The Aligned Singer

Sarah Hawkey
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The Aligned Singer is a podcast for singers who know there is something more inside them and are ready to bring it fully to life. Hosted by classical soprano and voice teacher Sarah Hawkey, an expert in vocal technique, this show helps you connect the dots from where you are to where you want to be in your voice, your performance opportunities, and your singing career. Each episode explores the inner and outer work required for true embodied artistry to help you clear vocal and mindset blocks so you can do what you came here to do.

Episodes

  1. APR 20

    Ep. 7 - If You Could Write Your Dream Bio, What Would It Say?

    If you've ever found yourself stuck in the daily grind of your singing dreams and losing sight of the bigger picture, you're going to love what we're talking about today. Your voice matters — and I don't just mean your singing — I mean what you choose to give voice to through your work. Today we're diving deep into some inner work, the work that happens behind the scenes inside yourself that helps you connect the dots from where you are now to where you want to be. We're crafting your future bio, an exercise I created years ago to help reframe where my efforts were going in terms of auditions, repertoire, relationships, time, and focus. It became a way to check whether I was actually on the path I truly wanted to be on instead of reacting to what was in front of me. This is also a powerful exercise from the perspective of manifesting. When you write your future bio, you begin to clarify what you truly want to create in your life. Sometimes that clarity shows you that changes need to be made. It may reveal places where you're aligned, and it may also reveal places where adjustments are needed so your daily actions support the bigger vision you carry inside. In this episode, you'll hear four examples of bios that I personally find extremely inspiring. These examples are meant to help open your mind to what becomes possible when someone devotes their life to meaningful work and impact. Hearing stories of people who have made a difference through their artistry, leadership, or advocacy can help expand your sense of what is possible in your artistry and your life. We also explore how to create your own future bio step by step. Not just thinking about it, but writing it down by hand and speaking it out loud so it becomes something tangible. This process helps reorganize your focus, your decisions, and your awareness in ways that support the future you're building. This episode is especially meaningful if you've been feeling stuck in reaction mode, moving from audition to audition or opportunity to opportunity without stepping back to ask where you're truly headed. Your voice matters. Your life matters. And the story you are building with your artistry deserves to be intentional. This is your opportunity to imagine the legacy you want to leave and begin aligning your daily life with that vision. In this episode, you'll learn: • What a future bio is and how it differs from a traditional bio• How to step out of reaction mode and reconnect with a larger vision for your singing life• Why thinking beyond daily responsibilities helps clarify what truly matters to you• How inspiring examples from impactful artists and leaders can expand your thinking• The key questions to ask yourself when imagining your long-term artistic legacy• Why writing your future bio by hand helps activate deeper clarity• How speaking your future bio out loud strengthens focus and commitment• How this exercise can help you notice where adjustments may be needed in your daily habits and decisions• How aligning your time and energy with your long-term vision creates more intentional momentum Chapters: 0:00 Welcome to The Aligned Singer1:45 Inner work vs outer work and why this matters4:12 What a future bio is and why it matters8:36 Thinking bigger than your daily routine12:04 Realizing it had been six years since I last did this exercise16:32 What makes a future bio different from a traditional bio21:05 Four examples of inspiring bios to reflect on49:10 Questions to guide your own future bio55:02 Writing your future bio by hand1:01:00 Speaking your future bio out loud1:06:30 Silencing the voice of fear during the exercise1:11:10 Final encouragement and believing in your voice Get in Touch Voice Studio Website⁠⁠https://www.sarahhawkeystudio.com⁠⁠ Performing Website⁠⁠https://www.sarahhawkey.com⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/voiceteachersarah⁠⁠ TikTok⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceteachersarah⁠⁠

    48 min

  2. APR 8

    Ep. 6 - Follow the YES: The Mindset Shift (and Audition) That Launched My Singing Career After Six Years of Hearing No

    Have you ever felt like you were beating your fist against closed doors… over and over… and nothing was opening? Like you keep trying and hearing no for the umpteenth time? Maybe it's in your vocal technique, maybe it's in your performing career pursuits... I've been there too, my friend. For years. Six years to be exact. Six years of trying. Hearing no nonstop. Wondering if I was just beating my fist against closed doors that were never going to open… and wondering if I should quit singing and give up on my dreams. And then, after six years, one audition opened the door for me and launched my career. Not because I forced the door open, but because I finally started walking through the open ones. In this episode of The Aligned Singer, I'm sharing a three-word mantra I came up with in my 20s, right when things started to shift in my singing career. The mantra is this: Follow the YES. I take you back to my early years in New York City, where I spent six years working multiple jobs to make ends meet, applying to young artist programs that wouldn't even hear me, and feeling like I was behind a pane of glass, looking at the career I wanted but having no idea how to get through. Then one door opened. Just one. And that one door led me to the New York Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, the Verbier Festival, and a performing life I'm still kind of pinching myself over. When I started looking backwards and figuring out what worked, I realized something important: It wasn't the closed doors that got me there. It was the open ones I walked through. There's more: I realized there wasn't just one open door — there were many. And once I started to follow the YES, it connected me with more and more dream performing opportunities. The YESes started to multiply. This episode is about learning how to spot the YES in your own singing life, trust your inner knowing, and stop spending your precious energy on doors that are closed (at least in this moment). You'll also hear about the Two-Minute Detective Exercise, a simple written exercise I still use today to help connect the dots and recognize where momentum is already building. In this episode you'll learn: • what to do when you feel like you're beating yourself against closed doors• how to discern a closed door and an open one in your singing career• what it actually feels like in your body when something is a true yes (expansion versus contraction)• how following the YES creates more opportunities, more connections, more momentum, and somehow more YES• how to use the 2-Minute Detective Exercise to recognize where momentum is already building• a simple written exercise to help you connect the dots and follow the yes in your own life and career• why your inner knowing matters just as much as the outer work of technique and career-building I also share the mindset that helped me stop feeling like a failure over the doors that wouldn’t open and start accepting opportunities where they were already waiting for me. Because here's what I've learned: There isn't just one door.There isn't just one opportunity for you.There are many. When you start following the YES, more doors begin to appear. Following the YES leads to more and more YESses. Episode Chapters: 0:00 Welcome to The Aligned Singer1:39 How “Follow the YES” was born2:40 How to get clear on your inner YES when there’s a lot of external noise around you10:21 Six years of closed doors and what that felt like14:52 The one audition that opened the door and launched my career after six years of trying18:42 When the phrase “Follow the YES” appeared21:26 Applying Follow the YES to your singing life26:21 Yes is expansion versus contraction28:10 The Two-Minute Detective Exercise Get in Touch Voice Studio Website ⁠https://www.sarahhawkeystudio.com⁠ Performing Website ⁠https://www.sarahhawkey.com⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/voiceteachersarah⁠ TikTok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceteachersarah

    33 min

  3. MAR 31

    Ep. 5 - The Power of Your Yes (and Knowing When to Say No)

    Have you ever said yes to something… and later realized it cost you more than you expected? I've been there too, so let's talk about it. In this episode of The Aligned Singer, I’m sharing one of the most powerful mindset tools I’ve ever learned, one that completely changed how I make decisions in my singing life and career. The core concept we're exploring today is this: Every time you say yes to something, you're also saying no to something else. And once you really understand that, your choices start to get much clearer. If you’ve ever struggled with time, priorities, burnout, or figuring out what actually moves you forward in your singing voice, this episode will help you connect the dots from those haphazard states to much more ease, calm, and clarity. The thing is, you only have one voice, and one life in which to use it, and since time is a finite resource, it helps a great deal to become intentional with how you're using it (aka what you're saying yes to). I’ve used this exact framework to decide which opportunities to take, which ones to walk away from, and how to build an extraordinarily fulfilling life that actually supports my voice instead of draining it. Having fulfillment every day didn't come by magic, or a unicorn, or by accident - I had to start putting what I'm teaching you today into practice to turn it into what it is today, and you can too! This is a big one, so let's get into it! In this episode you'll learn: • how to understand the real cost of your yeses • why every decision creates both a yes and a no • how everyday habits like staying up late or scrolling affect your voice • how to start making more intentional decisions in your singing life • how discernment helps you move toward the work you truly care about Episode Chapters 0:16 Welcome to The Aligned Singer 1:18 What Opportunity Cost Really Means 3:07 Saying Yes Means Saying No 6:32 My Real-Life Example: Staying Up Late 10:52 The Phone and Doom Scrolling Traps 15:26 Saying Yes to Practicing (aka moving your singing dreams forward) 18:57 The Broadway Dream Example 22:32 Eating Out and Financial Goals: Yes? No? Maybe so? 27:02 Saying No to Paid Singing Opportunities (this is important!) 31:14 Choosing Long-Term Artistic Goals 35:46 Legacy Thinking 38:52 A Simple Way to Start Using This Tool 41:32 Closing & Reminders that Your Voice Matters! I'd love to connect with you! Voice Studio Website https://www.sarahhawkeystudio.com Performing Website https://www.sarahhawkey.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voiceteachersarah TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceteachersarah

    26 min

  4. MAR 24

    Ep. 4 - The Mindset Shift to Help You Go from Stuck to Living Your Singing Dreams

    Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things for your singing, but somehow the results still are not lining up the way you hoped they would? If you've ever felt frustrated that you're working your tooshie off for your dreams, but still not fully becoming the singer you want to be, this episode will give you a simple, powerful 3-part framework you can use to get your mindset tight & right so you can align with your dreams more easily (and let's hope, more quickly!) In this episode of The Aligned Singer, I talk about the idea of BE, DO, HAVE, and why I think it can be such a powerful shift for you. So often we think, "Once I have ___, then I'll feel confident, successful, or whatever your fill-in-the-blank is. But in reality, so much changes when you start with WHO you're BEing. When you start to BEcome the singer, artist, or person you want to be now, the things you do begin to change. And when the things you do begin to change, what you receive (aka HAVE) starts to change in response to the shift you've just made in your inner life. In this episode, you'll learn: • what BE, DO, HAVE means & how it can help you make shifts towards getting what you want • why so many singers get the order backwards • why your mindset shapes your results • how to start BEcoming the singer you want to be Episode Chapters 0:00 Welcome 0:25 What BE, DO, HAVE means 2:30 Why so many people get this backwards 5:10 How identity affects your singing life 9:40 Why changing your mindset changes your actions (and results!) 14:20 How to become the singer you want to be 18:00 How different actions create different results 22:00 A new way to approach your growth I'd love to connect with you! Voice Studio Website https://www.sarahhawkeystudio.com Performing Website https://www.sarahhawkey.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/voiceteachersarah TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceteachersarah YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@voiceteachersarah

    28 min

  5. MAR 16

    Ep. 3 – What is vocal technique, and why does it matter?

    Have you ever felt confused about vocal technique, or like people keep talking about it without ever really explaining what it means? This episode will help you answer three questions: What IS vocal technique? Why does it matter? Why should I care?? In this episode of The Aligned Singer, you'll learn what vocal technique really is and why it matters so much if you want to grow as a singer. So many singers hear people talk about technique all the time, but no one really explains it clearly. In this episode, I break it down in a way that's simple and easy for you to understand. Once you understand what vocal technique actually is, you can start to use it to build the voice you are dreaming of having - no more throwing vocal spaghetti at the wall and just hoping things sound right! In this episode you'll learn: • what vocal technique actually is • why it matters so much for your growth as a singer • how technique helps create the sound you really want (and helps you stop guessing) • how to start actually connecting the dots in your singing by learning great technique Episode Chapters 0:00 Welcome 0:40 What vocal technique actually is 2:10 Why singers feel confused by technique 4:30 Why technique matters so much 8:15 How technique creates freedom (vocally & artistically) 12:30 What changes when you understand your voice 16:20 Connecting the dots in your singing 20:00 Building a voice that works for you Please drop me a note at any of these places, I'd love to connect with you! Voice Studio Website ⁠https://www.sarahhawkeystudio.com⁠ Performing Website ⁠https://www.sarahhawkey.com⁠ Instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/voiceteachersarah⁠ TikTok ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceteachersarah⁠ YouTube ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@voiceteachersarah

    22 min

  6. MAR 9

    Ep. 2 - Why Your Singing Feels Stuck (And How to Fix It)

    Have you ever felt frustrated or stuck in your singing, your singing voice, your vocal technique, or like you're hitting a wall trying so hard to make your dreams for your singing come true? Like something invisible is holding you back but you don't know why or how to fix it? I've been there too, more often than I even want to admit. If this is you, too, this episode of The Aligned Singer will help you start to uncover that invisible script and transform it. What you'll learn in this episode In this episode, you'll learn a simple but powerful exercise that can help you identify any sneaky, hidden limitations that might be blocking your growth as a singer. Many singers assume their challenges are purely technical (the outer work), but often there are unseen thoughts or inner limitations shaping how they approach their voice (what I named the inner work). The Fill in the Blank game This episode introduces a tool I invented called the Fill in the Blank game. This deceptively simple and oh-so-easy exercise helps you shine a light on the places where doubt, fear, or limiting beliefs may be influencing you or limiting your singing dreams from coming true. Clearing the path forward Once you can start to see those patterns clearly, and identify what might be lurking in the shadows, it becomes so much easier to move past them and start moving toward success (which is where I know you're destined to go!). Once you do this simple, powerful exercise, you can begin clearing the path forward, and I promise it's so much easier than you think to get to the other side! In this episode you'll learn: • Why singers often feel stuck• Why hidden beliefs might be blocking your progress• How limiting beliefs show up in vocal practice• How to identify your blind spots as a singer• How to start clearing the path toward your success Episode Chapters 0:00 Welcome 0:35 Why singers often feel stuck 1:04 Why hidden beliefs might be blocking your progress 2:10 Introducing the Fill in the Blank exercise 4:30 Identifying your blind spots as a singer 8:20 How limiting beliefs show up in vocal practice 12:00 Turning awareness into forward movement 16:40 Creating a clearer path forward I'd love to connect with you! Voice Studio Website https://www.sarahhawkeystudio.com Instagram @voiceteachersarah https://www.instagram.com/voiceteachersarah TikTok @voiceteachersarah https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceteachersarah Performing Website https://www.sarahhawkey.com YouTube @voiceteachersarah https://www.youtube.com/@voiceteachersarah

    17 min

  7. MAR 2

    Ep. 1 - From “You Should Quit” to Professional Singer: One Singer's Path to Success

    If you’ve ever struggled with your voice, questioned your training, or wondered whether you’re really cut out for pursuing a singing career — you need to hear this. In this episode, I share what it actually takes to rebuild your voice when things feel broken, misaligned, or behind. When I moved to New York City in 2006 to pursue a professional career, I couldn’t sing the way I knew I was meant to. I had been placed in the wrong voice type, my technique had unraveled, and I had no real instrument to rely on. What changed everything was learning how to connect the dots — technically and internally. That’s what this podcast is about. You’ll hear how rebuilding vocal technique, seeking the right mentorship, and doing the inner work to untangle fear and limiting beliefs can completely transform what’s possible for you. If your voice feels stuck, if you’re battling performance anxiety, or if you’re quietly wondering whether it’s too late — this episode will show you that rebuilding is possible. Doing the inner and outer work creates embodied artistry. And when you commit to that process, you move closer to doing what you came here to do. Timestamps: 0:00 - Welcome to The Aligned Singer1:15 - What You Might Be Facing Right Now3:40 - Moving to NYC and Not Having a Pro Sound7:30 - Rebuilding from Scratch12:45 - What Professional Growth Actually Requires16:00 - Connecting the Dots19:20 - What This Podcast Will Help You Do21:00 - The Outer Work24:30 - The Inner Work29:00 - Why Inner Work Changes Everything32:30 - You Were Born With a Gift Let's Connect! Here's where to connect with me: Voice Studio Website: https://www.sarahhawkeystudio.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voiceteachersarah TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@voiceteachersarah YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@voiceteachersarah Performing Website: ⁠https://www.sarahhawkey.com

    15 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

The Aligned Singer is a podcast for singers who know there is something more inside them and are ready to bring it fully to life. Hosted by classical soprano and voice teacher Sarah Hawkey, an expert in vocal technique, this show helps you connect the dots from where you are to where you want to be in your voice, your performance opportunities, and your singing career. Each episode explores the inner and outer work required for true embodied artistry to help you clear vocal and mindset blocks so you can do what you came here to do.

Information

  • Creator
    Sarah Hawkey
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sarah Hawkey
  • Show Website
    The Aligned Singer