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.

Why do so many singing myths persist—even in college classrooms?

In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, host Josh Manuel explores Vox Agnotology—a term he’s coined to describe the willful and unintentional ignorance surrounding how the voice actually works.

Inspired by the field of agnotology (the study of ignorance), Josh breaks down how outdated or misunderstood vocal concepts continue to be passed from teacher to student, even when science tells us otherwise. He shares personal stories, historical context, and practical advice on how to break free from inherited misinformation and start asking better questions.

You’ll learn:

• What Vox Agnotology is (and why you’ve never heard of it)
• Why even well-meaning teachers pass on incorrect vocal technique
• How to begin reading research without a science degree
• Trusted sources to grow your understanding of voice science
• How emotional attachment to mentors and tradition can hold us back

🎧 Whether you’re a singer, teacher, or voice nerd, this episode will challenge what you think you know—and empower you to build a more accurate, evidence-based understanding of the voice.

👉 More resources, articles, and feedback opportunities at VoiceScience.org

📩 Subscribe for more episodes that uncover the truth behind the art of singing.

Ologies Podcast with Alie Ward: https://www.alieward.com/ologies
Agnotology Ologies Episode with Robert Proctor: https://www.alieward.com/ologies/agnotologyencore

Singing straws promise stronger, easier, and healthier singing—but what does the science really say?

In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the world of semi-occluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs)—with a spotlight on the ever-popular singing straws. From lip trills to submerged straws, these exercises are everywhere in voice training and rehabilitation. But are they really as effective as they claim to be?

🔬 We’ll break down:

• What SOVTEs are and how they work
• Why singing straws gained so much popularity
• What the research actually says about their effectiveness
• Who might benefit from them—and who might be better off without
• The surprising truth about adduction, air pressure, and head voice development
• Better, science-backed alternatives for singers chasing vocal power or mix voice clarity

Whether you’re a singer, teacher, or just voice-curious, this episode will give you a clear, evidence-based perspective on one of the most hyped tools in modern vocal pedagogy.

👉 Spoiler: SOVTEs have value—but the way they’re marketed doesn’t always align with what your voice actually needs.

What do a trembling hand, an emotional speech, and a soaring operatic note have in common? Vibrato.

In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into the real science behind vibrato in singing—what it is, how it happens, and why it’s not just a stylistic choice, but a neuromuscular phenomenon grounded in biology.

You’ll learn:

• ✅ What causes vibrato (and why we don’t fully know)

• ✅ The leading theory: The Reflex Resonance Model

• ✅ Why some singers struggle to find their vibrato

• ✅ Exercises that actually work (and which ones to skip)

• ✅ How vibrato relates to balanced vocal technique

We explore insights from voice scientists like Ingo Titze and John Nix, and break down the rate and extent of vibrato in terms every singer can understand.

If you’re a singer, vocal coach, or just curious about how the voice works, this episode is your guide to discovering vibrato through better technique—not gimmicks.

🔗 Learn more & explore resources:

www.voicescience.org

🎧 Subscribe to the podcast for more science-backed vocal insights.

🎙️ How to Sing with Dynamics: Mastering Loud and Soft Singing | The Voice Science Podcast

Want more vocal power without straining? Learn the real science behind loud and soft singing—and why it’s not just about more air or effort.

In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re breaking down the key elements that shape your vocal dynamics: subglottal air pressure, vocal fold mass and tension, and vocal tract shaping. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to control your volume with precision—not just force.

We also debunk some of the biggest myths in vocal training, like:

• “More air = more power”
• “You just need to sing louder to sound better”

You’ll get 3 powerful exercises to help you build dynamic control across your range, including:

1. Octave scales to balance intensity from low to high
2. Soft chest voice exercises to build finesse at low volumes
3. The legendary messa di voce to master smooth crescendos and decrescendos

Whether you’re training for auditions, performances, or just better technique, this episode gives you the tools to sing smarter—and healthier.

🧠 Learn how pitch affects perceived loudness

🎤 Train intensity without blowing out your voice

🎧 Hear the truth about what actually creates vocal power

💡 VoSci Academy is launching soon! Want to go deeper with structured training and guided exercises?

➡️ Join the waitlist now: https://www.voicescience.org

👉 Got questions about this episode? We want to hear from you! Submit your questions at https://www.voicescience.org/contact — we might feature your question in a future episode.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to master vocal intensity with control, not force.

Tired of feeling like your pitch is just a little off when you sing?

You’re not alone—and the good news is: singing in tune is a skill you can train. 🎶

In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive deep into how to sing in tune, what “pitch accuracy” really means, and how your brain learns music like a language. You’ll learn:

• What it actually means to sing “in tune” (spoiler: it’s not about perfection!)
• Why small pitch variations (like vibrato) are natural—and still sound in tune
• How to understand Hertz, Cents, and Frequency without the confusion
• The truth about auto-tune in professional recordings
• Why singing apps can hurt more than help your pitch training
• The powerful VoSci method to improve your pitch: Listen → Audiate → Sing 🔥

Whether you’re a beginner wondering “how do I sing on pitch?” or an experienced singer looking to fine-tune your intonation, this episode breaks it down with practical tips you can start using today.

👉 Want step-by-step help improving your singing?

VoSci Academy is launching soon! 🎉

Join the early access list here: https://www.voicescience.org

🧠 Topics Covered:

• How to define “singing in tune”
• Why perfect pitch doesn’t exist (even for pros!)
• How vibrato affects pitch accuracy
• What Auto-Tune really does (and why it matters for singers)
• How to build your internal pitch sense through the 8-step VoSci listening process
• Why relying on pitch apps can backfire—and what to do instead

🔥 Helpful for:

• Singers who want better control over their voice
• Voice teachers helping students sing more accurately
• Choir directors working on ensemble intonation
• Anyone serious about improving their vocal tuning and ear training

The Voice Science Podcast | Episode [6]

Think there’s only one right way to breathe while singing? Think again. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we debunk the myth of a one-size-fits-all breath and explore how different breathing strategies impact your voice, performance, and vocal health.

Join Drew as we break down the anatomy of inhalation, explain the four main types of breathing for singers—diaphragmatic, thoracic, clavicular, and balanced—and explore how each breath type supports different vocal styles and artistic goals. Whether you’re a classical soprano preparing for a long legato phrase or a musical theatre singer belting onstage, understanding the right breath for the moment is key to vocal freedom.

🔬 Learn:

• Why the diaphragm is always involved—no matter what type of breath you take
• When “belly breathing” helps (and when it doesn’t)
• How clavicular breathing fuels high-stakes, emotional moments
• Why balanced breathing can be both a superpower and a trap
• How thoracic breathing might be your ideal default setting
  
  

🎙 Plus: A sneak peek at VoSci Academy, our soon-to-launch guided learning platform for singers and teachers. Get expert instruction, practical tools, and science-backed strategies to level up your voice—sign up for early access at https://voicescience.org!

Ever felt like you just can’t sing or speak another word? That frustrating tired, strained feeling in your voice is called vocal fatigue—and it happens to singers, teachers, and professional voice users alike. But what’s really going on when your voice feels exhausted?

In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re breaking down:

✅ What vocal fatigue really is (Hint: It’s NOT your vocal folds wearing out!)

✅ The hidden muscles that contribute to vocal fatigue

✅ Why dehydration makes vocal fatigue worse

✅ How long it actually takes for your voice to recover (and why rest is crucial)

✅ 5 science-backed strategies to prevent and recover from vocal fatigue

🎧 Listen now and learn how to keep your voice healthy, strong, and resilient!

How to Prevent & Recover from Vocal Fatigue

🗣️ Reduce Vocal Dosage – Your vocal folds slam together thousands of times per second when you speak or sing. Reducing excessive strain can help.

💧 Stay Hydrated – Studies show hydration doubles vocal endurance!

⏳ Allow Recovery Time – Your vocal folds recover 90% within a few hours, but full recovery takes up to 72 hours.

🎶 Increase Brightness in Speech – Using Ring & Twang (covered in Episode 4!) helps reduce vocal effort.

🔊 Raise Your Speaking Pitch Slightly – Speaking too low increases strain and makes you work harder to be heard.

Resources & Next Steps:

🚀 Want step-by-step vocal training? VoSci Academy is launching soon! Get on the waiting list now: voicescience.org

📩 Have questions? Drop them in the comments or reach out at voicescience.org/contact/

💡 If this episode helped you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow singers and voice users!