What if performance anxiety isn’t just about what happens on stage? In this episode, Alexa is joined by performance rehabilitation coach and PhD researcher Mel Toy to dig beneath the surface of music performance anxiety. They unpack the surprising factors that can shape anxiety, why common advice doesn’t always help, and how singers and teachers can approach performance with more curiosity, compassion and individuality. They also discuss the surprising impact of noise, sleep and everyday life and why anxiety isn’t always easy to spot. A thought-provoking conversation for singing teachers and performers that challenges some common assumptions about anxiety and performance.
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?
2:05 ‘Music Performance Anxiety’ as a social anxiety disorder
8:52 Creating well-being environments for learning
12:40 A note on cognitive reframing
24:52 Anxiety contributors
31:16 Spotting anxiety
35:05: Stress and progress
46:30 What about when it’s the teacher who is anxious?
51:23 Mel’s research
About the presenter HERE
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS
Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.271 Singer & the Self: Rethinking Singing Teacher CPD with Becky Gilhespie
The Singer’s Guide Podcast by Tessa Smith – Trust the Process: Alexa Terry on Unfinished Sounds and Developing Your Voice
This is your Brain on Food by Dr Uma Naidoo
Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.94 Developing The Singer Into an Artist with Wendy Parr
Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.277 Identity, Self-Worth and Burnout in the Performing Arts with Claire Cannon
ABOUT THE GUEST
Mel Toy is an experienced voice and performance coach, voice massage practitioner, and vocal health specialist dedicated to empowering artists and performers to unlock their creative potential. With a holistic approach that integrates tailored technical exercises, artistic development, and rehabilitative techniques, Mel works to help clients overcome both physiological and psychological challenges, fostering their creative freedom and promoting vocal wellbeing.
In addition to her client-focused work, Mel is a seasoned lecturer in voice and contemporary performance. Since 2018, she has taught at leading institutions, including the British Institute of Modern Music (BIMM Institute London), the Voice Study Centre, and the Eastern Institute of Technology (Hawke’s Bay). Through these roles, Mel has guided singers and musicians in developing their vocal technique, performance health, collaborative songwriting, and career strategies. She also supervises undergraduate and Master’s theses and serves as a reviewer for the Sages Music and Science Journal. As part of her international teaching experience, Mel has contributed to the European Vocal Camp and joined the team in 2025 for the launch of their Asia-Pacific camp.
Mel is a certified Vocal Coach through the Institute of Vocal Advancement and Modern Vocal Training, as well as a Vocal Health Habilitation Practitioner with Vocal Health Education. She has also delivered masterclasses on Music Performance Anxiety, Performance Psychology, and Vocal Massage to global audiences, helping vocal coaches, singing teachers, and other support practitioners better assist their clients in managing performance-related stress and anxiety.
In addition to her vocal techniques education, Mel is a researcher and academic, holding a BA Hons in Creative Musicianship and an MSc Psychology. She is currently undertaking doctoral research through the Department of Culture, Communication, and Media with University College London’s Institute of Education, investigating the ongoing implications of music performance anxiety on the wellbeing of contemporary singers.
Social Media: @meltoyvocalcoach
