The Sound Singer

In this episode, I speak with Jessica Baldwin.  She is the owner of True Colours Creativity and Artist Coaching.  Jess is a creativity and productivity coach for singers. Her journey as an artist ran alongside her expansion from a voice and piano teacher into a creativity and productivity coach with trauma and neurodivergence training. True Colors Creativity Coaching provides creativity, voice, and executive function coaching to singers and creatives who want to finish projects that let them shine brighter. 00:00:26 - Jessica's Background 00:00:53 - Exploring the Creative Mind 00:01:33 - Jessica's Journey in Music and Coaching 00:09:52 - The Concept of Artistic Journey 00:12:08 - Common Fears Among Vocal Performers 00:14:19 - Achieving Creative Flow and Completing Projects 00:22:09 - Hard Work vs. Perfectionism 00:27:17 - Addressing Complex Trauma in Artists 00:39:10 - Mental Health Stigma in the Performing Arts 00:40:15 - Overcoming Chronic People-Pleasing Jessica’s website: https://truecolorscreativity.com Jessica's Instagram. Creative Kickstart course: https://truecolorscreativity.com/creative-kickstart Singer’s Guide to Finding Your Authentic Voice: https://truecolorscreativity.com/subscribe-to-the-guide   If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.  For inspiring voice / singing content and podcast clips follow Alida on Instagram.  For more info on singing courses and 1:1 training please visit: www.alidavocalstudio.com  

In this episode, I speak with Maurice Goodwin, M.S., CCC-SLP. Maurice is a Speech Language Pathologist, Singing Voice Specialist, voice teacher, and active performer living in Houston, TX. Professionally he specializes in the evaluation and treatment of the singing voice and voice disorders at The Texas Voice Center and also adjunct faculty at Lamar University in the graduate Vocology certificate program. He is a regular lecturer and presenter at national and international conferences focused on the health and education of professional voice users. He is passionate about vocal health education and the intersections of identity and voice.  This episode covers: 00:00:44 - Maurice's Journey into Voice 00:01:20 - The Role of Voice Therapy 00:02:45 - The Importance of Addressing Underlying Vocal Function 00:03:32 - Common Voice Therapy Exercises 00:04:14 - Moving Beyond Tools in Voice Therapy 00:05:05 - Common Vocal Injuries and Compromises 00:06:37 - Building a Voice Care Team 00:08:13 - Recognizing Vocal Strain and Decline 00:09:23 - Encouraging Exploration Over Performance in Voice Sessions 00:11:10 - The Pressure of Performance and Its Impact 00:12:10 - Voice Hygiene Tips 00:13:13 - Understanding Muscle Tension Dysphonia 00:15:11 - Voice Hygiene and Rest 00:16:10 - Daily Voice Use and Its Impact on Singing 00:17:24 - Acceptance and Joy in One's Voice 00:18:30 - Voice Training and Improvement 00:18:46 - Muscle Tension Dysphonia in Singers 00:20:09 - The Mindset of Acceptance and What to Focus on 00:21:27 - Confidence and Acceptance in One's Voice 00:22:07 - The Interconnectedness of Life and Voice 00:23:46 - The Broad Definition of Being a Singer   Maurice's Website: https://www.mauricegoodwin.com/ Instagram: @maurice_goodwin TikTok: @maurice_goodwin If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.  For voice content and podcast clips follow  Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.  www.alidavocalstudio.com  

This episode discusses voice disorders, their impact on singers and voice users, the stigma around having a vocal injury, and how mindfulness can help with healing.   Catherine is a singer, adjunct voice instructor, mindfulness teacher and researcher.  She holds a graduate certificate in Applied Mindfulness and she offers online meditation courses specifically designed for singers and people with voice disorders. Catherine recently completed a study (which was published in The Journal of Voice) to determine whether an 8-week mindfulness course could increase mindfulness and lower stress levels in people with voice disorders. She shares with us the details and outcomes of the study.  She also reveals that mindfulness doesn't have to be complicated and that practices can be customized to how your brain works.  00:00:03 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:00:14 - Discussing Voice Disorders and Mindfulness 00:00:36 - Introducing Guest Catherine Kay Brown 00:01:08 - Mindfulness in Voice Therapy 00:01:37 - Catherine's Personal Vocal Injury Story 00:04:06 - The Healing Journey and Mindfulness 00:07:55 - Pursuing Mindfulness Teaching and Research 00:09:30 - Stigma Around Vocal Injury 00:10:04 - Advocating for Singers with Voice Disorders 00:12:02 - Comparing Singers to Athletes 00:12:43 - The Multifactorial Nature of Voice Disorders 00:13:05 - Voice Training and Mindfulness Resources 00:14:06 - Defining Mindfulness 00:15:07 - Research on Mindfulness and Voice Disorders 00:17:09 - Emotional Impact of Voice Disorders 00:18:15 - Results of the Mindfulness Study 00:19:10 - Significance of the Study's Findings 00:21:17 - Acceptance and Mindfulness 00:22:43 - Group Dynamics in Mindfulness Practice 00:24:09 - Practical Mindfulness for Singers 00:25:08 - Sharing Personal Stories in Mindfulness Course 00:26:02 - Addressing Stress, Tension, Isolation, and Grief 00:30:03 - Mindfulness Practice and Training 00:33:19 - Mindfulness as a Skill 00:37:21 - Tips for Successful Mindfulness Practice 00:38:03 - Meditation and Mindfulness Misconceptions 00:40:00 - Mindfulness Practice Recommendations 00:42:26 - The Importance of Mindfulness Practice 00:44:19 - Mindfulness Resources and Courses 00:46:09 - Mindfulness Meditations for Sale   Catherine's website: catherinekbrown.com Instagram:  @ckbvoice Click here to access Catherine’s body scan meditation specifically for singers.  If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! Join Alida Vocal Studio's email list for a free vocal workout, voice content and future podcast episodes.  For voice content and podcast clips follow  Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.  www.alidavocalstudio.com

In this episode I speak with Emilie Leyes.  Emilie is a brain training specialist who holds a master’s in Mind-Body Medicine with a focus in self-directed mental practices to change the brain.  She is trained and certified in Clinical Hypnosis, Positive Psychology, and Positive Neuroplasticity. Her work includes hypnosis, visualization, laughter yoga, journaling, reframing limiting beliefs and more. With her viral videos on both TikTok and Instagram she is empowering audiences with the tools needed to self regulate, manage stress and change our brains and lives for the better. This podcast covers: -Emilie’s journey as an actor/singer/university voice major, her own healing of a chronic illness to now helping others heal -What brain training is and how can it help performing artists and creatives thrive -How to prepare for auditions or performances - training your brain in a chaotic environment -Executive function, completing a task such as practice - how to make practice more manageable and fun  -A game changing gratitude practice for singers -The best strategy to quiet your inner critic -How to access more joy, creativity and playfulness both on and off stage. -How to improve your mood, reduce stress and increase access to joy and happiness, especially going into the holiday season and the New Year! -Emilie guides us through a mini hypnosis session live during the podcast (** disclaimer, due to it’s relaxing nature, please DO NOT DRIVE while doing the guided practice!) -Her new app Doddle - helping creatives access brain training tools on the go!  Free guided hypnosis: Visualization of tomorrow: https://www.emilieleyes.com/free-hypnosis Free Sleep Hypnosis:  https://www.emilieleyes.com/free-sleep-hypnosis Emilie's Instagram:  @emilieleyes Emilie's TikTok: @emilieleyes.hypnosis   If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! Join my email list for further inspiration, voice related content and future podcast episodes.  For voice content and podcast clips follow  Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram.   

My guest for this episode is Will Reynolds.  Will is an actor, writer, teaching artist and the creator of the Inspired Actions Method™. He is the composer of the acclaimed Studio Cast Recording of THE VIOLET HOUR which has hit 1 million streams and counting.  Will is also the co-founder of This MT Space - a musical theatre songwriting education platform.   In this episode, we chat about Will's hilarious viral videos featuring duets with animals and his love of creating.  He shares his journey of being the composer for The Violet Hour and offers some much needed advice on how to best prepare for auditions.  With his passionate delivery, he educates us on the importance of changing the narrative around rejection, letting go of fear and how to approach storytelling.  With his background and expertise in coaching, he inspires us to "get out of our heads and into the room" and reminds us that "art is an act of service."   [00:01:12] viral videos of duets with dogs and cats [00:05:15] making of a musical album [00:07:02] The Violet Hour [00:14:30] the future of theatre post pandemic [00:21:40] how performing artists can deal with rejection [00:23:05] the audition room - how to prepare [00:25:32] how to prepare for a self-tape audition [00:29:01] overcoming self-consciousness and fear [00:31:46] rehearsing for auditions [00:42:19] technique vs performance [00:44:13] how performance mode can help your vocals [00:47:14] from performer to creator, you're not just a performer [00:50:05] art as an act of service   Will's Instagram:  @willcreynolds Will's TikTok: @willcreynolds If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! Join my email list for further inspiration, voice related content and future podcast episodes.  Follow Alida Vocal Studio on Instagram

In this episode, I speak with with Lachuné Boyd.  Lachuné ia a multi-talented performer, recording artist and voice teacher.  She shares her remarkable journey from her early days singing in church, to becoming a semifinalist on America's Got Talent, Season 18.   Lachuné talks about how her creative process and passion for authenticity have shaped her teaching style and growth as a performer. Her unique musical journey and her passion for connecting with audiences shows up in her heartfelt performances.    [00:01:19] Lachuné's journey into music [00:04:09] Discovering her passion for teaching [00:08:12] Celebrating accomplishments in singing [00:12:39] Auditioning for AGT, the judges feedback and advice for singers [00:15:47] Authentic performances - from head to heart [00:18:49] Lachuné’s creative process    Follow Lachuné on TikTok,  Instagram Follow Alida Vocal Studio on TikTok  Instagram Thank you so much for listening!  Your support has made a huge impact on The Sound Singer.  We have now reached 1000 downloads since we launched this podcast 1-year ago.  If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! Join my email list for further inspiration, voice related content and future podcast episodes.     

In this episode, I speak with Charles Simmons.  Charles has dedicated his life to music, performing arts and fitness. He is a singer, musician, performer, vocal coach, and fitness trainer and has spent over 20 years mentoring vocal athletes and athletes. Charles shares with us his exciting journey from being a live performer to recently becoming a musical theatre actor. He talks about his unexpected performance journey which led him to audition and ultimately land the role of George Washington. He is currently starring in the UK tour of Hamilton.  Charles took the leap into the world of musical theatre and shares his experiences and challenges along the way.  He offers sound advice on how to improve your endurance and overall physical fitness as a performer.  Tune in to hear his wisdom and get ready to be inspired!  With perseverance, determination and it's never too late to conquer your dreams!    {00:00} Charles' journey and unexpected opportunity in musical theatre [00:05:21]the role of George Washington in Hamilton. [00:08:32] singing in two different languages [00:12:44] voice training and physicality [00:16:38] physical warm-ups, cardio and vocalizing [00:21:33] the importance of strength training for performers [00:27:31] performance nerves & finding joy in your pre-show routine [00:31:24] advice for performers to succeed  - be unique! [00:33:22] it's never too late to follow your dreams [00:37:43] Charles' online presence   Follow Charles on IG @the_charles_simmons To stay informed about The Sound Singer. follow Alida on IG @alidavocalstudio Thank you so much for listening!  Your support has made a huge impact on The Sound Singer.  We have now reached 1000 downloads since we launched this podcast 1 year ago.   If you've enjoyed these episodes, please leave a 5-star review! Your support means the world! Join my email list for further inspiration, voice related content and future podcast episodes.       

In this episode, I speak with one of North America’s premier vocal coaches, Spencer Welch.  Well known for breaking down complex vocal concepts into easy-to-understand explanations and tips, Spencer is often hired to prepare recording artists and actors for studio, concert, theatre and film work.  He is a teacher of teachers, training and certifying singing instructors world-wide. He’s also my long time voice teacher and for over two decades, has been one of my vocal mentors - equipping me, along with many of my voice colleagues,  with the tools and a much better understanding of how to teach the art of contemporary singing. This episode covers:  -Spencer’s journey as a life long musician, boy band singer and university student. -His quest for “the middle”  -Why exactly does our voice 'break'? -The two different kinds of singers -Is there really such thing as “mix voice” or “the middle”? -Do high voice singers and low voice singers have the same issues? -What are the most common challenges for singers today?  Keys keep getting higher... -What a vocal coach can help with -What does working with an injured singer look like? -How to stop bad habits as a singer -What does it mean to be “classically trained” and is that still a thing? -Vibrato in the voice -How to get more confident as a singer -Can we really ever sound like Freddy Mercury? -Mindset and accepting our voices -Why the term Vocal Athlete may be misunderstood -Why do we make funny sounds in training? -How long do we need to practice to make progress? It’s not as long as you think! -The realities of training for auditions or performances -The secret to true artistic expression as a singer You can find out more about Spencer Welch here:  Instagram: @spencerwelchstudio Website: https://www.spencerwelch.com/    

In this episode, I speak with Duncan Rock. Duncan is a healthcare practitioner and opera singer.  As a singer he has spent over a decade singing roles in some of the world’s leading opera houses.  As a healthcare practitioner, he holds masters degrees in both physiotherapy and nutritional science.  He is a leading expert on nutrition for singers and professional voice users.   His platform, called The Vocal Pro Health Hub, specializes in providing the latest nutritional and vocal health information. This episode covers: Duncan’s story from international opera singer to health practitioner The most common issue voice users face when it comes to nutrition Misinformation about nutrition How to stop under-nourishing yourself as a performer Meal timing before performances - what’s the best time to eat? What should we eat before to help us fuel for performance? Do spicy foods or sparkling drinks cause reflux? What can help with reflux symptoms? Do milk and dairy products actually cause issues for the voice?  The myth of honey lemon tea for singers  How much hydration should we aim for as singers or voice users Duncan's Youtube videos as mentioned: Honey Lemon Tea Reflux, Nutrition and Hydration Duncan's Instagram

In this episode, I speak with Abby Halpin.  Abby holds her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and specializes in injury prevention, treatment, performance and fitness coaching for musicians, singers and performing artists.  She is an avid athlete and her goal is to share the resources that sports fans and athletes have had access to for a long time with singers, musicians, and performers.  This episode covers: - Abby's journey to working with musicians and vocal performers - The role of a physical therapist on a voice team - Why singers don't need to fear strength training impacting their voice --Abby's recent presentation at the Performing Arts Medicine Conference - How being stronger helps you to have better voicing - Myths around proper posture - your posture may not be working for you - Physical tips for performers who play guitar and sing - Gymtimidation - how can musicians and performers get past the feeling of insecurity when training at a gym You can find Abby: Instagram:  @forteperformancept Website: https://www.forteperformancept.com/ Her podcast: https://www.forteperformancept.com/podcast      

In this episode, I speak with Ruby Rose Fox. Ruby is a multi-award winning artist, vocal and creative coach and mental health pioneer. She’s the co-founder of Muscle Music, a trauma-informed program for recording and performing artists aimed at revolutionizing our understanding of how our nervous system works.  This episode covers: Ruby Rose’s artistic journey to now helping other artists. Nervous system regulation. How leaders and teachers need to show their vulnerability.  Un-shame yourself on stage - How to deal with stage fright. How to be able to watch your performance back without cringing with shame. Why can’t some singers sing loud? How personal experiences and trauma can affect your voice. How the Muscle Music App can help you as an artist.  Becoming nervous system literate.  How muscle contraction helps us regulate - polyvagal theory IG: @musclemusic__/  

Wendy Parr, The Holistic Artist Coach + Founder of The Parr Method has spent more than 20 years in the entertainment industry empowering recording artists to develop their authentic voice with consistency across every platform. The Parr Method has been the engine behind GRAMMY and ACADEMY award winning results. With over 20 years coaching top music artists like Melanie Martinez, Sara Bareilles, Marc Bassy AND taking A Great Big World from their very 1st vocal session to a GRAMMY. The Parr Method was also the driving force behind co-writing Dreams on Fire with AR Rahman for the soundtrack for Slum Dog Millionaire, which was nominated and won a GRAMMY She is a world-renowned vocal coach, Grammy Award winning songwriter, vocal producer, speaker, and educator.  Under her guidance, artists are learning to follow their instincts, push through personal and creative limitations, and ultimately chart their own course to the next level of their careers. This episode covers: - Wendy's artistic journey from performer to holistic artist coach  - The key ingredients to a fulfilling and success career as an artist - What blocks creators from showing their most authentic selves. - Not fearing your audience, what is there to fear? - Entertaining vs showing up as your vulnerable authentic self. - The biggest obstacle artists face in today’s music industry.  Have things improved? - How artists can balance vocal technique with their style. Why artists shouldn't fear technique. How your songwriting can improve with better technique.  -The realities of fame and the pressure of the music industry.  -Looking out for yourself as an artist, having boundaries.   www.wendyparr.com  IG: @wendyparr

In this episode, I speak with Stephen King.  Stephen is the founder of The Voice Care Centre and an Integrative Therapist at the Centre for Mental Wellness. Stephen currently sits as the Director of London’s award-winning, multidisciplinary Voice Care Centre, where he still occasionally gives treatments to people with voice problems seeking biopsychosocial management of their ongoing issues.   On the podcast, he shares his expertise covering various topics including different therapeutic practices, professional boundaries, the impact of nature on mental health, the importance of having a spiritual practice, ADHD, and more. Stephen is an inspirational and philosophical speaker and shares his own personal journey of therapy which ultimately led him to becoming a therapist himself. This episode covers: -How Stephen started in the world of mental and vocal health -Different therapeutic practices and how one can find out what best suits their healing journey -Not everybody heals the same -Having professional boundaries as a therapist, a coach, or a teacher -Singing lessons vs therapy  -Lack of connection in the modern world -Nature and how it impacts our mental health -Stephen’s Voice Care for Singers Course -Stephen’s advice to artists struggling with mental health and embarking on their healing journey -What to do if you are struggling to create art -The importance of having aa spiritual practice -ADHD as a neurodevelopment disorder and not trauma as often misinterpreted Instagram: centreformentalwellness Clinic (London): Voice Care Centre Facebook: Voice Care Centre  

In this episode, I speak with Mindy Pack.  Mindy works directly with some of the biggest names in the industry as their voice coach including Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, Brandi Carlile, Justin Timberlake, The Lumineers, Halsey, and many others. These artists have applied Mindy's vocal technique and Vocal Tract Reconditioning to help them achieve optimal performance on long tours.  Mindy is also a clinical vocologist, accredited and licensed massage therapist, and founder of The Voice Straw.  This episode covers: -Mindy's multi-tasking career in the music industry -working with artists preparing for tour -vocal injury risk prevention  -collaborating with other vocal coaches in the industry -vocal technique for recording artists  -cooling down after a show -advocating for artists -our role as vocal coaches -the biggest obstacles recording artists face in today's industry -laryngeal massage -The Voice Straw Take 10% off The Voice Straw kit using this link.  IG: @mindypack  @thevoicestraw  @alidavocalstudio    

My guest is the inspiring Brenda Earle Stokes who is a singer, musician and music educator specializing in creative and practical training for the 21st Century musician.  Based in New York City, Brenda’s performance career has taken her to international stages and she has released 6 critically-acclaimed albums. You can find Brenda on Youtube as well as Instagram  Her content empowers singers and music teachers with the piano and musicianship skills needed to book more gigs and attract more students and be a versatile musician.   This episode covers: the importance of musicianship for singers, how to come back to the piano as an adult, how to prepare for performance, how to practice effectively.  Get ready to be inspired! 

Our guest is Barbara Tanze who has a made it her mission in life to help vocal athletes and olympic athletes breathe more efficiently.  She believes each individual deserves a personalized approach and uses different methods to help improve vocal restraints and dysfunctional breathing patterns. This episode covers:   Myths around breathing for singers; why we have dysfunctional breathing patterns; how Barbara uses balloons to teach breathing; why a 'one size fits all' approach to training a vocal athlete doesn't always work; and how using a treadmill can help us with vocal stamina IG: btbreathing  

Our guest is Psychotherapist and Music Therapist, Aksana Kavaliova.  Originally from Belarus, Aksana lived and worked in the Kingdom of Bahrain before returning to Canada and settling in Niagara. She grew up in a musical family and studied performing arts and then went on to specialize in the field of mental health for nearly 20 years.  This episode covers:  What is trauma and the impact trauma can have on vocal performers.  What tools can we use to help us with performance anxiety?  What is EMDR and what happens in a session? What is music therapy?   Aksana shares her experience and expertise and reminds us that, no matter what, we can overcome our challenges and restore a sense of hope.  IG: aksana_musictherapy 

Our guest in this episode Jenn Linsi.  Jenn is a mindset coach who specializes in helping young adults overcome insecurities and improve their confidence so that they can achieve their goals.  In this episode, Jenn openly shares her helpful strategies that we can use to overcome the challenges we face not just in performing arts but in life! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JennLinsi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennlinsi Website: https://www.jennlinsi.com 

Let's get some clarity on Mix Voice! This mini episode is just me chatting about what obstacles singer's have to deal with when it comes to technique, and how mixing can help.  What exactly is mix voice and how can we get started on developing it?  Got questions?  Let me know!    @alidavocalstudio

Our guest in this episode is Selina Tannenberg from @voice_physio Selina is a physiotherapist who works primarily with singers and performers helping them to improve their vocal health, mobility, and performance.  Selina highlights the importance of having a team and gives us her secrets to better performances through musculoskeletal health.