Best BAST Training Podcasts (2024)

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Ep.174 Demystifying Tax for the Self - Employed Singing Teacher with Accountant Andy Muckett 52:00

3d ago52:00

52:00

Alexa welcomes UK tax accountant, Andy Muckett, to the podcast, to demystify the complexities of tax for self-employed vocal coaches and singing teachers in the UK. They discuss why taxes can feel overwhelming for creative professionals, the differences in tax responsibilities between employed and self-employed individuals, and practical tips for m…

1
Ep.173 Uncovering the Truth About Vocal Injuries In Singers with Laryngologist Dr Reena Gupta 53:16

10d ago53:16

53:16

Join us as we sit down with Dr Reena Gupta, a renowned laryngologist, to explore the world of vocal health. In this episode, we dive into common vocal injuries identified in clinic, the misconceptions of injury, and how injury forms, as well as the vocal impacts of the common cold, allergies and acid reflux. This episode is packed with practical in…

1
Ep.172 Understanding Acoustic Registers with Ken Bozeman 1:03:35

17d ago1:03:35

1:03:35

Vocal pedagogy expert Ken Bozeman returns to the podcast, joining Alexa to explore laryngeal vs. acoustic registration, how vowel modification impacts vocal range, and the role of sensory feedback in refining vocal technique. KEY MOMENTS "Laryngeal registration deals with how the vocal folds are shaped for pitch, while acoustic registration is dete…

1
Ep.171 A Guide to Vocal Self-Massage for Singers with Robert Price 1:02:36

24d ago1:02:36

1:02:36

Robert Price is a voice teacher, director, and level five advanced clinical massage therapist specialising in the voice and jaw. He trained in voice studies at the Central School of Speech and Drama before teaching and directing in many drama schools and currently serves voice users at his Vocal Massage London and at the Voice Care Centre. Robert t…

1
Ep.170 Understanding the Science of SOVTs: In Conversation with Ingo Titze & Karin Titze Cox 1:06:35

1M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

Join voice scientist, Dr Ingo Titze and Speech and Language Pathologist, Karin Titze-Cox as they discuss their book 'Voices Free after SOVT', exploring the science and application of Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract exercises. They delve into the benefits, implementation, and clinical applications of SOVTs, including using straws and tools to improve voca…

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Ep.169 How to Use Gesture for Better Singing with Heather Baker 48:43

1M ago48:43

48:43

Heather Baker, Founding Director of the Institute for Vocal Advancement, explains how gestures enhance vocal training by providing an additional modality for the brain to learn new vocal skills. She explores the connection between gestures and the brain, sharing examples of personalised and meaningful gestures. KEY MOMENTS "Observing gesture can im…

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Ep.168 Pros and Cons of Quick Fixes in Singing with Line Hilton 38:25

2M ago38:25

38:25

Alexa is joined by Line Hilton to discuss the concept of quick fixes in singing. They explore when it might be appropriate to use a quick fix, such as in auditions or performances, and when it might not be advisable, such as when dealing with a sore throat. They also discuss the importance of understanding the underlying principles and working towa…

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Ep.167 Understanding Nasality and Perception in the Singing Voice with Dr Nicholas Perna 1:03:10

2M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Alexa is joined by Dr Nicholas Perna to talk about nasality. They discuss and unravel the mysteries of the nose’s role in vocal production. From debunking myths about nasal resonance to exploring the benefits of nasal airflow, Dr Perna’s insights will challenge your assumptions and expand your understanding of vocal technique. Whether you’re a sing…

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Ep.166 Overcoming Self-Consciousness in Singing with Becky Gilhespie 55:32

2M ago55:32

55:32

Becky Gilhespie returns to the Singing Teachers Talk podcast to help us overcome our self-consciousness in singing. Becky is an experienced vocal coach working with touring artists, actors, and singers of all levels, having run studios in London and Sydney, and teaching at the Academy of Contemporary Music. Becky is the author of Singing for the Se…

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Ep.165 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part Two 46:49

2M ago46:49

46:49

The wonderful Dr Molly Gebrian is sticking around for part two of her chat with Alexa on the science of learning and practising, this week telling us all about practice habits, the memory, mental practice and much more. She highlights the importance of mental practice, shares resources, and talks about her upcoming book and career transition to foc…

1
Ep.164 Music and the Brain: The Science of Learning & Practice with Dr Molly Gebrian Part One 42:14

2M ago42:14

42:14

Dr. Molly Gebrian joins Alexa on the Singing Teachers Talk podcast for the first of a two parter to discuss the neuroscience of learning and its application to teaching and practising. The conversation covers brain organisation, neural pathways, myelin, learning processes, the impact of age on learning, and the importance of understanding brain sci…

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Ep.163 How to Sing and Teach Folk with Anna Tabbush 37:18

3M ago37:18

37:18

Folk singer and teacher, Anna Tabbush joins Alexa to share insights into the world of folk music, its historical context, lyrical content, vocal techniques, and teaching methods. The pair discuss the origins of folk music, its storytelling function, and the distinction between folk and pop music. Anna also explores vocal qualities, rhythmic element…

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Ep.162 Voices of the South West: Building Community with Rose Kimberley & Claire Williamson from the SouthWest Voice Hub 41:18

3M ago41:18

41:18

Rose Kimberly and Claire Williamson join Alexa to discuss the South West Voice Hub, a network they created to connect voice practitioners and singers in the South West of the UK. The hub aims to provide a local network for all things voice-related, including referrals, training, and support. They discuss the challenges of finding voice professional…

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Ep.161 From Speech to Song: Training the Spoken Voice Vs the Singing Voice with SLP Elle Holiday 56:02

3M ago56:02

56:02

Vocal Labs director Elle Holiday joins Alexa this week all the way from Adelaide in South Australia. Elle is a voice-specialising speech pathologist and singing teacher whose methodology is customised and based on evidence, focusing on retraining vocal techniques, enhancing performance stamina, and fostering confidence. Elle offers services in voic…

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Ep.160 Tuning into Trauma: Strategies for Singing Teachers with Psychologist Dr. Lydia Stone 52:42

3M ago52:42

52:42

In this week's episode Chartered Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Lydia Stone, joins Alexa Terry to discuss the topic of trauma. Lydia specialises in working with fostered and adopted children and families, she also runs a choir and is currently on the BAST Training Level 5 qualification course. Lydia explains the potential impacts of trauma on the singe…

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Ep.159 How Toys and Props Can Create Dynamic Singing Lessons with Kaya Herstad-Carney 50:19

4M ago50:19

50:19

Kaya Herstad-Carney returns to the podcast but this time she’s brought her Mary Poppins bag of tricks. Join Alexa and Kaya as they discuss the gadgets and props you can use as a singing teacher, the benefits they have to the student's voice and learning, and how best to utilise them in your singing lessons. KEY MOMENTS Because of its expandable nat…

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Ep.158 How Music Theory and Keyboard Skills Can Transform Your Singing Teaching with Amy Walton 48:28

4M ago48:28

48:28

Amy Walton, with expertise in musical literacy and keyboard skills, joins Alexa to explore essential music theory and piano skills for singing teachers. Trained in jazz performance, she reshaped curriculum at the Academy of Contemporary Music and teaches at Toronto's Singers Edge. KEY MOMENTS "I try to incorporate movement into it. It's a bit of da…

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Ep.157 What Singing Teachers Need to Know about NATS with Dr Kari Ragan 47:59

4M ago47:59

47:59

Dr. Kari Ragan, is a voice teacher and rehab specialist, Master Teacher for National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Intern Program, co-founder of Northwest Voice Conference. She joins Alexa to discuss NATS’ mission, benefits of membership, and the upcoming conference. Also, insights on NATS International Congress of Voice Teachers 2025. …

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Ep.156 Part Two: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coates 42:28

4M ago42:28

42:28

Dr Shannon Coates is with us for part two of this discussion on building neurodiversity inclusive voice studios and we're picking up just where we left off last week. Shannon is a singer, voice teacher, and educator who began developing training and educational resources specifically for independent voice teachers. She works with smaller groups of …

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Ep.155 Part One: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coates 1:00:54

5M ago1:00:54

1:00:54

Dr Shannon Coates will be keeping us company over the next two weeks to help us understand how we can build neurodiversity-inclusive voice studios. Shannon is a singer, voice teacher, and educator who began developing training and educational resources specifically for independent voice teachers. She works with smaller groups of teachers in an eigh…

1
Ep.154 Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry 37:18

5M ago37:18

37:18

In this episode, Alexa dives into the common struggles of imposter syndrome, low confidence, and feeling overwhelmed that many singing teachers face. As an experienced voice instructor and singer herself, Alexa shares personal stories and insights on managing these challenges in your teaching career and life. Learn how to overcome negative self-tal…

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Ep.153 Mastering the Spoken Voice for Recording with Nic Redman 44:08

5M ago44:08

44:08

Joining Alexa this week is Nic Redman, who has been working with the spoken voice for almost 20 years and who is the author of the best-selling book ‘On the Mic’. Nic has featured across the BBC, Times Radio, The Guardian, Irish Times, and The Metro. She offers one-to-one coaching for voice-over artists, narrators, podcasters, and speakers to maste…

1
Ep.152 'Tomayto, Tomahto': Understanding Singing Terminology With Line Hilton 43:54

5M ago43:54

43:54

Alexa Terry talks about vocal related terminology with BAST founder Line Hilton in Ep.152. Line explains some of the anatomical terminology a singing teacher may encounter in a medical or voice science setting this includes anatomical terms, register names, support and resonance. She and Alexa play a register names pop quiz to see how many of the 1…

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Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang with Kerrie Obert 50:02

6M ago50:02

50:02

Vocal coach Kerrie Obert joins Alexa to discuss the technique of twang in singing—what it is, how to find it, and how to apply it in a healthy way across your range. We bust myths about twang and larynx position, examine impactful but overlooked research, and learn exercises to develop this bright, forward resonance while avoiding excess tension. F…

1
Ep.150 Part Two: Finding the Best Posture and Alignment for Singing with Jennie Morton 44:43

6M ago44:43

44:43

It’s part two of our chat with West End Musical Theatre performer, lead singer of a London Big Band, and Clinical Osteopath, Jennie Morton. Today Alexa and Jennie will be picking up right where they left off talking about the importance of teachers finding their neutral for their own postural health in the teaching room. KEY MOMENTS ‘The body never…

1
Ep.149 Part One: Finding the Best Posture and Alignment for Singing with Jennie Morton 46:49

6M ago46:49

46:49

West End Musical Theatre performer, lead singer of a London Big Band, and Clinical Osteopath, Jennie Morton joins Alexa on Singing Teachers Talk for part one of a two part episode. This week the pair will be discussing how you can help your singers find their best posture and alignment. Listen in for some great exercises you can use with your stude…

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Ep.148 How to Record a Stand-Out Vocal Reel with Mitch Jarvis from Singing Demos 34:50

6M ago34:50

34:50

It's Mitch Jarvis from Singing Demos joining Alexa this week. Mitch has been recording vocal reels since 2011 with the mission to help performers stand out from the crowd and get that all-important invite into the audition room. Mitch is here to help us understand the benefits of a vocal reel and how the singer can get the best out of their recordi…

1
Ep.147 TV Vocal Coach: Behind the Scenes on ITV's Mamma Mia with Claire Delaney. 40:20

6M ago40:20

40:20

It's Claire Delaney who joins Alexa this week to give us a tour behind the scenes of working on the ITV show ‘Mamma Mia! I have a dream’, the search for Sophie and Sky. Claire is a vocal coach with a private business and also teaches at UK Drama School Italia Conti. She initially trained in Opera, performing at the likes of the Royal Albert Hall, a…

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Ep.146 How to Understand and Apply Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy with Ken Bozeman 1:20:10

7M ago1:20:10

1:20:10

Are you a vocal coach who has been avoiding vocal acoustics, you know that topic with words such as formant, harmonic, spectrogram and frequency? Maybe you just aren't sure how it applies to teaching singers, or maybe you've tried but it just seems too much to get to grips with. This week Alexa Terry is joined by Ken Bozeman, who is here to help yo…

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Ep.145 Style Vs Technique with Kaya Herstad-Carney 43:28

7M ago43:28

43:28

Alexa delves into Style Vs Technique with Kaya Herstad-Carney. A Norwegian powerhouse based in the UK since '99, Kaya is a singer, songwriter and vocal coach, blending creativity and technique. Join us to unravel the secrets behind her success in artist development and vocal education. KEY MOMENTS ‘Good vocal techniques are the ability to create th…

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Ep.144 Exploring the Benefits of Sound Healing for Singers and Teachers with Rush Dorsett 55:00

7M ago55:00

55:00

This week it's Rush Dorsett who's keeping Alexa company. Rush is a voice coach, performing artist, and founder of the Embodied Voice Academy. She has earned accolades in voice science, psychology, and sound healing. Rush is passionate about weaving together spiritual tools with vocal awakening practices to access a singer's highest potential. She i…

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Ep.143 Navigating the Music Industry with VocalizeU's Big Billy Clark & Elliott O'Connor 1:06:14

7M ago1:06:14

1:06:14

To help us kickstart the year Alexa is joined by VocalizeU’s very own Big Billy Clark and Elliott O’Connor who were here to help us and the singers we work with navigate the music industry. VocalizeU is a 10-day immersive artist program offering a 360° music education with performance, identity, production, songwriting, theatre, and management. KEY…

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Ep.142 How to Sing and Teach Gospel with Mark De-Lisser 50:00

8M ago50:00

50:00

For our final episode of 2023, Alexa is joined by sought-after choral director and vocal coach, Mark De-Lisser. He has worked with the likes of Ariana Grande, Jessie J, and Beverly Knight. He has also been involved in TV shows such as "Our Dementia Choir" with Vicky McClure and "The Masked Singer." Mark made the arrangement of "Stand By Me," which …

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Ep.141 How Curiosity and Science Help Us Understand the Voice with Aaron Johnson 56:24

8M ago56:24

56:24

Voice scientist Aaron Johnson joins Alexa to discuss laboratories, rats, the ageing larynx, and wearable devices to detect vocal fatigue. Aaron has had a career as a professional classical singer and teacher and is now a researcher and speech-language pathologist specialising in vocal habilitation and rehabilitation. He is currently an associate pr…

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Ep.140 The Best Vocal Exercises for Pitch Accuracy Training with Line Hilton 38:52

9M ago38:52

38:52

BAST founder Line Hilton joins Alexa to discuss the best vocal exercises for pitch accuracy training. You’ll find lots of helpful information on perceived tone deafness, singing and the premenstrual voice, navigating matching pitch, whether being ‘pitchy’ is a thing, props you can use in your lessons, and of course, some amazing vocal exercises you…

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Ep.139 Understanding Play-Based Learning for Children and Young Adult Singers with Nikki Loney 1:02:31

9M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Founder and CEO of Full Voice, Nikki Loney, is keeping us company this week with a teaching career spanning over three decades. Nikki works with music education specialists, children's composers, and musicians to create music education resources for young vocal students. She hosts her own podcast called "Full Voice" and is a member of NATS and the …

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Ep.138 Exploring the Benefits of The Alexander Technique for Singers with Patrick Ardagh-Walter 41:13

9M ago41:13

41:13

Joining Alexa this week to chat about the Alexander Technique is Patrick Ardagh-Walter, a professional singer who has worked with the likes of the Royal Opera. He's a trained Alexander Technique teacher himself and is an assistant at a training school for teachers of the Alexander Technique in Paris. Patrick is here to tell us where the technique o…

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Ep.137 Creating Optimal Learning Environments for Children and Young Adults with Roberta Wolff 55:39

9M ago55:39

55:39

Joining Alexa today is Professor of Performing Arts Pedagogy at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Roberta Wolff. As well as teaching on the Guildhall PGCert programme, she provides professional development on teaching skills to teachers across the performing arts disciplines. Roberta is also a workshop leader, coach, and piano teacher. In this e…

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Ep.136 Discussing the Music Industry's Response to LGBTQIA Singers: In Conversation with Nate James 33:29

9M ago33:29

33:29

Nate James is an independent soul artist with a successful career to date, having sold over a million albums, received MOBO nominations and urban music awards, and he has headlined festivals across Europe. He has also toured with the likes of Amy Winehouse and John Legend. Nate joins Alexa today to fly the flag for the music industry's LGBTQIA+ com…

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Ep.135 The Valentine Voice Care Mission and Building Your Own Practice Premises with Kate Valentine 38:51

10M ago38:51

38:51

We first welcomed Kate Valentine to the Singing Teachers Talk podcast back on episode 85. But now, Kate is back with us in episode 135, to tell us all about Valentine Voice Care Lewes, a centre for vocal wellness development, prevention, and rehabilitation, which she has built in East Sussex KEY MOMENTS ‘It felt like hell, I was so lonely and felt …

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Ep.134 How to Get Your Students to Practise with Line Hilton 47:24

10M ago47:24

47:24

Back in 2019, teenager Eddie Cortez went viral for a letter that he wrote to his teacher, explaining why he didn't do his homework. In that letter, he said, "I don't want to do school work over the weekend because it's a stress-free time to go out with friends, watch TV, play games. I don't do it also because it makes me very mad and unhappy. I do …

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Ep.133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre with Amanda Flynn 59:44

10M ago59:44

59:44

To continue our discussion on the juicy topic of "belt," Alexa is joined by voice teacher and trainer of musical theatre and CCM, Amanda Flynn. Amanda has performed in shows like "Wicked" and "Mamma Mia" and has held the position of Production Vocal Coach for "The Lightning Thief" and "Be More Chill" on Broadway. She is the author of "So You Want t…

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Ep.132 Understanding Vibrato in Singing with John Nix 51:07

10M ago51:07

51:07

Joining Alexa this week to discuss all things vibrato is Professor of Voice and Voice Pedagogy and Chair of Voice at the University of Texas at San Antonio, John Nix. John is a voice researcher himself, and his mentors include Barbara Doscher and Ingo Titze. John has produced 50 published articles and eight book chapters, co-chairs the Voice Scienc…

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Ep.131 Mastering Research Papers: How to Read with Ease and Extract Knowledge with Kate Cubley 31:03

11M ago31:03

31:03

Want to understand research papers but find them dull and impenetrable? Kate Cubley, dynamic voice researcher and vocal coach, is here to help. In this episode, Kate shares her passion for research and demystifies how to efficiently extract useful information. Learn her cheat sheet for navigating papers, focusing on the abstract, conclusion and app…

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Ep.130 Everything You Need to Know About Creating a Successful Podcast for Your Business with Kane Baron 47:33

11M ago47:33

47:33

If you've been listening to the Singing Teachers Talk podcast and have been wondering how you could start your own to support your business, then stay put. We are celebrating International Podcast Day right here with podcaster Kane Baron, who also runs the UK's largest podcast agency, Progressive Media. Kane joins me to give expert advice on how to…

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Ep.129 How to Build a Successful Website For Your Business With Taylor Rossi 43:08

11M ago43:08

43:08

Singing teachers and vocal coaches, are you yet to build your business website, or, like Alexa, have been meaning to update it for months but just lack the inspiration for it? Well, stick around because website designer Taylor Rossi from Nicole Ricardo Media is here with me for this week's episode, dishing all the goods on this very topic. KEY MOME…

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Ep.128 Considering The Whole Self in Singing And Teaching Singing with Jeremy Ryan Mossman 1:03:32

11M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

This week's guest is a teacher of voice, movement, and wholistic expression. Jeremy Ryan Mossman is the founder of Body-Based Voice Ped and has presented at global events for the likes of The Voice Foundation, Voice Study Centre, and the Musical Theater Educators Alliance and has spoken about many topics, including fascia-based techniques. Jeremy i…

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Ep.127 PAMAthon 2023 A Free Performing Arts Medicine Extravaganza With Dr Kat Cottrell 26:39

12M ago26:39

26:39

Education Committee Chair of PAMA, the Performing Arts Medicine Association, Dr. Kat Cottrell joins Alexa this week. Kat is a pianist, flautist, and percussionist turned GP and now cares for performing artists at the Musicians Clinics of Canada, supporting them with both mental and physical challenges related to their profession. Kat is here to dis…

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Ep.126 ‘The Business of Stories’: Game-Changing Marketing Strategy with Susan Payton 40:32

12M ago40:32

40:32

Once upon a time, there was a woman called Susan Payton who was passionate about helping fellow business owners to clearly articulate their value to their ideal customers with a simple messaging strategy. Susan wrote an Amazon bestseller called "The Business of Stories," knocking Diary of a CEO and Dragon Steven Bartlett off the top spot. She joins…

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Ep.125 A Young Person’s Guide to Vocal Health’ Book Review with Olivia Sparkhall 34:46

12M ago34:46

34:46

Choral leader, singer, teacher, composer and now author Olivia Sparkhall is joining Alexa this week to discuss her book, ‘A Young Person’s Guide to Vocal Health’. The book is a simple guide to help you understand what's good (and what's bad!) when looking after your 'vocal instrument', and how you can keep your voice in great shape. It shows you th…

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