Julian Morris - Building Your Vocal Options Across Styles and Genres

Julian Morris - Building Your Vocal Options Across Styles and Genres

Episode summary In this episode, Steve Giles sits down with New York City voice teacher and performer Julian Morris to explore how modern singers are moving between styles more freely than ever, without having to “reinvent the wheel” each time. Julian breaks down his core teaching focus: building vocal options through a reliable foundational sound, then learning how to add colour, style, and intensity on purpose. They dig into how technique and expression can solve each other, how Julian approaches belt without the “loud and wide” trap, and what really changes when you shift between classical and contemporary singing. Julian also shares his take on teacher–student fit, performance mindset, and why joy has to stay at the centre of a lifelong singing journey. What we cover * Why genre boundaries are blurring—and what that means for singers who need flexibility across styles * How to build vocal “options” so you can choose sound, colour, and intensity intentionally * Belt without the myths: high notes don’t have to mean “louder and wider,” and belting isn’t a voice type Subscribe to the audio version Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-help-singers/id1869107366 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-help-singers/id1869107366] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/dc705e11-3f3c-44e0-83f5-35c23fd0c5e1/we-help-singers [https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/dc705e11-3f3c-44e0-83f5-35c23fd0c5e1/we-help-singers] Links & resources Julian Morris: https://www.julianmorrisvoice.com/ [https://www.julianmorrisvoice.com/] We Help Singers: https://www.wehelpsingers.com [https://www.wehelpsingers.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers [https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers] Call to action If this conversation helped you, follow the show on your podcast app and share this episode with a singer or coach who’d benefit. For clips and updates, follow us on Instagram. Apply to be a guest If you’re a vocal coach and would like to apply to be a guest on the podcast, fill out the application form here: https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/ [https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/] Credits Guest: Julian Morris Host: Steve Giles Editor: Vedrana Katinic Producers: Luke Nederveen, Jono Hewlett-Davies

John Henny - Voice Teaching in the Age of AI

Episode summary In this episode, Steve Giles sits down with vocal coach John Henny to unpack what really drives vocal improvement at a high level, why vocal tract acoustics matter so much, how “ease” in the voice is often the result of better resonance balance, and why semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (like straws and lip trills) are so effective. They also explore the human side of teaching: why fit between teacher and student matters, how imagery can unlock coordination when technical cues fail, and where AI is likely to support (not replace) great voice teachers in the years ahead. What we cover * Why the voice is shaped as much by the vocal tract as by the vocal folds and why “sing from the vocal tract” is a useful reframe * Phonation Threshold Pressure (PTP): what it is, why lower effort matters, and how SOVT exercises help * The “handover” between resonances/registers and how vowel tuning helps singers transition without pushing * Why minimal effort for maximum result is the goal—and why “tension-free singing” would just be silence * Using imagery to bypass overthinking and improve coordination (expansion vs contraction, “above the note,” helium head) * Why teacher–student connection is a competitive advantage that AI won’t replicate * How AI can reduce admin, accelerate learning, and even create powerful training tools without replacing the human in the room Watch the full video: YouTube : https://youtube.com/@wehelpsingerspod [https://youtube.com/@wehelpsingerspod] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjWrEYI7gMT5gnBL9FDIq?si=ve8_6UrJT5iy7zEgSqjeGg [https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjWrEYI7gMT5gnBL9FDIq?si=ve8_6UrJT5iy7zEgSqjeGg] Links & resources John Henny: https://johnhenny.com/ [https://johnhenny.com/] We Help Singers: https://www.wehelpsingers.com [https://www.wehelpsingers.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers [https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers] Call to action If this conversation helped you, follow the show on your podcast app and share this episode with a singer or coach who’d benefit. For clips and updates, follow us on Instagram. Apply to be a guest If you’re a vocal coach and would like to apply to be a guest on the podcast, fill out the application form here: https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/ [https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/] Credits Guest: John Henny Host: Steve Giles Editor: Vedrana Katanic Producers: Luke Nederveen, Jono Hewlett-Davies

Sarah Algoet - Why Student-Teacher Fit Matters

Episode summary In this episode, Steve Giles sits down with Sarah Algoet to explore teacher-student fit in voice training, why not every singer is the right match for every teacher and how self-reflection, willingness and clear communication can transform the learning process. They also unpack nervous system regulation, sustainable singing, hypermobility, performance anxiety and why guiding singers toward awareness is often more powerful than simply giving instructions. What we cover * Why teacher-student fit matters and how the wrong match can lead to frustration and burnout * The role of accountability, willingness, and self-reflection in effective voice training * Why awareness and playful experimentation often lead to better learning than rigid instruction * How nervous system regulation can improve breathing, safety, and vocal freedom * Why values-based action is more useful than fear-based thinking in performance * Sara’s work with hypermobile singers and why hypermobility is often misunderstood in voice training * How honest communication helps singers and teachers decide whether a working relationship is the right fit Watch the full video: YouTube : https://youtube.com/@wehelpsingerspod [https://youtube.com/@wehelpsingerspod] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjWrEYI7gMT5gnBL9FDIq?si=ve8_6UrJT5iy7zEgSqjeGg [https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjWrEYI7gMT5gnBL9FDIq?si=ve8_6UrJT5iy7zEgSqjeGg] Links & resources Sarah : https://singsing.be/onlinecourses [https://singsing.be/onlinecourses] We Help Singers: https://www.wehelpsingers.com [https://www.wehelpsingers.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers [https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers] Call to action If this conversation helped you, follow the show on your podcast app and share this episode with a singer or coach who’d benefit. For clips and updates, follow us on Instagram Apply to be a guest If you’re a vocal coach and would like to apply to be a guest on the podcast, fill out the application form here: https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/ [https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/] Credits Guest: Sarah Algoet Host: Steve Giles Editor: Vedrana Katanic Producers: Luke Nederveen, Jono Hewlett-Davie

Korel Tunador - The Importance of Collaboration & Musical Independence

Episode summary In this episode, Steve Giles sits down with voice and music coach Korel Tunador to explore a musician-first approach to vocal coaching. Shaped by decades of professional touring with major artists including Rob Thomas, Katy Perry, and the Goo Goo Dolls, Korel shares how discovering voice science later in his career transformed his teaching, blending empirical knowledge with real-world musicianship. They discuss Korel’s non-hierarchical philosophy, where singers are treated as teammates rather than students, and lessons are collaborative sessions instead of top-down instruction. The conversation also dives into musicianship, psychology, and why energy exchange in teaching can be just as fulfilling as performing on stage. What we cover * Why the voice should be trained with the same rigor as any other instrument * The benefits of a non-hierarchical, teammate-based coaching relationship * Why Korel often prioritizes laryngeal coordination over breath-first approaches * The role of complete musicianship (piano, guitar, ear training) in vocal development * The psychological side of voice work and how awareness accelerates progress Watch the full video: YouTube : https://youtube.com/@wehelpsingerspod [https://youtube.com/@wehelpsingerspod] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjWrEYI7gMT5gnBL9FDIq?si=ve8_6UrJT5iy7zEgSqjeGg [https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjWrEYI7gMT5gnBL9FDIq?si=ve8_6UrJT5iy7zEgSqjeGg] Links & resources Korel Tunador: https://koreltunador.com/ [https://koreltunador.com/] We Help Singers: https://www.wehelpsingers.com [https://www.wehelpsingers.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers [https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers] Call to action If this conversation helped you, follow the show on your podcast app and share this episode with a singer or coach who’d benefit. For clips and updates, follow us on Instagram. Apply to be a guest If you’re a vocal coach and would like to apply to be a guest on the podcast, fill out the application form here: https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/ [https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/] Credits Guest: Korel Tunador Host: Steve Giles Editor: Vedrana Katanic Producers: Luke Nederveen, Jono Hewlett-Davies

Justin Stoney - The Joy of Vocal Fold Mastery & Customised Teaching

Episode summary In this episode, Steve Giles sits down with vocal coach Justin Stoney to discuss what makes a truly great voice lesson, how joy is inseparable from singing, the value of imitation as a learning tool & why the human spirit can never be replaced by AI when it comes to singing. What we cover * Why vocal fold coordination is often the missing piece in voice training * The difference between judgmental and creative mindsets in singing * How to deliver victory in every voice lesson * The role of imitation in developing vocal versatility * Joy as transcendent and inseparable from singing * Customisation as the foundation of effective teaching Watch the full video YouTube : https://youtube.com/@wehelpsingerspod [https://youtube.com/@wehelpsingerspod] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjWrEYI7gMT5gnBL9FDIq?si=ve8_6UrJT5iy7zEgSqjeGg [https://open.spotify.com/show/7mjWrEYI7gMT5gnBL9FDIq?si=ve8_6UrJT5iy7zEgSqjeGg] Links & resources Justin Stoney: https://newyorkvocalcoaching.com [https://newyorkvocalcoaching.com] We Help Singers: https://www.wehelpsingers.com [https://www.wehelpsingers.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers [https://www.instagram.com/wehelpsingers] Call to action If this conversation helped you, follow the show on your podcast app and share this episode with a singer or coach who’d benefit. For clips and updates, follow us on Instagram. Apply to be a guest If you’re a vocal coach and would like to apply to be a guest on the podcast, fill out the application form here: https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/ [https://wehelpsingers.com/i-teach/] Credits Guest: Justin Stoney Host: Steve Giles Editor: Vedrana Katanic Producers: Luke Nederveen, Jono Hewlett-Davies