Categories
Piano Skills Checklist for Singing Teachers: Can You Do These Four Things? ⏱ 2 mins
How do you score on educator Brenda Earle Stokes’ piano skills checklist for singing teachers? It’s not written in stone […]
Why Jaw Tension Can Wreak Havoc on a Singer’s Voice and How to Tackle It ⏱ 3 mins
The jaw plays a crucial role in singing, and if there’s tension in this part of the body, a singer […]
Three Easy Text-Based Acting Exercises for Musical Theatre Students ⏱ 3 mins
Help your students bring musical theatre characters to vivid life with these text-based exercises recommended by a top acting coach. […]
How to Inspire Adolescent Singers and Encourage a Growth Mindset ⏱ 3 mins
Make your studio a safe space for adolescent singers to learn, explore and develop a growth mindset. The teenage years […]
How to Succeed as a Dance Music Vocalist: Five Tips from an Industry Insider ⏱ 3 mins
Find out what it takes to make it as a vocalist in the world of electronic music and the process […]
Ten of the Best Coaching Questions for Brilliant Student-Led Lessons ⏱ 3 mins
Deliver standout student-led singing lessons by asking these simple coaching questions. When it comes to figuring out what makes a […]
How to Help Singers Find Their Authentic Vocal Style ⏱ 2 mins
Got a student who is struggling with their musical mojo? Here are five ways to help them discover their authentic […]
Nine Ways to Help Singers with ADHD Thrive ⏱ 3 mins
Create a safe and supportive learning environment for students with ADHD by following these simple strategies.
Measuring a Singer’s Voice: When and How To Do It ⏱ 2 mins
Learn how to measure a student’s vocal range, lung capacity, pitch and resonance and how this knowledge can improve your teaching.
Menopause: How to Spot the Signs of Hormone-related Voice Change ⏱ 3 mins
The symptoms of menopause go far beyond hot flushes. Read on for a comprehensive list of how menopause impacts the […]
Belting for Beginners: Three Top Tips on Getting Started ⏱ 2 mins
When is the time right for a singer to try belting? Top vocal coach John Henny answers three FAQs on […]
Nutrition for Singers: Common Diet Myths Debunked ⏱ 2 mins
Top nutritionist Duncan Rock dishes out some no-nonsense diet advice for singers that includes a surprising verdict on dairy. Singers […]
Dealing with Missed Lessons: How to Confidently Enforce Your Cancellation Policy ⏱ 2 mins
What should you do if a student cancels a session at short notice? Here’s some useful advice from Line Hilton […]
Songwriting with Children: The Easy Beginner Exercise That Works ⏱ 2 mins
Songwriting guru Sophie Garner reveals the simple exercise she uses in schools to kickstart the creative process. It’s fair to […]
Posture and the Performer: Three Facts You Should Know ⏱ 3 mins
Why are musicians like endurance athletes? And which instrument is the most perilous for your posture? Read on to find […]
Vocal Health and the Singer: The No-Nonsense Guide to Building Good Habits ⏱ 3 mins
When it comes to vocal health and the singer, what’s normal and what’s neurotic? Joanna Kazden discusses the line between savvy […]
SEO Tips for Singing Teachers: How to Earn Income from Your Website ⏱ 3 mins
Want more people to visit your website and sign up for lessons with you? Dr Tonya Lawson has these SEO […]
How to Sound Sexy: Two Ways to Inject Va-Va-Voom into a Performance ⏱ 2 mins
Here are two simple exercises to help uptight singers spice up a performance. While some singers relish the chance to […]
How to Save Time on Your Business Admin ⏱ 2 mins
If you find the admin side of running your business a burden and a bore, studio management software could be […]
Do You Have Burnout? How to Spot the Signs and Regain Your Mojo ⏱ 3 mins
If you constantly feel physically and emotionally drained, you could be suffering from burnout. Here’s how to identify the signs […]
Tips for Choosing Repertoire for Drama School Auditions ⏱ 3 mins
Give your students the edge in drama school auditions by following these top tips from an industry insider. Winning a […]
Four-Step Guide to Writing a Book About Voice ⏱ 3 mins
Want to write a book about voice but don’t know how to get started? Here’s a four-step guide to penning […]
Could This Simple Breathing Exercise Help Your Musical Theatre Students Sing Better? ⏱ 2 mins
Dr Matt Edwards explains why less is more when it comes to breathing in contemporary pop/rock musical theatre singing and […]
Preparing for Musical Theatre Auditions – Tips from a Broadway Veteran ⏱ 2 mins
What does it take to win a coveted role on Broadway? Veteran vocal coach Bob Marks reveals how he helps […]
Top ENT Answers Four Seasonal Singing Questions ⏱ 3 mins
Can you sing with a cold? Are antihistamines bad? We put these questions and more to top ear, nose and […]
Everything You Need to Know About Our New Singing Teaching Qualification ⏱ 3 mins
Exciting news: Enrolment is open for BAST’s new course, a vocational diploma that will give you the confidence to teach […]
The Right and Wrong Way to Tell a Singer They Need to See an ENT ⏱ 2 mins
What’s the best way to broach the tricky subject of vocal ill-health with a student? Kate Valentine explains how to […]
How to Help Your Students Develop Vocal Versatility (And Become More Employable) ⏱ 3 mins
Help your students unlock the artistic and commercial benefits that come with being able to adapt to different musical genres. […]
Singers with Allergies: Top Teaching Tips and an Important Warning ⏱ 3 mins
Vocal coach Line Hilton reveals the do’s and don’ts of working with singers with allergies. In a perfect world, every […]
The Single Biggest Marketing Mistake Singing Teachers Make ⏱ 2 mins
Discover the most common marketing mistake that singing teachers make online – and the easy way to fix it. Figuring […]
Prepping Superstars on the Road: Vocal Coach Reveals His Backstage Voice Care Secrets ⏱ 3 mins
When artists like Justin Timberlake and Lizzo prepare for high-stakes gigs or stadium tours, they turn to vocal coach RAab […]
Music Performance Anxiety: Symptoms and Treatments Explained ⏱ 3 mins
As World Mental Health Day is today, we take a closer look at music performance anxiety and the two main […]
Help! How Do I Tell My Students I’m Increasing My Prices? ⏱ 3 mins
Most singing teachers dread telling clients that they’re upping their prices. But there is a way to do it with […]
Tax Tips for Savvy Freelancers ⏱ 3 mins
Feeling squeezed by the cost of living crisis? Follow these simple steps to ensure you don’t pay more tax than […]
Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Stay on Track When You’re a Freelancer ⏱ 3 mins
If your to-do list makes you feel anxious instead of inspired, it’s time to act. Coach and author Simone Niles […]
How to Deal With Difficult Parents ⏱ 3 mins
When it comes to teaching singing to children, there’s an important third party that you must factor into the equation: […]
Mental Health: The One Question You Should Ask Every Student ⏱ 3 mins
By asking one simple question, singing teachers can play a valuable role in efforts to tackle mental illness in the […]
Top Teacher’s No 1 Tip for Successful Singing Lessons ⏱ 3 mins
Renowned vocal coach and rehab specialist Dr Jenevora Williams reveals the key ingredient to successful singing lessons. When guiding a […]
Could Shared Decision-making Bring You More Success in the Studio? ⏱ 3 mins
Manual therapist Walt Fritz makes a case for voice practitioners adopting a shared decision-making model with clients. Walt Fritz’s views […]
The Larynx: What to Do If a Singer is Tracking Pitch ⏱ 2 mins
Line Hilton shares her tips for helping students struggling with laryngeal stability. The larynx plays a vital role in singing […]
Career Development: Meet a Teacher Taking the ViP Route ⏱ 2 mins
Claire Cannon wanted to take her singing teaching career to the next level, so she signed up to Vocology in […]
Three Books to Introduce You to Neuroscience and Trauma ⏱ 3 mins
Here are three informative books that will help you feel more confident about what to say and do when working […]
Five Top-rated Voice Products ⏱ 3 mins
Top vocal coach Kim Chandler reveals her favourite singing-related books, YouTube tutorials and gadgets. Kim Chandler is a session singer and […]
Balancing Act: Pregnancy, Parenthood and Teaching Singing ⏱ 3 mins
How do you manage morning sickness and maternity leave when you’re self-employed? Two expectant vocal coaches share their stories on […]
The Authentic Voice: How to Show Your True Colours on Stage⏱3 mins
Here are three tips to help singers overcome their anxieties and discover that hard-to-find magic ingredient – authenticity. When it […]
Hearing Health: How Safe is Your Teaching Environment? ⏱ 2 mins
Singing teachers could be exposed to dangerous levels of noise at work. Researcher Carrie Birmingham explains why. When it comes […]
Instagram Reels: How to Make Videos That Engage Your Target Audience ⏱ 2 mins
Check out these six easy-to-follow tips for making Instagram Reels from social media expert Katya Willems. Instagram’s algorithm loves Reels, […]
Vocal Massage: Does It Hurt? And Other Commonly Asked Questions⏱3 mins
Vocal manual therapist Lydia Flock answers five frequently asked questions about vocal massage. Some singers swear by vocal massage as […]
Vocal Improvisation: Four Tips to Help Singers Get Started⏱ 3 mins
Vocal improvisation is a great way to help anxious singers explore, experiment and discover their full potential. Here are four […]
How to Introduce Feldenkrais to Singers ⏱ 3 mins
Discover how to get your students started on Feldenkrais, a method that helps develop greater awareness of the breath, body […]
Six Questions to Help Identify the Right Vocal Exercises ⏱3 mins
Top vocal coach Line Hilton explains how to tailor vocal exercises to suit the needs of a student. With decades […]
Vocal Pacing: The Secret to Thriving in Musical Theatre⏱3 mins
Top voice scientist Dr Ana Flavia Zuim discusses the importance of vocal pacing and why MT culture needs to be […]
Should We Eat Only Two Meals a Day?⏱3 mins
Nutritionist Stephanie Moore reveals how to beat bloating and lethargy and makes the case for why we should eat just […]
Claire Cannon Explains How Studying With BAST Helped Her Teaching Career ⏱3 mins
When vocal coach Claire Cannon studied with BAST Training, she found her tribe – a group of people as passionate about voice […]
Should We Use the Term ‘Tongue Tension’?⏱3 mins
Singing voice specialist Kerrie Obert sets the record straight on the issue of ‘tongue tension’. Listen for a few minutes […]
The Simple Voice Diagnostic Tool Used by SLTs That Could Help You ⏱3 mins
What is GRBAS, the voice diagnostic scale used by health professionals such as speech and language therapists? When it comes […]
Three Great Reads on Yoga and Singing ⏱3 mins
Want to learn more about how yoga can help a singer flourish? Check out yogi Rosie Secker’s three book recommendations. […]
Three Reasons to Pursue Post-grad Voice Studies ⏱ 3 mins
Have you ever flirted with the idea of studying voice at post-grad level? Here are three reasons why you should […]
‘The single best thing I’ve done for my teaching practice’⏱ 3 mins
Vocal coach Cat Ogden reveals how she transformed her teaching approach by making one important change. Singing teacher Cat Ogden […]
Three Myths About Extreme Vocals Debunked⏱ 3 mins
Aliki Katriou, aka the ‘Duchess of Distortion’, reveals the three most common misconceptions about extreme vocals. When she isn’t fronting […]
Three Tips for Beginner Singing Teachers ⏱ 4 mins
Are you thinking of becoming a singing teacher? Here is some wise advice from David Valks, who started a teaching […]
Vocal Acoustics 101 ⏱ 4 mins
Here’s a Vocal Acoustics 101 to introduce you to the basics and explain common terms like formants and resonances. If […]
Six Ways to Help Singers Build Confidence and Ace Live Shows ⏱ 3 mins
Check out this six-point plan to helping anxious singers build confidence as they return to live gigs. The pandemic wreaked […]
Musical Theatre: Diversity, Sizeism and the Role of the Singing Teacher ⏱ 4 mins
Budding MT stars are often told to ‘understand their type’ and select audition repertoire accordingly. Is this the right advice […]
Three Books to Help You Reignite Your Creative Spark ⏱ 3 mins
Has your creative edge been steamrollered by self-doubt or procrastination? Get your groove back with these three books. In the […]
Confessions of a Vocal Coach: I Don’t Care If My Students Practise ⏱ 3 mins
What do you do when a student won’t practise? New York vocal coach Justin Stoney shares his hot take on […]
Why SOVTs are a Powerful Weapon in Vocal Training ⏱ 3 mins
SOVTs are the Swiss Army knife of voice training – a versatile tool that can be used in all sorts […]
The secret to forming good habits ⏱ 3 mins
When trying to establish good habits, we often unwittingly set ourselves up to fail. Here’s why. Ever noticed that when […]
Breathing for singing: How much do your students really know? ⏱ 3 mins
Barbara Tanze explains why you should talk to your students about breathing, and how to get started. Former opera singer […]
Vocal registers: Let’s talk terminology ⏱ 3 mins
What’s the best way to talk to singers about vocal registers without baffling them with confusing terminology? Vocal coach Chris […]
Songwriting: How to get started and why you should collaborate ⏱ 3 mins
Pen memorable melodies and life-affirming lyrics using these tips from songwriting guru Allie Moss. Ever tried your hand at songwriting […]
The secret to helping students achieve their goals ⏱ 2 mins
Discover the real reason so many people fail to achieve their goals, despite their good intentions. How many times have […]
‘We must protect music lessons in schools during Omicron crisis’ ⏱ 2 mins
Educators push to protect music lessons, following suggestions schools could sideline them in favour of ‘core’ subjects. A campaign to […]
Five quick-read articles to help you thrive in 2022 ⏱ 2 mins
Want to kick butt and thrive in 2022? These five articles from BAST’s blog will help you achieve your goals […]
Check out our 2021 podcast highlights ⏱ 1 min
As the year draws to a close, the BAST team looks back at a few highlights from our 2021 podcast. […]
Are abs fab? The truth about singers and six-packs ⏱ 3 mins
LA-based voice and movement guru Jennie Morton gives her verdict on singers and six-packs. In our Insta-obsessed, image-driven society, singers often feel […]
Osteopath reveals three things that can spell trouble for a singer ⏱ 3 mins
Osteopath Chloe Spencer discusses the common issues that she sees when treating singers. Chloe Spencer is a woman of many […]
Work-life balance: Rock Choir founder spills the beans on stress and success ⏱ 4 mins
Rock Choir’s high achieving founder Caroline Redman Lusher reveals her struggle to strike a healthy work-life balance. The story of […]
Singing behind bars: The community choirs changing lives ⏱ 3 mins
Read how one choir director ignored her detractors and turned her dream – to take community choirs into prisons – […]
See, smell, touch: Singing lessons that stir the senses ⏱ 2 mins
Discover how vocal coach Gia Morgan uses a multi-sensory approach to help anxious students relax during singing lessons. Have you […]
How to find your niche as a vocal coach ⏱ 2 mins
It’s time to ditch your wishy-washy marketing strategy and find your niche as a singing teacher. When it comes to […]
BAST turns 10! How it all started, and our exciting next step ⏱ 4 mins
To mark our 10th anniversary, founder Line Hilton discusses the early days of BAST and reveals an exciting new development […]
Acting through song: Thoughts and tips from MT experts ⏱ 3 mins
What’s the most neglected skill in voice training? Voice teacher and founder of Singing Revealed, Philippe Hall, believes it’s acting […]
The Chimp Paradox: How to achieve when the pressure’s on ⏱ 2 mins
Do you ever go bananas when you’re stressed or anxious? The Chimp Paradox explains how to act like a pro, […]
Vocal anatomy: the Posterior Cricoarytenoid ⏱ 2 mins
Brush up on your vocal anatomy by learning what the posterior cricoarytenoid is and its role in singing. Vocal anatomy […]
Two easy questions that will transform your digital marketing strategy ⏱ 2 mins
Devise a killer digital marketing strategy for your teaching business by answering two simple questions. “Get yourself out there on […]
How to get started writing a book ⏱ 2 mins
Want to increase your profile and bank balance by writing a book? Here are some tips on getting started from […]
History taking: What to ask your students and why ⏱ 4 mins
How deep should you delve when taking a student’s history? Top vocal coach Line Hilton says everything from the pill […]
Why trills should be in your teacher toolbox ⏱ 4 mins
Tension-busting trills are a fun and safe way to help your students warm up and build efficient breath control. What […]
The podcast for singing teachers who want to earn and learn more ⏱ 2 mins
Newsflash: BAST’s podcast makes a return to the airwaves this week! After a brief hiatus, BAST’s podcast is back with a […]
Best musical theatre solos for female singers ⏱ 7 mins
You’ll never struggle to find the right song for a student again with our ultimate list of musical theatre solos […]
How to find more energy and motivation if you feel sluggish
Six tips to boost your energy and motivation and help you say goodbye to feeling bleurgh. How are you doing […]
How to source great songs for your students
Learn how to make inspired repertoire choices so that your students shine on stage and in auditions. Here are eight […]
Three things we’ve learned about long Covid and singing
Two leading voice coaches have shared their views on the role singing can play in helping Covid longhaulers. Dr Rachel […]
New stats reveal shocking decline in number of A-Level music students
Alarm has been raised at the steady decline in the number of students studying music at A-Level. The release of […]
The ABC of vocal coaching
Read Alexa Terry’s guide to the most common words used in the world of singing, and you’ll never be intimidated by […]
Four books that will make you a better singing teacher
Want to become a better singing teacher and grow your vocal coaching business? Here are four books to curl up […]
Five ways to manage imposter syndrome ⏱ 4 mins
Turn the tables on negative thinking and manage imposter syndrome by following these five tips. As Alexa Terry explains in […]
The do’s and don’ts of starting a business
Vocal coach Rachel Lynes explains how she transformed her vocal coaching studio during the pandemic and shares her do’s and […]
How to get a book published: Tips from a singing teacher turned author
Singing teacher Sophie Garner talks about getting her first book published and her blossoming writing career. At the start of […]
Imposter syndrome: Spot the symptoms and causes ⏱ 7 mins
Ever feel like you’re drowning in self-doubt and niggling fears that you’re not good enough? Then you may be experiencing […]
Six easy ways to keep your voice hydrated
Learn how to keep your voice hydrated in the second part of BAST Training’s hydration series. Line Hilton and Alexa […]
The truth about singing and hydration
How much water should a singer drink? Line Hilton and Alexa Terry take a deep dive into the research on […]
Singing and long Covid: six things the experts are saying
Here’s an update from the Performing Arts Medicine Association on the latest thinking about singing and long Covid. A year […]
Ten tips for a better work/life balance
Alexa Terry shares time-saving, stress-busting tips to help self-employed singing teachers enjoy a better work/life balance. There’s a lot more […]
Business strategy for singing teachers
A new course designed specifically for singing teachers will help you start or grow your own business.
Five documents every singing teacher needs
Your singing studio is most likely equipped with all the vocal props you need to do your job. But do you have the right paperwork to protect you and your business if something goes wrong?
‘BAST gave me the confidence to call myself a singing teacher’
It wasn’t until actor and singer Jay Bryce studied with BAST Training that he stopped feeling like an imposter as a singing teacher.
How to help anxious singers prepare for a return to live gigs
Many singers feel anxious about returning to the stage when Covid restrictions end. Performance anxiety specialist Teresa Shaw looks at how teachers can help vocalists prepare for live shows.
Focus On: Performance Anxiety and Mindset
Don’t miss BAST Training’s one-day special event, Focus On: Performance Anxiety and Mindset. It’s a chance to learn new ways to diagnose and support singers with performance anxiety.
Singing and the premenstrual voice
How does menstruation impact a singer’s voice? Alexa Terry and Line Hilton explore how monthly hormonal changes can influence vocal performance.
Latest Covid-19 advice and guidance
With lockdown slowly easing, the rules around teaching are changing too. Here’s a rundown of the latest Covid-19 advice.
Seven places to find reliable backing tracks for singers
Looking for backing tracks to help your students prepare for auditions or belt out their favourite tunes? Alexa Terry reviews seven platforms that provide backing tracks for singers.
World Voice Day 2021
Don’t forget that it’s World Voice Day later this month, a chance for singing teachers and other voice specialists to spread the word about vocal care.
‘BAST made becoming a singing teacher such a joyful experience’
Before the pandemic, Irish musician Sinead McConville juggled gigging commitments with an uninspiring job in hospitality. Last year she studied with BAST Training and now works in the music industry full-time.
How ‘The Wiggle’ can help singers eliminate tension ⏱ 8 mins
Wiggling is a great way to rid the body of that old singing foe: tension. Here are some movement exercises to help singers loosen up and sing with more freedom.
West End performer Hannah Lindsey on the rewards of teaching
When theatres shut last year, singer Hannah Lindsey threw herself into online teaching – and learned much about herself as a performer in the process.
Digital marketing 101: Learn how to grow your business online
A new digital marketing course explains how singing teachers can build their brand and their business.
Gia Morgan: Why I started a holistic singing studio
Jersey vocal coach Gia Morgan explains how she mixes technical know-how with crystals, affirmations and meditation in her holistic singing studio.
Book review: So You Want to Sing CCM
If you want to learn from some of contemporary singing’s leading vocal pedagogues, grab yourself a copy of So You Want to Sing CCM.
Elite singers: How to challenge and inspire the best of the best
In our latest BAST case study, Alexa Terry looks at strategies for teaching elite singers and explains that even the most polished performer can benefit from singing lessons.
How to kick the habit of negative thinking
Banish the negative beliefs stopping you from having fun and enjoying success as a singing teacher.
Mental health training for singing teachers
Alexa Terry gives her verdict on a mental health awareness course specifically designed for Arts professionals.
How to start a singing school
David Valks went from working in the recruitment industry to starting his own singing school. Read on for his tips on marketing, pricing and bookings.
‘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.
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.
Can singing help people living with ‘long Covid’?
Can choir leaders use Singing for Lung Health strategies to help people with long Covid? Musical director Juliet Russell explored this question in a singing project with Covid ‘long haulers’.
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.
Stay strong and #fightthefatigue
Singing teachers are being urged to take stock of their mental health and to check in with their colleagues as part of the #fightthefatigue campaign.
How to become a Vocal Health First Aider
What is a Vocal Health First Aider (VHFA), and how can you become one? Alexa Terry, a proud VHFA herself, explains.
Three tips to help improve your website
Many singers start their search for a vocal coach by browsing online, so it’s crucial that your website is up-to-date and shows you at your best. Here are three tips to improve your website.
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 […]
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 […]
The Laryngeal Nerves
Alexa Terry and Line Hilton look at the laryngeal nerves and the role they play in voice production. The nervous […]
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 […]
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 […]
The Coaching Manual: a must-read coaching skills guide
If you want to sharpen your coaching skills, then grab a copy of coaching guru Julie Starr’s book. The Coaching Manual is […]
Updated guidance on singing and Covid-19
New guidance on singing and Covid-19 has been cautiously welcomed but has also prompted calls for more clarity. For […]
The Vocal Fold Layers
Alexa Terry takes a closer look at the vocal fold layers and the role they play in singing. Before we […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
Government guidance on singing and Covid-19
The UK government has released guidance on performing that includes specific recommendations about singing. The lengthy report, Performing Arts: Working […]
The Hyoid Bone
BAST’s Alexa Terry takes a closer look at the hyoid bone, otherwise known as ‘the singing bone’. “Clarifying, understanding […]
Covid-19 financial support – what about freelancers?
Freelancers, especially those shut out from the self-employed income support scheme, need more Covid-19 financial assistance. The government made lots […]
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 […]
How to adapt a singing lesson if a student feels below par
When a student is under the weather or out of sorts, what’s a singing teacher to do? Alexa Terry shares […]
Vocalzone, saviours or destroyers?
Some vocal coaches and voice scientists claim Vocalzone pastilles do more harm than good. But is there actually any science […]
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 […]
How to help young singers shine
Top vocal coach Jono McNeil reveals how he helps young singers on The Voice Kids UK deliver knock-out performances. If […]
The science on singing and Covid-19
What does the science tell us about singing and Covid-19? The world’s largest association of singing teachers explores the evidence […]
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 […]
Tips and insights on leading a virtual choir
Three choir directors reveal the challenges and rewards of taking rehearsals and performances online during lockdown. The Covid-19 lockdown left […]
Ways to help a singer fix breathiness
If a singer is experiencing breathiness, how can you help? Alexa Terry shares her tips so get ready for hissing, […]
Tips for teaching singing online
With the Coronavirus pandemic making face-to-face lessons an impossibility, many singing teachers and vocal coaches have had to quickly adapt […]
Vocal coach Mindy Pack explains The Voice Straw
US-based singer, vocologist and vocal coach Mindy Pack is the driving force behind The Voice Straw, a vocal training tool […]
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 […]
The OHNI Voice Book: Straight Talk with Dr Reena Gupta
BAST’s Alexa Terry review’s the latest book from respected laryngologist Dr Reena Gupta. Sam Smith, Adele, Wilma the kindergarten teacher, […]
Postgraduate learning: Studying for a Masters (Voice Pedagogy)
The MA Professional Practice (Voice Pedagogy) offers singing teachers the chance to deepen their professional knowledge in a rigorous but […]
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 […]
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 […]
Book Review: ‘The Voice Teacher Influencer: Grow Your Studio, Increase Your Authority, Make More Money’ by John Henny
As a self-professed bookworm no trip to the shopping centre is complete without a visit to the bookshop to scan […]
How Craniosacral Therapy can help the singer in pain
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that aims to release deep tensions in the body. Its purpose is […]
How to set effective goals in 2020 for you and your students
As the clock declares January’s arrival and renditions of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ are warbled, listen carefully and you might just […]
How to encourage your students to practise
“So, tell me,” says the singing coach with a smile. “How have you got on since our last session with […]
Case Study: Working with shy singers
Imagine this: a new client, 13-year old Polly Peters, arrives promptly for her singing lesson. As you welcome her to […]
Case Study: The one with the yelly child
Imagine this: 10-year old Sally Simpson arrives at our studio for a singing lesson; she argues loudly with her twin […]
Putting a price on it. The art of setting your fees.
For most of us, teaching is fuelled by the passion for voice – not by the desire to become the […]
Being a self employed singing teacher
Being self employed has its perks. However, being solely responsible for all aspects of a business comes with its own […]
Vocal cords or vocal folds?
In The larynx, home of the voice! we looked at the outer aspect of the voice box, this time we […]
The larynx: home of the voice!
Unlike other instruments, the singer’s instrument is not easily seen or accessed. This makes teaching singing quite challenging, but not […]
You ARE helping…
There is a lot of information on singing, coaching and pedagogy out there. A brief Google or YouTube search can […]
Harness your stage performance
As an artist, the best feeling in the world, is knowing that YOU LEFT EVERY OUNCE OF ENERGY ON THAT […]
Mental block, or lack of skill?
For me, one of the most rewarding parts of being a singing teacher is being witness to changes in my […]
Teaching the transgender voice
Transgender singers are currently on the forefront of voice pedagogy discussions. Emerald Lessley’s recent dissertation provides significant experiential evidence as […]
The Dancers Guide On How To Do A Singing Audition
Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to have had the pleasure and privilege (carefully choosing my words here) […]
The Epi-what? The Epiglottis.
What is the epiglottis? This is a very cool piece of kit that sits at the base of your tongue […]
BAST Singing Teacher’s Retreat 2016 Review
The BAST Singing Teacher’s Retreat 2016 was about as inspiring and uplifting a weekend as a vocal geek like me could hope for. My […]
The Acoustic Landscape
Do you want to understand the differences between classical and non-classical responses to the Acoustic Landscape all singers inhabit? Well this webinar could be just what […]
The Ageing Voice And Singing
The Ageing Voice The Baby Boomer generation was born between 1946 and 1964. That means the eldest of this generation […]
Shifting Your Students from Over-Doing to Being Present
You know that moment when you’re having a conversation with your student, and they’re so animated, and you’re having a […]
The Singer’s Secret To Crossing Between Styles
Stylistic differences remain one of the most challenging perceptual walls for singers. We hear an operatic soprano next to a […]
What Is Vocology?
The term ‘vocology’ is being used increasingly in the voice and singing world. The word originates from voice scientist, Dr ingo […]
Why I became a singing teacher: Lisa Haupert
From the age of 12 until 40, most of what I experienced as a voice student can best be described as voo-doo. I teach singing because no voice teacher or singing student or vocal artist should have to put up with voo-doo.
Why I became a singing teacher: Kaya Herstad Carney
I cannot not sing and I’ve been doing that for all my life. A chronic sufferer of compulsory harmony disorder, and with at least two song ideas in my head at any time – singing teaching came as a natural yet unexpected progression of this.
Should I become A Singing Teacher?
So you are thinking about becoming a singing teacher. Fantastic! What a fabulous opportunity to take all the knowledge and skills you have accumulated so far and share it with others interested in singing, and who are willing to pay for your service.
Why I became a singing teacher: Ian Davidson
Like many others before me, I fell into teaching singing. I had recently graduated from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts with a BA in Performing Arts Music and was trying to figure out what happens next.
Why I became a singing teacher: Gareth Henderson
My first brush with singing tuition was, like many I’m sure, a result of being a gigging singer who did not know how to use their voice correctly and did it some harm as a result.
Why I became a singing teacher: Line Hilton
As with many singers I started off believing I was going to “be famous”. It was a very vague and undefined goal, and given that I started as a clarinetist and ended up choosing the jazz route I was unlikely to be able to attain the kind of commercial success that a pop/rock singer might do.