Singing Teachers Talk

BAST Training
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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

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep.257 Inside the Voice Clinic: Common Vocal Problems & What Happens Next with ENT Mr Nicholas Gibbins

    What are the most common vocal issues singers actually face, and how can we prevent them without falling into the trap of overthinking every tiny symptom? In this engaging and refreshingly honest chat, ENT voice specialist Nick Gibbins breaks down the patterns he sees in clinic, alongside practical insights on building vocal stamina and injury prevention. The conversation tackles what can actually be detected via laryngostroboscopy, reflux, hypermobility, rehabilitation, and Nick also tackles some questions from you, the listeners. Expect expert knowledge, myth-busting, and plenty of down-to-earth, relatable discussion that every singer and teacher will benefit from hearing. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 5:21 What singers does Nick see in clinic? 8:16 Patterns of challenge and injury in singers 13:06 Reflux 17:38 Preparing for vocal load increase 24:10 What can you actually tell about a singer via laryngostroboscopy? 26:46 Hypermobility 36:25 Surgery and recovery 41:08 Singing teachers and rehabilitation 47:52 Can you feel your vocal folds? 54:22 Vocal hygiene without the hype About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Declan Costello Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.87 87 How to Manage Allergies and Upper Respiratory Infections Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers British Laryngological Association CEORL-HNS Congress ABOUT THE GUEST  Mr Nicholas Gibbins is a Consultant Laryngologist and Head & Neck Surgeon at the University Hospital Lewisham. Trained in London and the South-East of England, Nick has built a reputation as an excellent surgeon, teacher and lecturer. Patient outcomes are a key focus for Nick and, along with the whole of the renowned voice team at Lewisham, has built the largest Voice Database in Europe to analyse outcomes. His key interests in the voice are the diagnosis and treatment of vocal fold scars and sulci, and the care and treatment of the professional voice. More recently he has been sought after to lecture on musculoskeletal problems that can either originate in the larynx causing muscle tension imbalance or that arising distally and effect the biomechanics of the voice. He has built a team that can address all these issues that includes speech therapists, osteopaths, vocal rehabilitation coaches, kinetic chain specialists, gastroenterologists, neurologists and more. He writes and publishes regularly and is the current Editor of the Chapter on the Larynx for Gray’s Anatomy (43rd Ed). His term of office as President of the British Laryngological Association began in 2025. 🎁 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

    1h 3m

  2. APR 21

    Ep.256 The Neuroscience of Singing: What the Singer's Brain Needs with Heidi Moss Erickson

    A fascinating deep dive into what really happens inside the singer’s brain, this episode explores the surprising intersection of neuroscience, pedagogy, and creativity. Joined by renowned voice expert Heidi Moss Erickson, the conversation unpacks how singing is both incredibly complex and beautifully instinctive revealing why play, imagination, and even a bit of “crazy” can unlock better vocal performance. This episode challenges singers and teachers alike to embrace a more brain-friendly, joyful approach to vocal training. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 4:19 Is singing really that complex? 7:58 Nature Vs. Nuture 10:19 Brain data for singing 12:03 The order of things: The Holy Grail P1 23:10 Integral parts to the brain’s prediction for singing 29:42 Neurodiversity inclusivity 34:02 The role of intention 39:12 The order of things: The Holy Grail P2 46:26 The brain and learning expectations 54:29 Who needs to understand ‘singing in the brain?’ About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS The work of Richard Miller Erich Jarvis Heidi’s Singing in the Brain Series The work of Ingo Titze Voce Vista Singing With Your Whole Self by Samuel H Nelson & Elizabeth L Blades Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.63 Developing a Singer’s Self Awareness And Clarifying Intention Edward Chang UCSF Journal of Singing  ABOUT THE GUEST Heidi Moss Erickson is an acclaimed soprano, educator, and scientist who has performed on major national and international stages and with leading regional opera companies. A strong advocate for contemporary music, she has premiered works by renowned composers and collaborated with artists such as Jake Heggie and Tarik O’Regan. She has earned top honors in prestigious vocal competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Her academic background in voice, biology, and neuroscience has also led to contributions to significant scientific publications. After a rare nerve injury, Erickson developed an innovative, neuroscience-based approach to vocal pedagogy, now applied across multiple musical genres. She teaches and lectures internationally and shares her work through publications, courses, and her “Singing in the Brain” series. Committed to accessibility, she founded a non-profit providing voice lessons to underserved communities and continues to connect science and singing through her research and writing. SEE FULL BIO HERE Website 🎁 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

    59 min

  3. APR 15

    Ep.255 ‘Stop Faking It! Sound’ Book Review with Alexa Terry

    Get the honest lowdown before you buy in this fun, insightful review episode of Stop Faking It! Sound. Alexa breaks down whether this book really delivers for singing teachers and vocal coaches, without the usual dry, sleep-inducing science. Along the way, Alexa unpacks key concepts in a way that actually sticks, complete with stories and real-world examples. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by sound science or wondered which resources are truly worth your time and money, this episode will help you decide with confidence.    About the presenter HERE   RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS  (NSTA) National Science Teaching Association   Evolve by Chris Johnson  Brian Diskin  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.248 Thyroid Tilt Under the Microscope: Perception vs Physiology  Ken Bozeman  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.146 How to Understand and Apply Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.172 Understanding Acoustic Registers   Chadley Ballantyne  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.52 Getting to Grips with Vocal Acoustics   Ian Howell  Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.237 Beyond the Vocal Tract: How the Brain Shapes What We Hear     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, acts as mentor and unit tutor 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 Practice 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

    15 min

  4. APR 7

    Ep.254 Lessons Learned in the First Year of Teaching Singing with Mark Lowman

    Ever wondered what really happens in that all-important first year of teaching? The leap from passion to profession, from ‘maybe one day’ to ‘this is it’ - it’s rarely a straight line. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the journey of Mark Lowman - from a career in hospitality and travel to stepping into life as a vocal coach. What does it take to start from scratch, build a studio, and back yourself when imposter syndrome creeps in? This is an honest look at that first year: the turning points, the practical steps, and the mindset shifts that make it all possible. It’s about more than technique - it’s about courage, reinvention, and finding your voice not just as a singer, but as a teacher. Let’s get into it. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 0:50 A bit about Mark 9:05 Putting ‘transferable skills’ to use 11:26 Choirs: Managing different personalities, needs and abilities 16:50 Demonstration: The challenge as a male presenting singing teacher 21:20 The first steps to becoming a singing teacher 27:38 Managing imposter syndrome 35:04 What has changed Mark’s mind on? 39:03 Mark’s mission 47:32 What keeps Mark excited about teaching? About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Vocalize Choirs Singing Teachers Talk Ep.102 - Understanding Singing and Menopause Singing Teachers Talk Ep.247 - The 5-Day Challenge: Clarity, Confidence and Getting Started as a Singing Teacher Singing Teachers Talk Ep.154 - Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers Chris Johnson Vocal Coach Singing Teachers Talk Ep.195 How Unlocking Your True Values Can Transform Your Teaching and Life Singing Teachers Talk Ep.227 Following Your Bliss: How to Align Your Life and Business Teach Voice ABOUT THE GUEST Mark Lowman is a vocal coach and performer with over 15 years of international experience across the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. After a successful career in the travel industry leading events, sales, and marketing teams, he moved into coaching and personal development. His passion for music began as a hobby, later performing with choirs and bands, and he started vocal coaching in 2018 with Vocalize Choir, which has since grown into a thriving, successful community. After training with leading vocal coaches and completing the BAST 20-Hour Course, he transitioned to full-time teaching. In 2025, he founded Mark Lowman Vocals, now supporting over 50 students across Dorset in its first year. Website Instagram Facebook 🎁 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

    56 min

  5. APR 1

    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

  6. MAR 25

    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

  7. MAR 18

    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

  8. MAR 11

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    BAST Training
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    256
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Singline Limited
  • Show Website
    Singing Teachers Talk

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