How do you teach someone to feel confident when they sing? In this episode, we explore the psychology and pedagogy behind building genuine vocal confidence—not through empty praise or forced positivity, but through earned experience and strategic teaching approaches.

In This Episode:

• The anatomy of confidence: why experience matters more than talent or personality
• Creating "safe risk" environments using the zone of proximal development
• Transferring ownership from teacher-dependent to self-sufficient singers
• Common teaching pitfalls that accidentally undermine confidence growth (over-praising, over-correcting, and rushing progress)
• Why confidence is context-specific and what that means for performers
• Practical strategies for voice teachers, coaches, and supportive family members

Whether you're a vocal pedagogue looking to refine your teaching approach, a singer struggling with performance anxiety, or someone supporting a vocalist's journey, this episode offers science-backed insights into how confidence is truly built—one small victory at a time.

Key Topics: vocal confidence, singing pedagogy, performance anxiety, voice teaching strategies, self-efficacy in music, vocal technique, music education, stage fright, vocal coaching methods, growth mindset for singers

Learn more about building evidence-based vocal confidence at voicescience.org/vosci-academy

Credits:

Written by Josh Manuel
Recorded by Drew Williams-Orozco

Discover the science behind extreme vocals, screaming, and growling in metal music. Are harsh vocals safe? How do death metal singers create those intense sounds?

In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we explore the fascinating biomechanics of extreme vocalizations with insights from Dr. Ingo Titze's Utah Center for Vocology and research on Will Ramos of Lorna Shore. Learn how the supraglottic region creates vocal distortion, why the stigma around harsh vocals may be misguided, and what voice science reveals about safe screaming techniques.

Topics covered:

• The anatomy of extreme vocalizations and vocal distortion
• False vocal fold vibration and intentional distortion techniques
• Why metal fans love harsh vocals
• Separating myths from evidence-based voice science
• Safe practices for scream and growl techniques

Whether you're a metal vocalist, vocal coach, or curious about extended vocal techniques, this episode reveals how extreme vocals are created without vocal damage when done correctly.

Featured research: Dr. Amanda Stark, Dr. Julian McGlashan's vocal distortion study, Complete Vocal Technique

#ExtemeVocals #VocalScience #MetalVocals #VocalDistortion #ScreamingTechnique #VoiceScience #HarshVocals #DeathMetal #VocalTechnique #WillRamos #LornaShore

What is head voice, really — and why does it fall apart when you try to sing higher?

Most singers are told to “relax” or “place the sound in the mask,” but if relaxing fixed head voice, no one would struggle with it. In this episode, we’ll break down what head voice actually is (and what it’s not), why it fails, and how to fix it fast — using research-backed vocal exercises proven to strengthen and balance your voice.

You’ll learn:

🎙 What head voice actually means in voice science — the balance of the TA and CT muscles

🎯 Why chest-voice dominance causes cracks, strain, and breathiness

💨 How air pressure and vocal fold coordination work together

⚙️ The Vocal Function Exercises (Stemple Protocol) — the only clinically validated routine to train head voice safely and effectively

If you’ve ever wondered why your high notes sound weak, breathy, or unstable, this episode walks you through exactly how to rebuild your upper register with precision and evidence-based methods.

By the end, you’ll understand how to strengthen your head voice, expand your range, and sing higher notes with freedom — no guessing, no squeezing, and no myths.

👉 Want structured practice paths and step-by-step vocal training?

Join VoSci Academy — your home for evidence-based singing courses, guided practice paths, and live Q&A support.

https://voicescience.org/academy

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: The Voice Science Podcast

🎵 Topics: Head Voice vs Chest Voice, Mix Voice Training, How to Sing Higher, Vocal Exercises for Singers, Voice Science Explained

✍️ Written by Josh Manuel

🎙 Recorded by Drew Williams-Orozco