A weekly podcast raising awareness about vocal health and wellbeing, from members of the voice community. Guest speakers will discuss with your host, Singing Voice Specialist Leigh Martyn Thomas, Principal & Founder of Colchester Voice Academy, their journey with their own voice, as well as lightbulb moments, stories and personal wisdoms.
My guest this week is Pamela Bezzina, a Speech and Language Pathologist, Singer and Vocal Coach (Founder of Vocal Booth Studios) from the beautiful island of Malta. Join us as we discuss her journey into the world of voice, helping others connect with their voices and how training and access to training has changed since we were younger. Pamela continues to enjoy a heart-felt connection to music and expressing herself through her voice. We also chat through her involvement with the Eurovision Song Contest as a performer, backing singer and vocal coach for many appearing artists as well as the valuable lessons she has learned from her experience so far. Check show notes below for a walk-through and for relevant links. 0.00 Welcome and Introduction 1:45 Singing from very very young! 2:00 Stevie Wonder (I wish), Mariah Carey (I'll be there), Celine Dion (Think Twice) from age 6-7 3:15 Experimenting with my voice was fun! 4:00 Meeting my Classical voice teacher from Bulgaria, big voice at age 70! 5:00 Moving from being a performer 5:30 How did you get into the Eurovision content journey? 6:45 As a performer I am not really into competitions 8:30 Don't let a competition result define your self-worth 9:15 The value of your experience, what is most important 10:30 I still look for teachers, it's important to keep learning 10:45 Believe in yourself and love what you have! 11:30 The more you gain, the more obstacles sometimes 12:30 If you have this love in you (for music) nothing and no one can stop you from doing it. 13:10 I get lightbulb moments every week with my students 14:25 It feels like we do magic! It's true! 14:50 A lightbulb for me was exploring the idea of ‘mix' voice 16:20 Share your own strengths and weaknesses 16:35 Rehearsal riffs (Pamela breaks down Yebba Riff) 17:15 A singer should know their voice 17:45 Helping singers getting to know their voices 18:30 Taking responsibility for the care of your voice 19:15 Keeping a journal to monitor your vocal lifestyle 20:10 What we do (as coaches) can really make a difference 21:15 Trading lessons with different style voice teachers! 22:55 Who do you love to listen to? Bobby McFerrin (from me to you live) - Jacob Collier live - Tori Kelly (Coffee, live) - Alicia Keys (Underdog) Yebba (My Mind) 25:00 What does your voice mean to you? 25:00 Total vocal rest for 3 weeks 26:15 Realising I'm human as well! 27:25 Leighs mouldy voice story! 29:30 Everything we pass through, event worst times, are there for us to learn 30:50 Whats it like being Pamela singing on stage? 32:00 We are fragile artists, this is what I believe 32:45 Balancing the technique and heart in your expression 34:00 Whats coming up? 34:30 What I learned and explored during the pandemic 35:00 Vocal Troupes (Hold the line) directed by Pamela and Pamela singing live 36:30 I love singing and sharing music with others, this is the ultimate, the highest grade you can get! If you like the episode please consider leaving us a review on our Facebook page Thank you for listening!
This week I am joined by Singing Teacher, Dance Facilitator and Researcher Elizabeth Drwal who is based in gorgeous Ireland. It was a joy to hear how it all started around Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers! I used to watch those old movies with my lovely Mum when I was a little girl too! All the links shared here are in essence educational and could benefit you or someone else you know who uses their voice (or is aiming to become a voice professional), or who has any health issues with their voice. Please help by sharing anything you find useful x Show notes and links (timings are approx) 0:00 Intro and welcome Elizabeth's Website (about) 1:30 How would you describe the journey with your voice? 2:30 Packed off to Music School in Coventry 3:00 Vocal Suppression led me to run away to the theatre! 4.00 Classical arias didn't really help me find my soul 5:00 The difference between strict traditional approach and more playful expression 5:36 Finding the love of singing English Art Song 6:40 What's in your ear helps. 7:00 Next steps in the journey, voice coaching for actors. 8:10 The Golden Age of Musical Theatre! 9:15 The use of imagery and using visualisation and imagination 13:00 "I wanted to walk down the avenue with my cane and top hat!" 13:55 "I remember President Kennedy's assassination and how it upset the TV Schedule!" 14:45 What singers you love and who could you never tire of listening to? 15:07 The Story of Marni Nixon (short). Plus Shall we Dance from the King and I 16:40 Feeling robbed at The Greatest Showman 17:10 Les Mis movie, do we feel robbed there? 18:10 What do you know now you wish you had learned sooner? 18:55 "Your breath and your body are so connected" 19:16 A little Reset & Manifest course feedback 20:50 "The importance of really taking time to really let go" 21:35 Working our teaching magic! 22:39 Teachers can be so empathetic 23:20 Becoming a more reflexive teacher 23:50 "Lesson plans can be debilitating to some degree!" 24:30 What do you find most valuable in caring for your voice? 25:00 Related: Dr Vox Products for Vocal Rehabilitation and Health and Dr Vox Product Video Shorts 26:15 Shocking statement about an old teacher! 27:20 "A lot to be said for mindful, caring empathetic teaching" 28:15 "What I didn't know back in the day..." 29:45 "We all development at different stages and we have to let go of comparing" 30:15 What does your voice mean to you? 30:30 "I wanted to speak with Received Pronunciation" 31:50 I'm beginning to enjoy singing for myself! 32:00 Petula Clark singing Downtown (in an interesting jacket? is that PVC?) 33:00 The songs from Heartbeat, from my childhood, "more innocent times" (in the charts) 34:45 "I am much more open to listening to contemporary music now" 35:45 "Synchronicity of movement and sound is so beautiful" 37:00 "Actors are so open I found it so liberating working with them!" 38:00 Passing on our excitement to our students! 38:42 What is Vocal Freedom to you? 39:45 Just Singing and not being bothered! 40:35 Workshop story and what cropped up the next morning 41:10 The Mental Post-It note tit-bit 41:50 It works! I shut that voice straight up! 42:30 Farewells and do come back soon! To learn more and join our growing community of voice and wellbeing practitioners and supporters of the podcast visit our home page or facebook page for episode updates and useful shares. To communicate with me regarding the podcast or any of the vocal freedom coaching services please email me directly at lmt@vocalfreedomcoach.info Leigh xx
My guest this week is Singing & Music Theory Specialist and Music Consultant Joanna Wilson. Joanna started her musical career playing violin as a child and was fortunate to tour with Manchester Youth Orchestra before moving to London to start her professional training at 18. As you'll discover, Joanna had to move on from the Violin and it is here she moved into her singing training, from which she went on to work as a professional Opera Singer, living the 8-shows-as-week lifestyle, before branching into teaching others from 2009. It has not always been easy to manage but I find it helpful to hear about the struggles as well as the successes and note the value in all we experience. Even the toughest of times, that might have felt heart-breaking at the time, can steer us onto our true path and become a valuable part of our story. Approx times 00:00 - 1.25. Introduction to Joanna and her background 1:25 - How would you describe the journey with your voice? 2:25 - Music gave me opportunities and this early start fuelled the passion 2:50 - Moving to London at 18! Feeling like a small fish in a very big sea! 3.50 - Amazing teacher Elizabeth (Libby) Hawes and how singing allowed me to stay a musician 6:25 - Winning the leavers prize the Singing Faculty Award. 8:00 - Life took over for a bit then professional work followed 8:35 - Living my best life - costumes, make up, wigs! 9:00 - The stress of trying to generate the next job 10:20 - Becoming a Creative Arts teacher with young children 10:45 - Teaching became my day job “Miss Joanna's Music Box” 11:45 - Working with a rapper! 12:45 - Underpinning with solid technique, starts with the breath 14:00 - Singing is everything to me! My Voice is my job! 14:25 - Special memories from touring in Italy 17:14 - Realising I want to stand up there in front of the Orchestra 18:15 -Visit Gallery on Joanna's website to see some lovely costumes! 18:26 - Is there anything you know now you wish you had known sooner? 18:35 - Personal growth and how it has helped 20:45 - The inner critic verses the inner coach 21:55 - Deepak Chopra 21 day challenge 22:15 - Holistic approach to improving lifestyle and noticing old programming that holds us back 23:00 - Ambitious as a child and early manifestations! 25:00 - Music elevated me out, I was able to mix in a whole new way 26:45 - Musical instruments in schools these days? 27:15 - Expression and Music with young children 29:00 - Instilling a love of music and how it brings a rounded education 30:55 - Your body is your instrument 32:00 - When you do what you love it doesn't feel like work! 32:55 - What voices inspire you? Ella Fitzgerald, Barbra Streisand, Billie Holliday, Sarah Vaughan, Glenn Mller Orchestra Elvis Presley, Bill haley and the comets 34:00 - When I saw Ella Fitzgerald headlining at the Royal Albert Hall! Barbra Streisand Donna Summer - No More Tears 36:00 - The journey into Opera 37:55 - The best voice ever - this is the one - my true love - Jessye Norman 41:30 - What does your voice mean to you? 42:20 - People pleasing and how life can send us turns in the road we weren't expecting 43:55 - I'm so much better at saying No! 44:30 - We just want to give give give but we have to remember to keep ourselves healthy first 46:00 - Choice of song is so important, building rep based on what you relate to 49:25 - All about Joanna's services 52:00 - Adapting and creating through adversity Stay informed as we add new episodes by joining our email list at www.colchestervoiceacademy.com/podcast Join our Facebook group to see posts related to Vocal Freedom!
My guest this week is voice and piano teacher and choral director Sarah Burston, who I invited onto the podcast to ask about her journey into music and to discover more about the world of beautiful, traditional choral singing. Sarah directs many young voice choral groups at the Royal College of Music (Junior Dept) and leads the choristers at Peterborough Cathedral as well as teaching in schools and having Assistant MD roles in several choral societies. I have to confess, although I am not experienced singing it myself, I completely appreciate the beauty of this music and love listening to it, especially live in a church or cathedral. The acoustics seem to allow the harmonics of the singers to do magic in the space and the feeling this arouses is peaceful and heavenly. I enjoyed chatting with Sarah about her ideas for developing a special sight reading app for singers and about her research for her MA in Professional Practice in Vocal Pedagogy. Watch this space as we will definitely be speaking with Sarah about this more in the future! Links and notes below. Happy Friday Peeps! 0:00 - 1.55 - Introduction about Sarah and welcome! 1:55 - How would you describe the journey with your voice? 3:00 - Appreciating the beautiful acoustics of cathedral and church choirs 4:20 - A swift last minute change of direction for Uni 6:00 - How Sarah started conducting choirs 7:00 - Scary time for Peri singing teachers when work stopped March 2020 8:45 - What inspired the development of your sight-singing teaching? 10:30 - The importance of sight-singing skills 12:50 - Is there anything you know now, you wish you had learned sooner? 13:30 - How much we can do with the voice 16:00 - Lifestyle choice and the dedication needed by choristers and how Music allows us to express ourselves and connect with others 17:40 - Would you ever say ‘you can't join the choir?' 18:45 - Isn't it exhausting teaching groups of children? 20:20 - lightbulb moment, the upside of lockdown! Online learning! 21:00 - Has all this lockdown time 'not singing' locked down the kids' voices? 25:00 - Using my voice to share my passion! 27:00 - Snakes and Ladders style 29:00 - Whose voices inspire you? Goosebump music? 30:25 - Bring Us, O Lord God - William Harris - Beautiful Voices - click to listen 31:25 - The feeling is palpable! 32:00 - Group cohesion, sharing the love of music 35:50 - Most ‘Unexpected Song'? 36:40 - The Influential teacher who helped Sarah shift to her Music Degree 38:00 - We will keep you all posted about the app! To contact Sarah, please visit her website. To keep informed about future episodes as they are released, join the Vocal Freedom podcast community list here.
My guest this week is Singer, Entertainer and Reiki Master Ian Geast, who I have to share is one of my very favourite human beings. Ian has been an entertainer for many decades. He's what I would call an all rounder because he can do his magic anywhere, clubs, bars, private parties, restaurants, festivals, corporate events etc and he communicates creatively in the swing/crooner style. Ian loves his 50's, 60's, 70's music, some country music and he performs a tribute to the music of Cliff Richard. Today we cover a variety of topics around voice, what it is to sing and entertain others and how we can enjoy being in the moment together. Ian has a wonderful view of life and helping others see things from different perspectives to help nurture love and a positive mindset, so you too can believe you CAN achieve whatever you want to. Raise your vibrations and you can change the outcome of your day. 0.00 - Intro 1.22 - Is this the start of a series of Ian episodes? 1.40 - Working one to one 2.12 - Learning from our mistakes 4.20 - Life is like a see-saw 4.40 - How we met and learning about Reiki 5.15 - Is being an entertainer a need to be loved? 6.00 - First taste for the stage and connecting with an audience 8.20 - The Ink-spots and other influences 11.00 - Ian about singing lessons 13.00 - Ian about his Reiki experience 16.25 - Ego can get in the way 16:55 - My kinesiology experience and Ian's view 20.30 - Sometimes we are not ready... 21.30 - You have to let go... 23.00 - Growing Resilience through 'bad' experiences 23.45 - How Ian met his wife at a gig 28.00 - The diary is starting to fill up again! 28.40 - What is Vocal Freedom to Ian and the T-Junction analogy 31.00 - Come back to yourself first 33.00 - Why concern ourselves with material things? 35.00 - Spinning lots of plates 37.25 - Having a positive mindset and not battling trying to swim upstream 39.20 - What does your voice mean to you? Ian's nodules story 45.00 - The minute you're gone song 47.20 - Leave your ego in the wings 49.40 - PERFORM the performance 52.00 - Fun stage story and ice breaker tips for nerves
My guest this week is Clinical Voice Disorder Expert, Speech and Language Therapist Sue Jones, who I am thrilled to connect with at a pivotal moment in her life as only last month, after enjoying a very fulfilling career, she has now fully retired after a whopping 38 years service at Wythenshawe Hospital. Throughout her career, Sue has been instrumental in developing voice clinic services, as well as developing standards of competency at all professional levels - from student to expert practitioner. She is used to leading teams of voice specialists who perform, interpret and teach laryngeal endoscopy - otherwise known as taking a good look inside people's throats with specialist cameras and equipment, to assist with understanding and diagnosing a whole variety of speech, voice and swallowing disorders. Sue has lectured nationally and internationally and has been an integral cog in bridging the divide between the ENT, the SLT, the voice teacher and patient which has led to the gradual development of more multi-disciplinary voice clinics, suitable for voice professionals as well as others. Times and Topics 0:00 - Introduction and welcome 2:20 - Loving retirement so far and what's next 3:35 - Reflecting back how much has changed 4:00 - The beginning of the journey 6:15 - More voice clinics and early laryngeal examinations 8:00 - Sue's musical background 10:45 - How voice disorders can affect your emotions 12:20 - How habits can be damaging 13:20 - Managing the professional singer through voice recovery 15:45 - How things developed into the multi-disciplinary voice clinic 17:30 - What music do you love and connect with? Carrie Underwood - Don't forget to remember me ABBA - Waterloo Ultravox - Vienna Rhiannon Giddons with Francesco Turrisi - Met Live 19:00 - Sue on ‘not feeling your age' 19:30 - Occupational Hazard and Perceptual Studies 21:00 - What is most valuable thing in caring for your voice 23:00 - Favourite scoping tools and the importance of accurate interpretation 25:15 - A snap shot in time and another lightbulb moment 28:00 - Lightbulb moment concerning laryngeal movement, working with Kim Chandler 31:00 - Using Estill Voice Training as a Speech and Language Therapist 33:00 - the trap of disconnection through over thinking it 34:00 - DYT Choir 35:45 - Defying Gravity live link 36:00 - goosebump moments in the theatre 38:00 - Do you thing choir - youtube seasons of love and proud, This is me from the greatest showman 40:00 - future plans - New edition of Sue's Book is coming soon!! We will keep you all posted!
My guest this week is Health Intuitive, Masami Covey. Masami was born and raised in Japan in a bi-cultural family and she draws extensively from her blend of East-meets-West cultural, linguistic and energy healing experience. Masami helps her clients and patients heal from physical, emotional and spiritual blockages. Her own journey has been physically challenging as you will hear but she is now living her best life in Colorado with her dear husband Chris. Masami's physical health began to break down in 2010, eventually resulting in a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Rather than utilising pharmaceutical medications, Masami turned to significant dietary and lifestyle changes to heal. Today, she is back to hiking in the Rocky Mountains and now helps others rediscover their health as a Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), Positive Neuroplasticity Practitioner and Medical Intuitive. Timings and links below: 0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - Masami, inside the Candy Store 4.25 - Working with energy medicine and health issues 5.10 - How we can forget about ourselves 6:30 - I could no longer ignore it 8.30 - Understanding your body better 9.45 - Shifting energy work to include nutritional considerations 12.30 - Embracing the woo woo - lets stop calling it woowoo! 13:20 - Digestive issues? Hormonal imbalance? PMS? Headaches? Eye problems? Tinnitus? Try understanding your golden elixir! 15:35 - What is Hara? Japanese ritual and seasonality - the difference between Heart, Head and Hara connection. 22:00 - Masami's insights into high level performance 23:30 - Masami's journey with music and singing 24:20 - Seasonality in our own bodies 25:20 - Musical family history link to Music Masami loves 25:45 - Biwa instrument This is the biwa 27:00 - From Japan to the Freezer box! 29:00 - Angry teenage years 30:45 - Releasing anger in the mosh pit 32:00 - Speaking her truth about how her voice was affected with a massive culture change 33.45 - Sweet honey in the rock - The Third Place - Bernice Johnson Reagon 38:00 - When Masami studied at University College London and lived in Camden for a year 39:00 - Seeing Jessie Norman 42:00 - If you are feeling disconnected - skip to this part 45:00 - Bridging this into spirituality 46:00 - Struggling with your environment 48:00 - What is Vocal Freedom to you? 52:00 - getting away from labels - just be who you are! 53:00 - Diet & Healing, your daily practice, what you do for yourself every day matters 57:57 - The Intuitive Medicine Summit plus two other courses coming up 59:30 - Masami's - Top 3 life insights Thank you for tuning in! If you would like to leave us a comment please visit our Facebook Page or consider joining our email list to join our community and be kept informed about future episodes you may enjoy.
A short episode from your host Leigh Martyn Thomas - some late night reflections, some sharing occurs as follows: 1.10 What's coming up: details of Estill Voice Training Intro Day opportunity 3.30 Reflections - focus on YOU this year 4.00 How is YOUR 2021 going so far? 5.00 Feeling stuck as we can't easily travel or plan to travel yet? 5.30 Connecting globally, spreading your wings... 6:50 What are you missing most about ‘going out'? 7:30 Best night out ever? where? who with? what are you listening to? 7:50 Missing small intimate gigs... 8:20 Christina Bianco link to viral video of her singing Let it Go (impressions) 9:20 What happened when I met Jeremy Jordan... 14:45 Coming up next on the podcast... 15:00 Reconnecting with old friends, the nostalgic wave and reaching out 17:20 Listening and tuning in to YOU 17:45 How does this year rate, compared to 2020? 18:00 What is this decade going to mean to your bigger picture? 19:30 Your inner talk matters, developing online still works! 22:20 Tuning into the ethos of the High Level Performer and how to reach out to the Vocal Freedom host, community and movement.
My guest this week is singer/songwriter Emilia Quinn who is today, on International Women's Day, March 8th, releasing the single "Girl Talk" which is now available to download on all platforms and to listen to on Spotify. Featuring 24 females on the track, including one of my dearest muso friends, drummer Linda Stix (amazing work Linda!) and loads of other amazing artists, this song is encouraging a conversation about gender equality and it pokes fun at stereotypes and common issues womxn face, including casual sexism, being ghosted and the expectation to fit a certain aesthetic. During the episode we learn more about Emilia's background, motivations and influences. Musically, she has moved through many genres, now feeling very much at home in roots music, encompassing country, rock and blues. Last year her second EP "Firecracker" won the prestigious UK CMSA award for EP of the year so beyond supporting this single, do check Emilia's other music out and give her a follow her on the usual socials. Facebook: www.facebook.com/emiliaquinnmusic Instagram: www.instagram.com/emiliaquinnmusic Twitter: www.twitter.com/emiliaqmusic Website: https://www.emiliaquinnmusic.com/ Check out this emotive live version of this song Emilia also mentioned Beth Hart's Leave the Light on. Another amazing woman to celebrate today! Happy International Women's Day 2021!
My guest this week has overcome tremendous life challenges and yet is one of the most positive souls I have ever had the joy of knowing. Karen Parker has had several interesting careers starting out in the police force, which was a natural move for her, growing up the daughter of a Police Detective. Karen married her sweetheart Jon, who was also a policeman and she was seven months pregnant with their daughter, Hannah, when Jon was tragically killed while at work. After a lengthy career in the Police, Karen later moved into education, as a teaching assistant in a Primary school, a job she loved, using her voice to support children. Now she works supporting families in crisis, who need extra support through a company called Always Precious, who are a stop gap to help keep children, who are at risk of going into care, with their families. A delightful chat with an amazing woman who I believe inspires everyone she comes into contact with. We wonder what do they call it when snow comes where you live? With regards to singers who resonate with Karen, she is a big fan of the voices of Brandi Carlile, Dolly Parton and Freddie Mercury. If you would like to share your thoughts, do join our Facebook page, where you can also check out other episodes and stay informed about new ones. Take care of yourselves xx
Welcome friends, I hope you are feeling well today. My guest this week is singer/songwriter Curtis Culley. I have invited Curtis on the podcast to talk us through what it is like to be young, ambitious and driven despite living with Multiple Sclerosis and other health conditions. In this episode we get a look inside the struggles, the journey, the treatment and Curtis explains so much about how this demyelinating disease works. Curtis has had to learn to play guitar again, working around nerve damage caused by the MS and I'm pleased to share, he has developed a new found freedom with his voice. Positivity and speaking out from young people always impresses me and fills me with hope! This young mans outlook and dedication to his practice, doing what he can to work around new symptoms every day, is incredibly inspiring. Some of his songs have already been signed and released by other artists and he has now returned to writing original material, after many years of singing covers, which we will follow with keen interest, and share with posts on our Facebook group page when it lands. With regards to the singers that inspire Curtis, check out Daughtry - Witness (stripped) Dan + Shay ft. Justin Bieber - 10,000 Hours Fun ft. Janelle Monáe - We Are Young (Acoustic) Rascal Flatts - Bless the Broken Road (live) Show notes / times: 4:20 Curtis explains how MS started for him while he was at Uni. 6:00 You own it! I love this positive attitude! Dads advice helps too. 6:40 What is M.S? 13:25 The journey into music and singing plus success with songwriting 18:20 Changing pace and the fun of busking 19:55 Touring with a country music band and Curtis' philosophy on life 22:30 Taking risks 25:40 What is a flare up? 27.30 How MS can affect emotions. 29:30 Deeper questions of live and death 33:00 Whose voices inspire you? 38:00 Nerves in the system 39:15 Audition experience 41:00 Dealing with self doubt 43:00 “Outwork your own doubt” 44:00 The old truth and the new truth 49:00 Motivating my friends 50:00 What is Vocal Freedom to you?
My guest this week is singing teacher, creative performing artist and writer Rebecca Schwarz. Rebecca has had a rollercoaster journey with her voice from losing all her confidence during her acting training to completely losing her singing voice for over six months, tied to her post natal depression, she understands what it is like to be afraid and feel vulnerable around voice use. That chapter of her life inspired Rebecca to write her one woman musical “Baby Brained” and she was in the middle of touring it with Arts Council Funding before the project was paused due to Covid-19. Rebecca has established many choirs and currently runs Cantare Choir as well as teaching privately a mix of shy compete beginners and professional voice users (currently online only). She is trained and qualified in loads of different approaches and likes to facilitate her clients so they get the most from their lessons. Once the “Baby Brained” tour is back up and running, we would love Rebecca to come and perform it in Colchester! I've invited Rebecca on to chat about her journey, her creative process and along the way we chat through the challenges of moving events online and future projects. Rebecca is also on the Education Committee of the British Voice Association and has been involved in some brilliant events and has more to come in 2021 online! During our chat Rebecca names Liane Carroll as a favourite and here you can check out the song she mentions performed live at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Cafe : walk on the wild side We were catching up while Rebecca is at home with her husband Matt and two children so there is a little background noise a couple of times, hey that's real life folks! It's an absolute pleasure to chat with Rebecca who is brilliantly funny, quick witted and open minded. I look forward to a future time when we can get ourselves out to sing together once more! Wherever you are, I hope you are safe and feel free to check in and share what you think of the podcast on our Facebook Page.
My guest this week is the amazing artist, DJ and singer Tallulah Goodtimes. Tallulah's debut album “Interstellar Swing” takes you through an energetic romp through the electro-swing and the vintage remix universe! Tallulah Goodtimes is a purveyor or good times, through spreading Universal love, truth and collective good times. Taking up the decks at the tender age of 16, Tallulah has been on an interesting and creative journey towards the here and now. Three decades later, she has just released her first self-penned album of electro swing songs which are a joy for your ears. I encourage you all to check out her album, its on Spotify but even better please support her by downloading or buying her CD here
My guest this week is "The Vocal Alchemist" Sharleen Linton, who now helps public speakers transform their nerves into confidence and power. Sharleen has previously used her voice as a professional backing singer for artists including Adele, Smokey Robinson, Craig David, Natasha Bedingfield and John Legend. However, after years travelling extensively, Sharleen has now shifted path and moved into helping others unlock their true vocal potential. A true entrepreneur at heart, Sharleen creates her own magic and helps others do the same. Sharleen is all about educating, supporting and helping others understand the importance of the environment they create within themselves with their internal voice. It's so important to recognise how you speak, feel and govern yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually, will affect how your voice behaves. If you are steadfast and focussed about what it is that you are creating, what you will discover is that often the biggest opportunities will come to you, like unseen forces are working on your behalf. We nip off topic towards the end of the episode, dipping into the state of US politics, but it all ties in to discuss the power of unshakeable self belief. This grammy winning performance of Layla Hathaway is referenced during our chat, it's so worth another watch even if you have seen it from when it went viral 7 years ago - around 6 minutes in she overtones. Layla Hathaway with Snarky Puppy You can also enjoy Sharleen singing All Night Long here If you would like to connect with Sharleen, check out her facebook group "The Confident Speakers Corner" and follow her on socials under the name "The Vocal Alchemist".
I have one more episode to share with you next week before Christmas, but in the meantime I wanted to introduce Gethin to the Vocal Freedom community as he decided to join in the Reset & Manifest Pilot Programme I am launching on 1st January 2021. So naturally, I am quite excited about that! Gethin and I have been together for over 26 years and know each other very very well, obvs. Gethin has a chronic health condition and today we briefly chat about this, his work, stress and how he is going to Reset & Manifest in the New Year. We also discuss what it is to "Manifest" and reflect back on what we have manifested together over the years and how close we have managed to get towards our original plan. The Reset & Manifest 2021 pilot programme is launching with a Welcome & Introduction Live Session on Zoom on 1st January 2021 at 2.00pm GMT. If you would like to tune in and learn more about this fantastic experiential learning study and how you can get involved, CLICK HERE applications open until midnight on 31st December 2020. We both look forward to welcoming you to The Vocal Freedom Movement! Leigh & Gethin
Welcome to this special episode of the Vocal Freedom Podcast. My guest this week is multi-award winning social impact entrepreneur, champion of diversity, inclusion and equality Joanna Abeyie, MBE. I asked Joanna onto the Vocal Freedom Podcast after recently hearing her give an inspiring talk concerning anti-racism for the Musicians Union. I find voices like Joanna's so inspiring and important to help bring about the change we need in this world. Joanna is the founder & creator of Blue Moon click here to visit her website and learn how she can help you and your workplace. Their consultancy work champions culture transformation to ensure all voices are being heard and treated fairly in the workplace as well as other services. Tune in and ask yourself how you feel about speaking about race. Does it make you feel too uncomfortable? Do you understand the concept of white privilege? Would you say you 'don't see colour?' Do you understand why that phrase can be taken offensively? It can really help us grow to hold a mirror up to ourselves and ask these difficult questions about our beliefs and behaviours. How we feel about race, diversity and inclusion is reflected in how we contribute to bringing about actual change against systemic racism in the arts and well... world! Doing nothing, will help no-one. Staying silent will not change a thing. Have you addressed any of these issues head on? Would you like to share your story with me? Join in the conversation and use your voice to make a difference. References made through this episode include some great further reading on this topic, links here: Natives by Akala Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? by Beverly Danial Tatum, PhD Me & White Supremacy by Layla Saad Why I'm no longer talking to white people about race by Reni Eddo-Lodge How to be an Anti-racist by Ibram Kendi Untamed by Glennon Doyle Songbird by Eva Cassidy If you are on facebook @vocalfreedom, please give us a like or follow to keep up to date with new episodes and special offers coming over the holidays! Come learn more about us and how you can share your story here Wishing you all a happy and healthy Christmas Season! Stay well and be kind xx
Host update and Invitation episode! I'm sharing some exciting research work from January 2021 and am reaching out for test subjects to participate in a short eight session pilot study. Tune in today to hear if this resonates with you and sign up on the podcast page to ensure you don't miss the chance to apply! I am so excited to be moving forward with this study and offering new opportunities to the Vocal Freedom podcast community starting on 1st January 2021. If you are looking for motivation for the new year and are interested in hacking your nervous system, overcoming your performance fears and experiencing something new, do tune in to hear what its all about...as well as a few personal stories which seemingly wanted to flow out of me today... touching on parents, panic attacks & experiencing trolls... Easily keep up to date with news by joining the Vocal Freedom Movement here Love and peace to all of you, Leigh x
My guest this week is Chief Executive Officer for BAPAM (The British Association of Performing Arts Medicine) Claire Cordeaux. BAPAMs expert clinicians understand the demands of a performing arts career and can help you with physical and mental health problems related to your creative practice. Every month BAPAM offer free training sessions on keeping mentally well, vocal health and injury prevention for performing artists and those in training. Since Lockdown they have started new online community drop in sessions on Tuesday afternoons at 3pm. Claire has a background in social care and shares her wealth of experience combined with love of playing live music. You don't have to be sick to get help from BAPAM, if you do have a health problem that is affecting your ability to do your job in performing arts call them on 0207 404 8444 or visit https://www.bapam.org.uk. For many who participated in the first online community group over the summer, Claire observed it wasn't only the common issues of being unable to work (due to covid restrictions/lockdown), having no money, being missed out completely from the government financial help schemes through lockdown and the stress that all that can bring in itself but also that suddenly how you identify yourself comes into question. Being a musician or singer is very often a calling and if you can't do it, or there doesn't appear to be a purpose in doing it, you can lose all motivation, you can experience grief-like symptoms, develop feelings of isolation and hopelessness, which in turn can affect your mental health and wellbeing. If you need help with this please get in touch with BAPAM, who are funded by Help Musicians, MU (Musicians Union), Equity, PPL, PRS Members Fund and others. During our chat Claire references some of her favourite performances which you can enjoy here: Anjelique Kidjo - Akwaba Joni Mitchell - Little Green (Live NYC 1967) The above link has a brief audio interview with a young Joni talking about stumbling into music. Followed by a live performance of Little Green in New York in 1967. I hadn't watched this performance before and found it quite captivating, I was interested how natural her flow was and how much the lyrics got me thinking! Don't you love song lyrics that seem like they are offering advice, or a view that offers new possibilities? Sinead O'Connor - He moved through the fair AARTWORK - Road Trip If you have anything to feedback about this episode please leave your comments on our Facebook page @vocal freedom and join in the conversation!
My guest this week is respected musician, multi-instrumentalist, choir director, arranger, singing tutor and vocalist Andi Hopgood. Andi Hopgood is a name you will probably know if you are a member of the MU (Musician's Union). Andi joined when she was just 16 and went on to vice-chair the executive committee (the decision-making body of the Union) as well as chairing the Equalities Sub-Committee, working on MU policies promoting equality and challenging inequality across the music industry. Andi's work with the MU has taken her to Parliament to challenge MPs about issues including low and no pay, access to music education and most recently mental health. Her activism is not just confined to the MU. Andi has also been a local counsellor, on her local trades council, and leads a local network of music industry professionals, all in her home town of Ipswich. Join us as we learn about Andi's journey into making music, which at times has been very challenging, how music has proven to be the best medicine and continues to bring purpose to Andi and her community. Andi mentions during the podcast, she is directing a special online workshop for the Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir and you can sign up if you visit Cambridge Jazz Festival Choir Workshop Saturday 21st November 2020 The workshop will feature learning one song "You Need Hope" by renowned jazz educator Pete Churchill. You then video record your part at home and send it in to be included in a large group video and featured as part of the (now online) festivals finale performance on Sunday 27th November. Andi mentioned some of these performances as most inspiring, so do check these out when you have time, your ears will thank you! Betty Carter with Carmen McRae - Stolen Moments (Live) Shirley Horn - Here's To Life Betty Carter - Tight (live) Carmen McRae - Secret Love
My guest this week is UK Vocalist/Pianist/Touring Musician Emily Lynn. Emily has been singing with the Australian Pink Floyd Show since 2010, a tribute act that are so good they were even engaged by David Gilmour to perform at his 50th birthday celebration. Having sold over four million tickets to concerts that have taken place in 35 countries, Emily is used to travelling and performing in stadiums and arenas across the globe! Outside of Aussie Floyd, Emily has performed and recorded with rock band Thunder, shared the stage with Dame Cleo Laine, Scott Gorham from Thin Lizzy and Andy Taylor from Duran Duran. Join us as we discuss her journey into music, how she has learned to overcome prior vocal hurdles and develop a trustworthy routine to prepare her voice for her usually hectic touring schedule. Since lockdown in March, obviously all gigs have been paused but Emily has stayed creative during this time and found time to focus on her own production service to keep going (www.24hourvocals.com). Check out the following songs Emily referenced and some of her performances: The King's Singers - Goodnight my Angel Lianne La Havas - Bittersweet (Live with orchestra) Heather Findlay - Caught in a fold (live with Emily on keys) Australian Pink Floyd - Great gig in the sky (Emily sings last) The Rockabellas Promo from 2017 Follow Emily @emilylynnvocals on socials and give her a shout if you need any vocals recorded! Emilys full website is www.emilylynnvocals.com Happy Friday y'all - I hope you are staying safe and well xx
My guest this week is successful recording artist Errol Reid. Errol achieved worldwide chart hit success as the lead singer of the band China Black, signed to the Polydor label Wild Card, and sang the Rugby World Cup Anthem Swing Low Sweet Chariot with Ladysmith Black Mombaza. He has worked with some incredible artists during his professional singing career and shares some incredible stories of meeting and even singing with some of his own idols. Tune in to learn about his journey from Birmingham to London, training as a town planner for Brent Council to help fund his musical endeavours, before making it big, appearing on Top of the Pops with China Blacks no. 2 single “Searching”, which led to success touring the world, duetting with Barry White in Paris and more recently one of his heroes Howard Hewitt from Shalamar. Errol has a varied back catalogue and range of musical influences and after China Black he has also found massive success working with acts like Swedish House Mafia and Axwell, so you can also hear his incredible range on the Dance Music Scene. I really enjoyed Errol's zest for music and how he uses his voice throughout the interview to recall songs and stories I am sure you will love hearing about too! Littered with great advice for anyone who is thinking of going into the music business. Errol references several great songs and artists which you can enjoy by clicking the links below. Ronnie Jordan - So What Omar - There's nothing like this Howard Hewitt- Show Me Aquarius - The Fifth Dimension You can also enjoy watching Errol performing here: China Black - Searching (Live on Top of the Pops) Errol Reid singing Feel the Vibe and Nothing but Love Live! Errol singing with the Legendary Barry White! Errol Reid with Lady Blacksmith Mambazo - Swing Low Sweet Chariot Eddie Thonieck & Kurd Maverick - Lonely (feat.Errol Reid) SO MUCH BRILLIANT MUSIC!!! Happy listening!
My guest this week is triple threat professional Mark Willshire. This cheeky northerner, as he describes himself, has been in the business for nearly 20 years now. As a young adult Mark trained at Laine Theatre Arts, since graduating has toured in countless productions including Carousel, Mamma Mia, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Starlight Express and Our House. His lucky break, first lead role was in the UK tour of the Take That musical Never Forget. Mark has lived the 8 shows a week lifestyle, with high vocal demands, which has given him terrific insight into what his voice is capable of and how to work around normal seasonal colds and fatigue. Mark went on to have lead roles in 9 to 5 and The Bodyguard. Most recently, (pre-covid) he was swing and cover as Cal and Earl in Waitress at The Adelphi, where he got to play Earl with the amazing Sara Bareilles as his wife Jenna, during her brief west-end stint. I was lucky enough to see him in action and he did an amazing job! West end singers are like vocal athletes, so of course, like in sports, you train to be performing at at elite level but it is also vital to know your boundaries and work within them at all times. Mark has learned some lessons of his own along the way, I hope you enjoy learning from his stories, lightbulb moments and personal wisdom. As well as being a performer, Mark is also an experienced and professional photographer. You can view his work on his instagram page @markwillshirephotography or click here for more options.
My guest this week is Emily Foulkes, Director of a music for well-being charity, Cymaz Music based in Cornwall, UK. During the interview, Emily shares how grief affected her relationship with music and singing, which I can certainly relate to from the months of difficult gigs following the death of my Mum in 2011. Finding her voice again after joining the Eden Choir, Emily is a multi-faceted voice user, a singer, a helping practitioner, a researcher and trainer. Emily is passionate about sharing knowledge, creating the Singing for Health Network that will provide resources & intelligence for other helping practitioners, singing teachers, choir directors, group leaders, for anyone who would greatly benefit from understanding emerging findings in voice and health research. Emily shares about her own research working with children and young people who have suffered adverse childhood experiences. Creating a safe, comfortable environment, leading intuitive person-centred music practice, working creatively to support children with their wellbeing and mental health. At the centre of helping someone, is the trust and development of that relationship. By using voice, musical instruments and drums, as working with rhythm is particularly useful in terms of helping people to get into a regulated state after suffering trauma. This work is so needed, everywhere right now. During lockdown, Emily and her partner Jane, were busy providing Mindfulness and Sound Healing practices online, that resulted in such powerful positive effects for all the people who took part for 80 straight days! The Singing for Health project in Cornwall runs alongside the Social Prescribing Initiative, to provide groups for people with various health conditions. This includes a respiratory group, mental health group, fibromyalgia group and on the horizon a new group for people with Multiple Sclerosis. At the moment all groups are running well online but will return to face to face when it is safe to do so. I'd go as far to say everyone would benefit from increasing their knowledge and understanding about how regular practice of singing, meditation & relaxation; developing your connection to your breath and your voice, improves your general well-being, particularly for those living with any health issues, chronic pain, depression or anxiety. Inclusive to all human beings, we can all benefit from connecting and understanding how we can use our voices more mindfully, to do good in this world. The Vocal Freedom podcast fully supports the Singing For Health Network. Emily is invited to return as a guest to keep us updated as the network grows and progresses. The two songs that Emily mentioned are The Carpenters - Goodbye to Love & The Indigo Girls - Power of Two You can learn more about Emily by visiting these websites: Sounds Like Healing Website Singing For Health Network Website Singing for Health on Facebook Sounds like Healing on Facebook
My guest this week is Kim Chandler, a renowned CCM vocal coach & session singer. She runs a busy private studio in Marbella (Spain) where she coaches a worldwide clientele of signed artists, professional singers and other vocal coaches online. Since 2004 she has run a successful online recording business with her producer husband (www.virtualvocals.com) and has led large corporate recording sessions at London's Abbey Road Studios since 2011. Kim coaches high-profile artists and has worked as a vocal coach for audition tours of “The Voice UK”. She is regularly invited to run master classes, workshops & teacher training events and is also a regular presenter at national & international voice conferences, including being a keynote speaker in her home country of Australia. In the academic world, Kim is the “Head of Communications”, past president and director of the British Voice Association, was a principal/senior lecturer at Leeds College of Music & London College of Music respectively and was the Head of Vocals at Vocaltech (now BIMM London). Her pedagogical work features in many masters & doctoral theses and in compendiums such as “Training Contemporary Commercial Singers” (Compton), “Teaching Singing in the 21st Century” (Springer) and “The Ultimate Guide To Singing” (TC-Helicon). Kim is the sole creator of the popular “Funky ‘n Fun” vocal exercise series (www.funkynfun.com). As a performer, Kim has three decades of high-end performing experience in both live performance and studio singing. Aside from her voice being heard on films, albums, cruise shows and thousands of jingles worldwide, she has also sung with artists such as The Bee Gees, Natalie Cole, Michael McDonald, Bjork, Michael Bolton and Susan Boyle, in addition to having performed at some of London's most iconic locations such as the Royal Albert Hall, Downing Street, Wembley Arena & Stadium, the O2 Arena and Buckingham Palace (www.kimchandler.com).
My guest this week is the Actor/Singer/Producer Antony Stuart-Hicks (AKA Ash/Ant). Many Colchester locals will know Ash from his award winning performances as the Mercury Theatre Pantomime Dame in recent years, where his comic timing, quick witted gags and triumphant performing in killer heels will be greatly missed this year! Ash has certainly come a long way since leaving his hometown of Crosby, Liverpool, UK. He has travelled the world through his vast career in the entertainment industry (see credits so far, listed below) and in this episode shares a unique relationship with his voice, which has not always been easy. Tune in to hear how Ash has a deep connection with his voice and how it has helped him through the toughest of times. When not being ‘ theatrical ', Antony dedicates any free time towards supporting individuals with mental health conditions within the entertainment industry and beyond. Antony is currently Executive Producer at APL Theatre based in London's West End and consulting producer for Theatre for Life, Curious Pheasant, Spies Like Us, Teatro Vivo, Tusk, At Swefn's Edge and Skewed Productions. Antony is also a mentor for the Mercury Theatre Colchester's “Mercury Creatives” programme. During the show, Ash referenced the following songs: Shirley Bassey - And I Love You So Ken Dodd - Think of me Frank Sinatra - My Way Dolly Parton - Baby I'm Burning Along with this piece as a catalyst for when you need a good cry! En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor (clip from the movie Brassed Off) Producer credits include: Seaforth Saga–The Musical (Liverpool Empire Theatre), Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (Southport Arts Centre), The Pirates of Penzance (Royal Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool), By Enormous Expense (Pavilion Theatre New Brighton, The Players Theatre London, Leeds City Varieties), Our Town (Millennium Dome), No Man's Land (UK Tour), Misery (UK National Tour), 40 Pantomimes: Cinderella, Aladdin, Dick Whittington, Snow White, Peter Pan, The Wizard of Oz, Jack & The Beanstalk, Mother Goose, Sleeping Beauty(venues include: Chatham, Fareham, Liverpool, Southport, Halifax, Peterborough, Harlow, Barnstaple, Helston, Newark, York, Whitley Bay, Ipswich, Maidstone, Worthing, Salford and Eastbourne), My Fair Lady (Liverpool Empire/UK Tour), Oliver! (Liverpool Empire), Cluedo! (UK National Tour), The Shakespeare Review (Litchfield Garrick), Your Nation Loves You (Delirium/Old Vic), Alice in Wonderland (UK Tour), The Lost Dragon (Harlow Playhouse), King Arthur's Kitchen (USA Tour), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Harlow Playhouse/UK Tour), The Snow Queen (UK Tour), The Ugly Duckling (UK Tour), Treasure Island (UK Tour), Barry Manilow's Copacabana (Harlow Playhouse/UK Tour), Peter Pan–A Rock Musical (European Tour), Boris & Ingrid (UK & International Tour in association with Mercury Theatre Colchester), An Ideal Husband (European Tour), Pride & Prejudice (European Tour), The Wizard of Oz (European Tour), Hamlet–The Musical (European Tour), Alice in Wonderland (European Tour), The Hound of the Baskervilles (UK National Tour), The Wizard of Oz (UK Tour), A Midsummer Night's Dream (International Tour), Robin Hood (International Tour), Alice in Wonderland (UK Easter Tour), Romeo & Juliet (International Tour), Rapunzel (UK National Tour), The Canterville Ghost (International Tour), Secret Santa: The Frost Files (World Premiere Production–Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne), Grease–The Musical (International Tour), Peter Pan–A New Musical (International Tour & Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne), Tonight at the London Coliseum (Digital series of concerts), Voice Box – Intimate Theatre, Direct to the Lens (Digital Series) and The Little Mermaid (UK Tour). Directorial credits include: Rapunzel (UK National Tour), Robin Hood (International Tour), The Hound of the Baskervilles (UK National Tour), What Are They Like? (Warwick Arts Centre), Pride & Prejudice (European Tour), Snoopy–The Musical (Jersey), Cinderella (Harlow Playhouse), Avenue Q (Jersey), Peter Pan–A New Musical (International Tour), The Lost Dragon (Harlow Playhouse), Me & My Girl (Jersey), Cinderella (York Barbican), Ernie's Incredible Illucinations (Jersey Arts Centre), Accidents Happen (Tristan Bates, London), Stage by Stage (UK Tour–Original Production), Grimm Tales (Jersey Arts Centre), Divas (UK Tour), My Fair Lady (UK Tour), Aladdin, Snow White, Cinderella, Jack & the Beanstalk (Liverpool Empire Theatre), Judy & Liza (UK Tour), Macbeth (Regional Tour), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Unity Theatre, Liverpool), Our House (Orchard Theatre, Dartford), The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Little Shop of Horrors , Two (UK National Tour). Theatre includes: Sherlock Holmes (The Hound of the Baskervilles) The Knight of Biscay Don Quixote), George (H is Fragile Mind), Terisius (Antigone), George (Stop Giving Me Grief), Malvolio (Twelfth Night), Demetrius/Quince (A Midsummer Night's Dream), Cardinal Richelieu (The Three Musketeers), Stuart (Gosforth's Fete), Giovanni (Can't Pay? Won't Pay! ), Graham (Fine Wine & Pringles at the Café Belgrade), Macbeth (Macbeth), Hugo (No Horizon), Scrooge (A Christmas Carol), Meg Long (Our Country's Good), Ratty (The Wind in the Willows) and Saturninus (Titus Andronicus). Television & Film includes: The Undateables Christmas Special (Channel 4), Strictly Come Dancing – Christmas Special (BBC), Brookside (Mersey TV), Liverpool One (Lime Productions), And the Beat Goes On (Channel 4), David Copperfield (BBC Films), The Bill (Talkback Thames), In His Life (MBC), Midsomer Murders (Bentley Productions), Fan & Friend (ITV). Musical Theatre Includes: Professor Callaghan (Legally Blonde – Jersey Opera House), Edna Turnblad (Hairspray –Dubai), Roscoe (Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens – Criterion West End), Dr. Frederick Chilton (Silence! The Musical -European Premiere), Friar Lawrence (Romeo & Juliet The Musical - UK Tour), Polonius (Hamlet The Musical - UK & International Tour), Gonzalo (Tempest The Musical - UK & International Tour), Quince/Egeus (A Midsummer Night's Dream - UK & International Tour), Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland), Caspius (The Wizard of Oz ~ Beyond the Rainbow - UK Tour), Kaa the Snake (The Jungle Book), King Midas (Myth & Legend), Reverend Barker (The Retribution) and Fagin (Oliver!). Audio recordings include: Dr Who – 'Cold Vengeance' The Tenth Doctor Series (Big Finish). Writing credits: Various pantomime titles (Cinderella, Aladdin, Snow White, The Snow Queen, Treasure Island, Robin Hood, Rapunzel, Peter Pan, Dick Whittington, Sleeping Beauty, Alice in Wonderland), a dramatic adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles, a world premiere production of Secret Santa: The Frost Files. Dramatic adaptations of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo & Juliet, The Canterville Ghost, Pride & Prejudice and An Ideal Husband (International touring–English speaking). Antony has recently adapted JM Barrie's Peter Pan into a new musical adaptation for international tour and winter production at Royal Hippodrome Eastbourne. Pantomime credits: Ugly Sister in Cinderella (Southport Arts Centre, Crosby Civic Hall, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre, Royal Court Liverpool, Victoria Theatre Halifax, Hazlitt Theatre Maidstone, The Cresset Peterborough, Camberley Arts Theatre, Central Theatre Chatham, Queen's Theatre Barnstaple, Harlow Playhouse, Mercury Theatre Colchester – Mercury at Abbey Fields*), Nurse Nellie in Snow White (Royal Court Liverpool, Central Theatre Chatham, Mercury Theatre Colchester*, Sarah the Cook in Dick Whittington (Royal Court Liverpool, Mercury Theatre Colchester), Nurse in Sleeping Beauty (Queen's Theatre Barnstaple), Widow Twankey in Aladdin (Neptune Theatre Liverpool, Queen's Theatre Barnstaple, The Palace Theatre, Newark, The Mercury Theatre Colchester), Dotty Trott in Jack & The Beanstalk (Mercury Theatre, Colchester). * Nominated - Best Dame – Great British Pantomime Awards 2017/18 * Winner – Best Ugly Sisters – Great British Pantomime Awards 2019/20
My guest this week is Paul John McKenna. With a background as a performing singer/guitarist and a deep interest in therapeutic interventions and performance coaching, Paul trained as a Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) in his early 20s, later specialising as a Voice Therapist working with both speakers and singers with complex voice disorders. Paul's specialist voice work within the NHS has led to him co-leading one of the UK's most established endoscopic voice assessment clinics for professional voice users at Wythenshawe Hospital in South Manchester. Alongside his specialist voice rehabilitation work, Paul has spent nearly 15 years training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Hypnotherapy and is a certified Personal Development Coach and Master Practitioner of NLP, Hypnotherapy and Time Line Therapy. I really wanted to speak with Paul about this and how he uses his special skills to helps others overcome their voice problems. Read full bio here Quotes from this episode: (Paul, on caring for the voice) “Stretch and release…optimal hydration…warm up before singing…cool down after singing…manage your vocal load, don't sing all day every day, give the muscles a rest you know, manage your reflux, if you've got reflux, that's a real one you know, for the touring and gigging musicians especially, reflux is a real enemy for the voice if its not managed.” (Paul, on reframing anxious feelings) “You're not anxiety, you are just as much confidence as you are anxiety, it's just what you're feeling in that moment” Paul can be contacted for private sessions via his website http://thevocaltherapist.com If you have anything you would like to share about this episode, head over to our facebook page Enjoy listening!
Joining me this week is one third of the brilliant Harmony-laden folk- Americana band The Wandering Hearts, (who also happens to be a fellow singing teacher) Tara Wilcox. Tara has had an amazing few years since forming the band, being signed to Decca and touring the UK and the US, performing alongside some amazing big names in some of the music industries most iconic place like The Grand Ole Opry and Graceland! Tara shares her extraordinary journey so far along with lots of insider stories about working in the music industry. Tara has taught at some of our well known and loved performing arts schools like Mountview and Urdang and is also an Estill Master Trainer. She is looking forward to more outside gigs coming up and the bands new album due for release February 2021. You can pre-order to support the band and if you haven't already, download their first album if you want to treat your ears this weekend! Check out these videos to see Tara, Chess and AJ in action! Jealous - The Wandering Hearts A heart-felt song told from the three singers perspectives, woven together with beautiful harmonies. A song that builds and takes unexpected turns, SO worth checking out! Fire & Water - The Wandering Hearts (performed live on the Andrew Marr show) A passionate, energised, harmonic joy of a song! Love love love the broken down parts with some gorgeous little yodels and overlapping harmonies! Always gets me off my seat!! You can find The Wandering Hearts on all socials, so go follow and like to keep up to date with all their news! During our chat Tara referenced Ella Fitzgerald singing Mack the Knife (live in Berlin) which is a masterclass of how to cope when slightly under rehearsed! I couldn't find Blues in the Night but here is another of Eva Cassidy's emotional masterful vocals on Dark end of the street which I have fond memories of covering with my band Crossover many moons back. Happy listening y'all xx If you would like to learn how you can join the Vocal Freedom podcast community, head on over to www.colchestervoiceacademy.com/podcast to learn more.
My guest this week is Kate Millner, a professionally trained actress, voice artist, singer and story-teller who has had a really interesting journey with her voice. From working with Mitchell & Webb in her Cambridge days, Adam Cork from the RSC, moving into supply teaching where her voice use was intensified then followed the scary diagnosis and recovery from vocal nodules. More recently Kate has also trained to become a Celebrant, a person who performs and officiates formal ceremonies. Using her voice as a source of comfort and support for grieving relatives. Kate is also half of the music duo ‘At Swefn's Edge' with her husband Michael, who is a soundscape composer and sound engineer. During lockdown, through the Mercury Creatives Programme of the Mercury Theatre, Colchester some of their music has inspired all sorts of creative projects, you can learn more about this as Kate explains through the episode. Hear how important it is for creatives who need to keep that muscle flexing, coping with the cancellation of work and contracts and adapting through covid to stay creative and exploring new avenues of sound. (Kate, on self judgement) "Believe in the words, believe in yourself, you've got every right to sing, you've got every right to speak!" Happy listening y'all!
Kerrie Obert is a wonderfully curious, highly knowledgeable voice specialist. Speaking with me from her home in Ohio, it was an honour to learn about her journey with her voice and how she happily balances her voice use as a speech and language pathologist, singer, teacher/coach and researcher. Her research into twang and more recently the tongue has led to some fascinating finds and discussions within the voice community. The tongue can often be labelled the baddie and blamed for unwanted tension but in fact, we can often find even more colour choices by energising the tongue! Kerrie has worked clinically, performing more than 15,000 endoscope examinations with patients with various voice disorders. To learn more about Kerrie's brilliant insight, consider signing up to her brilliant website getvocal-now.com for only $29 you can have access to dozens of short courses, which include quizzes, which I love! Kerrie shares her amazing journey from meeting Jo Estill in her early days and all the fascinating lessons she has learned along the way. Kerrie has a new book series coming out and online courses to enjoy in the future. In the meantime her already published book The Owners Manual to the Voice is available here. Happy listening!
My guest this week is Sarah Stephenson, a highly experienced vocal coach, teacher, accompanist and sound healer. A fascinating journey of a musician who has found a deeper healing power within sound itself - using sound as a healing tool. Learn how the sound we make, our vibrations, our energy, how increasing our awareness of our sound, can help bring us into alignment, to be present in the here and now. We really are fascinating human beings! It is worth your time to tune in, especially now, in our modern times, which are so uncertain for many, with covid-19 having had such a global impact on the human race, now more than ever, we could all start with tuning in and paying attention to how we can use our voices for good. Two quotes from this episode: (Sarah on - how we can help ourselves with our voices) “..express how you are feeling…start the day by (asking) how am I feeling? I am just going to key into it…and just start doing some sounding. You may feel a bit silly to begin with but then just express how you're feeling and then come back, do a bit of humming, simple toning, little vowel practices. See how that kind of feels in the nervous system, in the body, how that calms everything down” (Sarah on - the voice) “Wow…what an incredible instrument, what an incredible machine, what an incredible form of expression…it's the most human part of who we are.” Five minutes in we briefly reference the Fibonacci sequence. This is so worth a look! Amazing Resonance Experiment! For favourite voices question, Sarah chooses the delicious vocal of Gregory Porter. The song she mentions - “I wonder who my daddy is” performed at the Royal Albert hall can be viewed here, Do let us know on our facebook page what you think of the performance! Sarah is listed here at The College of Sound Healing Happy voicing!
Welcome! This week my guest is mezzo-soprano opera singer, voice teacher, writer and broadcaster Janet Shell. Janet has had a rollercoaster of a journey with her voice and shares, although she always had a strong desire to become a professional singer, like many before and since, the route there was full of twists and turns. So many valuable experiences and lessons along the way have informed her teaching and she continues to commit to new learning to continue growing. I loved learning about her background, her tenacity and drive is inspiring and Janet and I both felt a lovely open connection between us, which I hope comes across when you listen. If anything resonates with you and you would like to reach out, Janet can be contacted through her website Contact Janet Here you can also learn about all her other services on offer for singers and speakers. I particularly admire the work Janet has put in with helping teachers, of all kinds, understand how to use their voices more efficiently when classroom teaching. If you are a teacher and want to learn more, visit her website "Talking Voice" here for more information. If you would like to comment on anything raised here or have something else you want to share about voice, click here to learn more about how you can get involved! Your voice matters!
My guest this week is the awesome Scott Harrison. He is currently a lecturer of Singing and Musical Theatre at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Trinity Laban Conservatoire. He is Senior Musical Theatre Consultant at Associated Studios London and Head of Singing and Music at West End Musical Theatre in North London. Join us as Scott shares his journey into voice training, his professional career highlights and how he stepped into the world of voice education. We chat about some important issues for students who are training to become professionals in Musical Theatre particularly. We both want to help the voices of tomorrow and hope you enjoy listening to this passionate advocate for social justice and equality within the arts. You can learn more about Scott by visiting his website here Scott's song choices to introduce you to his favourite singers (or enjoy again if you are already appreciative) are linked below: Leontyne Price - La Forza del destino (Verdi) Norm Lewis - No one is alone from Into the Woods (Stephen Sondheim) David Phelps - Best Vocals (features highlights of many of his performances) Watching these masters at work is totally worth a few minutes of your day. If you would like to comment on anything raised here or have something else you want to share about voice, click here to learn more about how you can get involved! Your voice matters!
Welcome! This week my guest is 18 year old singer/songwriter Gen Irving. What is it like to be an 18 year old these days? How do the youth of today spread their message and tell the stories they want to tell with their music to a wider audience? How are the youth of today being promoted and encouraged? What are these kids going through? These are just a few of the issues I am interested in, so I invited Gen on to talk about her journey so far, her inspiration and message with her music, as well as the relationship she has with her voice and general self, as a semi-professional singer, who certainly wants to go pro in the future. Gen can be found @genirving10 on the usual social media channels. Her music is available to listen to on Spotify and iTunes. You might be surprised to hear her influences are from rock, pop and folk music from way before her time! If you would like to support Gen, please give her a like or follow and maybe tune in to one of her facebook live gigs! It's all great experience until real gigs are back on. I hope you are all staying safe. Happy listening xx
After our first chapter, with 12 episodes behind us, a little review of what has been and what is coming up from your host. "A big thank you to my clients who are tuning in and have helped raise over £800 so far from our online showcase broadcast last Saturday. Listen for how you can help is get to four figures ready to donate to two charities at the end of the summer holidays". Leigh Martyn Thomas To join in the conversation, message me at lmt@colchestervoiceacademy.com if you are looking for a way to express your vocal freedom, I am ready to listen to your ideas!
My guest this week is Elissa Weinzimmer, a voice and presence coach living in New York City. Elissa shares some of her incredible journey so far and is on a strong social justice mission as she strives to help everyone raise their awareness about not just vocal health but speaking their truth, mindfully and without restriction. Elissa is the founder of Voice Body Connection with Elissa Weinzimmer - Visit her website to learn more here and has her own podcast "The Find Your Voice, Speak Your Truth" Podcast - listen here I'm looking forward to hopefully catching up with Elissa in person in 2021 once Broadway opens again! For now, I'm inspired by our catch up and the brilliant work she is doing to help others. Within the interview Elissa references this brilliant song written by Jason Robert Brown and shares the trauma of losing her voice right around the time she was in his voice class at USC. She also references the band Moonchild Listen to their album "Voyager" here Happy Friday everyone x
This week my guest is professional actress Nicola Goodchild. Nicola has enjoyed a fabulous career in showbiz, appearing in film, tv and theatre. From treading the boards on stage at the National Theatre to flying off to Sardinia to be directed by George Clooney in Catch 22. She has recently graced your screens in Channel 4's comedy series “Home” written and starring Rufus Jones and Sky one's Breeders starring Martin Freeman and Daisy Haggard. Nicola also strikes more than a passing resemblance to the amazing singer actress Julie Andrews and now spends some of her time being the Mary Poppins Tribute UK Act. She also loves thyme tea and has some awesome stories to share from her adventurous life as a working actress. You can learn more about her by visiting her website here and perhaps you can share her services to anyone who may have as much of a love of Mary Poppins as we do! You can clearly hear the immense joy Nicola experiences once she brings this magical character to life! Please give her facebook page a like here and find her on Instagram as Mary Poppins Tribute where you can enjoy lots of clips of her in character! If you would like to learn more about the podcast please sign up at www.colchestervoiceacademy.com/podcast to be welcomed into the free community forum and share your voice story and anything else you want to share about the episodes there.
I'm excited to enter into double figures today, launching episode 10! Thank you to everyone who has tuned in so far. My guest this week is Helen Rowson, a fabulous lady with a fascinating career so far! Join us as she shares her journey from Liverpool, UK through travelling and starting a new life in Barcelona, Spain over three decades ago. At the end of the interview you can enjoy the song "Walking Spanish" from Helen's group "Guateque Town". You can also enjoy the video which is brilliant and more performances by subscribing to their youtube channel here The other artist songs mentioned can be viewed on youtube here and here Helen is a singer and voice specialist who works primarily with professional voice users from stage and screen, with specialisms helping those who have presented a vocal injury or pathology, habilitating them back to elite performance level. She also lectures on Anatomy & Physiology, as well as Acoustics of the voice at University level. She knows her stuff and like many of us, is always thirsty to expand her knowledge and keep up to date with vocal science as it develops. Helen can be contacted through her professional profile on Facebook here I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation! Feel free to feedback on the Vocal Freedom Facebook page or sign up to join our new community launching on 1st January 2021 here www.colchestervoiceacademy.com/podcast I look forward to hearing from you!
I am delighted to share this lovely conversation with my guest this week, Rebecca Moseley-Morgan. I introduce with a brief biography of Rebecca's career as a professional opera singer, as well as researching and teaching voice. I was particularly interested to learn about Rebecca's ongoing and latest research into caring for the maturing female voice. Knowledge is power after all! As a woman who has just turned 45 myself, I am fully aware I have vocal changes ahead and would like to understand how to prepare as a singer and voice practitioner, to help prepare others. Rebecca's passion for her work is clear, it is important work that will inform future generations! I hope you enjoy listening to this episode and welcome your feedback. If you would like to reach out to Rebecca she can be reached through her website here If you would like to start a conversation about your vocal journey, visit www.colchestervoiceacademy.com/podcast to sign up for updates about special offers, how to put questions to future guests and join our Vocal Freedom Online Community.
My guest this week is Juliet Russell who has been working with her voice in many ways since she was a teenager. Today she is a voice coach on two popular tv shows as well as many other music projects. You can learn all about her work here Juliets world voice day project this April produced a worldwide collaboration which you can enjoy here:here Juliet's song choice of 'vocal freedom' in a singer she loves is the amazing Stevie Wonder singing Free which can be enjoyed on youtube here I hope you enjoy tuning in to our conversation and welcome your feedback. Happy Friday y'all. Best Wishes, Leigh
My guest this week is Kaya Hersted Carney, a singer/songwriter, voice teacher and coach based in Liverpool, UK and Norway (when usual life resumes). This episode was recorded in May while still in lockdown. Kaya and I discuss her journey and share anecdotes from our teaching experiences. We've also shared previous minor voice issues as professional singers and chat about the 'shame' that can be associated with vocal injury. It's helpful to think of professional singers as being 'athletes' of the voice and understand that injury can occur, just like for sportsmen and women. Kaya's song choice of 'vocal freedom' in a singer she loves is Jeff Buckley singing "Lover, you should have come over" which you can listen to here I hope you enjoy our conversation about Vocal Freedom and welcome your feedback. Learn how you can join in the voice community for the podcast by visiting our facebook page @vocalfreedompodcast Happy Friday y'all. Best wishes, Leigh.
In this weeks episode I welcome expert West End Vocal Coach Amelia Carr to the show. Amelia primarily works with children in professional musical theatre roles and over recent years has completed an MA in Vocal Pedagogy, with her focus very much on helping people overcome their performance anxiety. She is invested in helping all of her students and educating all on certain issues in the professional theatre industry. Amelia is also a self-confessed Fanilow! She reflects on her journey so far and her plans for the future, with some insightful lightbulb moments and lovely stories along the way. At the time of recording Amelia mentioned some courses that have now come and gone but you can learn all about future courses and opportunities to work with Amelia by visiting www.ameliacarrvoice.com
This weeks episode features my guest Jedd Owen Ellis Clark, speaking about his journey through voice work and many other disciplines along the way. Jedd Owen-Ellis Clark is a voice and singing specialist, practitioner, researcher, singer, musician, writer and performer, teaching voice studies and practical vocal arts to teachers, actors, speakers and singers alike, at numerous conservatoire/university faculties and privately. He is a certified Fitzmaurice Voicework® teacher, and gained a MA [Distinction] in Practice of Voice and Singing from Guildford School of Acting, unique in its holistic practical study of interdisciplinary voice and singing pedagogies; he was awarded the Faculty Award from GSA in the same year. He works with diverse performers and professional voice users, such as pop harmony groups, trainee lawyers and priests, teachers and business speakers, singers and actors; including recovering voices and those curious enough to want to find further depth to their vocal energy and presence. Using physiological experiential knowledge from sports and arts, including yoga, tai chi, historical martial arts, fencing and dance, body mechanics and understanding primitive reactive states in the body that the performer can utilise, he works with individuals to find a balance of strength and flexibility, giving more openness to the voice and depth to the performance. He also works with phonetics, accents and vocal acoustics, and presents workshops on ‘Performance Anxiety', including presence and body:voice work, to enable performers to work ‘with' the body's reactive nature when ‘under pressure'. Jedd references the Italian Tenor Lauri-Volpi, here is a link to a recording The Great Lauri Volpi Sings "Bianca Al Par Di Neve Alpina," from Les Huguenots." 1929 As well as Steve Perry from Journey - Separate Ways Sara Barielles - She used to be mine Live on Graham Norton Show I hope you enjoy listening to this episode and welcome your feedback. If you would like to join the podcast community page, you can sign up for free at www.colchestervoiceacademy.com/podcast
This weeks episode features my guest Liz Gamble, sharing her journey with her voice as well as how her work as a complimentary therapist has impacted her awareness. She combines counselling with holistic therapies as she has found most of her clients benefit from both. Liz shares some of her experiences helping people unlock tension which can inhibit how we use our voices. We also discuss psychological causes of why people may 'hold back' from using their voices as well as using positive mantras like "I am enough". I hope you enjoy the episode and welcome your feedback. If you would like to contact Liz about any of the treatments she offers please follow her on Instagram or facebook "within therapies". If you would like to join our online community please visit www.colchestervoiceacademy.com/podcast
Join me in this episode where I have a lovely catch up with CCM (Contemporary Commercial Music) voice teacher and singer Carrie Birmingham. Carrie has her own teaching practice called Pro-Vox in Liverpool (www.pro-vox.net) and also teaches in a number of further and higher education institutes and universities 'up north!'. She is also the lead vocalist in the grunge rock band "Figures". Join us as she shares lots of interesting stories, wisdoms and her valuable research into protection of hearing for musicians. Clients we work with who sing in loud, live band environments sometimes may not realise the potential harm they may be doing to their hearing with long rehearsals and gigs. Carrie's Stereophonics recommendation Carrie's Chris Cornell recommendation
Forgive me if I go as far as calling my special guest this week a legend but in my eyes, he is! So, I'm a big fan of his work in the voice community of course but having the pleasure of getting to know Tom bit by bit over the last decade or so, it was a real treat for me to kick off Vocal Freedom, speaking with a teacher and friend who I have the utmost respect for. A generous soul as well as spectacular voice teacher, Tom has much to offer the world and I hope you enjoy tuning into this episode. Tom can be contacted though the fabulous community he has with the Tom Burke Weekly Voice Challenge page on facebook which has over 1600 members from around the world. Head there for updates and so much valuable and free information about all things voice and vocal health. Tom's song selection included: Carmen Cusack singing At Long Last from Bright Star
Voice Teacher Leigh Martyn Thomas created this podcast, initially to serve her own voice community. She is a primarily a Technical Voice Teacher, Principal & Founder of Colchester Voice Academy in Essex, UK. Outside of teaching she enjoys spending time with her family and little Chiweenie dog, Leo. The purpose of this show is to raise awareness about vocal health and wellbeing from members of the voice and wellbeing community. Leigh will be chatting with the guest speakers about their journey with their own voice, as well as lightbulb moments, stories and personal wisdoms. Professional singers from the West End and Broadway Professional working actors Choir Directors Theatre Directors and Musical Directors Voice Teachers/ Vocal Coaches both private practice and from FE/HE Voice Disorder Experts Singing Voice Specialists Touring & Session Singers Complimentary and Holistic Therapists Movement Specialists Voice Doctors In this short episode Leigh talks about some of the motivations to find Vocal Freedom and help her listeners find theirs. Allow yourself a comfy chair, grab your earphones and tune in when you can. Find out more about joining the Vocal Freedom Podcast Community at www.colchestervoiceacademy.com/podcast
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