Artist Development feat. Matt B. Thorns

This episode is with Duncan Rock a nutritionist, registered exercise professional and member of the Royal Society for Public Health. We do a bit of "myth-busting" here. Does caffeine affect the voice in the way we've been told it does? Is there an ideal body weight for singers?  The effect of caffeine on the voice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAjzQ46iimQ Duncan's Website: https://duncanrocknutrition.com/new-blog Duncan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/duncanrock_nutrition/ Let's Talk Singing IG: https://www.instagram.com/lets_talk_singing/

I speak with Rosie from Vox Yoga. Vox Yoga allows singers to explore and free their voice, body and mind through yoga, breath work and vocal techniques. Rosie explains the benefits of combining Yoga practice with singing. Rosie offers individual lessons and group workshops in person and online. Explore the site to find out more about how yogic techniques can help you find your voice  Rosie's Website: https://www.voxyoga.co.uk/links/4595004338

Linda Balliro is an Associate Professor of Voice at Berklee College of Music and author of Being A Singer: The Art, Craft and Science. In this episode, we hit on lots of interesting topics. What is the next best thing to having a vocal coach in the room? Is it a good book? Is there too much attention on breathing in singing? What exercises will allow for healthy cord closure?

Matt B. Thorns is a vocal coach and founder of Music Alignment which is an artist development agency. Since 2017 he has worked alongside new music industry pioneers and professionals. Free Virtual Voice Lesson: https://linktr.ee/music.alignment Music Alignment IG https://www.instagram.com/music.alignment/ Matt B. Thorns IG https://www.instagram.com/mattbthorns/

Matt B. Thorns is a vocal coach and founder of Music Alignment which is an artist development agency. Since 2017 he has worked alongside new music industry pioneers and professionals.

Fear has stopped me from telling this story to people outside my friend circle for the last 8 years. And saying that, I don't even think a lot of my friends know this story. The fear of rockin the boat. Of stepping out of line. Of using an excuse to blame my singing career not 'taking off' are all thoughts I've had. But I realise now it's a story that I want people to know as it was a massive learning curve for me. Something that made me stronger. And something people who want to experiment with TV singing contests should know. My time on the Voice of Ireland was interesting, to say the least. An initial moment that should have been the start of something good was cut short because of the fine print.

I've included straw phonation in my warm-up routine as many other singers have and it has changed the game for me. Coming from vocal rehabilitation, straw phonation promotes more efficient vocal fold closure and releases extra tension. I speak with Whitney Nichole who, in addition to being the Owner and CEO of Songbird Studios, is also the creator of the Singing / Straw, Chairperson of Vocology in Practice – ViP (a global network of the world’s leading voice professionals, including singing teachers, vocal coaches and voice professionals on the forefront of vocal health, science and pedagogy), and an active voting member of PAVA, the Pan American Vocology Association.

I've included straw phonation in my warm-up routine as many other singers have and it has changed the game for me. Coming from vocal rehabilitation, straw phonation promotes more efficient vocal fold closure and releases extra tension. I speak with Whitney Nichole who, in addition to being the Owner and CEO of Songbird Studios, is also the creator of the Singing / Straw, Chairperson of Vocology in Practice – ViP (a global network of the world’s leading voice professionals, including singing teachers, vocal coaches and voice professionals on the forefront of vocal health, science and pedagogy), and an active voting member of PAVA, the Pan American Vocology Association.

Do you suffer from anxiety or nervousness when you sing? I speak with Vocal Mindset Coach Keziah Grace about her work with singers who suffer from just that. Keziah, herself, has suffered from anxiety in the past and has pulled through using techniques to become a confident performer. A certified life-coach, as well as a trained musical theatre singer, Keziah tells me about her process and the importance of a healthy mindset.

Louise Phelan is an Alexander Technique Teacher in Mexico City. We talk about how AT could be the missing link between singers and the understanding of their own bodies. Louise is currently working as the resident Alexander Technique Teacher at the Estudio de Opera Bellas Artes, part of the National Opera of Fine Arts BELLAS ARTES in Mexico City.