Tune In and Tune Up

Amy Oughton

Unlock the secrets of vocal excellence with 'Tune In & Tune Up,' hosted by Amy Marie from The Voice Lab NZ. As a Voice Specialising Speech Pathologist, Amy guides singers, speakers, and actors to vocal mastery. This podcast blends cutting-edge science with actionable tips, offering deep dives into vocal health, expert interviews, and practical strategies for optimal performance. Whether you're a vocal pro or just starting, subscribe for invaluable insights into sustaining and enhancing your voice.

Episodes

  1. 05/11/2025

    Busted! The Top Voice Myths Holding You Back

    Think you know how to take care of your voice? Think again.In this episode of Tune In & Tune Up, we’re busting the biggest myths about vocal health that singers, speakers, teachers, and even voice pros still believe. From whispering to rest, hydration to warming up — we separate fact from fiction and give you the science-backed truth about what your voice actually needs to stay strong, efficient, and sustainable. Whether you're on stage, in studio, or in front of a classroom, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and “aha” moments that could change the way you treat your voice. 🎙️ Topics we cover: Why some common "healthy" habits may be harming your voice What the latest voice science actually says Tips you can use right now to protect and power up your voice ✨ Loved this episode? Here’s how you can support: Hit follow so you never miss an episode Share it with your voice community — let’s get this platform heard! Want to get in touch? Email me at amy@voicelab.nz Or say hi on Instagram: @tunein_and_tuneup Thanks for tuning in — and remember, your voice matters.

    19 min
  2. The Vocal Athlete’s Guide to Building Vocal Stamina & Endurance 🎤💪

    03/15/2025

    The Vocal Athlete’s Guide to Building Vocal Stamina & Endurance 🎤💪

    Ever wondered why some singers and speakers can use their voices for hours while others start feeling vocal fatigue after just 20 minutes? The secret isn’t just talent—it’s vocal stamina and endurance! In this episode of Tune In & Tune Up, we’re diving deep into how you can train your voice like an athlete to build strength, increase endurance, and prevent fatigue. Whether you're a singer, speaker, teacher, actor, or anyone who relies on their voice daily, these science-backed strategies will help you maintain vocal power for the long haul. We’ll cover: ✔️ What is vocal stamina & why does it matter? ✔️ Why some people lose their voice faster than others (and how to fix it!) ✔️ How to build a solid vocal foundation – breath control, resonance & tension release ✔️ Progressive Load Training: The secret to conditioning your voice for endurance ✔️ The power of recovery – hydration, steaming, sleep & anti-inflammatory foods ✔️ Vocal myths busted – Why pushing through fatigue won’t make your voice stronger Vocal health isn’t just about warming up and singing—it’s about training your voice smartly so you can perform longer, stronger, and injury-free. 🔥 Do you struggle with vocal fatigue or stamina? Drop a comment or send in your questions, and I’ll answer them in an upcoming episode! 💬 Let’s connect! 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @amymarie_voice or @thevoicelabnz 📧 Email: amy@voicelab.nz 🎙 Your voice is your greatest tool—train it well, and it will serve you for a lifetime. Hit play now and let’s get started! 🎧🎶

    13 min
  3. The Sick Singer: Can You Sing While Sick? 🎤🤒

    02/23/2025

    The Sick Singer: Can You Sing While Sick? 🎤🤒

    Welcome back, Vocal Athletes! Tune In & Tune Up is officially back, and we’re kicking things off strong with one of the most dreaded situations for any singer or speaker—getting sick! In this episode, we’re diving deep into: ✔️ Understanding your voice when you're sick – What’s normal? What’s not? ✔️ Checking for vocal swelling – Learn how to test your range using soft, high-pitched exercises like the "Happy Birthday" trick to detect early inflammation. ✔️ Tracking your voice over time – How to monitor vocal changes and swelling throughout the day. ✔️ What to do if your voice is swollen – The best strategies for reducing inflammation and keeping your voice safe. ✔️ Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) Exercises – Why gentle straw phonation, lip trills, and humming are lifesavers when sick. ✔️ Hydration & Vocal Care – The magic of saline nebulizing, steaming, sleep, and anti-inflammatory foods to support healing. ✔️ Can you still sing when sick? – When to push through, when to modify, and when to stop. ✔️ Vocal injury risks and how to minimize them – Preventing hemorrhages, nodules, and long-term damage while singing sick. Just because you're under the weather doesn't always mean you're down for the count! The key is knowing your limits, monitoring your voice, and making smart adjustments. 💬 What’s your experience with singing while sick? Have you pushed through a show or lost your voice mid-performance? Drop me a message, comment, or send in your questions! I’ll be answering them in upcoming episodes. If you're loving this podcast and want to keep it going, let’s connect! 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @amymarie_voice or @thevoicelabnz 📧 Email: hello@amymarie.co.nz 🌐 Website: www.voicelab.nz 🎙 Your voice is your instrument—treat it with care, and it will carry you through even the toughest performances. Hit play and let’s get started! 🎧🎶

    28 min
  4. Unlocking the Power of Hydration for Vocal Athletes

    01/11/2024

    Unlocking the Power of Hydration for Vocal Athletes

    Step into the world of optimal vocal performance with the latest episode of 'Tune In & Tune Up.' Join me, Amy, as we quench your thirst for vocal health knowledge and debunk myths about hydration. 🎙️💧 In this episode, we dive deep into the science of hydration – both systemic and topical – and its crucial role in maintaining a healthy, vibrant voice. We explore how hydration impacts your vocal cords, the differences between various hydration methods, and the truths behind common hydration myths. Discover why simply sipping water isn't enough for immediate vocal cord hydration, why holding water in your mouth doesn't do the trick, and the real impact of throat sprays and lozenges. Learn about the importance of environmental humidity and why not all liquids are equal when it comes to hydrating your voice. But that's not all! We also tackle the dehydrating effects of caffeine and medications, providing practical, easy-to-implement hydration tips to keep your voice in top condition, whether you're a singer, speaker, actor, or presenter. Don’t miss out on this journey to vocal wellness! Remember, your voice is your instrument – hydrate it wisely to hit every note with perfection. Ready to elevate your vocal game? Connect with me for personalized guidance in vocal health and performance. Let's work together to keep your voice shining bright! 📱 Instagram & Facebook: @amymarieconsultancy 📧 Email: hello@amymarie.co.nz 🌐 Website: www.amymarie.co.nz Tune in, turn up the volume, and transform your vocal health with 'Tune In & Tune Up'!

    29 min
  5. Essential Warm-Up and Cool-Down for Voice Users

    01/01/2024

    Essential Warm-Up and Cool-Down for Voice Users

    Join me in the latest 'Tune In & Tune Up' episode as I delve into the vital yet often neglected aspects of vocal health: the art of effectively warming up and the critical importance of cooling down your voice. 🌟 Discover why smart, targeted exercises are key to a productive vocal warm-up, and learn about the transformative roles of nebulising with isotonic saline, deep breathing exercises, and semi-occluded vocal tract exercises in priming your voice for peak performance. The highlight of this episode is our deep dive into cooling down techniques. I’ll take you through exercises like the yawn-sigh, laryngeal massage, and the benefits of steaming, all essential for maintaining vocal longevity and preventing injury. 🧘‍♀️ This episode is a must-listen for singers, actors, speakers, and presenters, packed with actionable advice and scientific insights to empower and preserve your vocal health. Tune in now and join me on a journey to nurture your voice! Don’t forget to follow on Spotify, engage with our community through likes, comments, and shares. Every interaction helps us spread vital knowledge about vocal care. Embrace this wisdom: 'Your voice is the melody in life’s symphony. Care for it, and it will powerfully convey your story.' 🎵 Stay tuned, vocal, and remember, your voice is your most valuable asset. Let’s keep it healthy and strong, together. x Amy

    26 min

  6. 12/26/2023

    Unlocking Your Vocal Potential: The Journey Begins

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Tune In & Tune Up" – a journey into the heart of vocal health and the science behind the voice. I'm Amy, and I'm thrilled to introduce you to a world where your voice is not just heard, but celebrated and nurtured. In this opening episode, we begin by defining some key terms that are the cornerstone of our discussions. The term 'vocal athlete' refers to anyone for whom their voice is a crucial tool of their trade – singers, teachers, public speakers, actors, and many more. Just like athletes who use their physical strength and skills, vocal athletes rely on their vocal prowess to excel in their careers. We also delve into what 'vocal health' truly means. It's more than just the absence of voice problems; it's about maintaining a healthy, strong, and resilient voice through proper technique, care, and understanding the science behind how our voices work. As we embark on this journey together, you can look forward to episodes filled with expert interviews, educational insights, practical tips, and real-life stories from vocal athletes across the globe. We will explore the challenges and triumphs of maintaining vocal health, strategies for vocal preservation, and techniques to enhance your vocal performance. This podcast is not just about providing information; it's about building a community of voice users who are informed, inspired, and empowered. So, whether you're a seasoned vocal professional or just starting to explore the potential of your voice, "Tune In & Tune Up" is your go-to resource for everything voice-related. Stay tuned for future episodes where we dive deeper into the fascinating world of the voice. I can't wait to share this journey with you! 🎤✨

    9 min

  7. 12/15/2023

    Podcast trailer

    A quick introduction to the newest voice podcast! I am so excited to start this journey with you all, share my experience, connect with vocal athletes and professionals across the globe and help you all to achieve vocal sustainability. If you would like to know anything specific, have a topic in mind, please feel free to contact me at hello@amymarie.co.nz

    1 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Unlock the secrets of vocal excellence with 'Tune In & Tune Up,' hosted by Amy Marie from The Voice Lab NZ. As a Voice Specialising Speech Pathologist, Amy guides singers, speakers, and actors to vocal mastery. This podcast blends cutting-edge science with actionable tips, offering deep dives into vocal health, expert interviews, and practical strategies for optimal performance. Whether you're a vocal pro or just starting, subscribe for invaluable insights into sustaining and enhancing your voice.

Information

  • Creator
    Amy Oughton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Amy Oughton
  • Show Website
    Tune In and Tune Up