kids and Teens https://fullvoicemusic.com/product/voice-growth-and-change-in-kids-and-teens/ ⭐ ABOUT OUT GUEST: Dr. Jenevora Williams is a globally renowned voice expert, celebrated for her pioneering research in children’s voices, vocal health, and singing pedagogy. A passionate advocate for student-centred learning environments that are imaginative, playful, and inclusive, Jenevora continues to shape vocational education with her practical experience and dedication to the field. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 🔹website: https://jenevorawilliams.com/ 🔹Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenevorawilliams/ ⭐ Discover MORE Inspired teaching topics: https://www.fullvoicemusic.com/podcasts/ ⭐ Find FULL VOICE Music on Facebook and Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/fullvoicemusic | https://www.instagram.com/thefullvoice/ ℹ️ Hosted by Nikki Loney; Edited and Theme Music by Shawn Trotter; Released Friday, October 31st, 2025 ℹ️ Offers, discounts, and promotions offered in this episode may be time-sensitive and no longer available at time of listening.

    1h 3m
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4.9
out of 5
68 Ratings

About

Sharing inspiring interviews with music educators from around the world, the FULL VOICE Podcast shares pedagogy, business strategies, and best practices for your voice studio.

Information

  • Creator
    The FULL VOICE podcast shares modern teaching tips, vocal pedagogy, business best practices for voice professionals.
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    217
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The FULL VOICE Podcast With Nikki Loney

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