Kaya Herstad-Carney returns to the podcast but this time she’s brought her Mary Poppins bag of tricks. Join Alexa and Kaya as they discuss the gadgets and props you can use as a singing teacher, the benefits they have to the student's voice and learning, and how best to utilise them in your singing lessons.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Using props in singing training provides a kinesthetic experience, prompting students to consider technique and form habits that feel innate. Physical engagement aids memory recall, reinforcing learning through tactile stimuli. This approach enhances understanding and skill development in vocal performance, it’s also more fun. 
• Balls aid singing teaching by enhancing breath control and support through exercises like tossing or squeezing. They engage students physically and mentally, adding a playful distraction that fosters focus and skill development.
• Straw warm-ups, blowing air through a straw into water or the air, enhance singing by focusing airflow and promoting proper breath support. They gently prepare the voice, reducing strain, improving resonance, and enhancing vocal control for better performance.
• Ask the singing student how using props like a TheraBand feels: does it improve, worsen, or maintain their vocal control and support? Assessing their experience helps tailor exercises for optimal vocal development.

BEST MOMENTS 

"Because of its expandable nature, I like to use this with singers who feel constriction in the throat”

“I love my singing straw”

“The important thing is that you know the research and why”

EPISODE RESOURCES

Guest Website:

• kayamusic.com

Social Media:

• Handle: @kayamusic

Relevant Links & Mentions: 

• Vocology in Practice: https://www.vocologyinpractice.org/
• (Youtube) Singing Teachers Talk Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SingingTeachersTalk
• Dr Shannon Coates: https://drshannoncoates.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Eps. 155 & 156 - Building Neurodiversity-Inclusive Voice Studios with Dr Shannon Coates (Parts One & Two)
• Mindy Pack: https://www.mindypack.com/
• Dana Lentini: https://www.born2singkids.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.77 - How to Teach Singing to Children with Dana Lentini 
• Singing and Teaching Singing - A Holistic Approach to Classical Voice by Janice L. Chapman
• Estill Voice Training System: https://estillvoice.com/
• Voce Vista: https://www.vocevista.com/
• Matrix VocalizeU Spectogram: https://matrix.vocalizeu.com/spectrodev/
• Heidi Moss: https://www.heidimosserickson.com/
• Actions - The Actor’s Thesaurus by Marina Caldarone & Maggie Lloyd-Williams 
• Amelia Carr: https://www.ameliacarrvoice.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.50 - Managing ‘Pushy Parents’ and Teaching ‘Legit’ with Amelia Carr
• The Morrison Bone Prop: https://www.themorrisonboneprop.com/
• The work of Ken Bozeman: http://www.kenbozeman.com/
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.146 How to Understand and Apply Vocal Acoustic Pedagogy with Ken Bozeman
• The work of Ian Howell
• (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk: Ep.145 Style Vs Technique with Kaya Herstad-Carney

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ABOUT THE GUEST 

Kaya, a Norwegian artist based in the UK since '99, excels in original music, vocal coaching, and artist development. Her career includes performances on The Royal Variety Show and the BBC Songwriting Showcase. Passionate about mentoring, directing festivals, and teaching, she serves as a board member for Vocology in Practice, training singing teachers globally. Specialising in singing, songwriting, and artist development at Waterbear and esteemed institutions.

ABOUT THE PODCAST

BAST Training is here to help singers gain the knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a great singing teacher. We can help you whether you are getting started or just have some knowledge gaps to fill through our courses and educational events.

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