On this episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Elizabeth Ann Benson and Kate Rosen about Fat Liberation in the Voice Studio. I am so grateful to both Elizabeth and Kate for being so open and offering actionable steps for supporting all bodies in the studio. I personally took so much from this episode and hope you will as well!
Dr. Elizabeth Ann Benson
Website: https://elizabethannbenson.com/benson-music-studios-llc
IG: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth8ann
Kate Rosen
Website: https://www.katerosenstudio.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/katerosenstudio, @fatfolksdetroit
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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
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On this episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Noélia Luna Archambealt de Hernández about the power of culturally-responsive teaching in the voice studio. She shares some very insightful examples of how we can engage this teaching modality in a way that supports student growth.
Noélia's Contact Information:
Website: https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/cas/units/departments/school-of-music/our-people/noel-archambeault/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/noeliasvoice/
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IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
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In this episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, David takes a thoughtful dive into the science behind self-care—and why it's not just beneficial, but essential for voice teachers. Drawing from current research, we’ll unpack the proven benefits of meditation, journaling, boundary-setting, and strategies for cultivating a healthier work-life balance. Whether you're feeling burnt out or simply curious about how to support your own wellbeing, this episode offers evidence-based tools to help you teach—and live—with more intention and heart.
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IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
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On this episode of the podcast, we continue our conversation about artistry, this time focusing on it from the perspective of Western classical music. My very special guest is my dear friend and colleague, Elizabeth Mondragon, an in-demand DC-based mezzo soprano. I have written more art song for Elizabeth than any other singer. She is innately musical and has some wonderful insights on balancing artistry with technique and fostering artistry in young performers.
Elizabeth Mondragon's Contact Information:
http://www.elizabethmondragon.com
IG: @emondragroff
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IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
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In this episode of the podcast, we focus on equity-centered teaching and how it intersects with trauma-informed practices. Our special guest is Alex Shevrin Venet, who is an educator and professional development facilitator. She is also the author of Equity-Centered Trauma Informed Education and Becoming an Everyday Changemaker.
Alex Shevrin Venet's Contact Information:
https://www.unconditionallearning.org
IG: @unconditionallearning
Books: Equity-Centered Trauma Informed Education, Becoming and Everyday Changemaker
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IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
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On this episode, we consider ways to co-create safe, student-centered learning spaces for transgender and genderqueer students. My special guest is Dr. William Sauerland, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies for the School of Music at Purdue University Fort Wayne. He is the author of Queering Vocal Pedagogy (Roman & Littlefield) among many other published articles and chapters. Billy brings such humanity to this work. You don't want to miss this episode!
Dr. William Sauerland's Contact Information:
https://www.pfw.edu/visual-performing-arts/music/william-sauerland-biography
Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/stores/William-Sauerland/author/B0B36LC71J?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
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In this episode, we discuss the importance of continuing to expand our island of knowledge as voice teachers. My very special guest is Dr. Vindhya Khare, who teaches me a tremendous amount about female sex hormones and their impacts on the singing voice. I am so grateful for her vulnerability and tremendous knowledge, and can affirm you will learn so much from this episode!
Dr. Vindhya Khare's Contact Information:
https://carta.fiu.edu/music/vindhya-khare/
IG: @vindhyamusica & @TheSheSingsPodcast
Show Notes:
Sex Hormones & The Female Voice (Journal of Voice): https://www.jvoice.org/article/S0892-1997(99)80048-4/abstract
Birth Control Changes Who You Are & How You Feel About Your Partner (Diary of a CEO - Interview with Sarah Hill): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGposaKNJKQ
This Is Your Brain on Birth Control (Sarah Hill): https://www.amazon.com/This-Your-Brain-Birth-Control/dp/0525536035
Sex Hormones and the Female Voice: Communication in the Voice Studio (Kimberly Mullendore Brown) - NATS Journal of Singing (Vol. 71, Issue 4, p. 447)
Mary Claire Haver, OB/GYN, MD, FACOG, MCP
https://maryclairewellness.com
Dr. Stacy Sims - Women Are Not Small Men
https://www.drstacysims.com
Dr. Vonda Wright - Expert in Aging & Longevity
https://www.drvondawright.com
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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
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Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy has officially been published by Routledge Press and is now available wherever books are sold! To celebrate, I had some wonderful conversations with previous guests Justin Petersen and Dr. Felix Graham, my colleague Dr. Luvada Harrison, and former student, Adalynn Eller. Listen to find out more about what's in the book and how this wonderful array of pedagogues are thinking about teaching voice.
Contact Information for Justin Petersen
https://petersenvoicestudio.com
https://justinpetersen.substack.com
IG: @justinpetersensings
Contact Information for Dr. Felix Graham
https://www.felix-graham.com
IG: @singwithdrfelix
Contact Information for Dr. Luvada Harrison
https://theatredance.ua.edu/people/luvada-harrison/
IG: @lahcanta
Contact Information for Adalynn Eller
https://www.adalynneller.com
IG: @adylnn.eller
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IG: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
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In this last episode before my book release, I share three lessons I learned while researching, writing, and trying to get the book published. No guests this week—it's just you and me. I hope this story inspires your own journey toward creativity, passion, and truth.
David Sisco's Contact Information:
www.davidsisco.com
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What is trauma? How do we assess trauma and activate a trauma-informed response? And how do we balance this with self-care? In this episode, I have a wonderfully rich conversation with voice teacher and vocologist Megan Durham about engaging trauma-informed care in the voice studio. Megan shares some fantastic resources and insights. See show notes below.
Megan’s Contact Information:
https://www.respirevocalwellness.com/
@respirevocalwellness
Resources discussed during the episode:
https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/
My Grandmother’s Hands (https://www.amazon.com/My-Grandmothers-Hands-Racialized-Pathway/dp/1942094477)
Trauma-Informed Care: Better Care for Everyone (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5851387/)
Focusing the Scope: The Voice Practitioner’s Role in Trauma-Informed Care (https://www.nats.org/_Library/JOS_On_Point/JOS-080-4-2024-455.pdf)
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In this episode, I have an in-depth conversation with Amer Khosla, whom I had the pleasure of working with while he completed his degree at NYU Gallatin, and now as a singer/songwriter based in India. Amer and I discuss how to help students explore artistry through the lens of his own evolution as a performer and creator.
Amer Khosla's Contact Information:
IG: @indeedamer
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7IwCEvKKd3pLEYrbU1llo8?si=n-U19rpYS-ibT19ExJ54Dg
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In this episode, I talk to Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz, author of Connected Teaching, about the importance of setting healthy, flexible boundaries with students. Using the framework of Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT), Dr. Schwartz offers helpful ways to think about the student-teacher relationship and offers real-life examples of how boundaries and clear communication can support connection.
Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz's Contact Information:
https://harrietschwartz.com/
Check out her fantastic book on Amazon
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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
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Curiosity is central to our work as voice teachers. But how do we express curiosity and encourage students to engage their own? How can it create a value added in the voice studio? Join me for a great conversation with Maurice Goodwin, SLP who illuminates how curiosity can be useful in both clinical and academic arenas.
Maurice Goodwin's Contact Information:
https://www.mauricegoodwin.com/
Also check out: @voiceproed on Instagram
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There are a number of challenges voice teachers must navigate when considering repertoire selection for their students. In this episode, David speaks to Zipporah Peddle and Paul M. Patinka, who continue to bring our community scholarly research on repertoire selection and its impacts on student learning and growth.
Zipporah Peddle's Contact Information:
https://www.zipporahpeddlevoice.com
https://www.instagram.com/zeezeevoice/
Paul M. Patinka's Contact Information:
https://paulpatinka.com
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In this episode, David has a far-reaching conversation with his first formal voice teacher, Dr. Everett McCorvey, who has had an accomplished career as a singer, teacher, and conductor. Together, they discuss mentorship, adjusting to the ever-evolving needs of students, vulnerability, and much more.
Dr. Everett McCorvey's Contact Information:
https://www.everettmccorvey.com
https://www.instagram.com/everett_mccorvey
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In this episode, David explores Dr. Dan Siegel's theory of the Window of Tolerance and Dr. Stephen Porgress' Polyvagal Theory as frameworks for understanding how to keep singers regulated in the voice studio. Special guest Marcia Lesser, SEP offers valuable insights on the Autonomic Nervous System and how we can create learning spaces that are safe enough for student growth.
Contact Information for Marcia Lesser:
https://marcialesser.com
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In this episode, David explores the similarities and differences between teachers and therapists with the help of psychologist Dr. Ritu Agarwal. Together, they discuss how to co-create a safe environment for students and outline the signs when it may be time to refer a student to a licensed therapist.
Contact Information for Dr. Ritu Agarwal
https://www.syncpsych.com/our-team/ritu-agarwal
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In this episode, David highlights the differences between teacher-centered and student-centered learning—a natural off-shoot of his conversation with special guest Justin Petersen in Episode 2. This week, David speaks with Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith (Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University) and Dr. Travis Sherwood (San Diego State University). Together, they explore how to bring student-centered practices to the voice studio.
Contact Information for Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith
https://drmarisaleenaismith.com
https://drmarisaleenaismith.com/podcast/
https://www.instagram.com/drmarisaleenaismith/
Contact Information for Dr. Travis Sherwood
https://travissherwoodbaritone.com
https://www.instagram.com/doc_travis_sherwood/
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In this episode, David considers the relationship between voice student and voice teacher through the lens of the master-apprentice model. How has this relationship changed over the centuries? How do we view this evolution without judgment? Special guest Justin Petersen brings in-depth, thoughtful context to this conversation.
Contact Information for Justin Petersen:
https://petersenvoicestudio.com
https://justinpetersen.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/justinpetersensings/
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Host David Sisco shares three origin stories that inspired him to create this podcast and write Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy: An Integrative Approach to Training Vocal Artists (which will be released by Routledge Press in Summer 2025 ).
Special Guest Dr. Felix Graham talks about the power of narratives and how voice teachers can help students overcome stories that are negatively impacting their singing without taking on the role of a psychotherapist.
Dr. Felix Graham's Contact Information:
https://www.felix-graham.com/
https://www.instagram.com/singwithdrfelix/
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Email: wholeheartedpedagogy@gmail.com
Social Media: @wholeheartedpedagogy @siscosongs
