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.

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 […]

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 […]

BAST’s Alexa Terry takes a closer look at the hyoid bone, otherwise known as “the singing bone”.   “Clarifying, understanding and organising oneself around the hyoid bone… has amazing and […]

When a student is under the weather or out of sorts, what’s a singing teacher to do? Alexa Terry shares eight tips on providing useful singing lessons – without any […]

Some vocal coaches and voice scientists claim Vocalzone pastilles do more harm than good. But is there actually any science to back this view up? Alexa Terry, aided by Line […]

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 […]

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 […]

If a singer is experiencing breathiness, how can you help? Alexa Terry shares her tips so get ready for hissing, chopping and tongue twisters. Imagine this: 14-year old Valerie van […]

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 […]

BAST’s Alexa Terry review’s the latest book from respected laryngologist Dr Reena Gupta. Sam Smith, Adele, Wilma the kindergarten teacher, Caissie Levy, George Salazar, Bob from the local amateur dramatics […]

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 […]

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 […]

As a self-professed bookworm no trip to the shopping centre is complete without a visit to the bookshop to scan the sea of stories offering a 400-page chunk of escapism. […]

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that aims to release deep tensions in the body. Its purpose is to support relief from pain and dysfunction.  It is a […]

As the clock declares January’s arrival and renditions of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ are warbled, listen carefully and you might just hear the utterance of New Year’s resolutions floating into the […]

“So, tell me,” says the singing coach with a smile. “How have you got on since our last session with the practise we set?”  *Cue montage*  Oliver: “I forgot to […]

Imagine this: a new client, 13-year old Polly Peters, arrives promptly for her singing lesson. As you  welcome her to your studio you notice her clinging to the sleeve of […]