Podcast
Singing Teachers Talk
Hosted by BAST Training · EN
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
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep.261 Managing Performance Nerves: Tools For Singers & Singing Teachers with Laura Dumbleton
1w ago00:46:53Tap to summarizeWhy do performers experience stage fright, even when they love being on stage? In this episode, voice coach and breathwork teacher Laura Dumbleton joins Alexa to unpack performance anxiety, fight-or-flight responses, and practical tools to manage nerves before, during and after singing or public speaking. Expect honest stories, functional techniques, confidence strategies, and advice for singers, performers and vocal coaches navigating stage fright. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:39 What is stage fright? 4:17 Why might a singer experience stage fright? 5:55 Why has performing not evolved to become less stress-provoking? 9:40 Symptoms of stage fright to look out for 12:59 Is it true that ‘some nerves can be helpful?’ 15:25 The Boiling Pot Analogy 19:20 Stage fright myth busting 21:39 Strategies for stage fright About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.155 Part One: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.156 Part Two: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios Dave Cottrell: @mindsetbydave Stress Less: Breath More - Simple Breathing Exercises for Stress Relief Sarah Joyce: @sarahjoycesings Jessie J - Watch Me Work Through a Panic on Stage Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.80 Understanding Music Performance Anxiety ABOUT THE GUEST Laura Dumbleton is a Stage Fright Coach, Voice Coach and Breathwork Teacher with over fourteen years of experience working with singers and voice teachers. She specialises in why technically prepared singers still struggle under pressure, and what can be done about it. She is passionate about getting rid of “just practice more!” as a solution and instead replacing it with actual tools to address the underlying problem. Laura works from her studio in Lincolnshire and online with clients worldwide, offering 1:1 coaching, group workshops, and courses covering musical theatre voice, stage fright, and performance confidence. Her Stage Fright workshops bring together the science of performance anxiety, vocal technique, and nervous system regulation, giving singers and teachers practical tools for building genuine confidence that holds up under pressure. Breathwork runs through everything she does, from coherence breathing to conscious connected breathwork, whether as a standalone session or woven into performance coaching. She holds a Masters of Research from the University of Edinburgh specialising in performance anxiety in singers, alongside being an IVA Advanced Instructor and qualified Breathwork Facilitator and Teacher with Breathing Space. Website Instagram 🎁 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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
Transcribe →Ep.260 The Return of In-Person Training: Our Singing Teacher Intensive in Manchester with Line Hilton
2w ago00:19:13Tap to summarizeWhat happens when singing teachers step away from screens and come together in one room? In this episode, Line Hilton shares why BAST is bringing back live, in-person singing teacher training with a special intensive weekend in Manchester, exploring the power of community, CPD, vocal pedagogy, networking, and hands-on learning. Discover who the event is for, what topics will be covered, and why investing in your development as a singing teacher could transform both your confidence and your teaching. Plus, find out how to get your tickets, access an exclusive podcast discount, and join us on 20–21 June. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 1:36 What happens in a room full of singing teachers that can’t happen online? 3:00 What has BAST been cooking up? 7:11 How to get a ticket 8:37 The BAST Intensive schedule 11:17 What might I take away from a weekend intensive event? 14:32 What if I don’t know anyone? 17:15 What is Line the most excited about? About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Line Hilton Focus On Events Manchester College GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE BAST MANCHESTER INTENSIVE 2026 HERE YOUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT CODE: STTINTENSIVESPECIAL 🎁 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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
Transcribe →Ep.259 Can You Teach Singing Without Demonstrating? with Line Hilton
3w ago00:39:39Tap to summarizeHow important is it that the singing teacher can actually demonstrate the sound they are asking of the singer? This week, Line and Alexa are unpacking the hidden realities behind vocal demonstration, and why giving a demo isn’t always that simple. From physiology and hormones to stamina preservation, this conversation might just make you rethink the expectations we place on ourselves as singing teachers, whilst also recognising the very real importance of keeping our own voices ready. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST? 2:33 How important is it for a singing teacher to demonstrate? 4:32 When should a singing teacher demonstrate? 6:33 Demonstration and physiology 10:49 Demonstration and the opposite sex 15:48 Demonstration and illness 20:55 Demonstration and injury 25:54 Demonstration and the working singer 31:00 Demonstrating and hormones About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS Line Hilton Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.254 Lessons Learned in the First Year of Teaching Singing with Mark Lowman Vocalzone Vocalzone, Saviours or Destroyers? Article Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.257 Inside the Voice Clinic: Common Vocal Problems & What Happens Next with ENT Mr Nicholas Gibbins Ejae Renée Fleming Singing and The Premenstrual Voice Article Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.102 Understanding Singing and Menopause with Joanna Bozeman Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile Singers with Sarah Algoet 🎁 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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
Transcribe →Ep.258 10 Plus ‘Legit’ Songs for Musical Theatre Singers with Alexa Terry
4w ago00:14:32Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Alexa dives into the often-misunderstood world of legit musical theatre singing, unpacking what the style really means, why so many performers feel lost when approaching it, and how teachers can guide singers through the journey with confidence. From Golden Age roots to contemporary legit crossovers, she explores key vocal characteristics, common challenges, and practical repertoire suggestions to help singers build versatility without overwhelm. WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST 0:42 Defining ‘legit’ 4:16 Common technical challenges 5:44 10+ ‘legit’ song ideas About the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS musicnotes.com So You Want To Sing Musical Theatre by Amanda Flynn NATS Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre 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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
Transcribe →Ep.257 Inside the Voice Clinic: Common Vocal Problems & What Happens Next with ENT Mr Nicholas Gibbins
Apr 2901:02:42Tap to summarizeWhat 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 singers13:06 Reflux17:38 Preparing for vocal load increase24:10 What can you actually tell about a singer via laryngostroboscopy?26:46 Hypermobility36:25 Surgery and recovery41:08 Singing teachers and rehabilitation47:52 Can you feel your vocal folds?54:22 Vocal hygiene without the hypeAbout the presenter HERE RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKSDeclan CostelloSinging Teachers Talk - Ep.87 87 How to Manage Allergies and Upper Respiratory InfectionsSinging Teachers Talk - Ep.201 Working with Hypermobile SingersBritish Laryngological AssociationCEORL-HNS CongressABOUT 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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
Transcribe →Ep.256 The Neuroscience of Singing: What the Singer's Brain Needs with Heidi Moss Erickson
Apr 2100:58:46Tap to summarizeA 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. Nuture10:19 Brain data for singing12:03 The order of things: The Holy Grail P123:10 Integral parts to the brain’s prediction for singing29:42 Neurodiversity inclusivity34:02 The role of intention39:12 The order of things: The Holy Grail P246:26 The brain and learning expectations54:29 Who needs to understand ‘singing in the brain?’About the presenter HERERELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKSThe work of Richard MillerErich JarvisHeidi’s Singing in the Brain SeriesThe work of Ingo TitzeVoce VistaSinging With Your Whole Self by Samuel H Nelson & Elizabeth L BladesSinging Teachers Talk - Ep.63 Developing a Singer’s Self Awareness And Clarifying IntentionEdward Chang UCSFJournal of Singing ABOUT THE GUESTHeidi 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 HEREWebsite🎁 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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
Transcribe →Ep.255 ‘Stop Faking It! Sound’ Book Review with Alexa Terry
Apr 1500:14:41Tap to summarizeGet 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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
Transcribe →Ep.254 Lessons Learned in the First Year of Teaching Singing with Mark Lowman
Apr 700:55:36Tap to summarizeEver 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 Mark9:05 Putting ‘transferable skills’ to use11:26 Choirs: Managing different personalities, needs and abilities16:50 Demonstration: The challenge as a male presenting singing teacher21:20 The first steps to becoming a singing teacher27:38 Managing imposter syndrome35:04 What has changed Mark’s mind on?39:03 Mark’s mission47:32 What keeps Mark excited about teaching?About the presenter HERERELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKSVocalize ChoirsSinging Teachers Talk Ep.102 - Understanding Singing and MenopauseSinging Teachers Talk Ep.247 - The 5-Day Challenge: Clarity, Confidence and Getting Started as a Singing TeacherSinging Teachers Talk Ep.154 - Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing TeachersChris Johnson Vocal CoachSinging Teachers Talk Ep.195 How Unlocking Your True Values Can Transform Your Teaching and LifeSinging Teachers Talk Ep.227 Following Your Bliss: How to Align Your Life and BusinessTeach VoiceABOUT THE GUESTMark 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.WebsiteInstagramFacebook🎁 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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
Transcribe →Ep.253 The S-Word: Why It's Time to Rethink 'Support' in Singing Teaching with Line Hilton
Apr 100:28:05Tap to summarizeLine 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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
Transcribe →Ep.252 Cross-Training Through a Latin American Lens: A Modern Vocal Pedagogy with Dr Luciano Simões
Mar 2500:51:19Tap to summarizeThis 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 HEREInstagram: @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 HEREAt 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, UKStart with the foundations >>> ENROL NOWbasttraining.com | Stay Updated
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