Start at the Song: Jeremy Ryan Mossman on Context-First, Body-Based Voice Lessons

Host Tessa welcomes Jeremy Ryan Mossman to the Singer’s Guide podcast and asks what he wishes singers knew. Jeremy says singers can “start at the end” by beginning lessons with the song and its specific challenges, then using exercises only as needed to serve that context, repeatedly checking changes in the repertoire. He describes using acting-style given-circumstance games to clarify who the singer is addressing and why, noting that increased specificity often dissolves technical issues and reveals what truly needs technical attention. He critiques traditional lesson structures and training sequences that delay students singing what they love, arguing for honouring the artist’s goals and building from where they already feel successful. He encourages singers to count everyday singing as practice if they pay attention and get curious, and explains how simple body-based prompts can “hook” clients into experiential learning. Jeremy shares where to find him online: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok (Body Based Voice with J Moss) and bodybasedvoice.com. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 01:33 The Big Question 02:22 Start With the Song 04:23 Storytelling Fixes Technique 07:13 Why Lessons Get Backwards 08:47 Honour the Artist First 11:36 Real World Singing Practice 13:37 Flexible Lesson Structures 16:12 Hooking Clients Fast 17:43 Where to Find Jeremy 18:58 Final Thanks and Wrap   Reel mentioned at 17:46: HERE!    FIND JEREMY: Jeremy Ryan Mossman is a teacher of voice, movement, and wholistic expression.  Jeremy has recently moved on from academic teaching after 15+ years in order to focus on teaching in more creative and integrative ways while sharing his passion for wholly embodied singing. Jeremy has a unique way of reconciling long-held beliefs with new understandings about the body and singing which he teaches to performers on Broadway, on their way to Broadway, and to teachers around the world.  You can learn more about him at www.bodybasedvoice.com Find Jeremy on Instagram: @bodybasedvoicewithjmoss Facebook: @bodybasedvoicewithjmoss and TikTok: @bodybasedvoicewithjmoss   The Singer's Guide is hosted by Tessa Smith. www.tessasmith.com   ---- 🤫 THE QUIET PRACTICE TOOLKIT: 3 step-by-step exercises to improve your singing without making a sound https://subscribepage.io/quiet-practice-toolkit   ---- 🤩 Tap here to learn more about the Singer's Practice Hub: www.singerspracticehub.com   🥳 Tap here to work with Tessa: www.thesingersguide.com   🎵 Music by Tessa Smith 🎙 Hosted by Tessa Smith, creator of The Self-Validated Voice and The Singer's Practice Hub.