Your vocal cords are muscles. And just like any other muscle, they need care, recovery, and smart habits to stay strong. This deep dive into vocal health clears up what it really means to take care of your voice. You’ll learn how inflammation works, why fatigue isn't always a problem, and what to do to take care of your voice. 📍Mentioned Resource: check out our how to practice episode here: https://youtu.be/5_wvcqicHAM 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every week!

Riffs, runs, melismas - whatever you call them - can feel like the ultimate vocal flex… until they completely fall apart. Here’s the truth: most singers don’t struggle with the notes themselves. They struggle with the timing, shape, and delivery of riffs. And the good news? That’s fixable. This breakdown shows you how to slow down and smooth out your riffs, why fewer notes often work better, and how to practice riffs in a way that makes your muscle memory actually stick. You’ll also hear us break down a riff to show you an example. 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

So you’re wanting to start with or improve your songwriting, but you’re somehow feeling blocked… If you’re experiencing this, there’s a fair chance that you have some limiting beliefs around songwriting. So let’s address some common songwriting myths so that you can get unblocked and start writing (again)! 📍Mentioned Resource: Enroll in our 8 week coaching program “Songwriting For Singers” here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/songwriting-for-singers-cohort-enrollment Enrollment closes on Sunday October 19th! 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

We’ve been working with songwriters from all walks of life… some that have never written a song before, some that have written many - yet we see a lot of the same mistakes coming up for these writers. Let’s look at some of the most common mistakes songwriters make, so that you don’t have to fall into those same traps! 📍Mentioned Resource: Enroll in our 8 week coaching program “Songwriting For Singers” here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/songwriting-for-singers-cohort-enrollment Enrollment closes on Sunday October 19th! 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Good old writer’s block… it’s definitely real, as many creative people have experienced it. But luckily there are some things we can do to get unstuck and back into flow again. In this episode, coach Juliana and I discuss how to get back into flow and feel inspired to write and complete songs again. 👉 Grab the Songwriting Framework PDF here (currently on sale for just $7!): https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/the-songwriting-framework-pdf 👉 Join our live class called How To Write Songs You’ll Actually Like happening on October 14th: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/how-to-write-songs-youll-actually-like-live-masterclass 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

8 years ago I wrote my debut record together with Kayliann Lowe - a professional songwriter based in Nashville. Today, she’s sharing a behind the scenes look at what it looks like to help other artists write their stories. 📍Mentioned Resource: Follow Kayliann here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu2k9-mBwcN9xCJP5uBK7qln3sXbFvQZgntt8s0/?img_index=1 Check out the songs Kayliann wrote for other artists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4OGvvufmvYPdTyIuoF3UGe?si=XZzEd4bLSfKlReQge0p0-Q&nd=1&dlsi=7d8ecd60015b4acb 👉 Grab the Songwriting Framework PDF here (currently on sale for just $7!): https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/the-songwriting-framework-pdf 👉 Join our live class called How To Write Songs You’ll Actually Like happening on October 14th: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/how-to-write-songs-youll-actually-like-live-masterclass 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

I don’t care what anyone else says, but melody is the most important part of any song - after all that’s what people will remember about your song! That is why it’s so important to you learn how to write good melodies. Coach Juliana and I talked about how to write catchy melodies so that your songs will get stuck in people’s heads. 👉 Grab the Songwriting Framework PDF here (currently on sale for just $7!): https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/the-songwriting-framework-pdf 👉 Join our live class called How To Write Songs You’ll Actually Like happening on October 14th: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/how-to-write-songs-youll-actually-like-live-masterclass 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Description If you’ve ever found yourself trying to process what’s happening in your life and put it into a song, but not quite finding the right words for it - this episode is for you. Coach Juliana and I talked about what you can do to turn your thoughts, feelings and emotions into lyrics that touch your audience on a deeper level - whether the lyrics are happy or sad! 👉 Grab the Songwriting Framework PDF here (currently on sale for just $7!): https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/the-songwriting-framework-pdf 👉 Join our live class called How To Write Songs You’ll Actually Like happening on October 14th: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/how-to-write-songs-youll-actually-like-live-masterclass 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

The hardest part about songwriting isn’t writing the song… Is setting aside the time and making the conscious choice to write the song. Today’s guest - Friedemann Findeisen from Holistic Songwriting - has some mindset tips to help us prioritize the things we really want to do in life, but never seem to find the time for. 📍Mentioned Resource: Follow Friedemann Findeisen here: https://www.youtube.com/@Holistic-songwriting Get his book “Getting This Made” here: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Made-Management-Musicians/dp/3982103126 👉 Grab the Songwriting Framework PDF here (currently on sale for just $7!): https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/the-songwriting-framework-pdf 👉 Join our live class called How To Write Songs You’ll Actually Like happening on October 14th: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/how-to-write-songs-youll-actually-like-live-masterclass 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Songwriters often think about taking listeners on a journey lyrically… but then forget to do the same melodically. In this episode coach Juliana and I break down what song structure is and why it’s important. 👉 Grab the Songwriting Framework PDF here (currently on sale for just $7!): https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/the-songwriting-framework-pdf 👉 Join our live class called How To Write Songs You’ll Actually Like happening on October 14th: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/how-to-write-songs-youll-actually-like-live-masterclass 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

So you have a notebook full of ideas, but no idea how to turn them into actual songs… I am here to tell you that songwriting is not nearly as hard as you might think - not when you have a step-by-step system that you can follow. Coach Juliana and I talked about what steps you need to take to turn your ideas into full songs. 👉 Grab the Songwriting Framework PDF here (currently on sale for just $7!): https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/the-songwriting-framework-pdf 👉 Join our live class called How To Write Songs You’ll Actually Like happening on October 14th: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/how-to-write-songs-youll-actually-like-live-masterclass 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Come with me as I vocal produce and coach singer Alina Victoria in the studio together with producer Miette Hope. While this wasn’t Alina’s first time in the studio she asked me to be there to get the best possible vocal takes for her new song “Waiting Room”. 📍Mentioned Resource: Download the Recording Ready Guide Here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/recording-ready-guide Check Out Alina’s Song Here: Follow Alina on IG @xoalinavictoria Follow Miette on IG @miettehope 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Alina loves the studio. Loves the writing. Loves the moment when melody and emotion click. But when it comes time to share the final product? She hesitates and questions everything. We talked about why the creative process flows easily—until the pressure to be “professional” kicks in. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever over-polished their passion or sat on finished work for too long because they didn’t feel “ready.” 📍Mentioned Resource: follow Alina @xoalinavictoria 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Performing live at a bar, restaurant, hotel, or similar just got a lot more interesting! In this episode I’m breaking down my system to creating backing tracks that I can use while playing keys (or guitar) and singing at the same time. This is a great and easy/low effort way to get a fuller sound for your performances without needing to hire a whole band! 📍Mentioned Resources: Moises: https://moises.app/lara Stage Traxx 3: https://stagetraxx.com/ Media Human: https://www.mediahuman.com/en23/ Ultimate Guitar: https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/ AZ Lyrics: https://www.azlyrics.com/ 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Karaoke can be such a great way to get out there and sing in front of people without and pressure. It’s a chance to practice confidence, flexibility, and performance skills all while having fun. We’re sharing my best tips for making karaoke less stressful and way more fun. From choosing songs that fit your voice to managing nerves, even handling those surprise “sing this instead” moments—karaoke can actually make you a better singer. Remember: karaoke isn’t an audition. It’s a playground for your artistry. 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

When is the right time to start voice lessons? And how do you support a young singer without pressuring them? In this session, Coach Kate works with her long-time student Ireland—an incredibly expressive and musical young vocalist from Indiana. Ireland started singing at five years old (yes, really!) and has been passionate ever since. With her mom Carrie’s support, she’s been building a strong technical foundation, a love of storytelling, and vocal control that grows with her. Want to see how we approach coaching for young voices? Watch how Kate encourages Ireland to find both tone and intention—without rushing vocal maturity. 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Mix voice is one of the most misunderstood and mis-taught concepts in singing. It’s not a mystical vocal mode you unlock by singing louder or higher. It’s a coordination—a blend of vocal fold closure, vocal fold thickness, and airflow balance that lets you transition seamlessly between registers. We tackled what mix voice actually is, how to develop it without strain, and why it feels so elusive for most singers. You’ll hear how to stop chasing volume, reduce unnecessary weight, and invite more head voice into your middle. Because once you stop muscling and start coordinating, everything starts to click. 📍Mentioned Resource: Take Our Vocal Persona Quiz Here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/whats-your-vocal-persona-quiz 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

It’s time for some more unhinged Reddit stories - this time all around singing at weddings! I don’t know what it is about people getting married, but they become some of the most entitled people ever! The whole VoxTape Team got together for this episode and we all shared our own stories from singing at weddings and how to handle being asked to sing at a wedding. Whether you’re thinking about starting to sing at weddings or you love other people’s drama, this episode is both entertaining and educational! 📍Mentioned Resource: Lara’s original song “Until Now”: https://open.spotify.com/track/1vU9etvbpkzN2seTh0dWkt?si=91a9ebacebbd4140 Bri’s Event Band in Nashville, TN: https://www.octaviaentertainment.com/talent/vs Kate’s Event Band in Philadelphia, PA: https://www.ebetalent.com/ 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

I am joined by “The Open Mic Guy” David Craver to talk about all things open mics and opportunities for singers to get out there, meet like-minded people, find musicians to play with and perform in front of a supportive crowd. If you’re new to open mics - or as David likes to call them, Mini Music Festivals - or you moved to a new place and want to find some performance opportunities, this episode is for you! 📍Mentioned Resources: Find Open Mics in your city here: https://www.openmic.us/ Join The Singer’s Club here: https://thesingers.club/ Free Class To Learn How To Get Paid Gigs: https://www.performerpro.net/ Donate to the Amped Kids Foundation here: https://ampedkids.org/ 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!

Without breath there is no singing, so yes - getting your breathing right is important! Yet the way it’s been taught for the last couple of decades has been deeply rooted in classical singing techniques, which is not always serving us as contemporary singers. In this episode coach Bri, coach Emily and I break down different techniques and the best habits for breathing for pop songs. This episode focuses only on inhalation. If you’re curious about exhalation, check out the episode below. 📍Mentioned Resource: Singing With Support (Exhalation) Episode: https://youtu.be/jycgLBWFhyo 👉 Want to make practicing easier? Grab our FREE warm up track here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/free-warm-up-track 👉 Want to know exactly what your voice needs to improve? Get a vocal evaluation from our professional coaches here: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/vocal-evaluation 👉 Book a 1:1 session with Coach Lara: https://lessons.voxtapestudios.com/trial-lesson 🔔 Subscribe & follow for new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday!