In this episode, Alexa and Line take a closer look at the familiar idea of the singer as a ‘vocal athlete’. Drawing on examples from across the performing arts, they explore what the comparison can teach us about the demands placed on singers, and where it might not tell the whole story. From training and performance to vocal health and wellbeing, this conversation invites us to think differently about what singers ask of their voices and bodies, and how we can better support them along the way.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
0:24 When did you first hear the term ‘vocal athlete?’
3:36 The definition of ‘athlete’ and where it holds up for singers
11:46 Where does the analogy fall down?
25:37 A language debate
30:50 The future of the term ‘vocal athlete?’
About the presenter HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
The Vocal Athlete by Marci Daniels Rosenberg & Wendy D. LeBorgne
The Singing Athlete by Andrew Byrne
Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.232 The Vocal Athlete: Inside Touring Life with Mindy Pack
Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.81 Teaching Famous Voices with Robert ‘RAab’ Stevenson
Sport In Art with Jan Sebastian Tomsa
Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.150 Part Two: Finding the Best Posture and Alignment for Singing with Jennie Morton
Singing Teachers Talk Ep.61 Measuring Vocal Load in Contemporary Musical Theatre
Dr Steven Zeitels