145 | First Solos, Monologues, Alt Text and Breathing Pedagogy
In episode 145, Nikki talks about age-appropriate first solos for young singers. Voice Teacher and actor Phyllis Horridge shares strategies for finding monologues for all ages. Social Media expert Karen Michaels talks about best practices for using alt text on images for your website and social media posting. Dr. Heather Nelson shares mindful considerations on breathing pedagogy for singers.
Age-appropriate First Solos for Young Singers with Nikki Loney (3:41)
Getting started with young singers in the voice studio comes with many challenges (adventures?) and getting started with music where they can enjoy “quick wins” is so important. Here are links to Nikki’s favourite resources:
Beth’s Notes: https://www.bethsnotesplus.com/
Donna and Andy: https://donnaandandy.com/
First, We Sing!: 100 Little Songs and Rhymes by Susan Brumfield (Amazon)
Free Song Downloads:
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs by Donna Rhodenizer
Hot Chocolate Warm-Up Song
Finding First Monologues – Phyllis Horridge (16:23)
Phyllis Horridge holds a Masters Degree in Music (Education) from George Mason University, and a Bachelors Degree in Music (Vocal Performance), with a minor in theatre, from Lynchburg College in Virginia. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), the Speakeasy Cooperative (SECO) for Independent Voice Teachers, and the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). She trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts while living in NYC. Phyllis has performed professionally at regional theatres, and toured all over the country for a number of years, before calling Louisiana home. She runs Phyllis & Friends Singing Lessons, a boutique multi-teacher studio that offers singing, acting, and audition prep in-person and online. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.shelsilverstein.com/
Find and Follow Phyllis:
Website: https://www.phyllissings.com
TikTok: @phyllis.sings https://www.tiktok.com/@phyllis.sings
Instagram: @phyllis.sings https://www.instagram.com/phyllis.sings/
Using Alt Text on Images – Karen Michaels (30:07)
Are you using alt text on your online images? What is alt text? It is not just about SEO – alt text on Instagram is the description that identifies the content of an image and allows screen readers to describe your photos to blind or visually impaired users. Social media expert Karen Michaels shares best practices for using alt text on all your online visuals.
Find and follow Karen:
https://www.flow.page/socialbutterflygroup
Breathing Pedagogy – Dr. Heather Nelson (39:00)
Heather shares mindful considerations for voice teachers.
About Dr. Heather Nelson
“I love all the things about vocal science and pedagogy, and my favorite thing is taking all that nerdy goodness and breaking it into digestible chunks that are not only fun and fascinating but actually make a difference in how voice teachers teach.”
Find and follow Heather HERE:
drheathernelson.com/pedagogy-list-landing-page for email sign-ups
Instagram.com/drheathernelson
Facebook.com/drheathernelson
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZ32J0yEdy7f9j89_xq8A0g
