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

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