Singing Teachers Talk BAST Training

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 TAKEAWAYS


Using props in singing training provides a kinesthetic experience, prompting students to consider technique and form habits that feel innate. Physical engagement aids memory recall, reinforcing learning through tactile stimuli. This approach enhances understanding and skill development in vocal performance, it’s also more fun. 
Balls aid singing teaching by enhancing breath control and support through exercises like tossing or squeezing. They engage students physically and mentally, adding a playful distraction that fosters focus and skill development.
Straw warm-ups, blowing air through a straw into water or the air, enhance singing by focusing airflow and promoting proper breath support. They gently prepare the voice, reducing strain, improving resonance, and enhancing vocal control for better performance.
Ask the singing student how using props like a TheraBand feels: does it improve, worsen, or maintain their vocal control and support? Assessing their experience helps tailor exercises for optimal vocal development.

BEST MOMENTS 

"Because of its expandable nature, I like to use this with singers who feel constriction in the throat”

“I love my singing straw”

“The important thing is that you know the research and why”

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Website:


kayamusic.com

Social Media:


Handle: @kayamusic

Relevant Links & Mentions: 


Vocology in Practice: https://www.vocologyinpractice.org/
(Youtube) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SingingTeachersTalk
Dr Shannon Coates: https://drshannoncoates.com/
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Eps. 155 & 156 - Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coates (Parts One & Two)
Mindy Pack: https://www.mindypack.com/
Dana Lentini: https://www.born2singkids.com/
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.77 - How to Teach Singing to Children with Dana Lentini 
Singing and Teaching Singing - A Holistic Approach to Classical Voice by Janice L. Chapman
Estill Voice Training System: https://estillvoice.com/
Voce Vista: https://www.vocevista.com/
Matrix VocalizeU Spectogram: https://matrix.vocalizeu.com/spectrodev/
Heidi Moss: https://www.heidimosserickson.com/
Actions - The Actor’s Thesaurus by Marina Caldarone & Maggie Lloyd-Williams 
Amelia Carr: https://www.ameliacarrvoice.com/
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.50 - Managing ‘Pushy Parents’ and Teaching ‘Legit’ with Amelia Carr
The Morrison Bone Prop: https://www.themorrisonboneprop.com/
The work of Ken Bozeman: http://www.kenbozeman.com/
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.146 How to Understand and Apply Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy with Ken Bozeman
The work of Ian Howell
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.145 Style Vs Technique with Kaya Herstad-Carney

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ABOUT THE GUEST 

Kaya, a Norwegian artist based in the UK since '99, excels in original music, vocal coaching, and artist development. Her career includes performances on The Royal Variety Show and the BBC Songwriting Showcase. Passionate about mentoring, directing festivals, and teaching, she serves as a board member for Vocology in Practice, training singing teachers globally. Specialising in singing, songwriting, and artist development at Waterbear and esteemed institutions.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

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 TAKEAWAYS


Musical literacy and keyboard skills are crucial for singing teachers. They enable accompaniment, enhance communication, and empower independent leadership. Understanding theory and tonality enriches teaching, making instructors more versatile and employable.
Strategies for engaging music lessons include adding movement to exercises like scale learning, keeping a lighthearted atmosphere by involving students in activities like song form sketching, and tailoring lessons to their goals, whether karaoke or music school. Amy advocates for making theory accessible through arranging exercises and introducing concepts subtly. Amy also recommends using recording for feedback and preparing accompaniments in advance to focus on students during lessons.
Vocal warm-ups using scales and arpeggios are essential for singers. They expand range, improve technique, and enhance articulation. From practising major scales for technique to exploring melodic minors for range, these exercises offer diverse challenges and benefits.
To identify augmented and diminished chords on piano, understand their structure. Augmented chords raise the fifth scale degree, while diminished chords lower it. Play augmented chords by raising the fifth note of a major triad, and diminished chords by lowering the fifth note of a minor triad. Listen closely to distinguish their sound from major or minor chords. With practice, you'll master playing these chords.

BEST MOMENTS 

"I try to incorporate movement into it. It's a bit of dance."

“Don't look at it as what can I do, but what can theory do for you in your practice."

“Sometimes I do that in a way to hide the vegetables."

 

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Social Media:


Instagram: @amywaltonmusic

Relevant Links & Mentions: 


Jacob Collier: https://www.jacobcollier.com/
Kaya Herstad-Carney: https://kayamusic.com/
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 70 Coaching Contemporary Commercial Music with Kim Chandler 
Open Music Theory - Viva Press Books: https://viva.pressbooks.pub/openmusictheory/
Popular Music Theory from University of West London: https://lcmmusicshop.uwl.ac.uk/shop/dept/Popular-Music-Theory/100105
Adult Piano Adventure Books 
Modern Pop Keyboard Books (Hal Leonard) 
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. Essential Piano Skills for Singers and Voice Teachers with Brenda Earle Stokes

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Amy, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, boasts over 15 years' experience as a soloist and voice teacher. Trained in Jazz Performance at the University of Cape Town, she later led vocals at the Academy of Contemporary Music in London, reshaping their curriculum. Now based in Toronto, Amy teaches at Singer’s Edge and offers consultancy services while presenting at Vocology In Practice conferences. Her expertise spans vocal physiology, musical literacy, keyboard skills, and contemporary improvisation. Notable career highlights include performances with the KwaZulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra in South Africa and on the Eiffel Tower.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

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

KEY TAKEAWAYS


NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) supports singing teachers with resources, networking, and professional development, promoting excellence in vocal instruction through conferences, workshops, publications, and certification programs.
NATS Chat offers live online discussions for voice teachers and singers on diverse topics like vocal technique, repertoire, teaching, and business strategies. Hosted by NATS member Kari Ragan, it features prominent guests from the industry.
The International Congress of Voice Teachers (ICVT), is a global event facilitated by NATS and other associations, offers masterclasses and sessions for voice teachers worldwide. The next event is ICVT Toronto 2025, hosted by NATS, The Royal Conservatory, and University of Toronto Faculty of Music, from July 31 to August 3.

BEST MOMENTS 

“It’s where I came out of the mindset of wanting to be a singer to wanting to be a teacher”

“We believe in moving the profession forward”

“It can be so overwhelming with what we’re expected to know nowadays”

 

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:


KariRagan.com

Social Media:


Facebook: @Voice Studio of Dr. Kari Ragan

Relevant Links & Mentions: 


National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS): https://www.nats.org/
NATS International Congress of Voice Teachers Conference 2025: https://www.nats.org/icvt2025.html
NATS Chat Archives: https://www.nats.org/nats-chat-transcript-archive.html
NATS Chat Youtube Platform: https://www.youtube.com/officialnats
The work of Scott McCoy
Kerrie Obert: https://obertvoicestudios.com/ & https://portal.getvocal-now.com/pages/home
The work of Dr Marco Guzman 
The Efficacy of Vocal Cool-down Exercises by Dr Kari Ragan: https://kariragan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/The-Efficacy-of-Vocal-Cool-Down-Exercises-JOS-2018.pdf
The work of Lynn Helding: https://lynnhelding.com/
The work of Lynn Maxfield  
The work of Marci Rosenberg: https://www.marci-rosenberg.com/
The work of Leda Scearce
The work of Peggy Baroody
The work of Karen Brunssen 
So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre by Amanda Flynn 
A Systematic Approach to Voice: The Art of Studio Application by Dr Kari Ragan
Singing Voice Rehabilitation: A Guide for the Voice Teacher and Speech-Language Pathologist by Karen Wicklund 
NorthWest Voice: NWVoice.org
The work of Martin Nevdahl 
The work of Albert L Merati 
The work of Dr Ingo Titze
Dr H Steven Sims
John Henny: https://johnhenny.com/
The Fall Voice Conference: https://www.fallvoice.org/
The Voice Foundation: https://voicefoundation.org/
Pan American Vocology Association (PAVA): https://pavavocology.org/
The work of Ian Howell 
Vocology in Practice: https://www.vocologyinpractice.org/
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: 154 Managing Imposter Syndrome, Low Confidence and Overwhelm as Singing Teachers with Alexa Terry: https://linktr.ee/basttraining?utm_source & https://www.youtube.com/@SingingTeachersTalk/videos

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Kari Ragan, DMA, MM, BM, is an accomplished singing voice rehabilitation specialist and educator. With numerous awards and affiliations, including the University of Washington Laryngology program, she's known for her book "A Systematic Approach to Voice '' and co-founding the Northwest Voice Conference.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

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 teachers in an eight-month training called the VoicePed UnDegree that runs each year. This week, Shannon helps us to understand the terminology of neurodiversity, and we start to explore how we can be inclusive for the likes of dyslexia and ADHD.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


In the classroom, autistic individuals may struggle with sensory overload, heightened sensitivities, difficulty filtering stimuli, hyperfocus, and executive functioning challenges. They may show their overwhelm with a perceived lack of attention or disengagement. 
Some autistic individuals benefit from physical guidance and tactile feedback to understand and replicate movements accurately. Singing teachers may gently guide their students' hands, arms, or facial muscles to demonstrate proper technique and expression. This hands-on approach provides sensory input that can enhance the learning experience and help autistic singers internalise correct movements.
Autistic individuals often thrive in environments with clear structure and predictable routines. Singing teachers can establish a consistent lesson structure with clearly defined goals, activities, and transitions. Providing a visual schedule or checklist can help autistic singers anticipate what to expect during each session, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of security.
Singing teachers can support autistic individuals' stimming by normalizing it, recognizing individual patterns, providing a sensory-friendly environment, incorporating movement and breaks, using stimming as a teaching tool, and offering positive reinforcement.

BEST MOMENTS 

“I cannot focus on what you’re asking me to do, my senses are in complete overwhelm”

“The things we do in the studio to affirm neurodiversity do not just affirm neurodivergent singers, they affirm all singers”

“There is a lifetime of trying to figure out the rules because our social rules are based on reading other people”

“Clarity is kindness”

 

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:


www.drshannoncoates.com

Social Media:


Instagram: @voiceped
Facebook: @VoiceAndTheArtofTeaching 

Relevant Links & Mentions: 


(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.155 Part One: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coates
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.104 Teaching Singers with ADHD with Colin McGee
Lewis Capaldi 
Nikki Loney & Full Voice Music: www.fullvoicemusic.com 
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.139 Understanding Play-Based Learning for Children and Young Adult Singers with Nikki Loney

BAST Book A Call

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Shannon is a singer, voice teacher, and educator with nearly two decades of experience running a successful independent voice studio. She develops training and resources for voice teachers worldwide, focusing on inclusivity and neurodiversity. Shannon holds three vocal performance degrees from the University of Toronto and offers subject-specific training, including Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed and Contemporary Voice. She promotes best practices in teaching and advocates for inclusive voice spaces through social media.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

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 eight-month training called the VoicePed UnDegree that runs each year. This week, Shannon helps us to understand the terminology of neurodiversity, and we start to explore how we can be inclusive for the likes of dyslexia and ADHD.

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Neurodivergent refers to individuals whose neurological development and functioning differ from what is typically considered typical or neurotypical. This includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Neurodivergent individuals may have unique ways of thinking, processing information, and interacting with the world. The term emphasises the natural diversity of human brains and challenges the notion of a single "normal" or "correct" neurological makeup.
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with maintaining focus, organising tasks, and controlling impulses. ADHD can impact various aspects of daily life, including academic performance, work, and relationships. 
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder characterised by difficulty in reading, spelling, and writing despite ‘normal’ intelligence and adequate educational opportunities. Individuals with dyslexia may have challenges with phonological processing, which affects their ability to recognize and decode words and symbols accurately. 

BEST MOMENTS 

‘Not being associated with academia doesn't mean that you can’t be a specialist voice teacher’

‘In the process of working with my own children I also began to see some of those similar things in the studio’

‘Practising the new thing is always in my brain, I want to get into it and the novelty of it, ADHD singers will love it’

‘No matter who we’re working with, the most effective reframing is asking what they focused in on and found interesting’

 

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:


www.drshannoncoates.com

Social Media:


Instagram: @voiceped
Facebook: @VoiceAndTheArtofTeaching 

Relevant Links & Mentions: 


(Column) Neurodiversity in the Voice Studio, Clinic, and Performance Space: Using a Neurodiversity Affirming Lens to Build More Inclusive Spaces for Singers: Part 1, Current Understanding of Neurodiversity by Dr Shannon Coates; Journal of Singing (2022)
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.152 ‘Tomayto, Tomahto’: Understanding Singing Terminology with Line Hilton
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.104 Teaching Singers with ADHD with Colin McGee
Tera Sumpter: https://terasumpter.com/

BAST Book A Call

 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

Shannon is a singer, voice teacher, and educator with nearly two decades of experience running a successful independent voice studio. She develops training and resources for voice teachers worldwide, focusing on inclusivity and neurodiversity. Shannon holds three vocal performance degrees from the University of Toronto and offers subject-specific training, including Neurodiversity-Affirming VoicePed and Contemporary Voice. She promotes best practices in teaching and advocates for inclusive voice spaces through social media.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

basttraining.com

Updates from BAST Training

In this solo 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-talk, build your confidence both in and out of the studio, and avoid burnout through self-care and planning. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS


Imposter syndrome, low confidence, and overwhelm are common among singing teachers. Imposter thoughts prevail due to isolation, comparison, and teaching observations. These feelings stem from self-doubt, fear of judgement, and perfectionism.
Strategies like reframing thoughts and celebrating achievements can counter imposter syndrome. Perspective-taking and building a support network are beneficial. Despite accomplishments, imposter syndrome affects individuals across fields, emphasising the importance of sharing experiences for community support.
You can build a support network by joining online communities and forums, attending conferences, and seeking mentorship. Forming mastermind groups, scheduling catch-ups, and following inspirational accounts on social media offer additional support. Investing in a coach and being open with students about imposter feelings can also aid in managing challenges.

BEST MOMENTS 

"100% of them reported having felt imposter syndrome, low confidence and overwhelm."

"The most common intrusive thoughts reported include 'Just quit. You don't know enough' and 'You don't have the skills.'"  

"Sometimes, I am completely overwhelmed by the amount of information and responsibility I'm faced with as a singing teacher."

 

EPISODE RESOURCES 

Guest Website:


www.aterryvocalcoaching.com 

Social Media:


Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching
Facebook: @ATerryVocalCoaching 

Relevant Links & Mentions: 


Vocology in Practice
The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention by Dr Pauline R Clance & Dr Suzanne A Imes (1978)
Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw (1903)
(Blog) Singing and the Premenstrual Voice
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.102 Understanding Singing and Menopause with Joanne Bozeman 
Psychologist Lev Vygotsky (The Zone of Proximal Development & ‘Scaffolding’) 
The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young
(Youtube) TED Talk by Valerie Young (2017)
Tommy Ludgate: https://tommyludgate.com/
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.49 Unlocking Your Creative Potential with Tommy Ludgate 
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang with Kerrie Obert
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre with Amanda Flynn
Steven Bartlett & The Diary of a CEO
John Henny: https://johnhenny.com/
Voice Study Centre: voicestudycentre.com
Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/
The 6-minute Success Journal
(Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.147 TV Coach: Behind the Scenes on ITV’s Mamma Mia with Claire Delaney 
alexa@basttraining.com

BAST Book A Call

 

ABOUT THE GUEST 

After graduating with a BA Musical Theatre degree, Alexa Terry donned her sailor’s cap and performed as a lead soloist on cruise ships travelling the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Baltic seas. She trod the boards in London’s West End as the protagonist in a new Musical Theatre project, studied as a librettist with Book, Music and Lyrics (BML), and has written for the likes of BritishTheatre.com as a reviewer. 

Alexa runs her own 1-1 singing tuition practice in the South of England and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools - Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels entry auditions. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk Podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 Qualification, and has presented on the topics of Musical Theatre repertoire and authentic Musical Theatre performance.