Artist Mentoring & development Resources

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Radiohead Community (@radiohead.one) "It takes time for artists to find their voice, to learn their craft and where it will take them. I worry that our business is becoming risk averse. And unable or unwilling to help. It...

Sometimes people come to me for 'singing lessons'. They want technical voice help and I know how to teach technique! In fact I've done it for more than two decades. But there is another kind of conversation I find myself having often with artists and singers. Usually...

Many singers spend years developing technique: breath support, tone, range, and control. But eventually most artists run into a different question—one that technique alone cannot answer: Who am I as an artist? It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to please...

Why do you sing? I know that might sound like a basic question. But whether you’re just starting out or already performing professionally, it’s one of the most important questions you can ask about your voice, your music, and your artistry — and one that is often...

Why do we choose the music we choose? It’s an interesting question for anyone learning to sing or develop as an artist, because when people press play on a song, they’re rarely doing it randomly. They are choosing a voice, a sound, a feeling — for a reason. Most...

Many singers spend years trying to sound “good.” Better tone. Better range. Better control. Fewer mistakes. Technical skill is important, but it’s not the thing audiences connect to most. The performances people remember are rarely the most technically flawless ones....

So you want to sing, write songs, develop yourself as an artist...... What’s stopping you? For most people, the answer isn’t a lack of talent. It’s the stream of thoughts that appear the moment they try to sing, write, or create. Sometimes what stops us doesn’t look...

One of the pressures singers often feel is the idea that they should appeal to others. They try to sing in a way that feels sort of acceptable. Technically impressive. Polished. Safe. But something important can get lost in that process: their own artistic taste....

Children Don’t Wait for Permission to Create When you watch a child draw, sing, or make up a story, something becomes immediately obvious: they don’t hesitate. Children create constantly. They sing loudly, invent songs, scribble pictures, and perform for anyone who...

When people begin singing lessons, they often assume that technique is the goal. They picture scales, breath exercises, posture work, and vocal drills as the destination. But technique is not the end point of singing. And lord knows social media could really make you...

One of the most useful exercises I ask singers and artists I work with to do is surprisingly simple. Make a list of the artists you love. Not the ones you think you should love. Not the ones that make you look knowledgeable.The ones you return to. The ones that move...

If you walked into my house, you’d understand quite quickly what kind of artist I am. The first thing you see is a huge naked breast on the wall. Then fairy lights spiralling up the staircase. You walk up and find a big wooden open plan room with a huge woodern table...

As artists, we often focus heavily on output.Practicing. Performing. Recording. Posting. Teaching. Creating. In the world of singing and music, it can sometimes feel like if you're not producing something, you're falling behind. But there is something many artists...

Artists Need a Team Today’s musicians are expected to wear far too many hats. You’re the songwriter, performer, promoter, content creator, editor, strategist, and sometimes even your own manager. The modern music world asks artists to constantly produce, constantly...

“Chappell Roan performing in Paris, France (20 Aug 2025)” by Raph_PH, from Flickr via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0). When people hear the phrase artist development, it can sound mysterious. What does it actually mean?...

This is a horrible question one of my old songwriting teachers used to ask his class often.... Why should I care? Eek.....This is a question most of us like to quietly avoid.Not because it isn’t important—but because it’s uncomfortable. The truth is simple and...

The identity gap no one talks about — and why it holds singers back. As a vocal coach, I’ve worked with singers and artists at every level — beginners finding their voices, performers preparing for gigs, and artists on the brink of releasing their first songs.And over...

For the ones who feel the tremor of something larger beneath their ribs. There comes a moment — quiet or thunderous — when you realise you aren’t here just to “sing.”You’re here to break something open.To build something real.To follow the sound inside you that...

"Doubt is the engine of creativity. It is what makes you question what you are doing, and this constant questioning and searching is ultimately what drives you to create something meaningful." Nick Cave Every creative individual—writer, musician, artist, or...

The music industry has changed. There are no real barriers anymore. You don’t need permission.You don’t need a label.You don’t need to wait. You can choose: how your music sounds how you grow how you release As you build your audience your strength grows as an artist....

For some, art isn’t just a side project—it’s the heartbeat of their life. If you’re serious about turning your passion into a career, the key is to do it in a way that stays true to who you are. Too many artists get lost in what they think they “should” be...

As a vocal coach in London and artist mentor for singers and songwriters, I know how important it is for artists to know who they are. It helps you feel confident and ensures you stay on track. Artists can be quite scattergun sometimes in their approach to their work...

Now that you’ve explored your artistic identity and emotional intention (from Part 1), it’s time to focus on defining your sound — and understanding how to bring that vision into your first EP or album. As a vocal coach and artist mentor I've worked with hundreds of...

As artists, we often find ourselves in pursuit of that elusive "something" that makes a piece of music, poetry, or storytelling come alive. It’s an almost mystical quality that connects us deeply to a song or a lyric—a spark that makes it resonate long after the final...

An artist statement is more than just a description of what you do—it's a declaration of who you are as an artist. It serves as your artistic compass, anchoring you to your core values and guiding you through your creative journey. Whether you're a singer, songwriter,...

There’s something magical about live performance. Where the singer embodies the shaman, the communicator, the archetype. There's something about the communion, the connection, energy of the crowd and the bravery of the performers. Some concerts just stay with you,...

Before I get started on 'building a fanbase'. I think I need to say, this stuff doesn't need to feel icky. It doesn't need to be cliche/dull. The title of this is for Google. We could call it 'staying connected with your people'. There are artists who do this really...

Crowdfunding has become a powerful tool for independent artists to fund their projects, connect with their audience, and bring their creative visions to life. Whether you're a singer-songwriter looking to record an album, a musician hoping to tour, or an artist...

You're naturally unique In a world where it’s easy to get lost in the pursuit of perfection, i love this quote from the wonderful Martha Wainwright:"Quirks and strange personality things… because that’s really what your sound’s going to be, who you are." Our unique...

Dan Wilson, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, has been a pivotal figure in the music industry for decades. Known for his work with the band Semisonic and his collaborations with artists like Adele and Taylor Swift, Wilson's journey is a testament to...

In the world of music, trusting one's own ear is crucial for creative autonomy. It's the internal compass that guides vocalists and musicians through melodies, harmonies, and rhythms etc. Yet, the journey of trusting oneself is fraught with challenges, particularly...

As someone who’s spent a lot of time working with singers and helping them prepare for performances, I’ve learned how much thought goes into crafting the perfect setlist. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, balancing your voice, your audience,...

I often ask the singers and artists I work with to do something simple: List the artists you love.The ones you actually return to. Then look again — not at the names, but at the patterns. Because the artists you love are not random. They tell you something about: what...

The journey towards genuine self-expression often commences with the acknowledgement of your beauty, your uniqueness as well as your similarity. With accepting that you are here, that you are entitled to cherish and celebrate your life and make some noise! You must...

In the journey of artistic expression, whether in singing, songwriting, or other forms of art, a common obstacle is the internal questioning of our abilities and even our right to express ourselves. This blog delves into the heart of why we often hesitate to sing out...

Every artist with a serious passion for their craft must understand the importance of a structured artist development programme. This is a necessity for those looking to carve out a career in the music industry. Without a plan weeks become months become years without...

In a world where the term 'artist development' is sometimes misconstrued, it’s important to clarify what I believe it truly does and does not entail. For me, artist development goes beyond mere industry jargon or the superficial allure of fame. It's not about making...

As a singing teacher working with singers and musical artists, I’ve found that one of the most fascinating aspects of music is the way it reflects our cultural influences. While there are no hard and fast rules in music, none of us are blank slates. We all carry with...

In the dynamic world of music and artistry, the journey to success is rarely a solo endeavour. As a passionate singing teacher, vocal coach, artist mentor, and confidence builder, I've witnessed first hand the transformative power of finding the right support team....

I invite my clients to create a physical folder that encapsulates their artistic journey during our time together. This folder can be shared with me via the client portal, serving as a safe and supportive space for you to express yourself freely, unfiltered, and...

As a vocal coach and artist development mentor, I often turn to artists whose work reveals the deeper possibilities of expressive singing. Few artists embody emotional honesty, vocal freedom, and artistic courage as fully as Joni Mitchell. Her album Blue remains one...

In the journey of vocal coaching and artist mentoring, exploring one’s inner world is as crucial as mastering technique. One powerful tool I advocate in this exploration is the practice of stream of consciousness writing, especially through morning pages—a...

Becoming a professional musician is an exciting journey, and one that many of my clients aspire to and many have achieved. It's an absolute pleasure guiding singers towards a multifaceted career in music. This process includes honing technical vocal skills, developing...

Whilst singing covers isn't the aim of many of my clients, there are many good reasons to sing a cover and make it your own.i) Because you love the song and just love singing it.ii) Perhaps you want to perform it live and make it your own.ii) Maybe you want to use it...

“To be an artist is to believe in life,” Henry Moore Embracing the Identity of an Artist Many people feel unsure about calling themselves an 'artist,' but for me, it's a beautiful word that embodies a diverse range of expressions while still holding meaningful...