The Sound Singer

The Artist's Journey: Finding Your Creative Flow, Overcoming People-Pleasing, Healing CPTSD, Finishing Projects

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 Background00:00:53 - Exploring the Creative Mind00:01:33 - Jessica's Journey in Music and Coaching00:09:52 - The Concept of Artistic Journey00:12:08 - Common Fears Among Vocal Performers00:14:19 - Achieving Creative Flow and Completing Projects00:22:09 - Hard Work vs. Perfectionism00:27:17 - Addressing Complex Trauma in Artists00:39:10 - Mental Health Stigma in the Performing Arts00:40:15 - 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
 
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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
 

Voice Therapy, Vocal Health & Redefining 'Singer'

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
 

Voice Disorders: Impact, Stigma & Healing Through Mindfulness

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 Podcast00:00:14 - Discussing Voice Disorders and Mindfulness00:00:36 - Introducing Guest Catherine Kay Brown00:01:08 - Mindfulness in Voice Therapy00:01:37 - Catherine's Personal Vocal Injury Story00:04:06 - The Healing Journey and Mindfulness00:07:55 - Pursuing Mindfulness Teaching and Research00:09:30 - Stigma Around Vocal Injury00:10:04 - Advocating for Singers with Voice Disorders00:12:02 - Comparing Singers to Athletes00:12:43 - The Multifactorial Nature of Voice Disorders00:13:05 - Voice Training and Mindfulness Resources00:14:06 - Defining Mindfulness00:15:07 - Research on Mindfulness and Voice Disorders00:17:09 - Emotional Impact of Voice Disorders00:18:15 - Results of the Mindfulness Study00:19:10 - Significance of the Study's Findings00:21:17 - Acceptance and Mindfulness00:22:43 - Group Dynamics in Mindfulness Practice00:24:09 - Practical Mindfulness for Singers00:25:08 - Sharing Personal Stories in Mindfulness Course00:26:02 - Addressing Stress, Tension, Isolation, and Grief00:30:03 - Mindfulness Practice and Training00:33:19 - Mindfulness as a Skill00:37:21 - Tips for Successful Mindfulness Practice00:38:03 - Meditation and Mindfulness Misconceptions00:40:00 - Mindfulness Practice Recommendations00:42:26 - The Importance of Mindfulness Practice00:44:19 - Mindfulness Resources and Courses00:46:09 - 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

Brain Training for Singers, Performers and Creatives

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. 
 

Performer to Storyteller with Will Reynolds

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

The Heart of Performing with Lachuné

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. 
 
 

Performance Success, Inspiration & Fitness Motivation with Charles Simmons

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. 
 
 
 

Understanding the Art and Technique of Singing

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/
 
 

Nutrition for the Vocal Athlete

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

Physio and Strength Training for Vocal Performers and Musicians

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