As singing teachers, we might often wonder: are my students actually having fun? Fun doesn’t have to mean over-the-top excitement—it’s about creating moments of joy, curiosity, and connection. In this episode, Alexa shares 10 practical ways to make singing lessons more enjoyable for students of all ages. From playful games and tongue twisters to using props, humour, and mindful moments, these ideas keep lessons fresh and engaging.

Discover how to balance progress with play, while building a safe space where singers feel supported and confident. You’ll come away with strategies that make lessons more memorable, effective, and truly enjoyable.

About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Scales and Arpeggios from The Aristocats

Example: My Mind by Yebba

Jenevora Williams

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.155 Part One: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.156 Part Two: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios

Guns and Ships from Hamilton

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep. 159 How Toys and Props can Create Dynamic Singing Lessons

ABOUT THE GUEST

Alexa runs a singing tuition practice in the South of England, and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels auditions and assessments. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 qualification, and has presented on topics of Musical Theatre repertoire, authentic Musical Theatre performance, and imposter syndrome for Vocology in Practise and The Sing Space.

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website

Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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What does it really take to reinvent yourself as a coach or creative? In this episode, we welcome back Gemma Sugrue – singer, entrepreneur, and business mentor – to explore how she’s turned her own career pivots into powerful lessons for others. From wedding singer to studio owner, online educator to branding coach, Gemma has never been afraid to follow her curiosity and shed what no longer feels aligned.

She shares how we can tune into our energy, recognise when it’s time for change, and build the trust muscle needed to step into something new. If you’ve ever felt pulled towards a different path, struggled with balancing security and creativity, or wondered how to make your business feel more you, this conversation will leave you inspired, encouraged, and ready to take the next step.

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

2:44 How did Gemma get to where she is now?

7:27 How do you recognise when your are in alignment with bliss?

13:29 How can I make the first step to change?

16:30 The transferable skills of life coaching

19:14 What is a common theme between vocal coaches?

20:44 Reinventing yourself

23:07 How to have difficult conversations to find alignment

25:49 How can we pull on all of our interests as vocal coaches?

28:40 What’s it actually like working with Gemma?

36:28 A success story

About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Voice Works

Pro Vocal Artist

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.8 The Natural Entrepreneur with Gemma Sugrue

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.46 How to Develop Lasting and Positive Habits with Gemma Sugrue

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.118 Mastering Mix Voice and Belt with Gemma Sugrue

Chris Johnson

Teach Voice

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.213 Medicine to Music: A Journey Back to A Creative Calling with Estelle Idoko

Tommy Ludgate

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.49 Unlocking Your Creative Potential with Tommy Ludgate

Singing Teachers Talk Ep.195 How Unlocking Your True Values Can Transform Your Teaching and Life with Louise Callin

Reality Transurfing by Vadim Zealand

ABOUT THE GUEST

Encouraged by her mum to “follow her bliss,” Gemma began touring the world at 17 as the singer in an Irish dance show. After earning her degree and master’s in classical music, she co-founded a successful singing school in Ireland, guiding students who went on to become acclaimed artists and stars. Her career has spanned performing on dream stages worldwide, releasing a debut jazz album, lecturing, and coaching artists internationally. She later launched an online business supporting musicians to share their work. Now back in Ireland, Gemma is an accredited leadership coach, working with coaches and consultants who share her passion for growth, creativity, and joy.

SEE FULL BIO HERE

Website

Youtube

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

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In this episode of The Singing Teachers Talk Podcast, Alexa chats with Rachael Drury about practical ways voice teachers can use AI to save time, spark creativity, and streamline admin — without losing the vital human connection that makes teaching so powerful. From lesson planning and practice tools to lyric writing and accountability, find out how AI can become a helpful ally in your teaching toolkit.

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

1:24 What can AI NOT do?

14:02 How can we use AI positively as singing teachers?

27:42 Helpful AI tools

33:30 Are there any loopholes?

41:23 How can teachers continue to advocate for the arts in the face of AI?

About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.222 The Rise of AI: What It Means for Singers and Teachers

ChatGPT

Singing Teachers Talk Podcast - Ep.155 & 156 Part One & Two: Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios

Suno

Udio

Midjourney

Stability AI

Canva

Tonara

Erol Studios

Sing Scope

Yousician

TuneCore

Sound Cloud

Deezer

Singing Teachers Talk Podcast Ep.224 Your Brain on Art: The Science of Creativity and Healing

Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen & Ivy Ross

Independent Society of Musicians

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dr Rachael Drury is a violinist, educator and researcher specialising in the evolving relationship between music, technology and the law. Rachael’s successful career as a musician has seen her perform with ensembles like the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic, and in 2019 she returned to academia to explore how new technologies are reshaping the music industry. Her PhD at the University of Liverpool focused on the legal and economic impact of generative AI on copyright, authorship and musicians' livelihoods. Rachael now teaches across music industry studies and performance, while also serving as Senior Researcher and AI Officer at the Independent Society of Musicians. Her work informs copyright policy and creative rights, and she regularly speaks at national and international events. She is passionate about supporting musicians, students and teachers as they navigate the fast-changing digital music landscape.

SEE FULL BIO HERE

E: rachael.drury@ism.org

Instagram: @rachael_drury

BAST Training helps singers gain the confidence, knowledge, skills & understanding required to be a successful singing teacher.

"The course was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. It's an investment with so much return. I would recommend this course to any teacher wanting to up-skill, refresh or start up." Kelly Taylor, NZ ...more

basttraining.com | Subscribe | Email Us | FB Group