Want to write a book? Read this advice from a published vocal coach
Publishing a book helped vocal coach Becky Gilhespie boost her professional profile and expand her business. Read on to find out how and why she did it.
BAST Training
Can singing help people living with ‘long Covid’?
Can choir leaders use Singing for Lung Health strategies to help people with long Covid? Musical director Juliet Russell explored this question in a singing project with Covid ‘long haulers’.
Stay strong and #fightthefatigue
Singing teachers are being urged to take stock of their mental health and to check in with their colleagues as part of the #fightthefatigue campaign.
Three tips to help improve your website
Many singers start their search for a vocal coach by browsing online, so it’s crucial that your website is up-to-date and shows you at your best. Here are three tips to improve your website.
Graded singing exams with MTB: How they work and why they’re Covid-safe
With MTB (Music Teachers’ Board), voice students can sit their grade exams any day of the year from a location of their choice. BAST looks at how the system works and how it can benefit singers and teachers.
Courses and workshops for singing teachers
Here’s a list of courses, workshops and conferences to help singing teachers continue their professional development and sharpen their business skills.
How to nurture a singer’s authentic voice ⏱ 10 mins
Leading gospel and soul voice teacher Dr Trineice Robinson-Martin on helping singers to find their authentic voice. Dr Trineice Robinson-Martin is a singer and voice teacher with one helluva CV. A specialist in African American folk-based music, Dr Robinson-Martin… Read More »How to nurture a singer’s authentic voice ⏱ 10 mins
Choirs and Covid-19: ‘2020 has been tough, but we need to keep going’
‘Choir directors are an asset to society. What we do is about healing, and right now people need that,’ says choir director Naveen Arles. Naveen Arles is the artistic director of the London International Gospel Choir, and the founder of MD Brunch,… Read More »Choirs and Covid-19: ‘2020 has been tough, but we need to keep going’
The Laryngeal Nerves
Alexa Terry and Line Hilton look at the laryngeal nerves and the role they play in voice production. The nervous system is a two-way information highway delivering messages from the brain to different parts of the body and from the… Read More »The Laryngeal Nerves
How to help male adolescent singers access the upper register
Vocal coach Jo Sear shares her tips on helping male adolescent singers to access the upper register. In her 15-year teaching career, Jo Sear has worked extensively with male contemporary singers. She’s worked privately and in secondary schools, helping many teenage… Read More »How to help male adolescent singers access the upper register
Ep.27 The Singing Master Chef with Becky Gilhespie
“We need to take diversions sometimes, to come back and realise what we’ve got” Becky Gilhespie has had an interesting journey from singing, to teaching to cheffing, and now, as a result of Covid-19 back to teaching singers again. A… Read More »Ep.27 The Singing Master Chef with Becky Gilhespie
The Coaching Manual: a must-read coaching skills guide
If you want to sharpen your coaching skills, then grab a copy of coaching guru Julie Starr’s book. The Coaching Manual is a go-to guide for anyone who wants to become a more effective coach, writes ALEXA TERRY. Singing teachers raise your… Read More »The Coaching Manual: a must-read coaching skills guide
Updated guidance on singing and Covid-19
New guidance on singing and Covid-19 has been cautiously welcomed but has also prompted calls for more clarity. For singing teachers keen to return to face-to-face teaching, there have been a few significant developments this month. Last week,… Read More »Updated guidance on singing and Covid-19
The Vocal Fold Layers
Alexa Terry takes a closer look at the vocal fold layers and the role they play in singing. Before we take a deep dive into the anatomy of the vocal fold layers, here’s a little brainteaser for you vocal nerds. … Read More »The Vocal Fold Layers
Ear training for beginners
Ear training is a great way to help singers with pitching issues. Top vocal coach Nerissa Campbell shares her tips on how to get started with beginners. As an experienced vocal coach, New York-based Nerissa Campbell has helped many students improve their pitch.… Read More »Ear training for beginners
The right mix: a pro singer on the joys of teaching and performing
Napoleon Cummings explains why he ditched international touring for a career that combines teaching and performing. After five years on the road with a cappella supergroup Naturally 7, Napoleon Cummings yearned for a better work/life balance. “I was away for… Read More »The right mix: a pro singer on the joys of teaching and performing
Government guidance on singing and Covid-19
The UK government has released guidance on performing that includes specific recommendations about singing. The lengthy report, Performing Arts: Working Safely Through The Coronavirus, is for performers, venue operators and arts organisations and, some would say, open to interpretation. To… Read More »Government guidance on singing and Covid-19
Covid-19 financial support – what about freelancers?
Freelancers, especially those shut out from the self-employed income support scheme, need more Covid-19 financial assistance. The government made lots of big-ticket economic announcements this week in an attempt to sure up the economy. In some good news for the… Read More »Covid-19 financial support – what about freelancers?
Ep.26 The secret of authenticity with Nigel Richards
“Not only do you have to be a good artist, you have to be good at being an artist” During lockdown Nigel has been very busy helping college students to finish off their performance years, online. Having never taught online… Read More »Ep.26 The secret of authenticity with Nigel Richards
Tips for teaching a student who’s had Covid-19
How can a singing teacher support a student recovering from Covid-19? Singer and vocal coach Sarah Nixey, who is managing her own vocal recovery after a serious brush with the virus, shares her tips. While our understanding of Covid-19 has… Read More »Tips for teaching a student who’s had Covid-19