You wouldn’t teach swimming without water—so why are we still training contemporary commercial music (CCM) singers without microphones or amplification?

In this episode, Timothy Wilds (writer) and Drew Williams-Orozco (host) unpack the disconnect between traditional voice pedagogy and the real-world demands of CCM styles like pop, rock, country, jazz, and modern musical theatre. From the essential role of microphones to the need for new technical and stylistic frameworks, this episode challenges voice teachers to reexamine how we prepare singers for today’s amplified, genre-diverse performance landscape.

We discuss:

• Why amplification isn’t optional in CCM
• How mic technique affects vocal production and artistry
• Equipment setups for teachers on a budget
• Why unplugged training creates a gap between rehearsal and performance
• What it actually takes to train a well-rounded CCM singer in 2025

Whether you’re a teacher stuck in classical defaults or a singer seeking training that reflects your actual goals, this episode breaks down the problems—and offers a path forward.

🔗 VoSci Academy launches this summer with voice science-based courses for real-world singing. Get notified: https://voicescience.org

🎧 Mentioned Episode: #4 – Ring & Twang: https://podcast.voicescience.org/episode/4

Episode Summary:

Legato is one of the most frequently requested—and least clearly defined—skills in singing. In this episode, we unpack what it really takes to sing legato well. From managing airflow to shaping vowels and navigating consonants, we’ll guide you through practical strategies you can apply today.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why breath support alone won’t get you legato
• How to develop continuous vowel connection
• Where singers unintentionally “break the line”
• Exercises to build awareness, precision, and flow

👀 Coming Summer 2025: VoSci Academy

Structured courses, expanded Skill Labs, and monthly Q&As to help you train smarter—not just harder.

👉 Join the waitlist: https://www.voicescience.org/academy/

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Episode on Breath Support: https://www.voicescience.org/2025/02/podcast/ep-1-unlocking-breath-support-sing-powerfully-without-more-air/
• All Podcast Episodes: https://www.voicescience.org/vosci-podcast/
• Contact or Leave a Question: https://www.voicescience.org/contact

Why do instrumentalists seem to improve faster than singers? It’s not about talent—it’s about how they practice.

In this episode, Josh explores the deep disconnect between how most vocalists approach their training compared to instrumentalists. From scale drills and arpeggios to muscle memory and voice science, this episode takes a critical look at why singers often rely too heavily on repertoire—and what that’s costing them in long-term growth.

🎯 Topics include:

• Why singers skip skill-building—and the hidden cost
• How historic vocal pedagogy differed from today’s common practices
• The role of muscle memory in singing
• Why generalized skill drills aren’t “boring”—they’re the fast track to expressive freedom
• What Estill Voice Training taught Josh about precise control
• A simple analogy that reveals why singing should be like learning to write

Plus: Learn about the new VoSci Skill Lab—weekly exercises designed to help you isolate, refine, and master the core ingredients of great singing.

Whether you’re a student, teacher, or seasoned pro, this episode invites you to rethink how you train—and why focusing on fundamentals might be the key to unlocking your best voice yet.

🧠 Read more, ask a question, or check out the Skill Lab at VoiceScience.org

📣 Subscribe for weekly insights into singing, pedagogy, and the science behind the voice.