‘BAST Training gave me the confidence to start teaching’
Former pro singer Jessica Thomas explains how BAST Training helped her start her own singing teaching business.
Singing Teacher
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.
How to make your 2021 goals a reality
2020 has been bonkers, but the New Year is just around the corner. While we may not be able to welcome it with tight hugs and wet kisses, we can make a start on our 2021 teaching goals.
What to do when you just don’t gel with a student
What happens when a singing teacher and pupil just don’t gel? In the latest in our Difficult Conversations series, ALEXA TERRY looks at what vocal coaches can do if the teacher-student dynamic doesn’t seem to be working.
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’
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
Eight reasons why a vocal coach should have singing lessons
Teachers often put their own vocal development on the backburner to focus on their students. But vocal coaches can benefit enormously from having singing lessons themselves. We purchase books and journals, attend courses and conferences, and absorb podcasts and blogs,… Read More »Eight reasons why a vocal coach should have singing lessons
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
The benefits of BAST singing teacher training
Four former BAST students reveal how singing teacher training gave them the tools and confidence to coach others and build successful businesses. Cat Ogden runs a vocal practice in Cheshire and is studying for her Masters in Voice Pedagogy.… Read More »The benefits of BAST singing teacher training
Singing With Your Whole Self: a guide to Feldenkrais and singing
Looking for a how-to guide on the Feldenkrais Method and singing? If so, grab yourself a copy of Singing With Your Whole Self: A Singer’s Guide to Feldenkrais Awareness through Movement, writes Alexa Terry. “How does one develop an internal… Read More »Singing With Your Whole Self: a guide to Feldenkrais and singing
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
Teaching singing in person versus online
Will the Covid-19 pandemic change singing teaching forever? Alexa Terry weighs up the pros and cons of virtual and face-to-face teaching. Since the outbreak of Covid-19 and the enforcement of lockdown measures, the likes of Zoom and Skype have become… Read More »Teaching singing in person versus online
How to tell a singer they need to see an ENT
You suspect a student has a severe vocal problem and needs to see an ENT. How do you break the news? Alexa Terry explores ways to approach difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism. As vocal coaches, there is a first… Read More »How to tell a singer they need to see an ENT
Review – Singing & Science: Body, Brain & Voice by Jean Callaghan
Vocal coach Alexa Terry gives her verdict on Dr Jean Callaghan’s book Singing and Science: Body, Brain & Voice. “When I began teaching singing 35 years ago, I asked myself such questions as ‘What is the accepted body of knowledge… Read More »Review – Singing & Science: Body, Brain & Voice by Jean Callaghan
Ten ways to increase your productivity
Increase your productivity by sharpening your focus and getting rid of distractions, writes Alexa Terry. ‘… most people do not achieve the use of more than a minute fraction of their potential ability; the minority that outstrips the majority does… Read More »Ten ways to increase your productivity
Working with defensive and hesitant singers
What makes a singer reluctant to take the advice of their teacher? Here are two case studies for dealing with defensive and hesitant singers. Imagine this: 28-year old Jemima Jenkins arrives for her third singing lesson with you. She’s a… Read More »Working with defensive and hesitant singers