Claim OwnershipThe Voice Science Podcast
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The Voice Science Podcast is your go-to resource for singers who want to understand the science behind great vocal technique. Hosted by Josh Manuel, founder of VoSci, this podcast breaks down complex voice topics into clear, actionable insights—so you can sing with more confidence, skill, and artistry.
Each short, focused episode explores common myths, key vocal concepts, and research-backed techniques to help you build a stronger, healthier, and more versatile voice. Whether you’re a singer, voice teacher, or just curious about how the voice works, you’ll get practical takeaways to apply in your own singing journey.
🎙️ Tune in, level up your knowledge, and take your voice to the next level—backed by science!
28 Episodes
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Is classical training really the best foundation for every singer? For generations, singers have been told that if you can sing classically, you can sing anything. But does that claim hold up? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down what “classical singing” actually means—its history, aesthetics, and defining traits—and why it isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. We’ll explore the role of space and accompaniment in shaping vocal production, the traits that give classical si...
Choosing the right songs to sing isn’t as simple as picking a favorite tune. A good choice can motivate practice, support vocal growth, and bring joy. The wrong choice can lead to frustration or stalled progress. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, Josh Manuel explores song selection from two perspectives: For singers: how to choose songs that make you happy, challenge you just enough, and fit your voice — including why changing keys or ignoring gender expectations is perfectly vali...
Your thoughts about singing shape how you sing—for better or worse. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, written by Timothy Wilds, we dive into the powerful connection between what singers believe about their voices and the actions they take in training. We’ll unpack why so many singers assume that “more” is always the answer—more breath, more pressure, more power—and how these faulty equivalencies can derail progress. From singing higher notes to belting with strength, we’ll explore...
“You’re singing through your nose.” Some singers hear this as the worst critique possible. Others are told it’s exactly what they should do. So which is it—wrong, right, or something in between? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, Drew (with script by Timothy Wilds) untangles the confusion around nasality, nasal resonance, and the role of your nose in shaping vocal sound. You’ll learn: The difference between nasality, nasalance, and “nasal resonance”How the velum and velopharyngeal ...
Everyone wants to “find their unique voice,” but what does that really mean? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we unpack the idea of vocal uniqueness—what biology, environment, and training contribute, and what people are really searching for when they say they want to sound unique. From fingerprints and phonation to imitation, persona, and style, we’ll separate the myths from the reality and explore what it means to develop a voice that’s truly “yours.” Want guided training to de...
What does it really mean to live up to The Standard as a singer or teacher? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, Josh digs into the philosophical side of excellence in singing. The Standardisn’t about hitting a high note or holding a phrase for twelve seconds — those are just surface measures. Instead, it’s about integrity: showing up honestly in the practice room, holding yourself accountable in lessons, and being trustworthy on stage and in the studio. We’ll explore how The Standar...
Head voice isn’t optional—it’s half your instrument. Yet many singers ignore it, thinking they can get by without ever really developing it. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down what head voice actually is, how the concept of vocal registers developed through history, and why voice teachers for centuries have called it essential. You’ll learn: How head voice and chest voice connect to real vocal fold mechanicsWhy Garcia’s 19th-century research and Hirano’s body–cover th...
Most singers think of the tongue as a source of tension or a problem to fix. But what if the real issue isn’t tension—it’s habit? In this episode, Timothy Wilds dismantles the myths surrounding tongue tension and makes the case for celebrating the tongue’s complexity, agility, and central role in vocal production. You’ll explore how tongue habituation affects vowels, consonants, resonance, and even laryngeal position—and walk away with practical strategies to free up your singing. Whether y...
This week, we took a detour from our usual format to answer real questions from singers, teachers, and curious minds. In this rapid-fire Q&A, we tackle: Whether dairy actually affects your voiceThe most common (and least effective) things singers do in lessonsThe one song we recommend leaving out of your repertoireHow to adapt your technique for mic singingWhat to say when students hate their recorded voiceHow Broadway pros survive 8 shows a weekAnd why VoSci Academy is built differentl...
Can anyone really learn to sing—or is talent the deciding factor? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, Josh reads a powerful essay by voice teacher Timothy Wilds that challenges one of the most pervasive myths in vocal education. From cultural conditioning to vocal pedagogy, we explore why so many people have been told they “can’t sing”—and what it really takes to reclaim the voice. Whether you’re a beginner, a returning singer, or a teacher yourself, this conversation reframes sin...
The Audition Isn’t Just the Song—so why do so many singers only prepare the music? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we break down the non-singing elements that make or break your audition: your entrance, demeanor, professionalism, preparation, and how you handle the unexpected. You’ll learn: Why most casting decisions happen before you singWhat to do when the accompanist plays the wrong tempoHow to prepare your binder, tech, and trackWhy your slate, exit, and even your shoes matt...
Ever wonder why your voice flips, cracks, or shifts gears when you sing? This episode breaks down why that happens—and why it’s not a mistake. Hi, I’m Drew, and on this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re unpacking one of the most misunderstood behaviors of the human voice: register transitions. Whether you call it flipping, cracking, or passaggio, this reflex is built in—not broken. We’ll explore: • The natural muscular behavior behind your voice’s “gear shifts” • Why micromanaging y...
🎤 What actually makes voice lessons effective? It’s not just about finding a great teacher—it’s also about being the kind of student who improves. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive into the real factors that drive vocal progress. Whether you’re searching for your first voice teacher, returning to lessons after a break, or wondering how to make the most of your time and money, this episode breaks down the science and strategy of effective vocal learning. We’ll explore: How ...
Why do so few boys take voice lessons—and how can we change that? In this episode, voice teacher and pedagogue Timothy Wilds joins Drew to unpack the science, strategy, and sensitivity required when training a boy’s voice. From understanding vocal fold changes during puberty to choosing repertoire that fits—not just vocally, but emotionally and developmentally—we explore what it means to meet boys where they are. You’ll learn: What happens to the male voice during puberty—and why it matters f...
You wouldn’t teach swimming without water—so why are we still training contemporary commercial music (CCM) singers without microphones or amplification? In this episode, Timothy Wilds (writer) and Drew Williams-Orozco (host) unpack the disconnect between traditional voice pedagogy and the real-world demands of CCM styles like pop, rock, country, jazz, and modern musical theatre. From the essential role of microphones to the need for new technical and stylistic frameworks, this episode chall...
Episode Summary: Legato is one of the most frequently requested—and least clearly defined—skills in singing. In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to sing legato well. From managing airflow to shaping vowels and navigating consonants, we’ll guide you through practical strategies you can apply today. What You’ll Learn: Why breath support alone won’t get you legatoHow to develop continuous vowel connectionWhere singers unintentionally “break the line”Exercises to build awareness, pr...
Why do instrumentalists seem to improve faster than singers? It’s not about talent—it’s about how they practice. In this episode, Josh explores the deep disconnect between how most vocalists approach their training compared to instrumentalists. From scale drills and arpeggios to muscle memory and voice science, this episode takes a critical look at why singers often rely too heavily on repertoire—and what that’s costing them in long-term growth. 🎯 Topics include: Why singers skip skill-...
Why do so many singing myths persist—even in college classrooms? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, host Josh Manuel explores Vox Agnotology—a term he’s coined to describe the willful and unintentional ignorance surrounding how the voice actually works. Inspired by the field of agnotology (the study of ignorance), Josh breaks down how outdated or misunderstood vocal concepts continue to be passed from teacher to student, even when science tells us otherwise. He shares personal st...
Singing straws promise stronger, easier, and healthier singing—but what does the science really say? In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the world of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs)—with a spotlight on the ever-popular singing straws. From lip trills to submerged straws, these exercises are everywhere in voice training and rehabilitation. But are they really as effective as they claim to be? 🔬 We’ll break down: What SOVTEs are and how they workWhy sing...
What do a trembling hand, an emotional speech, and a soaring operatic note have in common? Vibrato. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the real science behind vibrato in singing—what it is, how it happens, and why it’s not just a stylistic choice, but a neuromuscular phenomenon grounded in biology. You’ll learn: • ✅ What causes vibrato (and why we don’t fully know) • ✅ The leading theory: The Reflex Resonance Model • ✅ Why some singers struggle to find their vib...
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