Singing Teachers Talk

What do we really know about breathing for singing? Breathing specialist Barbara Tanze returns to explore the evolving science of airflow and pressure regulation in the singing voice. We discuss what research tells us about the diaphragm and respiratory muscles, and why what singers feel may not reflect what is actually happening physiologically. Barbara also introduces the Flexiflow, a tool that gives singers immediate feedback on airflow and pressure, helping them explore breath coordination without complicated anatomical instructions. Along the way, we question what “breath support” really means, whether breath should always come first in vocal training, and how a more individual, exploratory approach could help singers better understand their voices. Here we go! 
 
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  
0:56 What’s changed since 2022?  
3:10 What we do know about the body, pressure and airflow  
6:30 Barbara’s burning question 
8:07 Common breath management issues in singing  
11:18 What is typically happening in the body during exhalation?  
20:33 Where does ‘breathing’ sit in the hierarchy of vocal training?  
24:41 Using balloons as props  
33:40 The Flexiflow 
 
About the presenter HERE
 
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.45 Discovering Optimal Breathing 
Ingo Titze 
Johan Sundberg 
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.253 The S-Word: Why It’s Time to Rethink ‘Support’ in Singing Teaching 
Janice Chapman  
Ian Howell 
Ken Bozeman  
A Copernican Shift: Reframing How We Think About Breath in Singing by Heidi Moss Erickson 
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.271 Singer & the Self: Rethinking Singing Teacher CPD 
MDH Breathing Coordination by Robin De Haas 
Oren Boder 
 
ABOUT THE GUEST 
A professional singer and vocal pedagogue, Barbara Tanze works at the intersection of voice, movement, physiology and learning. Drawing on a background in opera, vocal pedagogy, manual therapy and breathing coordination, she takes a functional, individual approach to helping singers, speakers and professional voice users understand and develop their voices. Barbara teaches at the Akademija za glasbo, Univerza v Ljubljani, and is currently pursuing doctoral research into expiratory pressure regulation in singing. Her work brings together biomechanics, motor learning and inquiry-based exploration, bridging research with everyday vocal practice. Barbara is also the creator of Flexiflow, a patented airflow-feedback tool, and the author of the interactive children’s book Take a Deep Breath, Charlie!  
 
SEE FULL BIO HERE (Add link to the podcast website page) 
Website 
Instagram: @btbreathing & @the.flexiflow 
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
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In this episode, Alexa shares her experience of attending the very first Singer & the Self Singing Teacher CPD Holiday in Slovenia before sitting down with organiser Becky Gillespie to discuss how the event came to life. From voice science, business and wellbeing to spa days, cultural adventures and meaningful conversations, they explore why combining professional development with a holiday created such a unique and inspiring experience for singing teachers. If you've ever wondered what a singing teacher CPD holiday is really like—or whether it's worth it—this episode takes you behind the scenes.

About the presenter HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Presenters: Becky Gilhespie, Louisa Barry, Lindsay Dalton, Rachel Lynes, Michael Rasmussen, Mel Toy, Lydia Hart, Alien Partjilic, Veronica Hodgson, Barbara Tanze, Gemma Sugrue, Cat Ogden 
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.55 Teaching Singing for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.69 Understanding Pregnancy for the Singer and the Self-Employed
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.46 How to Develop Lasting and Positive Habits
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.118 Mastering Mix Voice and Belt 
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.28 Finding the Fundamental Truths of Singing 
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.179 From 1 to 40 Choirs and Touring with Gareth Malone 
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.166 Overcoming Self-Consciousness in Singing
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.45 Discovering Optimal Breathing with Barbara Tanze 
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.58 Understanding the Speaking Voice
Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.90 - Help! I’ve Got a Voice Problem
Ken Bozeman 
Chadley Ballantyne 
Ian Howell
Focus on Vocal Technique: Update! Breath Management - Shirley Emmons  

Book your place at the 2027 Voice Conference Spa Holiday

ABOUT THE GUEST

Singer & The Self was founded by Rachel Lynes and Becky Gilhespie, leading vocal coaches based in the UK but working with artists and singers all over the globe.
Their retreats combine expert voice coaching with yoga, breath work and mindfulness to unlock each participant’s unique sound and self-expression. Rachel and Becky came together in 2021 to bring their vision of The Singer & the Self to life - their shared belief that to develop your singing voice you must work on the mind and body, and equally,  that the voice is the most powerful route into the ‘self’. They know that each singer is wonderfully unique - not only in the human anatomy that makes up one’s personal sound but in the expression, which comes from the stories, the rich life experiences and perspective each person has on the world.
Together, they have hosted sell-out retreats in the UK countryside and are now bringing their holistic approach to singing and self-care internationally. Their retreats are open to all levels, whether you are interested in exploring finding your voice for the first time or whether you are a professional, looking to advance your singing and creativity.

Website
Instagram: @beckygilhespievocals & @singerandtheselfretreats
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW
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What happens when a singer desperately wants to sing, but fear, self-doubt and past criticism keep getting in the way? In this episode, Alexa is joined by vocal coach and Sing Anyway author - Linor Oren, to explore singing confidence, stage fright and mindset, questioning what happens when we stop chasing a ‘good’ sound and start exploring what the voice can actually do? Plus, before the conversation begins, Alexa shares her honest review of Sing Anyway and reflects on some of the book’s key ideas, ready for your bookshelves.  
 
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  
0:00 ‘Sing Away’ by Linor Oren: Book Review  
9:29 The catalyst for ‘Sing Anyway’ 
12:04 The writing & publishing process  
20:41 Paralysing fear & singing  
23:40 Performance exercises for mindset  
32:52 Linor’s teaching methodology  
38:25 The power of group lessons 
41:55 Is the singer actually ready?    
49:32 What teaching provided that lessons didn’t 
55:00 Round up 
 
About the presenter HERE
 
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 
Grinberg Method  
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.261 Managing Performance Nerves: Tools For Singers & Singing Teachers with Laura Dumbleton 
 
ABOUT THE GUEST 
Linor Oren is a singer, voice teacher and author who knows what it is to go from 'I can't sing' to singing in a hall full of strangers. As a shy kid who didn't take her first singing lesson until she was 21, she graduated from the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and went on to study and perform in Germany. In 2017 she moved to the Netherlands, where she runs her voice studio and leads The Merry Poppins Musical Choir. Her teaching method blends vocal technique with bodywork and mental practice to help shy singers find their voice. 
 
The traditional method of vocal coaching often starts with the assumption that mastering vocal technique is the only way to enjoy singing. In this approach, the teacher jumps straight into technical work, which can feel overwhelming. Her approach flips this on its head. She believes that enjoyment is the key to unlocking your true potential. Instead of diving headfirst into technique, Linor begins by addressing mental blockages— fear, hesitation, and self-doubt — so that singing feels joyful right from the start. Once a student feels comfortable and confident, the systematic work on vocal technique can start. 
 
Website 
Instagram: @linororenvoiceteacher  
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW
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In this fascinating conversation, performance psychologist Noa Kageyama explores what learning science really tells us about effective practice, mindful learning, and why repetition alone isn't enough. Discover practical, research-backed strategies that can transform the way you plan lessons, deliver them, and help singers structure practice more efficiently, giving you and them fresh ideas to reach those goals.  
 
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  
1:30 What are elite institutions actually looking for? 
2:49 Reflection: The shift in musicians needs/desires  
6:28 Mindful Vs Mindless learning 
14:26 Learning in the beginner Vs the advanced  
19:20 Achieving positive change 
28:18 When is the best time to give instruction, feedback and praise?  
36:49 The thing about repetition…  
45:37 Rest  
49:55 What makes an excellent teacher exceptional?  
52:35 Bulletproof Musician  
 
About the presenter HERE
 
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.242 Understanding Motor Learning: How It Can Help Us Give Better Singing Lessons 
Line Hilton  
Alexander Technique  
Arnold Jacobs 
Gabrielle Wolf  
A Way to Amplify (or Weaken) the Effect of Self-Talk on Performance  
John Wooden  
The Perfect Wrong Note by William Westney  
Micah Killion 
Pablo Casals 
 
ABOUT THE GUEST 
 
Performance psychologist Noa Kageyama is on the faculty of The Juilliard School and Cleveland Institute of Music. A violinist with degrees from Oberlin and Juilliard before completing a Ph.D. in counseling psychology at Indiana University, Noa specializes in teaching performing artists how to utilize sport psychology principles to more consistently perform up to their full abilities under pressure. 
 
He has conducted workshops for institutions including Curtis, Eastman, Peabody, New England Conservatory, and the U.S. Armed Forces School of Music, programs such as the Starling-Delay Symposium, the Perlman Music Program, and Meadowmount, and for organizations like the Music Teachers' National Association, Performing Arts Medicine Association, and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. 
 
Noa's work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, NBC News, CNN, Forbes, Slate, and Lifehacker. He has taught over 10,000 musicians, educators, and learners through his online courses, and authors The Bulletproof Musician blog and podcast, which reaches over 45,000 subscribers every week. 
 
Website 
Youtube 
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW
basttraining.com | Stay Updated

Alexa is joined by singer, songwriter and vocal coach Grace Hancock to explore the relationship between music and craft. Together, they have honest conversations about the moments when making music hasn’t felt good and when it has stopped being joyful for them. They discuss burn out, self-worth, comparison and perfectionism, and how singers can reconnect with their craft in a healthier, more authentic way. As ever, we’re keeping it real on the Singing Teachers Talk podcast.  
 
WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?  
0:55 Memories of travelling as a performer  
4:06 Best and worst advice Grace has received as a singer  
5:32 Grace’s mission 
6:46 Working on cruise ships 
12:55 When you fall out of love with performing 
17:10 How can a difficult relationship with music influence teaching?  
21:49 How to build a healthy relationship to music as a singer 
33:23 What conversations should we be having more of as singing teachers?  
35:14 Grace’s work  
 
About the presenter HERE
 
RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS 
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep 100 The Truth About Singing and Dairy with Nutritionist Duncan Rock 
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep 267. Acting Through Song: Practical Tools for Singing Teachers with Molly Marie Walsh 
Amie McNee 
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep 245. Technique Meets Artistry: Working with Contemporary Singers with Juliet Russell 
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers  
Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 261 Managing Performance Nerves: Tools For Singers & Singing Teachers with Laura Dumbleton 
 
ABOUT THE GUEST 
 
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing around the world aboard luxury cruise ships and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She now hosts her podcast for singers: Curious Vocalists, where she talks to industry professionals exploring ways for singers to build a more fulfilling and sustainable career in the arts. 
 
Email 
Website 
Instagram 
Facebook 
 
🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice.  >>> DOWNLOAD HERE
At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK
Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW
basttraining.com | Stay Updated