The Sound Singer

Alida Vocal Studio

The Sound Singer podcast hopes to inspire, entertain and engage listeners on a variety of topics that vocal performers and singers face. Hosted by voice coach Alida of Alida Vocal Studio, the podcast features guest experts and artists on topics related to health, well-being, technique, style, artistry, creativity, performance and mindset. This is a safe place for singers and professional voice users to be informed, boost motivation to live well and perform optimally.

  1. 05/05/2025

    Looking Inside the Voice / Vocal Health 101 with Natalia Łastowiecka

    In this episode my guest is Natalia Łastowiecka, an SLP specializing in voice, swallow, and upper airway. Natalia shares her personal journey from being a classical voice performance major to discovering her passion for speech-language pathology after facing vocal challenges herself. We discuss the importance of having a supportive team, including laryngologists and SLPs, especially for professional voice users. Learn about the significance of baseline assessments, the impact of vocal habits like throat clearing and coughing, and the best practices for maintaining vocal health. Natalia also highlights the importance of hydration, vocal warm-ups, and understanding vocal load to prevent injuries. Whether you're a singer, voice teacher, or just someone who uses their voice regularly, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips to keep your voice healthy and strong. 00:00:20 - Natalia's Journey to Becoming an SLP 00:02:09 - Importance of a Voice Care Team 00:02:37 - Laryngologist vs. Otolaryngologist 00:03:09 - Baseline Endoscopy for Singers 00:04:37 - Visualizing the Voice 00:05:02 - Impact of Throat Clearing and Coughing 00:07:33 - Creating Educational Content 00:09:05 - Basics of Vocal Health 00:11:10 - Preventative Vocal Health Measures 00:14:07 - Vocal Load Management 00:14:44 - Speaking Tips for Vocal Health 00:17:08 - Common Vocal Injuries 00:19:44 - Overall Health and Vocal Health 00:22:04 - Treatability of Vocal Conditions 00:24:22 - Study on Performance Spaces and Acoustics 00:25:42 - Where to Find Natalia Online   Natalia's Instagram Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.  For more info please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    27 min
  2. 01/28/2025

    Boundaries, Singing and the Nervous System with Elise Besler

    In this episode, I speak with the inspiring Elise Besler, a somatic voice and boundary coach known for her empowering and compassionate approach as a practitioner. Elise integrates somatic practices and nervous system regulation to help clients overcome barriers to singing, self-expression and communication. She shares her insights on the connection between the nervous system and effective boundary-setting, explains the role of the vagus nerve in singing, and discusses how singing can be a powerful tool for self care and healing. We also discuss exercises for managing performance anxiety, the challenges marginalized groups face in setting boundaries, and the importance of self-care in activism to prevent burnout. 00:00:32 - Elise'sJourney and Approach 00:02:38 - The Deeper Well: Fear and Trauma in Voice Coaching 00:03:16 - Nervous System Regulation and Boundaries 00:05:28 - Singing and the Nervous System 00:07:54 - Radical Self-Care Through Singing 00:08:43 - Overcoming Fear of Criticism in Singing 00:10:27 - Childhood Experiences and Voice Suppression 00:13:42 - Practical Exercises for Performance Anxiety 00:19:26 - Tapping Exercise for Grounding 00:21:48 - Understanding Healthy Boundaries 00:24:42 - Universal Challenges in Boundary Setting 00:28:40 - Activism and Self-Care 00:32:07 - Negative Self-Talk and Imposter Syndrome 00:35:24 - Combining Somatic Work with Therapy 00:38:13 -  Where to Find Elise   Elise's Instagram Elise's Website   Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.  For more info please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    39 min
  3. 11/06/2024

    Resilience, Self-Tapes, & Community: Navigating the Industry w/ Alison Araya

    In this episode, I speak with Alison Araya. Alison is a seasoned actress best known for her roles in "Julie and the Phantoms," "Peacemaker," and "Lucky Hank." We dive deep into Alison's journey as a performer and her process of characterization. She discusses the importance of resilience in the performing arts, how to navigate nerves during auditions, and the challenges of self-taping in today's digital age. She offers valuable advice for aspiring actors and performers, emphasizing the need for a supportive community. Whether you're an aspiring performer or a fan of Alison's work, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't miss this one!  00:00:00 - Introduction to Alison Arraya 00:01:00 - Memorable Roles in Acting 00:02:30 - The Journey into Acting 00:04:00 - Cultivating Resilience in the Industry 00:05:30 - Preparing for Auditions and Managing Nerves 00:08:00 - Challenges of Self-Taping 00:09:30 - The Impact of Self-Tapes on Actors 00:12:00 - Post-Pandemic Challenges for Performing Artists 00:14:00 - Role Preparation Process 00:15:30 - Morning Routine Before Going to Set 00:17:00 - Challenges Faced in Difficult Roles 00:19:30 - Post-Set Rituals and Grounding 00:20:30 - Navigating Difficult Characters 00:22:00 - Thoughts on Streaming and Industry Changes 00:25:00 - Advice for Aspiring Actors 00:27:00 - Conclusion and Where to Find Alison Follow Alison on Instagram: @laalisonaaraya For inspiring voice / singing content and podcast clips follow Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.  For more info on singing courses and voice training please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    28 min
  4. 06/19/2024

    Teaching the World to Sing: A Conversation with Renowned Vocal Consultant Greg Enriquez

    In this episode, I speak with Greg Enriquez. Greg is an internationally renowned vocal consultant and is regarded by entertainment professionals to be the most effective commercial vocal technique instructor in the industry to date.  He has worked with singers, actors and dancers in every aspect of musical performance and is very often a guest lecturer at major voice conferences worldwide. He has been a vocal consultant for pop icons, Broadway stars and continues to train teachers of singing across the globe.  He is an inspirational teacher and, as he puts it, he's teaching the world to sing one voice at a time.    [00:03:59] Embracing the concept of 'next.' [00:08:21] Vocal science versus art. [00:09:07] Singing as an art form. [00:15:17] Consistency in vocal training. [00:19:50] What makes a good voice teacher or coach. [00:23:09] Working ourselves out of a job. [00:30:01] Technique influenced by Seth Riggs. [00:34:07]Industry demands on vocal performers. [00:36:31] Pursuing growth.   Greg's Instagram page.  Greg's website If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! :) Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.  For inspiring voice / singing content and podcast clips follow Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.  For more info on singing courses and training please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    38 min
  5. 06/03/2024

    Yoga for Every Body with Jo Hutton: How yoga helps us for performance and life.

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jo Hutton, a senior yoga teacher based in Newcastle. Jo runs a friendly online yoga studio aimed at helping everyday people relax and stretch amidst the hustle and bustle of life. When Jo walked into a yoga class for the first time over 15 years ago, she didn’t know her whole world would change forever. After seeing the transformational results that yoga brought to herself, she decided to dedicate her life to sharing the gift of yoga with others. In this episode, we delved into the essence of yoga, its ancient roots, and how its practice has evolved to address modern-day pain points. 00:01:06 - how Jo defines yoga and it's many benefits 00:04:06 - advice for beginners 00:06:17 - yoga for performers and creatives 00:09:08 - how Jo's roots in the performing arts lead to yoga 00:15:05 - healing through yoga  00:17:04 - the pitfalls of self-improvement 00:21:06 - meditation myths and approaches 00:27:04 - breathing exercise for relaxation Jo's Website: https://www.happyyogacommunity.com Jo's Instagram If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! :) Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.  For inspiring voice / singing content and podcast clips follow Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.  For more info on singing courses and training please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    31 min
  6. 03/18/2024

    The Artist's Journey: Finding Your Creative Flow, Overcoming People-Pleasing, Healing CPTSD, Finishing Projects

    In this episode, I speak with Jessica Baldwin.  She is the owner of True Colours Creativity and Artist Coaching.  Jess is a creativity and productivity coach for singers. Her journey as an artist ran alongside her expansion from a voice and piano teacher into a creativity and productivity coach with trauma and neurodivergence training. True Colors Creativity Coaching provides creativity, voice, and executive function coaching to singers and creatives who want to finish projects that let them shine brighter. 00:00:26 - Jessica's Background 00:00:53 - Exploring the Creative Mind 00:01:33 - Jessica's Journey in Music and Coaching 00:09:52 - The Concept of Artistic Journey 00:12:08 - Common Fears Among Vocal Performers 00:14:19 - Achieving Creative Flow and Completing Projects 00:22:09 - Hard Work vs. Perfectionism 00:27:17 - Addressing Complex Trauma in Artists 00:39:10 - Mental Health Stigma in the Performing Arts 00:40:15 - Overcoming Chronic People-Pleasing Jessica’s website: https://truecolorscreativity.com Jessica's Instagram. Creative Kickstart course: https://truecolorscreativity.com/creative-kickstart Singer’s Guide to Finding Your Authentic Voice: https://truecolorscreativity.com/subscribe-to-the-guide   If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.  For inspiring voice / singing content and podcast clips follow Alida on Instagram.  For more info on singing courses and 1:1 training please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com

    59 min
  7. 02/21/2024

    Voice Therapy, Vocal Health & Redefining 'Singer'

    In this episode, I speak with Maurice Goodwin, M.S., CCC-SLP. Maurice is a Speech Language Pathologist, Singing Voice Specialist, voice teacher, and active performer living in Houston, TX. Professionally he specializes in the evaluation and treatment of the singing voice and voice disorders at The Texas Voice Center and also adjunct faculty at Lamar University in the graduate Vocology certificate program. He is a regular lecturer and presenter at national and international conferences focused on the health and education of professional voice users. He is passionate about vocal health education and the intersections of identity and voice.  This episode covers: 00:00:44 - Maurice's Journey into Voice 00:01:20 - The Role of Voice Therapy 00:02:45 - The Importance of Addressing Underlying Vocal Function 00:03:32 - Common Voice Therapy Exercises 00:04:14 - Moving Beyond Tools in Voice Therapy 00:05:05 - Common Vocal Injuries and Compromises 00:06:37 - Building a Voice Care Team 00:08:13 - Recognizing Vocal Strain and Decline 00:09:23 - Encouraging Exploration Over Performance in Voice Sessions 00:11:10 - The Pressure of Performance and Its Impact 00:12:10 - Voice Hygiene Tips 00:13:13 - Understanding Muscle Tension Dysphonia 00:15:11 - Voice Hygiene and Rest 00:16:10 - Daily Voice Use and Its Impact on Singing 00:17:24 - Acceptance and Joy in One's Voice 00:18:30 - Voice Training and Improvement 00:18:46 - Muscle Tension Dysphonia in Singers 00:20:09 - The Mindset of Acceptance and What to Focus on 00:21:27 - Confidence and Acceptance in One's Voice 00:22:07 - The Interconnectedness of Life and Voice 00:23:46 - The Broad Definition of Being a Singer   Maurice's Website: https://www.mauricegoodwin.com/ Instagram: @maurice_goodwin TikTok: @maurice_goodwin If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.  For voice content and podcast clips follow  Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.  www.alidavocalstudio.com

    26 min

About

The Sound Singer podcast hopes to inspire, entertain and engage listeners on a variety of topics that vocal performers and singers face. Hosted by voice coach Alida of Alida Vocal Studio, the podcast features guest experts and artists on topics related to health, well-being, technique, style, artistry, creativity, performance and mindset. This is a safe place for singers and professional voice users to be informed, boost motivation to live well and perform optimally.