Welcome to Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, a podcast dedicated to the art and practice of teaching singers. Host David Sisco knits together current research from a plethora of fields to highlight a student-centered, culturally responsive, trauma-informed approach to teaching, which gives singers agency over their vocal expression and buoys teacher well-being. Each episode, David will be joined by a special guest, who will share their wholehearted knowledge about the student-teacher relationship ...
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David Sisco Podcasts
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Ep. 22 - "Voices of Influence" with Dr. Brian Manternach
45:01
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45:01On the final episode of this season of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, I have an in-depth conversation with Dr. Brian Manternach about his new book, Voices of Influence. Brian opens up about the impact of his family and mentors, including his doctoral voice teacher at Indiana University, Robert J. Harrison (or Bob). Brian beautifully illustrates how v…
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Ep. 21 - "The Teaching Artist" with Anthony Turner
56:11
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56:11On this episode of Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, I have a far-ranging conversation with my dear colleague Anthony Turner about what it means to be a teaching artist. Anthony opens up about his life, his training, and what he's curious about these days. There are plenty of insights (not to mention lots of laughs) in this episode. I'm so pleased to sh…
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Ep. 20 - "Fat Liberation in the Voice Studio" with Dr. Elizabeth Ann Benson & Kate Rosen
1:04:54
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1:04:54On 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…
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Ep. 19 - "Culturally-Responsive Teaching" with Dr. Noélia Luna Archambeault de Hernández
43:23
43:23
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43:23On 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://w…
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Ep. 18 - "Practicing Self-Care" with David Sisco
25:36
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25:36In 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.…
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Ep. 17 - "Artistry in Western Classical Music" with Elizabeth Mondragon
55:24
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55:24On 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 musi…
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Ep. 16 - "Equity-Centered Teaching" with Alex Shevrin Venet
37:19
37:19
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37:19In 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'…
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Ep. 15 - "Queering Vocal Pedagogy" with Dr. William Sauerland
50:23
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50:23On 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 & Littlefie…
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Ep. 14 - "Sex Hormones and the Singer" with Dr. Vindhya Khare
48:23
48:23
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48:23In 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 …
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Ep. 13 - "The Book Launch Episode" with Justin Petersen, Dr. Felix Graham, Dr. Luvada Harrison, and Adalynn Eller
58:32
58:32
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58:32Wholehearted 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 a…
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Ep. 12 - "Lessons Learned" with host David Sisco
27:47
27:47
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27:47In 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 Stay engaged!! Subscribe to …
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Ep. 11 - "Trauma-Informed Care in the Voice Studio" with Megan Durham
53:27
53:27
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53:27What 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…
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Ep. 10 - "Exploring Artistry with the Student" with Amer Khosla
50:50
50:50
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50:50In 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 Info…
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Ep. 9 - "Setting Healthy Boundaries with Students" with Dr. Harriet L. Schwartz
48:23
48:23
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48:23In 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 cl…
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Ep. 8 - "Curiosity" with Maurice Goodwin, SLP
39:00
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39:00Curiosity 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 In…
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Ep. 7 - "Selecting Repertoire with the Student" with Zipporah Peddle & Paul M. Patinka
45:23
45:23
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45:23There 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 Informa…
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Ep. 6 - "One Time, at Summer Camp" with Dr. Everett McCorvey
45:58
45:58
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45:58In 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…
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Ep. 5 - "Working Within the Window of Tolerance" with Marcia Lesser, SEP
45:25
45:25
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45:25In 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…
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Ep. 4 - "Teachers & Therapists: Similarities & Differences" with Dr. Ritu Agarwal
45:44
45:44
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45:44In 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:…
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Ep. 3 - Teacher- vs. Student-Centered Learning" with Dr. Marisa Lee Naismith & Dr. Travis Sherwood
45:05
45:05
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45:05In 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). …
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Ep. 2 - "The Master-Apprentice Model" with Justin Petersen
45:50
45:50
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45:50In 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 f…
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Ep. 1 - "Origin Stories" with Dr. Felix Graham
44:40
44:40
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44:40Host 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 overco…
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