Shows
This Is A VoiceJazz, Research & Bucket-List Turns: The Moment Melissa Forbes Quit Law for MusicSend us a textDr Melissa Forbes worked in law for 10 years until the firm's partner told a story about a bucket of water. That speech sent her straight to a jazz conservatorium, then to the research lab, and finally into community halls where group singing is healing real-world isolation. In this episode of This Is A Voice, Jeremy Fisher & Dr Gillyanne Kayes chat with Melissa on - the “flight-corrections” that reboot a creative life - how positive psychology reframes practice, strength and burnout - why participatory choirs can out-perform stadium shows in hu...
2025-07-1529 min
This Is A VoiceDealer's Choice. 5 years, 100+ episodes and our favourite vocal momentsSend us a textThis isn’t just a podcast. It’s a five-year deep-dive into the voices, lives and lessons of singers, teachers and coaches around the world.In this special fifth anniversary episode of This Is A Voice, Jeremy and Dr. Gillyanne revisit the most powerful, personal, and punch-in-the-gut moments from over 100 episodes. From life-changing reflux wake-ups, to the moment a singer’s voice disappeared on stage, to a viral blog on “Success Amnesia”... this is Dealer’s Choice.Whether you're a singer, coach, SLP, SLT or voice-curious creative, this episode is a...
2025-07-0148 min
This Is A VoiceBalancing Vocal Technique & Storytelling with GSA's Head of SingingSend us a text🎭 In this powerful episode of This Is A Voice, we welcome back Kevin Michael Cripps, Head of Singing at Guildford School of Acting (GSA), for a deep conversation about the real challenges - and the hidden joys - of training musical theatre performers today.💬 From breaking down the myth of "giving 100%" to building stamina, challenging beliefs, decoding "mix", and supporting students' mental wellbeing, this is a masterclass in voice education. Kevin, Jeremy, and Gillyanne get honest about what it takes to teach sustainably, integrate acting with technique, and prepare students for an...
2025-06-0542 minThis Is A VoiceWhen Jeremy Broke ChatGPT: What AI Really Means for Singers and TeachersSend us a textThis is the MOST nervous Jeremy's ever been recording a podcast — and for good reason!In this deep, honest and funny conversation, Jeremy Fisher and Dr. Gillyanne Kayes share how the world of Artificial Intelligence has changed their careers.And Jeremy shares an intensely personal moment where he broke ChatGPT — and what it taught him about trust, frustration, and human connection. What AI REALLY is (and what it isn't!) How ChatGPT works — and how it misled us Why understanding prompts is now an essential life skill f...
2025-05-0650 min
This Is A VoiceA Voice Teacher's Dilemma: Rehab vs Overreach - with Mike RucklesSend us a textWhat actually happens in a top-tier vocal coach's studio? What is "crack sob" and why is it so common in Broadway belting? What's the deal with voice rehab?In this episode of This Is A Voice, Gillyanne and Jeremy are joined once again by Mike Ruckles - Broadway vocal coach and Singing Voice Specialist - to explore the fine line between SLPs (SLTs in the UK), ENTs and voice teachers in voice rehabilitation.From navigating professional boundaries in vocal rehab to decoding the latest Journal of Voice research on "register instability"...
2025-04-2228 min
This Is A VoiceVocal Coach to Broadway’s Best: Mike Ruckles on Technique, Trust & TruthSend us a textWhat does it take to keep a Broadway voice strong, expressive, and injury-free through 8 shows a week?🎤 In this episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Mike Ruckles — vocal coach, pianist, musical director, and the quiet powerhouse behind Tony, Grammy and Oscar-winning singers and actors.✅ How Mike balances vocal science and artistic nuance✅ The real challenges of coaching Broadway performers✅ Tools for building sustainable technique under pressure✅ Behind-the-scenes stories of vocal breakthroughs✅ Moving away from voice training "Models"Whether you’re a singer, vocal coach, or jus...
2025-04-0841 minThis Is A VoiceAre You Forgetting Your Own Success? The Truth About Success AmnesiaSend us a textAre you constantly chasing the next goal without celebrating your wins? You might have Success Amnesia—and it could be holding you back. In this episode of This Is A Voice, Dr. Gillyanne Kayes & Jeremy Fisher dive into why high-achieving singers, teachers, and performers forget their own success, how this mindset can lead to burnout & imposter syndrome, and—most importantly—how to break the cycle.We also explore: 🎤 Why singers, voice teachers, and performers are particularly vulnerable to Success Amnesia🧠 How this relates to ADHD, burnout, and high-performance careers🚀...
2025-03-2529 minThis Is A VoiceThe Hidden Singing Teacher - Why group singing matters now more than everSend us a textWhy are humans naturally drawn to sing together? And why do we need this now more than ever?Join us as we explore this deeply human experience.In Season 11, Episode 1 of This Is A Voice, Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher kick off the new season with an inspiring deep dive into the transformative power of group singing.Explore the often-overlooked role of choir leaders as hidden voice teachers and uncover the profound ways communal singing can strengthen social bonds, combat loneliness, and boost mental well-being.With contributions...
2025-01-2827 min
This Is A VoiceFrom Panic to Purpose: Real stories of growth from vocal coaches, choral leaders & singing teachersSend us a textEver wondered how professional vocal coaches, singing teachers, and choir leaders overcome the challenges of their craft? In Season 9, Episode 12 of the 'This is a Voice' podcast, Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher take you inside the transformative experiences of six Registered Teachers from different backgrounds, including Amy Housley (actor and singing teacher), Tim Uffindell (gospel singer & choir leader), and Laura Thomas (SLT and singer), Amy Jenkins ( CCM singer/teacher and NLP practitioner), Naomi Lee Schulke (MT singer/teacher and trans voice trainer) and Hannah Grandy (opera singer and MT coach)
2024-11-1223 min
This Is A VoiceRedefining Gender Identity & Authenticity in Musical Theatre Training, with Naomi Lee SchulkeSend us a textIn this thought-provoking and unusual episode of This Is A Voice, Dr. Gillyanne Kayes & Jeremy Fisher sit down with Naomi Lee Schulke, a passionate singing teacher / researcher at Falmouth University. Naomi shares her journey through Vocal Process's Teacher Accreditation Programme and her fascinating work in supporting gender identity in musical theatre training.🎭 From overcoming imposter syndrome to finding authentic expression in a world of rigid vocal expectations, Naomi opens up about the importance of collaboration, identity, and creating safe spaces for trans and non-binary performers.🎙 Listen as we dive into t...
2024-10-2244 min
This Is A VoiceBreaking down barriers - gender, taste and authenticity in vocal performance with Guro von GermetenSend us a textWhat's changing in musical theatre, and what needs to change? And what is authenticity in performance anyway? In their 100th episode, Gillyanne and Jeremy chat with singer researcher Guro von Germeten on her research into gender, authenticity and musical theatre.How does taste influence your vocal training? How is gender identity challenging musical theatre casting? Guro shares her passion on flexibility of vocal sounds, the role of recordings in musical theatre education, and the importance of providing a safe space for vocal experimentationIf you're passionate about musical theatre, join t...
2024-07-2339 min
This Is A VoiceThe Omnivorous Voice - navigating taste & cultural expectations in singing with Guro von GermetenSend us a textJoin Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher in a fascinating and deep episode on the omnivorous voice, featuring Dr. Guro von Germerten. Guro shares the highlights from her PhD on musical tastes and vocal techniques. From her emotional childhood experience as a pianist to her groundbreaking research on the omnivorous voice, Guro discusses the complexities of taste, tradition, and cultural expectations in musical performance. From the process of PhD defence in Europe, to the concept of musical omnivorousness, and the hidden problems of musical taste, this episode is a must-listen for anyone i...
2024-07-0943 min
This Is A VoiceKeep It Real in the Music Industry - Ruth Royall on Confidence, Community & Touring While PregnantSend us a textDJ, singer-songwriter, vocal coach and inspiration Ruth Royall joins Gillyanne and Jeremy to share the amazing story behind the #KeepItReal movement and its impact on the drum and bass community.In this episode:The importance of self-confidence for artists and the crucial role of supportive networks.Insights on artist mentoring and establishing your identity and boundaries in the music industry.Ruth’s personal journey of touring while seven months pregnant and the unique challenges she faced.The development and success of her new live dance music project, Royall So...
2024-06-2526 min
This Is A VoiceCrafting beats - songwriting and collaboration in Drum and Bass with DJ, singer-songwriter Ruth RoyallSend us a textIn this episode of 'This Is A Voice' podcast, Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher are joined by singer-songwriter Ruth Royall. They discuss Ruth's diverse career journey, her pivot to become a prominent artist in the drum and bass genre during the lockdown, and her personal songwriting process. Ruth shares insights on the importance of collaboration in the music industry, particularly within the drum and bass community. We play an excerpt from her song "Help You Stay", created in conjunction with Technimatic, and she shares the story behind the song and its e...
2024-06-0730 min
This Is A VoiceJust How Boring Are You? Jeremy launches a new bookSend us a textJeremy Fisher launches his new book called "Just How Boring Are you? How to be a great podcast guest, captivate your listeners and polish your vocal skills".In this bonus podcast episode Jeremy is interviewed by Karen Merstik-Michaels - singer, musician, social media manager and podcast host, on why he wrote the book and what potential podcast guests can learn from it0:00 A bonus podcast episode01:07 Overcoming crippling shyness02:49 Applying music skills to spoken voice03:37 Why podcasting is different from public speaking05:24 Jeremy's first big radio...
2024-06-0424 minThis Is A VoiceOur 25th anniversary, Hamburg StimmSymposium, Breathing, singing and supportSend us a textIn this landmark episode of This Is A Voice (S9 Ep5), Dr. Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher take a stroll down memory lane to celebrate a remarkable 25 years since founding their voice education company VocalProcess. From being the UK's first private company to pioneer online voice webinars to sharing insights from their latest experience at the esteemed Hamburg StimmSymposium, this episode is packed with nostalgia, innovation, and forward-thinking in the world of voice education.What to expect in this episode:- A heartfelt look back at our journey and key...
2024-05-1445 min
This Is A VoiceThe Health Fix and the Vagus nerve - with GP & bestselling author Dr Ayan PanjaSend us a textFor this World Voice Day Special edition of our This Is A Voice podcast we're delving into the Vagus Nerve and health diagnostics with one of the most influential GPs in the UK (Pulse Magazine), Dr Ayan Panja. Dr Panja is a GP (family doctor), podcaster, presenter on BBC World News and the bestselling author of "The Health Fix"Voice experts Dr Gillyanne Kayes & Jeremy Fisher share thoughts, stories and advice with Dr Ayan and bust some of the myths about singing, breathing and the vagus nerve.00:00 A great...
2024-04-1642 minThis Is A VoiceBreath, Pressure & Flow. Dos & don'ts of breathing for singers - balancing a voice for sound & styleSend us a textDr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher on misunderstandings, misconceptions and personal insights about breathing and breath management for singing. Untrue statements, pressed phonation, relentless twang, breathy versus leaky tone, everything is up for discussion. Plus five areas where we can control breathing, and details on using two contrasting airstreams at the same time (introducing the "Granny Kiss"...With research from Ian Howell and Heidi Moss Erickson on back pressure and brain function (used with permission)00:00:00 Breathe Out To SingPersonal insights on the misunderstood aspects of breath in vocal...
2024-03-1937 minThis Is A VoiceWhat People Say - From cringe-worthy review to powerful testimonialsSend us a textCelebrating 90 episodes of our This Is A Voice Podcast! Dr Gillyanne Kayes & Jeremy Fisher share how they deal with a bad review - and this one's just plain rude.And they celebrate 20 years of their groundbreaking voice teacher Accreditation Programme.Welcome to This Is A Voice Season 9 Episode 1, the podcast where we get vocal about voice.00:00:00 – Stodgy & Humble – the dynamic duo of voice training00:01:20 – Unpacking a Cringe-worthy Review00:04:49 – Dealing with Criticism - a Catalyst for Discussion00:07:16 – Celebrating 20 years of Training Teachers00:09:59 – Creating the Accreditation + Our Guest Experts...
2024-03-0540 minThis Is A VoiceBest of 2023 - Our top five podcast episodesSend us a textWe're rounding off the year with our annual Best Of selection.We broadcast 20 episodes in 2023, so we divided them into four groups of five and got our listeners (and watchers on YouTube) to vote for their favourite episode in each group.Then we chose the "WildCard" fifth episode ourselves.We're introducing excerpts from each of the top five episodes as voted for by you.If you don't want to know which episodes we chose, look away now...Top episode from January-March - Season 7 Episode 5 with Kate...
2023-12-2638 min
This Is A VoiceThe Singer's Safe Haven - Building confidence through compassionate coachingSend us a textIn This Is A Voice podcast S8 Ep8 Lisa Perks returns to talk about creating a safe space in the vocal studio for singers to discover their voice and individuality. Lisa shares with Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher insights and techniques to nurture each singer on their vocal and emotional journey00:00 No room for shame01:32 Discussing the concept of good disagreement03:39 The power of asking 'Why?'04:50 Patient empowerment in medical contexts07:32 Research on the impact of shame on musicians11:18 Taking charge of what you...
2023-12-1937 minThis Is A VoiceSeason 8 Mini bonus - Polls for Best Of 2023Send us a textWe're about to record our "Best of 2023" episode and YOU can help us choose.This mini-bonus episode of our This Is A Voice podcast contains four polls to help you choose your favourite episodes of 2023.There are 20 episodes to choose from and we've divided them into four groups of 5.POLL 1, January-April episodes https://forms.gle/7TsTsVcdVJpj5KZZ9 POLL 2, April-June episodes https://forms.gle/TKmgRchZcynFURqm6 POLL 3, June-October episodes https://forms.gle/A6oxVtdqesK4YdDG8 POLL 4, October-December episodes https://forms.gle/XGY3MMFuS33iDaJb7
2023-12-1505 min
This Is A VoiceOvercoming vocal shame - how singing teachers & vocal coaches can support their singersSend us a textIn This Is A Voice podcast S8 Ep7 we're diving into the sensitive topic of shame in the singing world. In this wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Gillyanne Kayes, Jeremy Fisher and special guest Lisa Perks, we explore how shame can shape and limit a singer's journey, regardless of their background. Whether you're an amateur vocational singer or a seasoned professional performer, you need to know about this crucial hidden aspect of vocal artistry. 00:00 Shame used as a weapon01:41 Lisa's journey03:13 The impact of voice problems04:21 The role of...
2023-12-0528 min
This Is A VoiceBreaking the bias - a conversation about transformative voice coaching with Anne LeatherlandSend us a textJoin us in an insightful and empowering episode with our Associate Trainer, singing teacher and life coach Anne Leatherland. In Season 8 Episode 6 Anne returns to share her unique approach to helping women find their voice, both literally and metaphorically, in professional settings. We discuss the challenges women face regarding voice perception in the workplace and explore strategies for communicating with confidence and impact.Voice is a key component of identity, and we discuss ways to align internal and external voices, and adapt to societal expectations without losing personal au...
2023-11-2127 min
This Is A VoiceExploring Values and Beliefs in Teaching Voice, with Anne LeatherlandSend us a textIn This Is A Voice podcast S8 Ep5 we dive into the fascinating world of values and beliefs with our special guest, Anne Leatherland of Vocal Intuition. We discuss how understanding your values can transform your teaching and coaching, help you to align with your true self and move your career towards a life that’s more fulfilling and enjoyable.Anne Leatherland started her professional life as a chemistry teacher. As a recreational singer she had no qualifications and did not go to “music college”. But a sense of her own values...
2023-11-0727 minThis Is A VoiceWhat matters to you? Putting what you love into your careerSend us a textToday we're asking the question "What matters to you?" Do you already know, or do you need time to think about it?As singing teacher and vocal coach we can direct our careers to include doing what we love and what matters to us.In this episode we share the important things in our lives, what we MUST do for our own peace of mind. The parts of our individual careers that bring us joy.What brings you joy? Answers on a postcard...0:00 Aiming your career1:47 What...
2023-10-2429 min
This Is A VoiceYour voice & AI - tools for the singing studioSend us a textShe's back! Social media expert and app lover Karen Michaels shares her favourite tools for your singing studioWe explore finding your "voice" (your social media persona) and how to write your value statement in 1 hour. Analysing who you love working with and shifting your business to embrace them. How to coach a song even when you've not heard it before. And Karen shares her three best apps for helping you in the singing studio.It's a cracking episode and we're rocking and rolling!0:00 Finding you...
2023-10-1025 min
This Is A VoiceThe Rise of ChatGPT - How AI is changing the voice industry. With social media manager Karen MichaelsSend us a textSocial media expert Karen Michaels joins us for a fascinating discussion on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the world of singing, voice education and singing teacher marketing.Karen shares her wealth of knowledge on harnessing the power of apps and AI in your socials. We’re chatting about the importance of authenticity in your online presence, avoiding burnout on social media and curating your feeds to create a positive and inspiring online environment for yourself.Karen’s sharing her real-life experiences (including being our own social medi...
2023-09-2627 minThis Is A VoiceSo where were we? Gillyanne & Jeremy talk past successes and future plansSend us a textWe've been off the air for two months - so where were we? And where are we going?In this opening episode for Season 8, we reveal our future plans for singers, singing teachers, choral leaders and theatre MDs00:00 Our 80th podcast episode!01:05 Our Teacher Accreditation Programme02:14 Our discoveries on the Discovery Calls06:10 SIXTY contact hours07:32 Changes to our online singing teacher courses08:45 In-person appearances and masterclasses12:33 Podcast guest and AI15:36 The inspiration for our articles19:50 Getting angry over nothing22:16 Going for...
2023-09-1228 min
This Is A VoiceIs Beyoncé teaching you this week? Authenticity, rhythm & positive pedagogy with Louise GibbsSend us a textPart 2 of our deep conversation with jazz singer, composer & educator Louise Gibbs.Has Beyonce been teaching you this week? Moving from imitation to authenticity, finding your "groove" and dealing with bad self-talk.***Warning! Some swearing, mostly from Gillyanne***0:00 Dealing with bad self-talk1:37 Artistry - who is teaching you this week?3:53 Study practice rehearse perform7:11 Being in the moment9:50 Dealing with self-editing singers12:04 Why Louise is a singer not a pianist13:43 Jeremy on communication modes15:07 Know yourself and your outlook17:03 Louise & Jeremy...
2023-06-2635 min
This Is A VoiceAuthenticity in singing - what is it & can you teach it? With Louise GibbsSend us a textOur special guest for this week's This Is A Voice #podcast is jazz singer, recording artist, composer, educator and past president of the British Voice Association Louise Gibbs. It's a meeting of three practical minds in a deep & fascinating conversation about authenticity (for the singer and for the music), training authentic singers, exploring style envelopes and when to push their boundaries.00:00 Being yourself to stand out02:10 Why Gillyanne didn't like "I don't know how to love him"03:12 Personal authenticity versus style authenticity06:00 Jeremy on authentic self v a...
2023-06-1932 minThis Is A VoiceCareer Mentoring and Vocal Habilitation - secrets of our 1-1 private coaching revealedSend us a textWonder what we do in our private coaching sessions? It's a secret.We don't normally reveal what happens (or who we work with) but in this podcast episode we're sharing some of the techniques and "happenings" that make up a great mentoring session.Jeremy has a particular passion for mentoring other singers, singing teachers, Musical Directors, vocal coaches and choir leaders. He describes why his Career Mentoring sessions are becoming so popular. Where do you want to be in a year? A small upgrade to your existing career...
2023-06-0528 minThis Is A VoiceWhat happens in our singing lessons, 1-1s & Masterclasses? What we teach & why we teach itSend us a textYou've probably seen our books, you've listened to the podcasts, but you may not know what we really do in our 1-1 lessons and masterclasses.We're Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher, and we own and run VocalProcess. We'll be sharing with you some examples of what we do in our 1-1 singing and coaching sessions, and why we do it.0:00 Building new brain pathways2:28 Talking about our singing lessons3:54 Being client led & power imbalance4:40 The extremes and Guru Gone Mad8:15 The purpose of vocal mechanics...
2023-05-2937 minThis Is A VoiceThe most efficient ways to practise, plus finding your place in the worldSend us a textWhat's the most efficient way to practice? And how can you set up your singing students to practise successfully? Jeremy's been doing it for years but we had it confirmed by Kittie Verdolini Abbott at our latest conference - Jeremy talks Variable Practice!Gillyanne shares how she collected a multi-disciplinary team for her Round Table conversation at UEP in Turkey on voice problems, boundaries and vocal challenges.Things you need to tell a surgeon if you're having surgery of any kind.And why we do CPD AND why we offer...
2023-05-1527 minThis Is A VoiceWhy does anyone do "Professional Development"? We chat about Comfort Zone, transgender surgery, CPD & performance nervesSend us a textWhy DO we do professional development? We're already professionals! What IS comfort zone and when should we be in it or out of it?Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher chat about comfort zone, continuing professional development (CPD) and their most recent injection of new thoughts via voice surgeons and SLTs. Why they attended a phoniatricians' conference and what they learned about extreme voice (distortions), vocal tremor, transgender voice surgery and themselves.Part 1 of 2.0:00 Introduction0:32 What is comfort zone? When should you be in it? 1:21...
2023-05-0830 min
This Is A VoiceVocal Surgery and Beyond part 2 - making the decision, going through surgery, how long before singing againSend us a textA World Voice Day SpecialIn part 2 of "Vocal Surgery and Beyond", Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher interview singer Kate Bassett on why she decided to go for vocal fold surgery.Kate talks through the decision and the second opinion, and the sentence that helped her decide (it involves rucksacks)How the surgery went and how long she was on "voice rest" (it might surprise you!).The voice therapy sequences she used and how Gillyanne built on them to move from speaking voice to singing voiceThe...
2023-04-2427 min
This Is A VoiceVocal surgery and beyond - a singer's experience Part 1: vocal injury, the signs & rehabSend us a textA World Voice Day Special. Jeremy and Gillyanne interview Kate Bassett on her vocal surgery and recovery. This year's World Voice Day topic is Your Voice Matters. In this 2-Part podcast, singer Kate Bassett shares her story of acute vocal injury, therapy, vocal fold surgery and voice rehabilitationIn Part 10:00 stigma and vocal injury5:13 how the vocal injury happened6:48 what happened next9:10 the missing piece of information11:22 needing more than just voice rest12.43 going to the voice clinic17:43 the impact of a voice...
2023-04-1735 minThis Is A VoiceShowing Up In The World part 2 - Refining your CV with vocal coach & career consultant Jeremy FisherSend us a textWhat does your CV or resumé actually say about you? Is it up to date? Does it reflect who you are, what you want to do and who you want to work with?Expert vocal coach & career consultant Jeremy Fisher shares his process for rewriting your CV to attract the clients and jobs you want.Together Gillyanne and Jeremy discuss the right questions to ask, and share several examples of different CVs for teachers and singers.If you want your career to take off, you need to lead w...
2023-04-0328 minThis Is A VoiceShowing up in the world. Self-promotion, websites and insults, or what are we doing right?Send us a textSelf-promotion can feel like a dirty word, but as a singing teacher, vocal coach, choir leader or vocal health worker positioned in the arts, how do you show up in the world?How important is a website today? What should you have on it? How "big" should it be?We've just updated and upgraded the https://vocalprocess.co.uk website (it's live today) and it's been a fascinating process.We reduced our mega-website (250+ pages) to about 20+ pages plus blogs, AND we've now (for the first time) got everything...
2023-03-2834 minThis Is A VoiceClassical v Musical Theatre part 2 - Advice, techniques and a rantSend us a textGillyanne & Jeremy answer more questions about classical vocal technique versus musical theatre vocal technique.Which is best, should you teach either or both, what do you teach students at different ages?Great questions submitted from our listeners too:How can I make "So In Love" stop sounding like Puccini?Do you teach a 16 year old classical AND musical theatre or choose one?With a new young MT student do you focus on legit or belting?Gillyanne talks about her PhD research into different genres, and...
2023-03-1345 minThis Is A VoiceClassical versus Musical Theatre - which is healthiest to sing? Is there one vocal technique for both?Send us a textVoice experts Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher share their thoughts about classical versus musical theatre. Is there one technique that works for both?Is one inherently healthier to sing than the other?Should we be teaching different genres to young singers?We have comments and questions sent in by our This Is A Voice podcast listeners too - there are some strong opinions!We share our own backgrounds and talk about knowing yourself. And why recognising the "filters" through which you view the world is...
2023-03-0631 min
This Is A VoiceThis Is A Voice Best Bits part 2 - Impostor Syndrome, The BREATH, the Creep Challenge & DaleksSend us a textThis is part 2 of our Best Bits from the last 4 series of This Is A Voice podcasts!We've got four glittering presents for you, beautifully wrapped under the tree.1. Impostor Syndrome (S3 Ep1) - the dictionary definition of imposter and why it isn't impostor syndrome - different types of impostor syndrome by Valerie Young, based on the work of Clance and Imes. Which one are you? - Why we recognise different types of imposter syndrome in our own lives2. THE BREATH! (S3 Ep3) One of our...
2022-12-1934 min
This Is A VoiceBEST BITS part 1 - Vocal folds & hydration, voice habilitation & breathy-lightSend us a textThe last time we did a Best Bits was 43 episodes ago! So here are three of our favourite episodes from the last 18 months (part 1)1. Vocal folds and hydration (S2 Ep9) - why singers have to be careful how MUCH water you drink (with a real-life horror story) - different types of dehydration + research into hydration and the effects on your voice - And which country has a different idea of how much water is enough2. Songs, Lyrics and Life with Georgia Mancio (S2 Ep10). One of our...
2022-12-1232 min
This Is A VoiceAuthenticity in singing & teaching CCM singers - with Dr Marisa Lee NaismithSend us a textDr Marisa Lee Naismith is back talking to Gillyanne & Jeremy, and we get a bit heated!How to work with authenticity in singing and finding a student's "mode" (1.00). Our own reactions to witnessing authenticity in our classes (we're all different - 4.50)Marisa takes us step by step through a lesson with a CCM (contemporary commercial music) singer plus what to listen for and what to ignore (9.25)Why Jeremy thinks there's an expert on the song in the room (and it's not us - 13.20)The thing that singing teachers may do in a C...
2022-12-0532 min
This Is A VoiceThe reality of PhDs and vocal pedagogy with Dr Marisa Lee NaismithSend us a textEver wondered what it's like to do a PhD in vocal pedagogy? Or how that PhD might translate into teaching singing?Want to know exactly why we think classical vocal training doesn't work for contemporary commercial music singers?We go deep with Dr Marisa Lee Naismith, author of Singing Contemporary Commercial Music Styles, a pedagogical framework:How difficult is it to juggle the work of a PhD, family life and a full-time business? Marisa and Gillyanne compare notes (3.00)Why is CCM pedagogy still not thought of as legitimate? Marisa...
2022-11-2836 minThis Is A VoiceChange your pitch, change your meaning. Vocal exercises from This Is A Voice bookSend us a textFeed the dog! Changing your pitch patterns can help your listeners understand your emotions and meaning. In this week's This Is A Voice podcast (Season 6 Episode 12), expert vocal trainers Dr Gillyanne Kayes & Jeremy Fisher use the sentence "Feed the dog" to showcase different pitch patterns and meanings. We read out the instructions from the second half of exercise 26 (page 84 of This Is A Voice) and show you step by step how to change meaning, intonation and interest in your speaking voice. Jeremy reads out a paragraph of text wit...
2022-11-2124 minThis Is A VoiceWhat's your pitch pattern? Exercises from This Is A Voice & our Warmup AppSend us a textNo? Yes!What makes a voice more interesting to listen to? Tone? Volume?Pitch patterns help your listeners understand your emotions and meaning. In this episode, expert vocal trainers Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher riff on pitch patterns and meaning in speaking voice.Exercise 26 on page 84 of our This Is A Voice book is a brilliant vocal technique exercise for improving your speaking (and singing). We go step by step through the instructions and demonstrate how the exercise works in both male and female voice....
2022-11-1419 min
This Is A VoiceCoaching Austin Butler for Elvis & training teachers - Irene Bartlett returnsSend us a textWhat does a movie musical vocal coach do? Singer and pedagogue Irene Bartlett is back to chat with vocal trainers Gillyanne & Jeremy about coaching Austin Butler to sing Elvis in the latest movie, and how she works with singing teachers in the Pedagogy Programme at Griffith University in Brisbane.What was the first thing Irene needed to do when meeting Austin (or any singer) for the first time? (3.00)What is she listening for when working with professional singers? (6.53)How do we know whether a singer has real tension...
2022-11-0738 min
This Is A VoiceWhat is good singing? Dr Irene Bartlett chats to vocal trainers Gillyanne & Jeremy about vocal health, technique & styleSend us a textWhat is good singing? Singer and pedagogue Dr Irene Bartlett joins vocal trainers Gillyanne & Jeremy to talk about good singing, function and style.It’s an honest conversation between vocal trainers separated by 10,000 miles but together in spirit.Is it divisive to separate classical, CCM and Musical Theatre music? Irene has a great one-sentence answer to this (2.40)Is there a difference between classical singing lessons and musical theatre singing lessons? How do classical singers react to their first heavy metal, or newbies react to their first opera? It’s a fascinating part...
2022-10-3126 minThis Is A VoiceConsonants, false vowels and "I have so much more space"Send us a textGillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher chat about putting their flagship vocal training course fully online for the first time, and describe the amazing content on each day of the course.And this episode they focus on consonants and false vowels, with an incredibly simple vocal technique to create more resonating space for awkward consonants, allowing you to match resonance more easily while singing wordsDiscover why Jeremy says there isn't one way to breathe. And the thing you shouldn't do when practising breathing for singing (5.02)Check out...
2022-10-2428 minThis Is A VoiceVocal trainers break down how consonants work - instant voice coaching online!Send us a text#ThisIsAVoice Vocal trainers Dr Gillyanne Kayes and Jeremy Fisher show you how to find easy and accurate consonants in your songs. It's like having private singing lessons but with the very best vocal coaches!Jeremy and Gillyanne go deep into vocal articulation and the effect consonants have on vowels when you sing.When is a t not a t? When does an s become a z? What are your favourite singing genres and does it make a difference to the way you make your consonants?Watch Jeremy...
2022-10-1729 minThis Is A VoiceConsonants, Ventriloquism, Darci Lynne and CreepSend us a textVocal pedagogue Dr Gillyanne Kayes challenges vocal coach Jeremy Fisher to show how a ventriloquist can sing words clearly. Using @Darci Lynne 's excellent Creep video https://youtu.be/KB-390oClpw, Jeremy breaks down the movements needed to sing all the vowels and consonants in the song without moving your lips.Judge for yourself how well Jeremy does singing the first four lines of the Radiohead song Creep - does he move his lips? Can you follow the instructions and do the same?All the exercises are in the c...
2022-10-1016 minThis Is A VoiceConsonant awareness, tongue twisters & singingSend us a textGillyanne & Jeremy are back demonstrating the exercises in the This Is A Voice book.This week they're kicking and elongating consonants.Gillyanne takes Jeremy through Exercise 24, Consonant Awareness, in the Speaking Effectively section.Breaking down the plosives!Jeremy speaks and sings tongue twisters with two different ways of using the consonants. You'll hear why one way is better than the other for singing in a non-classical style, and what changes Jeremy has to make to sing in a more legato classical style. Discover which famous actor elongated hi...
2022-10-0317 min
This Is A VoiceSomatic exercises, trauma, nerves & polyvagal theory with Petra BorzynskiSend us a textPetra Borzynski, singer, cognitive behavioural therapist & somatic vocal coach, is back with Gillyanne and Jeremy for more wisdom on dealing with emotion.Teacher boundaries, the difference between trauma and emotional discomfort, and why you don't need to be your student's therapist.There are questions on somatic exercises for performance nerves, and Jeremy shares what he did to deal with the extreme nerves in his workshop at the PEVoC conference last month.And a question on which exercises might stimulate the vagus nerve, and a discussion on polyvagal...
2022-09-2633 min
This Is A VoiceTriggers, trauma, working when you're wobbly. Dealing with emotions in the studio w/ Petra BorzynskiSend us a textOn the day of Queen Elizabeth's funeral, Petra Borzynski, cognitive behavioural therapist & somatic vocal coach, joins Gillyanne and Jeremy for some expert wisdom on dealing with emotion.Singing is an emotional act. And we sometimes need to sing, or to teach singing, when we're emotional. How do we deal with our own wobbles, and when should we deal with the wobbles of our singing students?There are questions from listeners on anxiety in singing lessons - when do we hold the space for people's feelings and when do we...
2022-09-1950 minThis Is A VoicePRESENTING at an international voice conference - the scary bit!Send us a textWhat's it like to PRESENT at an international voice conference? Dr Gillyanne Kayes & Jeremy Fisher presented at PEVoC14 in Tallinn, Estonia. Gillyanne's first Round Table organisation, and Jeremy's first solo Workshop The nerves, the outcomes, the feedback, the content, the preparation We reveal all! Check out some of Jeremy's video examples from his workshop "Get On, Sing, Get Off"· Glottal onsets/offsets: Beyonce - Single Ladies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1EFMoRFvY from 40 seconds in· Yodel/flip onsets/offsets: Lizzo - Cuz I Love You h...
2022-09-1238 min