Curious Vocalists

Get ready for an exclusive peek inside the most famous recording space on the planet! In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace Hancock sits down with Erika Brett—lead singer, keyboardist, Hammond organist, and harmony arranger for Chicago’s fiercely independent roots-rock band The Empty Pockets. Erika takes us behind the heavy doors of Abbey Road Studio 2 to break down the raw, thrilling process of tracking their new record live to tape in the very room where musical history was written.
Erika lifts the curtain on what it’s really like to make music surrounded by history—from playing the legendary Hammond RT3 organ (complete with cigarette burns left on the woodwork by John Lennon and Paul McCartney!) to rescuing the famous Challen "Time Out" upright piano from the corner of the studio to unlock an impromptu, groove-heavy take.
Beyond the gear magic, Erika tackles the intense pressure cooker of high-stakes recording. She shares how independent artists can conquer studio overwhelm, quiet the inner perfectionist, and capture peak vocal takes when every second counts. Packed with nervous-system warm-up secrets, microphone proximity tricks inspired by Rubber Soul, and stories from the Abbey Road floor, this conversation is an inspiring masterclass in bringing playfulness, courage, and authenticity to any recording session.
 
Key Takeaways
Settle Your Nervous System Before Your Voice: Erika begins her studio vocal warmup with a vocal mist nebuliser, laryngeal and jaw massage, back-mobility breathing exercises, and SOVT straw routines to calm anxiety before singing a note.
Beat Studio Perfectionism in 2 to 3 Takes: While first takes can feel stiff and late takes overthought, the second or third take usually captures the optimal balance of vocal control and emotional freedom.
Try Tracking Vocals While Seated: If standing at a studio microphone creates physical rigidity or performance anxiety, sitting down can lower body tension and produce a noticeably more relaxed vocal delivery.
Experiment with Microphone Proximity: Taking inspiration from Beatles sessions on Rubber Soul, moving closer or farther from the mic creates distinct tonal colours and dynamic intimacy.
Let the Instrument Drive the Arrangement: Swapping between instruments—like moving from a grand piano to Abbey Road's vintage Challen upright—can instantly alter hand phrasing, groove, and vocal space.
Protect Vocal Health with Keyboards: Playing keys on extended tours gives singers a practical way to manage vocal fatigue and offload pressure when performing night after night.
Chapters
00:50 Abbey Road Studios Experiences
04:52 The Empty Pocket's Ethos
08:44 How They Got Into Abbey Road
11:15 Erika's Vocal Prep for Recording Day
13:53 One-Take Wonder or Warm Into It?
15:34 Dealing With Perfectionism in The Studio
17:52 The Effects of Play & Exploration in The Studio
22:27 Challenges in Accompanying Yourself in the Studio
25:16 Journeys from Singer to Singer Pianists
29:00 Where to Find The Empty Pockets Music
29:37 QuickFire Questions
 
Mentions
Band & Guest
The Empty Pockets: theemptypockets.com
Abbey Road Mini-Documentary: Watch on YouTube
Studio & Location
Abbey Road Studios (Studio 2, Studio 3, Studio 1) — London, UK
Gear & Vocal Tools
Hammond RT3 & B-2 Organs (Featuring vintage cigarette burns from John Lennon & Paul McCartney)
Challen Upright Piano (Rubber Soul era)
Mrs. Mills Piano & Mellotron
Vocal Tools: Vocal Mist Nebuliser, SOVT (Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract) Warmup Straws
Featured Artists & Tracks
Al Stewart & Alan Parsons (Key industry mentors and collaborators)
The Empty Pockets Tracks: "I Never Get Sick of You"
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace Hancock explores the high-achiever’s most feared notions: acceptance of our imperfections and being brave enough to be ordinary. Using her recent revelations through the wise words of well known authors, she highlights how these are far from signs of defeat, but rather the keys to your highest, most natural success in music…and life in general. She picks apart the hidden mental resistance, perfectionism, and burnout that so many musicians experience. Drawing from personal stories—from classroom teaching tension to self-imposed pressure around mastering jazz theory—Grace breaks down why pushing harder often backfires.
By distinguishing between expectations, standards, and goals, this episode offers a fresh perspective on self-acceptance, letting go of force, and trusting your own natural flow. Learn how to transform your practice room into a play space, redefine what it means to be ordinary, and truly celebrate the small internal eureka moments that shape your musical journey.
 
Key Takeaways
Mental resistance and the constant internal drive to force results are major causes of creative burnout.
Acceptance is a supportive mindset that lets you relax into your current reality so you can move forward effectively.
Author Ben Crowe highlights that self-acceptance must be paired with self-compassion, grounded in your inherent self-worth.
Distinguish your expectations from your standards: expectations predict outcomes, standards reflect what you accept right now, and goals keep your long-term vision alive.
Working hard using clean fuel (joy, connection, authentic expression) leads to sustainable progress, whereas dirty fuel (seeking validation, competing, proving yourself) leads to exhaustion.
Embracing the courage to be ordinary releases the pressure to appear impressive, leaving space for genuine strengths to grow.
You can control three things: your effort, your expectations, and your mindset.
The pre-practice routine encourages treating the practice room as a laboratory rather than a stage.
Mentioned Resources & Useful Links
Where the Light Gets In by Ben Crowe
Healthy Gamer Podcast: Episode "Your Standards are Way Higher Than They Should Be" by Dr. K
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
The Courage to Be Ordinary by Ichiro Kishimi
Podcast Website: Curious Vocalists
 
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock sits down with dramatic soprano Ghislaine Dionne to explore the demanding, highly physical world of unamplified operatic singing. Facing the rare challenges of a massive dramatic voice and a lack of specialised coaching, Ghislaine developed the Listening Voice Technique—a method centred on self-diagnosis through physical sensation rather than external auditory feedback.
Ghislaine shares how turning back to historical bel canto principles—where singing is treated as an extension of speech—helps vocalists identify hidden tension, correct misaligned support, and build sustainable vocal endurance. The conversation covers key strategies for conquering vocal fatigue, overcoming inconsistent high notes, and cultivating real-time diagnostic awareness on stage so you can monitor your instrument without overthinking vocal pedagogy jargon.
 
Key Takeaways:
Self-Diagnose Through Sensation, Not Sound: Auditory feedback inside your skull is distorted and delayed. Monitoring physical sensation allows you to catch muscle strain before it leads to crack or pitch errors.
Singing as an Extension of Speech: Stripping away complex vocal pedagogy jargon reveals that efficient singing relies on the same relaxed, instinctive mechanics as healthy daily speech.
Eliminate Inconsistent High Notes from Below: High-register ease is built on a relaxed, well-supported lower and middle voice. Forcing or squeezing the throat for pitch causes severe vocal strain.
Master Unamplified Projection Without Strain: Authentic volume and acoustic carrying power come from release, body alignment, and acoustic space—never from pushing or forcing air through the vocal cords.
Develop Real-Time Diagnostic Awareness: Just like checking your rear-view mirror while driving, performing requires quick, routine internal checks for unwanted tension (such as a rising larynx or facial tightening).
Reset to a Neutral Foundation: Stripping away backing tracks, amplification, and decorative vocal effects allows you to establish a tension-free baseline before layering on stylistic textures like twang or breathiness.
Chapters:
00:47 What Is A Dramatic Soprano Voice Type?
03:02 How The Listening Voice Technique Was Formed
06:02 Singing Simplified and Jargon-Free
09:34 Sing Like You Speak to Remove Tension
11:40 Encouraging a Natural Breath
14:13 No Need to Consciously 'Place' Your Voice
15:52 Projection Techniques
20:17 Learning Self-Diagnosis in Singing
23:37 When You Can't Hear Yourself Whilst Performing
26:45 Building Body Awareness for Singing
 
Resources & Mentions:
Guest: Ghislaine Dionne (Dramatic Soprano & Creator of the Listening Voice Technique)
Instagram: @GhislaineDionneSoprano
Facebook: Ghislaine Dionne Soprano
YouTube: Search GhislaineDionneSoprano
 
About the Host:
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method:
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, host Grace Hancock sits down with the Chair of The International Network for Voice and Fitzmaurice Voicework practitioner, Cathryn Robson, to examine how body-centred somatic practice can transform vocal presence, breathing patterns, confidence, and expression. While traditional vocal training often focuses heavily on mechanical mechanics at the larynx, the Fitzmaurice approach addresses the whole performer by engaging the breath, body, nervous system, and imagination.
 
Cathryn outlines the four core elements of Fitzmaurice Voicework: Destructuring, Restructuring, Play, and Presence. The conversation breaks down how physical poses and Tremorwork release habitual tension patterns, regulate the nervous system to ease stage fright, and restore a natural, responsive breath. Cathryn also explains the concept of the Focus Line, detailing how physical release translates into greater vocal resonance, dynamic range, and emotional authenticity on stage.
 
Key Takeaways:
Traditional mechanical vocal training benefits from being paired with somatic body awareness to address root sources of physical tension.
The Destructuring phase uses targeted poses and Tremorwork to sensitize singers to restrictive breathing habits and release muscular holding patterns.
Nervous system regulation plays a direct role in managing performance anxiety and preventing tightness in the larynx.
The Restructuring phase introduces the Focus Line concept, helping vocalists direct their energy, intention, and emotional connection outward to the audience.
Releasing physical armor often brings up unexpected emotional freedom, allowing singers to deliver more authentic performances.
Vocalists can experience immediate improvements in breath responsiveness and ease by incorporating simple body-centered awareness practices before singing.
 
Chapters:
00:41 Introduction to Fitzmaurice Technique
02:13 Who It Is For
04:15 What It Involves
08:11 How Emotion and Intelligence Dwells in the Body
10:53 Cultivating Space for Emotional Connection in Performance
13:24 Cultivating a More Responsive Breath
14:58 Introducing Play and Presence Into Your Artistry
18:37 Chest Breathing - A Common Issue
20:34 A Practical Takeaway
26:38 How Quickly You May See Results
 
 
Resources Mentioned:
Cathryn Robson - The Voice Centre: https://thevoicecentre.com/about-cathryn-robson
British Voice Association: https://britishvoiceassociation.org.uk/
 
Fitzmaurice Voicework Key Aims and Benefits for Vocalists
• More accessible and responsive breath: Helps singers become aware of restrictive breathing habits and develop a
more responsive, adaptable breath.
• Reduces holding and tension habits: Through the Destructuring sequence and tremoring, vocalists learn to recognise
and release habitual muscular holding patterns that can interfere with breathing and vocal freedom.
• Increased resonance and vocal range – As tension decreases and breath becomes more available, vocalists often
discover greater resonance, dynamic range and vocal power without pushing.
• Greater spontaneity and emotional connection to songs and text: Supports a stronger connection between breath,
feeling, imagination and intention, allowing performances to be more authentic, present and communicative.
• Nervous system regulation: Helps vocalists manage stage fright, where anxiety can affect the voice and enjoyment of
performance.
 
About the Host:
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

What happens when the applause ends, but you are still convinced you only got the gig by accident? Today on Curious Vocalists, specialist musician psychotherapist Dr. Jessica Quiñones returns to discuss the heavy, often secret burden of imposter syndrome in the music industry.
In this episode, we challenge the idea that feeling like a fake is entirely negative. Instead, Jessica shares how this discomfort often signals that you are pushing yourself into new developmental stages and trying to fill bigger shoes. We explore the "pain in the distance" between where you are and where you feel you should be, looking at how this space is filled with everything from family expectations and rigid training backgrounds to societal pressures like ageism and sexism.
 
We also unpack how traditional music education can cultivate a harsh inner critic, why external validation and professional success fail to cure this internal sense of fraudulence, and how Relational Transactional Analysis uses the therapeutic relationship itself to safely untangle these deep-rooted patterns.
 
Key Takeaways:
A New Perspective on Feeling Like a Fraud: Imposter syndrome is not just a negative obstacle; it is often a natural companion to growth, showing that you are actively pushing past your comfort zone.
Defining the Imposter Pain: Imposter syndrome can be defined as the emotional pain existing in the gap between where you currently are and where you believe you "should" be.
The Root of the Inner Critic: The voices of self-doubt we carry are often "parental interjects"—unspoken rules, expectations, or direct messages we absorbed from caregivers or early music teachers about what it means to perform and show off.
The Training Trap: Classical training and rigid academic backgrounds often trigger intense feelings of inadequacy, making self-taught musicians or those who rely on their ears feel inferior because they lack technical jargon.
The Power of Relational Therapy: Relational Transactional Analysis works by using the live relationship between the therapist and the client to explore unconscious patterns, bodily sensations, and metaphors to safely process emotional blockages.
Redefining Success: To heal the drive for perfectionism, we must shift our praise away from flawless end results and instead celebrate the effort, the messy practice sessions, and the simple act of showing up.
 
Chapters:
 
00:00 Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Musicians
 
04:05 The Roots of Imposter Syndrome
 
10:21 Parental Influences and Internalised Messages
 
14:56 The Role of Training and Education
 
18:21 Reality Testing and Inner Critic
 
26:24 The Limitations of External Validation
 
30:23 Embracing the Messiness of Imposter Syndrome
 
 
Contact Jessica:
Dr. Jessica Quiñones Psychotherapy Practice: https://drjessicaquinones.com/
The Music Industry Therapists Collective MITC: www.musicindustrytherapists.com
 
Mentions:
Curious Vocalists Episode on Burnout:
#19 Losing Your Love of Music? Understanding Burnout with Psychotherapist Jessica Quiñones - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-uh93v-1a6c46a
 
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace sits down with creative entrepreneur and co-founder of ArtsGroupie CIC, Mikey Francis Dunne, to talk about the reality of creating a business in the creative industry. Mikey shares his journey from experiencing homelessness to co-running an award-winning creative enterprise right out of his flat.
 
The conversation strips away the fluff and focuses on the real, practical strategies artists need to transition from short-term gigs to a sustainable business mindset. Hear his top tips for writing successful funding bids that keep your creative vision intact, how to design scalable projects that maximise community impact, and why collaboration is your greatest asset. Whether you are navigating grant applications or trying to avoid creative burnout, this episode offers an honest, grounded look at how to treat your artistry as a thriving enterprise
 
You can find out more about their work at artsgroupie.org or follow them on social media @Artsgroupie.
 
Key Takeaways
Shift the Focus in Funding Applications: When applying for public funding like Arts Council England, remove your personal anxieties and focus entirely on the project's impact. Explain clearly how your work benefits the community and engages the audience.
Build Social Capital Safely: Genuine, kind, and respectful interactions form lasting relationships that pay off years down the line.
Leverage the Power of Collectives: Don't work in a silo. Partnering with other local artists for events or funding applications splits the administrative burden, pools marketing reach, and makes projects far more appealing to stakeholders.
Design Scalable Creative Projects: Create work that can adapt to any environment. Building flexibility into your productions allows you to pitch to mainstream theaters, schools, or community spaces alike without losing the core message.
Wear Multiple Professional Hats: Sustainability often means diversifying your skillset. Balancing performance with secondary skills like grant writing, historical research, or consulting ensures consistent income during lean periods.
Enforce Strict Boundaries Against Burnout: Treat your creative business like a real job by scheduling non-negotiable days off. Stepping away from the screen and spending time in nature is essential to recharge your creative output.
 
Find out More about ArtsGroupie CIC:
www.artsgroupie.org
instagram.com/artsgroupie/
 
Resources:
Canva marketing tool:
https://www.canva.com/en_gb/
 
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

When we think of vocal health, our minds often jump straight to touring singers or West End performers. But if you are a classroom teacher managing a busy room, or a corporate executive delivering back-to-back presentations, you are a vocal professional—and you rely on the physical strength of your voice every single day.
In this episode, Performance and Vocal Physiotherapist Genevieve Tawiah shares her unique, holistic perspective on how our bodies produce sound. Gen has supported elite vocalists across major productions like Wicked, Harry Potter, and Strictly Come Dancing, but her work extends far beyond the stage. We explore how the role of a vocal physio differs from a traditional vocal coach or speech therapist, the surprising domino effect that posture and old injuries have on our vocal endurance, and why treating the voice requires looking at the entire musculoskeletal system. Whether you are aiming to hit a high note or just survive a long day of meetings without losing your voice, this conversation offers a powerful reminder to treat your voice like the physical instrument it is.
 
Key Takeaways:
Your voice is a full-body instrument: Vocal physiotherapy goes beyond the throat to treat the muscles, bones, nerves, and breathing mechanics of the entire body.
Posture shapes your sound: Fixed habits like a forward-jutting chin or leaning on one side restrict your breathing space and force your voice to work under higher pressure.
Old injuries have a domino effect: Physical tension from an unrelated issue—like a stiff shoulder, lower back pain, or an old injury—can travel up the body chain and strain your vocal mechanism.
Stress tracks directly with vocal fatigue: High emotional stress and a lack of genuine downtime manifest physically, often serving as the primary trigger for voice loss or tightness.
Check in with a daily body map: Taking five minutes each morning to scan your body from head to toe helps you identify and release hidden stiffness before it impacts your speaking or singing.
 
Chapters:
00:39 What is Vocal Physiotherapy
10:01 How to Know When You Need Vocal Physio
11:42 Causes for a Gravelly Voice
16:44 How Posture Affects Vocalisation
20:49 The Domino Effect in the Body
25:54 The 5-Minute Body Scan
27:43 Common Misalignment for Guitarist and Pianists
29:59 Bad Habits of Non-Singing Voice Professionals
32:15 Get Creative With Looking After Your Voice
34:43 Where to Find Info on the Available Voice Specialists
37:48 Quickfire Questions
 
Resources and Further Reading:
Vocal Health Referral Recommendations | London, UK | BAPAM
 
Genevieve Tawiah and Lucie Rayner's article on Vocal Physiotherapy: 
https://www.tawiahphysio.co.uk/vocal-physiotherapy
 
Contact Gen:
www.tawiahphysio.co.uk
Insta: @tawiahphysio
Email: info@tawiahphysio.co.uk
Contact no.: 07504111801
 
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
http://www.facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
 
 

In this episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace is joined by Annie Little, an LA-based actress, vocal coach, and founder of The Unlimited Voice. Together, they look at the mechanical and mental shifts required to move from classical aria setups to contemporary commercial singing.
They discuss how their opposite starting points led to similar hurdles with their mixed voices. While Grace struggled with a heavy chest voice that flipped into an airy head register, Annie found herself living exclusively in a head-dominant classical placement, fighting extrinsic tension just to find her lower register. They break down the exact vocal exercises and mental perspective shifts that helped them untangle old habits, including speech-level vocal concepts, larynx stabilisation, vowel modifications, and using acting prompts to get out of your head. Whether you are dealing with a stubborn vocal flip, unmanaged volume at the top of your range, or a tongue that wants to pull back, this conversation offers practical, unconventional tools to help you build a flexible, contemporary sound.
 
Takeaways
Vocal exercises should focus on speech-like sounds to enhance contemporary singing.
Using playful sounds can help students break out of their singing mode.
Understanding vowel modification is crucial for effective singing.
Acting and emotion can enhance vocal performance and expression.
Singers often struggle with transitioning between vocal registers.
Finding a balance between chest and head voice is key to a successful contemporary sound.
Patience is key; changes can take months or even years.
Finding joy in singing is essential for progress.
Adjusting songs to fit your current vocal abilities can enhance enjoyment.
Curiosity and playfulness are crucial in vocal training.
Singing should be about expression, not perfection.
 
Chapters
00:36 Introduction to Vocal Coaching and Backgrounds
02:59 Challenges in Transitioning from Classical to Contemporary Singing
05:48 Techniques for Developing a Contemporary Sound
08:54 The Role of Speech in Singing
12:06 Building Non-Classical Habits
17:49 Understanding the Differences Between Classical and Contemporary Styles
19:58 Issues with Singing Like You Speak
25:16 Common Transition Challenges from Classical to Contemporary
32:27 Techniques for Breath Control
39:06 How to Keep the Joy in the Process
45:05 Navigating Psychological Barriers
49:24 Quickfire Insights and Final Thoughts
 
Contact Annie:
www.theunlimitedvoice.com/
instagram.com/theunlimitedvoice/
 
Mentions
institute for vocal advancement (IVA) - https://www.vocaladvancement.com/
 
Brett Manning’s Singing Success and Mastering Mix courses that Grace benefitted from. The Mastering Mix course is particularly effective on female voices for the transition from classical contemporary singing - https://singingsuccess.com/author/brett-manning/
https://singingsuccess.com/mastering-mix-is-a-manning-masterpiece/#down
 
Previous episode on the vowel alterations: #10 Modify Your Vowels Like A Pro: A Whitney Houston Study - www.podbean.com/ew/pb-f4ydq-1a122c9
 
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician

In this case study episode of Curious Vocalists, Grace breaks down the distinctive qualities and vocal techniques that defined Ray Charles as a legendary singer and performer. Discover how he balanced a raw, unpolished grit with a deeply rooted chest resonance and forward placement to create an incredibly emotive and timeless sound. The episode explores his masterful, unpredictable phrasing that rejected a square, predictable rhythm in favour of emotional storytelling. Grace also highlights his intentional use of vocal imperfections—such as breaks, cries, and audible breaths—to drive the narrative of a song rather than simply showing off vocal acrobatics. Packed with practical, joy-driven exercises you can try at home, this episode offers actionable insights into incorporating bluesy colours, pentatonic scales, and genuine emotional intent into your own unique voice.
To hear these techniques in action, you can access the curated YouTube playlist matching the order of the songs discussed in this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxmpDkAsBTotUBLX5IoKQWHu0bcw1jU5Q
 
Key Topics
Ray Charles' vocal tone and placement
Phrasing and timing in singing
Adding bluesy colour and emotion
Vocal resonance
Breath control and emotional delivery
Using imperfections for authenticity
Pentatonic and blues scales mastery
Expressive embellishments and riffs
 
Takeaways
Ray Charles' tone combines roughness and refinement, rooted in chest resonance.
Phrasing is about storytelling—artistic fluidity with the rhythms and being lead by the emotion.
Bluesy colour comes from a solid internalisation of the minor pentatonic and blues scales.
Emotions are conveyed through tone colour, dynamics, and intentional imperfections.
Breath and timing are crucial for emotional impact and authenticity.
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Ray Charles' Vocal Techniques
00:54 Trying out Ray's Tone and Placement
05:05 Riffs and Bends: Get The Bluesy Signature Sound
10:24 How to Use Vocal Imperfections for Emotional Connection
14:06 How to Communicate Emotion Only Through Vocal Tone
17:43 Conclusion: Character Over Perfection
 
Resources:
Youtube Playlist with songs mentioned: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxmpDkAsBTotUBLX5IoKQWHu0bcw1jU5Q
 
Songs mentioned:
I Gotta Woman
Georgia
A Fool For You
The Night time is the Right Time
I Can’t Stop Loving You
 
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician
 

Vocal fitness is not a topic to store away for later life. On this episode of Curious Vocalists, Dr. Rebecca Moseley-Morgan, researcher, educator, and incoming President of the British Voice Association, breaks down the physiological shifts that begin in our late 20s and 30s. Using insights from voice science and organology, she outlines the early structural changes affecting our respiratory muscles and vocal folds. Dr. Moseley-Morgan shares highly practical prehabilitation techniques—including sirens, straw-phonation hacks, and tongue-root tension releases—designed to fit effortlessly into a busy, modern routine. Whether you are gigging nightly, teaching, or speaking on mic, this conversation delivers essential lifestyle habits and data-backed tools to stop early vocal strain and protect your long-term acoustic health.
 
Key Topics
Vocal aging misconceptions
Impact of aging on respiratory muscles and vocal folds
Effective vocal exercises and techniques
Importance of hydration and breath control
Recognising early signs of vocal strain and damage
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Vocal Health and Aging
02:14 Rebecca's Journey from Opera to Research
03:43 Understanding Vocal Changes Over Time
06:38 Easy Daily Techniques for Vocal Health
10:39 How to Care For Your Voice in Your 20s/30s
14:39 Recognising Vocal Issues Early
15:13 Exercises to Improve Breathy Voices
18:58 The Stigma Attached to Vocal Injury
20:22 Effect of Emotion on Voice Function
22:01 Managing Vocal Load and Care
24:56 Establishing a Vocal Routine
26:31 Managing Tension in Singing
29:07 How to Harness Power From the Belly
34:51 Menopause and Myths About Vocal Changes
38:54 Maintaining Vocal Range with Age
40:02 Key Takeaways for Singers
 
Resources:
Rebecca’s Website: www.singstrongerforlonger.com
 
About the Host
Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection.
 
Contact Method
gracehancockmusic@gmail.com
www.gracehancockmusic.com
instagram.com/gracehancockmusic
facebook.com/gracehancockmusician