Inside The Vocal Salon

Working with Voice Competition Contestants

Inside the Vocal Salon Working with Voice Competition Contestants Hosted by Michael Sean Harris Preparing singers for competition requires more than strong vocal technique—it demands strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to guide performers toward authentic, compelling artistry under pressure. In this episode, Michael Sean Harris explores the nuances of working with voice competition contestants, offering insight into repertoire selection, performance preparation, confidence-building, and navigating the high-stakes environment of adjudication. This episode is ideal for voice teachers, vocal coaches, and singers seeking to refine their approach to competitive performance. Key Topics * Coaching strategies for competitive environments * Aligning repertoire with identity and strengths * Performance psychology and confidence * Technique vs. expression in high-pressure settings * Supporting singers through feedback and results Join The Vocal Salon A global community for voice teachers and vocal coaches: https://linktr.ee/ReggaeOnline [https://linktr.ee/ReggaeOnline] Gain access to: * Masterclasses * Weekly office hours * Peer networking * Practical teaching resources Stay Connected Explore more from Reggae Online: https://reggae-on-line.com [https://reggae-on-line.com/] Follow and engage: Instagram & YouTube: @ReggaeOnlineSchool Enjoying the Podcast? * Subscribe so you never miss an episode * Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts * Share this episode with a colleague or student More from Reggae Online * Mike's Moment Of… * Di Tallawah Table * Lounge Lyme

From Practice to Performance: Learning Classical Repertoire with Ease

Inside the Vocal Salon From Practice to Performance: Learning Classical Repertoire with Ease Featuring Lori Burnett 🎧 Episode Overview In this insightful episode of Inside the Vocal Salon, host Michael Sean Harris sits down with acclaimed soprano and voice teacher Lori Burnett for a rich and practical conversation on navigating classical repertoire with confidence and ease. Together, they explore how singers and voice teachers can bridge the gap between practice and performance, demystifying the process of learning classical works while maintaining vocal freedom, musicality, and expressive depth. 🌟 What You'll Learn in This Episode * Practical strategies for approaching classical repertoire without overwhelm * How to move from technical preparation to expressive performance * The importance of text, language, and storytelling in classical singing * Ways to help students build confidence and consistency * Insights into balancing structure and artistic freedom * Teaching approaches that make classical music more accessible and enjoyable 🎤 About the Guest Lori Burnett is a highly respected soprano and voice teacher known for her expressive artistry and thoughtful pedagogical approach. With years of experience on stage and in the studio, she brings a wealth of knowledge to singers seeking to refine their classical technique while staying connected to authentic musical expression. 🎁 Free Download from Lori Burnett Access Lori's guide to support your classical repertoire journey: 👉 Download Lori's Guide [https://reggae-on-line.teachable.com/l/digital_download/956146/from-practice-to-performance] 🎯 Who This Episode Is For * Voice teachers working with classical or crossover singers * Singers learning or refining classical repertoire * Vocal coaches seeking new teaching strategies * Anyone looking to make classical singing feel more natural and achievable 🔗 Resources & Links * 🌐 Join The Vocal Salon community: https://linktr.ee/ReggaeOnline [https://linktr.ee/ReggaeOnline] * 🎥 Watch on YouTube: @ReggaeOnlineSchool * 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts & all major platforms (Reggae Online Podcast Channel) 📣 Call to Action If this episode resonates with you: 👉 Like, subscribe, and share with a fellow voice teacher or singer 👉 Leave a review to help more people discover the podcast 👉 Join The Vocal Salon for deeper conversations, masterclasses, and community support 💬 Join the Conversation What's your biggest challenge when learning or teaching classical repertoire? Drop a comment—we'd love to hear from you!

Healthy Belting

Inside the Vocal Salon: Healthy Belting Featuring Jeannie Gagné What does it really mean to belt — and how do we do it without strain, fatigue, or long-term damage? In this powerful episode of Inside the Vocal Salon, we sit down with world-renowned voice teacher and author Jeannie Gagné for an in-depth conversation on healthy belting — separating myth from method and sensation from science. Belting is often misunderstood as "pushing" or "pulling chest voice up," but Jeannie reframes it as a coordinated, athletic, and acoustically balanced function of the voice. Together, we explore what healthy belting feels like, how it develops, and why so many singers experience tension when foundational elements are missing. In This Episode, We Explore: * What belting actually is (and what it isn't) * The acoustic and physiological shifts that support a strong belt * Why breath management alone won't solve belting issues * Registration balance and mix coordination * Jaw, tongue, and laryngeal freedom * Resonance strategies for power without force * Common technical mistakes singers and teachers make * How to train belting progressively and sustainably Jeannie offers practical, teacher-friendly language and clear, body-aware strategies that voice professionals can immediately apply in the studio. Whether you teach musical theatre, contemporary commercial music, gospel, pop, or rock — this episode provides a grounded, science-informed approach to one of the most requested (and mis-taught) vocal techniques. 🎁 Free Download: Healthy Belting Warm-Up Jeannie is generously offering a free warm-up exercise video to help you and your singers build a healthy belt safely and efficiently. 👉 Download the free warm-up here: https://reggae-on-line.teachable.com/l/digital_download/957042/belting-minor-pentatonic [https://reggae-on-line.teachable.com/l/digital_download/957042/belting-minor-pentatonic] This guided exercise supports coordination, resonance alignment, and ease — perfect for integrating into lessons or personal practice. About Inside the Vocal Salon The Vocal Salon is a subscription space for voice teachers and vocal coaches focused on technique, pedagogy, vocal science, studio business, and professional community. Inside the Vocal Salon is the companion podcast — designed to support and expand the conversations happening inside the membership. If you're a voice professional committed to longevity, clarity, and excellence in your teaching, this episode is essential listening. 🎧 Listen, learn, and strengthen your belt — the healthy way.

Emotional Authenticity in Performance

Inside the Vocal Salon Episode 3: Emotional Authenticity in Performance Guest: Cass McKinley What allows a performance to feel true—not just accurate, but alive? In Episode 3 of Inside the Vocal Salon, host Michael Sean Harris is joined by performer, educator, and creative guide Cass McKinley for a deeply resonant conversation about emotional authenticity in performance and the courage it takes to bring one's full self into the work. This episode explores how emotional truth, presence, and vulnerability intersect with vocal technique and preparation. Cass speaks to the difference between performing emotion and allowing emotion, offering insights into how singers and performers can access honesty without sacrificing vocal health, boundaries, or sustainability. Together, Michael and Cass discuss: * What emotional authenticity really means in performance * How singers can stay grounded while working with vulnerable material * The role of safety, trust, and self-awareness in expressive freedom * How teachers and coaches can support emotional work responsibly in the studio This conversation is especially meaningful for: * Singers navigating emotionally demanding repertoire * Voice teachers and coaches supporting expressive depth in students * Performers seeking greater honesty and connection on stage * Educators balancing technique with artistry and wellbeing 🎙 About The Vocal Salon The Vocal Salon is a subscription-based community space for voice teachers and vocal coaches, created for ongoing conversations, networking, and masterclasses focused on: * The business of running a voice studio * Vocal technique and pedagogy * Vocal science and research * Professional development through shared inquiry Inside the Vocal Salon is the companion podcast, offering listeners a window into the kinds of nuanced, values-driven conversations that happen inside the subscription community. 🎁 Free Office Hour Giveaway with Cass McKinley Cass is offering one free office hour to the first person who reaches out. 📧 Email: team@reggae-on-line.com [team@reggae-on-line.com] 📝 Subject line: Office Hour with Cass 📬 Stay Connected To receive updates about upcoming podcast episodes, Vocal Salon masterclasses, and community offerings, join the mailing list at: 👉 linktr.ee/reggaeonline 🎧 Inside the Vocal Salon centers thoughtful dialogue at the intersection of voice, emotion, pedagogy, and professional practice—supporting artists and educators who value both excellence and authenticity.

Knowing Your Voice by Knowing Your Body

Inside the Vocal Salon Episode 2: Knowing Your Voice by Knowing Your Body Guest: Gaby Cotter What if understanding your voice begins not with sound—but with sensation? In Episode 2 of Inside the Vocal Salon, host Michael Sean Harris is joined by movement educator, voice practitioner, and embodiment specialist Gaby Cotter for a grounding and illuminating conversation on the intimate relationship between the body and the voice. This episode explores how body awareness, proprioception, and somatic listening can profoundly influence vocal freedom, efficiency, and expression. Gaby invites singers and teachers to move beyond purely mechanical or sound-based approaches and into a more integrated understanding of how posture, breath, tension patterns, and internal awareness shape vocal outcomes. Together, Michael and Gaby discuss: * Why "knowing your voice" requires knowing your body * How embodied practices support healthier, more sustainable singing * The role of curiosity and self-observation in vocal development * Practical ways teachers and singers can incorporate somatic awareness into their work This conversation is especially valuable for: * Voice teachers and vocal coaches seeking more holistic tools * Singers navigating tension, inconsistency, or vocal fatigue * Educators interested in embodiment, somatics, and whole-person pedagogy 🎙 About The Vocal Salon The Vocal Salon is a subscription-based community space for voice teachers and vocal coaches, offering ongoing conversations, networking, and masterclasses on: * The business of running a voice studio * Vocal technique and applied pedagogy * Vocal science and research * Professional growth through shared dialogue Inside the Vocal Salon is the companion podcast, created to support and promote the subscription space by offering a window into the kinds of conversations happening within the community. 🎁 Free Journal Giveaway from Gaby Cotter Gaby is giving away one free copy of her journal to the first person who emails us. 📧 Email: team@reggae-on-line.com [team@reggae-on-line.com] 📝 Subject line: Gaby's Free Book 📬 Stay Connected To receive updates about future episodes of Inside the Vocal Salon, Vocal Salon masterclasses, and community offerings, join the mailing list at: 👉 linktr.ee/reggaeonline 🎧 Inside the Vocal Salon explores voice through conversation, curiosity, and community—bridging technique, embodiment, pedagogy, and professional practice for teachers and singers alike.