Shows
The Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistJacob Khalil: Getting the GigThis week we met with Jacob Khalil, a gigging musician based in New York City. Jacob has performed all over the US, starting with a regular gig at the Salt Lake City Airport, and now flies all over to perform wedding gigs and regular restaurant gigs in New York City. Jacob has some great advice about hustling while avoiding burnout. Check out his music here!We are a proud member of the NATSCAST network! Visit to find other high quality podcasts on all things voice and teaching singing. Support the show (http://w...2021-10-1252 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistSinging For New Music in Film and Musical Theater with Cindy O'ConnorToday our guest on the show is Cindy O'Connor, a film and musical theater composer, performer, and songwriter! She's a 2018 Emmy nominee for Outstanding Composition for the show "Once Upon a Time." She's composed multiple musical theater scores, receiving the Musical Theater Award in the Kennedy Center Festival for her musical "All That She Has." She's also provided vocals for a number of blockbuster hits including "Wreck-It Ralph" and "The Hangover."On this episode, we talk about how vocalists prepare for singing in a motion picture, how to work with composers in musical theater, tools you should...2021-09-0748 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistVoice-Over part 2: Digging deeper with professional artist, Nic Redman!Today our guest on the show is Nic Redman, voice actor and voice/accent coach hailing from Northern Ireland and based in Manchester, United Kingdom. We dig deeper into the voice over world by exploring how to get started in the industry, what "networking" really means, how to market yourself, and valuable advice for those who are looking for a correlating career in voice! Reach out to Nicola! The Voice Coach PodcastThe VO Social Podcast - A British Podcast Awards Nominee! Proud member of the NATSCAST network! Visit to find...2021-08-0644 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistVoice-Over and Radio Part 1"You have a great voice!" "You should be on the radio." "Have you ever thought about voice over?" If you've heard these phrases before and want to learn more, Jordan and I have a discussion about the industry; from job interviews to home studios, from demo tapes to a day in the station. Come hang out with us!Resources:Voices.comVoice123.comBodalgoFiverrVoice Over RatesHome Studio TechnologyProud member of the NATSCAST network! Visit to find other high quality podcasts on all things...2021-04-2938 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a Vocalist"Wicked" National Tour: Natalia VivinoEveryone deserves the chance to fly and the talented Natalia Vivino soars. Natalia is the Elphaba standby for the 2nd national Broadway tour of Wicked. We talk about her experience auditioning, adjusting to life on tour, and the differences between understudies, swings, and standbys! To learn more about Natalia's career, visit http://vivinosisters.com/natalia-vivino/ or see her on Instagram.Support the show2021-02-0139 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistTheater Adapts: Performing During a PandemicNavigating performance in a virtual landscape, the intersection of human rights advocacy and music as a platform, and interviews on a sailboat - all of this and more on the latest episode of The Holistic Voice. Learn more about Third Eye Theater EnsembleLive streaming software The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free resource created by vocalists, for vocalists. We believe a successful singer needs more than just a great voice. Artistic development, mental and physical health, business skills, and career opportunities all contribute to a singer’s potential. If you are looking fo...2020-12-1540 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistSession Singing Part 2: Felicia FarerreThis episode we meet with Felicia Farerre, an extremely talented vocalist with an extensive history as a session singer and solo vocalist. She has written and performed in collaborations with Two Steps From Hell, and was awarded Best Female Vocalist by Trailer Music News in 2013. And she also happens to be Jordan's aunt!Felicia meets with us to talk about how she got into session singing, and how that has led her to the career she enjoys today. Take a listen to her latest release Between Worlds, by clicking here.Support the show2020-09-1532 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistOh, the Places She'll Go!We sit down with French-American soprano Lauren Urquhart about her international work as a singer. From fest contracts to navigating the ups and downs of gigs during a pandemic, Lauren shares how she got from her undergrad degree in the states to blazing a trail abroad. This episode of The Holistic Voice was made possible by OldFachs. If you’re looking for a fun way to impress your colleagues in rehearsal while enjoying some creative visuals and eye-grabbing design, your answer is OldFachs. Owner and soprano Lauren Urquhart designs a variety of cheeky music-themed shirts, posters, bags, an...2020-08-2437 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistSession Singing Part 1: Connor Warren SmithLearn all about the life of a session singer with pop tenor extraordinaire and DCappella Alum Connor Warren Smith. All about how to make a career in the studio, and on wearing multiple hats in the music industry! Connor wears more than a few, as a session singer, regular live performer in musicals and choirs, and arranger and composer of music. Hope you enjoy this episode, and if you need a great example of how to put together a vocal reel, stop by Connor's website!Support the show2020-06-3042 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistMaking a Career of Crossover Singing: Featuring NATSAA Winner Matt HillIn the first episode of our new season, NATSAA winner Matt Hill illuminates the constant and not-so conventional path a full-time career in voice can sometimes take. The Holistic Voice is a proud partner of NATSCast, the official podcast network of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Special thanks to OldFachs for sponsoring this episode. If you’re looking for a fun way to impress your colleagues in rehearsal while enjoying some creative visuals and eye-grabbing design, your answer is OldFachs. Owner and soprano Lauren Urquhart designs a variety of cheeky music-themed shirts, post...2020-06-1134 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistEssential Technology for your Home Voice StudioEssential Technology For Singing, Teaching, and VO Work from HomePreliminary Report: Comparing the Audio Quality of Classical Music Lessons Over Zoom, Microsoft Teams, VoiceLessonsApp, and Apple FaceTimeZoom SettingsBASIC vocal studio set upUSB Microphone: Blue Snowball ($70)Headphones: ATH-M20x ($50)GOOD vocal studio set upCondenser Microphone: MXL Mic 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone($60)Audio Interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo ($110)Shock Mount and Pop Filter ($15)XLR Cable ($8)Desk Mic Stand ($14)ATH-M20x Here’s a video to...2020-04-0726 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistArtist Relief & Financial Resources for MusiciansTo all THV members and musicians everywhere, The Holistic Voice is heartbroken to see the postponing, cancellations, and uncertainty that our field is facing right now amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.In our experience however, if there ever was a group of proactive, self-motivated, and resilient group of people it would be all of us artists out there. We have compiled a newsletter containing financial resources and tips for those in need:COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources: A comprehensive and updating list of emergency resources for creative freelancers. Shoutout to its administrators Hannah Fenlon, Ann Marie Lonsdale...2020-03-1714 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistAn Art of Maturity: Working with Dramatic VoicesWe ring in the new year with Alexis Davis-Hazell as she discusses her experiences on developing her own, and then later teaching, dramatic voices. Topics covered include characteristics of a dramatic voice, when someone is "ready" to sing larger repertoire, singing on the interest and not the principle, resources and institutions available to foster dramatic vocal development and more. Thanks to Calyxa for mixingSupport the show2020-01-1542 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistEntrepreneurship and the Singing Career: with Craig Phillips of New York PolyphonyCraig Phillips, a two-time GRAMMY nominee and founding member of the male quartet New York Polyphony, joins us to discuss building a career as a professional ensemble singer. Along with his work with New York Polyphony, Craig Phillips also maintains a successful career as an operatic and concert soloist. Oh, and serves on the faculty at the University of Oregon. You know, in his spare time.We are still stunned with how much Craig is able to balance at once and still seem like the calmest human being on the planet. This episode is for those singers...2019-12-1140 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistDo's and Don'ts for Balancing Your Time as a VocalistToday we sit down to talk about correlating careers, time management, and figure out how to balance multiple careers without losing your mind. The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free resource created by vocalists, for vocalists. We believe a successful singer needs more than just a great voice. Artistic development, mental and physical health, business skills, and career opportunities all contribute to a singer’s potential. If you are looking for resources and education on how to navigate life as a vocalist, this podcast is for you. Support the show2019-10-2839 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistMaking your Personal WebsiteIn this episode, we explore some best practices for making your own website.Here are some of the DIY websites we talked about:www.wix.comwww.squarespace.comwww.wordpress.orgSteps to making your own website:Look up similar sites to what you do, make a note of what you like and do not like. Try to be specific on this, rather than just "liking the vibe." How is that vibe being created? Is it color? Font choice? White space? Full section images?Have the content ready BEFORE making...2019-10-0133 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistHow to Develop a Strong Speaking VoiceWhether you're speaking in front of colleagues, sharing an idea, or negotiating a contract, when it comes to personal presentation, there's one thing that should never be overlooked: your voice. Today we are sitting down to analyze problematic speech characteristics in an effort to develop the best possible version of your own voice: one that is rich, pleasant, easily heard by others, varied, clear and articulated. The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free resource created by vocalists, for vocalists. We believe a successful singer needs more than just a great voice. Artistic development, mental and ph...2019-09-1339 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistWorking With a Music ProducerToday’s episode we sit down with Mitch Davis, a Utah based music producer (www.instagram.com/musicmitchdavis) for our second livestream attempt on Facebook! Mitch answers questions including what makes a great vocal track, how to work well with a producer, and how to find a producer that will bring the best results for your project. Facebook livestreams are at 1PM ET on Fridays. There won’t be one this week because Jordan is traveling to California, but expect one the following week, August 16th!www.theholisticvoice.netSupport the show2019-08-0628 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistPay-to-Sing Summer Programs: Where's Your Money Going?In our first ever livestream episode, we sit down to ponder the pros and cons of paid summer programs, discuss broadway street performances during the Manhattan blackout, and how to prep for allergy season. The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free resource created by vocalists, for vocalists. We believe a successful singer needs more than just a great voice. Artistic development, mental and physical health, business skills, and career opportunities all contribute to a singer’s potential. If you are looking for resources and education on how to navigate life as a vocalist, this podcast is for you...2019-07-2932 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistNathan Gunn - Part 2Part 2 of the Nathan Gunn interview! We sit down with the respected artist, musician, and singing actor on this week's episode. Given the baritone's wide acclaim for his diverse performing career bridging the genres of opera, musical theater, and recital it was a perfect opportunity for this audience to let the recording roll. Topics covered include failure and it's role in developing your identity as a singer, being unapologetically you in performance, practicing self-awareness, and more. The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free resource created by vocalists, for vocalists. We believe a successful singer needs more than j...2019-07-0930 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistNathan Gunn - Part 1We sit down with respected artist, musician, and singing actor Nathan Gunn on this week's episode. Given the baritone's wide acclaim for his diverse performing career bridging the genres of opera, musical theater, and recital it was a perfect opportunity for this audience to let the recording roll. Because we like to keep things short and sweet, this recording is part one of two in this series. Topics covered include Nathan's background and education, finding individuality as a singer, the necessity for evolution in musical theater and opera, and more. The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free r...2019-06-2033 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistMeet Corey the Cruise Ship Singer!This episode we met with Corey Jean Schneeman who has about 5 years of experience singing on cruise ships. She has a current contract with Carnival Cruise Lines. She tells us the good, the bad, and the ugly of cruise ship singing. We think you will be surprised at just how appealing this career option can be, especially for you young and single folks!The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free resource created by vocalists, for vocalists. We believe a successful singer needs more than just a great voice. Artistic development, mental and physical health, business skills, and...2019-05-1433 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistThe Life of a Professional Singer (Featuring Rachel Willis Sørensen)This week we interview Rachel WIllis Sørensen about her incredible vocal career, what it means to be an artist, and doing it all while raising a family!Rachel Willis Sørensen just finished playing the role of Donna Anna for the Metropolitan Opera production of Don Giovanni. She performs frequently worldwide, and has sung at the Bayerische Staatsoper and the Teatro Regio di Torino. She has some incredibly useful information she shares on this episode about what it means to be an artist, and how that is connected to the way we live our lives.2019-04-0237 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistWhat's Alexander Technique?Sally Ahner, ATI-certified Teacher of the Alexander Technique and Senior Artist Teacher at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of music, sits down with us to discuss body-mind awareness. Day by day, year by year, our bodies pick up habits that introduce tension into our movements and posture. Could your jaw tension be linked to the way you stand, the back of your neck, or the tilt of your head? Sally walks us through a 101 break-down of how to retrain habitual patterns of tension, to rethink our kinesthetic sense, and to allow freedom to trump bad habits. 2019-03-1231 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistExploring the Human Voice (with Rébecca Kleinberger)Rébecca Kleinberger, a PhD candidate at MIT studying with the group Opera of the Future, joins us to discuss her research of the human voice. This episode is about getting to know your voice a bit better. How does the voice work? Why does my voice sound different in my head than on a recording? What's a formant?These are some of the questions that Rébecca has worked on in her research. Be sure to check out her TED talk, "Why you don't like the sound of your voice"Here's Rébec...2019-02-2632 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistAuditions (Classical Edition)How do I find singing auditions? What do I prepare? What happens when I walk in the room?Whitney Robinson, Artist Diploma candidate at the New England Conservatory of Music joins us to talk about how to prepare for classical voice auditions, particularly when it comes to opera and classical voice auditions. This is just the first episode of an ongoing audition series, so stay tuned for more audition know how for musical theater shows, choral gigs, and more!The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free resource created by vocalists, for vocalists. We...2019-02-0527 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a Vocalist#GoalsHappy New Year! This episode is all about setting your 2019 vocal career goals! Don't let your 2019 goals die in February! You got this!On this episode we discuss how to set effective, attainable goals, and how to follow through! We're all great at setting goals, but identifying what it takes to get there and actually doing it may be a different story.Tell us what your goals are for this year! Social media links below. Rate & review the podcast while you're at it ;) The Holistic Voice Podcast...2019-01-1519 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistArts and NumbersElaine Luttrull, CPA and Author of Arts and Numbers a financial guide for Arts & Numbers: A Financial Guide for Artists, Writers, Performers, And Other Members of the Creative Class, joins the show to discuss financial literacy for our vocalist community. On this episode we delve into questions like:1.What is the difference between W-2, W-4, and 1099 forms?2. What are standard and itemized deductions? 3. How to keep track of business expenses. 4. How much do I withhold for taxes? The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free resource created by vocalists, for vocalists. We...2018-12-2038 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistBelt that Mix!Chelsea Wilson joins us for this episode to talk about "mix" voice and belting. Chelsea works as the vocal coach for Phantom of the Opera and School of Rock on Broadway.Some questions answered on the show:What is "mix" voice?How can I sing higher notes without straining?Do classical singers "mix?"Is there a difference between belting and using your mix?The Holistic Voice Podcast is a free resource created by vocalists, for vocalists. We believe a successful singer needs more than just a great voice. Artistic development, mental and physical health, business...2018-12-0535 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistVocal Hygiene- Habits for a Healthy VoiceIn this week’s episode, we are covering the topic of vocal maintenance and hygiene; how we practice healthy habits to preserve our voice. Why does this matter? Vocal health is a topic that stands out for its universal importance. Just like brushing and flossing or putting on sunscreen, beginning or refining a habit of healthy vocal practices is the first step to preserving a strong and robust voice throughout your life. Change.org - End Application and Audition Fees for Opera Singers (Follow Link Here): https://bit.ly/2BtLE5a The Holistic Voice...2018-11-2031 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistVocal Technique and Artistry in PerformanceHow do you think about vocal technique and your artistry during performance? What do these terms mean? What is the relationship between vocal technique and artistry? How do we stay in the moment when we are thinking about a million things at once? On this episode, Dr. Diane Reich, the Division Coordinator of Classical Voice from Brigham Young University, joins us to talk about how we can deliver compelling performances using vocal technique and making artistic choices. We discuss how you can build vocal technique to increase your ability to make artistic choices, and how to check in with...2018-11-0824 minThe Holistic Voice: Navigating Your Life as a VocalistMusic Degrees: Pursuing Higher Education as a VocalistThe pursuit of higher education as a vocalist is an involved personal and financial investment. In this episode, Dr. Tucker Biddlecombe, Director of Choral Activities at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music and the Nashville Symphony Chorus weighs in on what you should expect out of a vocal performance degree. We discuss what you can expect as a vocalist of different singing styles, and how to think through the decision to go to college. For those that have already gone to college, or are currently college students, this is a chance to assess your own experience, and make the...2018-10-2633 min