In this solo episode, Alexa dives into the common struggles of imposter syndrome, low confidence, and feeling overwhelmed that many singing teachers face. As an experienced voice instructor and singer herself, Alexa shares personal stories and insights on managing these challenges in your teaching career and life. Learn how to overcome negative self-talk, build your confidence both in and out of the studio, and avoid burnout through self-care and planning.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Imposter syndrome, low confidence, and overwhelm are common among singing teachers. Imposter thoughts prevail due to isolation, comparison, and teaching observations. These feelings stem from self-doubt, fear of judgement, and perfectionism.
- Strategies like reframing thoughts and celebrating achievements can counter imposter syndrome. Perspective-taking and building a support network are beneficial. Despite accomplishments, imposter syndrome affects individuals across fields, emphasising the importance of sharing experiences for community support.
- You can build a support network by joining online communities and forums, attending conferences, and seeking mentorship. Forming mastermind groups, scheduling catch-ups, and following inspirational accounts on social media offer additional support. Investing in a coach and being open with students about imposter feelings can also aid in managing challenges.
BEST MOMENTS
“100% of them reported having felt imposter syndrome, low confidence and overwhelm.”
“The most common intrusive thoughts reported include ‘Just quit. You don’t know enough’ and ‘You don’t have the skills.'”
“Sometimes, I am completely overwhelmed by the amount of information and responsibility I’m faced with as a singing teacher.”
EPISODE RESOURCES
Guest Website:
Social Media:
- Instagram: @AlexaTerryVocalCoaching
- Facebook: @ATerryVocalCoaching
Relevant Links & Mentions:
- Vocology in Practice
- The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention by Dr Pauline R Clance & Dr Suzanne A Imes (1978)
- Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw (1903)
- (Blog) Singing and the Premenstrual Voice
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.102 Understanding Singing and Menopause with Joanne Bozeman
- Psychologist Lev Vygotsky (The Zone of Proximal Development & ‘Scaffolding’)
- The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women by Valerie Young
- (Youtube) TED Talk by Valerie Young (2017)
- Tommy Ludgate: tommyludgate.com
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.49 Unlocking Your Creative Potential with Tommy Ludgate
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.151 How to Sing with Twang with Kerrie Obert
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk – Ep. 133 Mastering Belt in Musical Theatre with Amanda Flynn
- Steven Bartlett & The Diary of a CEO
- John Henny: johnhenny.com
- Voice Study Centre: voicestudycentre.com
- Adam Grant: adamgrant.net
- The 6-minute Success Journal
- (Podcast) Singing Teachers Talk – Ep.147 TV Coach: Behind the Scenes on ITV’s Mamma Mia with Claire Delaney
- alexa@basttraining.com
ABOUT THE GUEST
After graduating with a BA Musical Theatre degree, Alexa Terry donned her sailor’s cap and performed as a lead soloist on cruise ships travelling the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Baltic seas. She trod the boards in London’s West End as the protagonist in a new Musical Theatre project, studied as a librettist with Book, Music and Lyrics (BML), and has written for the likes of BritishTheatre.com as a reviewer.
Alexa runs her own 1-1 singing tuition practice in the South of England and is a singing tutor at one of the UK’s leading performing arts schools – Italia Conti, where she also regularly panels entry auditions. Alexa is the host of the BAST Training Singing Teachers Talk Podcast, mentors for the BAST Training Level 5 Qualification, and has presented on the topics of Musical Theatre repertoire and authentic Musical Theatre performance.
