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PODCAST · arts

Cafecito with the Coach

by Melissa V. Cartwright

Latin singer/songwriter and voice & performance coach Melissa V. Cartwright, shares some real talk about the things performing artists wrestle with and offers insights & notes of encouragement in each episode. Walk away feeling inspired and with some food (or drink) for thought!

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Episodes

  1. Ep. 57: Confessions of a voice & performance coach (and a SPECIAL announcement)

    Melissa shares one of her most vulnerable moments as a voice & performance coach, which also sparked a 10-year journey into a developing a method that helps singers show up and perform the way they've always dreamed of. PLUS - a super special announcement that will get you fired up to get out…

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  2. Ep. 56: Creating an inclusive singing space with Chris Gallego

    Celebrating PRIDE with trans voice coach & artist, Chris Gallego. You'll be inspired and motivated by Chris's journey and the wonderful work happening inside her studio. It's a thoughtful and fun cafecito for queer artists and allies alike! This episode is also available on YouTube. If you're...

  3. Ep. 55: Letting go of "perfect" singing with Christina Kent & Megan Durham

    Vocal health professionals and singing teachers, Christina Kent and Megan Durham, join Melissa for a heartfelt cafecito, encouraging us to examine how we've become trapped as "performing perfectionists." Their new class helps voice professionals break free from mentally unstable practices…

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  4. Ep. 54: Anxiety - My Superpower

    Get ready to cozy up with Melissa as she shares her candid journey in this encore interview with Laura Seipert, the music therapist and host of The Mindful Voice Teacher podcast! Melissa dives into her diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, revealing how it's been a game-changer in her…

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  5. Ep. 53: How to sing without thinking with Gabriel Weiner

    One of our first Cafecito guests is BACK with a brand new book! Voice teacher and now author, Gabriel Weiner, shares a café with Melissa to continue an important conversation on why we're OVERTHINKING when we sing, how it's stopping us from finding vocal freedom, how it can affect our mental...

  6. Ep. 52: The Singing SLP with Kevin Simmons

    We're celebrating Mental Health Awareness month, as we delve into the inspiring world of Kevin Simmons, affectionately known as the Singing SLP. Kevin's innovative approach to speech-language pathology incorporates the power of music to aid his clients. Through his practice and his sensory...

  7. Ep. 51: Creating your own artistic opportunities with Jennifer Pyle

    Do you feel like doors are slamming in your face? Buckle up and be inspired by Melissa's guest, Jennifer Pyle - actress, producer, and co-owner of BAB on 3 Productions. Frustrated with waiting to get booked, she took charge, founding her own empire. Jennifer not only pursued her creative dreams…

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  8. Ep. 50: Prepping NOW for your summer gigs

    Melissa's gonna help you gear up for summer gigs - from sprucing up your promo materials to expanding your network, leveraging social media, and thinking of non-traditional places to perform. Let's make sure your summer schedule is filled with unforgettable performances! Don't forget to follow &...

  9. Ep. 49: Dealing with difficult directors & doing theatre differently with Sarah Joy Kane

    Join Melissa & Sarah Joy Kane, a seasoned theatre pro, as they spill the beans on dealing with tricky directors and shaking up the theatre scene. Sarah's got the lowdown on navigating those tough directorial waters and she's all about injecting some fresh vibes into theatrical productions. From...

  10. Ep. 48: Artistically blooming where you're planted with Chloe Youtsey

    Melissa sits down with the incredibly talented jazz singer, songwriter, and winner of the Z Theater's 2023 Proteus Music Contest, Chloe Youtsey, for a heartfelt chat about her musical journey. From the early days of finding her voice to the thrilling moments of performing on stage, Chloe shares…

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  11. Ep. 47: Trust your artistic instincts

    Are you having a hard time believing that you're capable of achieving your artistic goals as a performing vocalist?Where is that coming from? Melissa's going to help you get to the heart of those thoughts that are holding you back and spark some courage. Get ready to take that next big step…

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  12. Ep. 46: ESPRESSO-Loosening up our low notes

    Join Melissa for a quick episode packed with easy exercises to strengthen your lower vocal range. Plus, she's got a Swiftie-inspired POP SONG PRACTICE session for you to sing along with. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast?…

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  13. Ep. 45: How to be your own voice coach

    Take charge and start taking care of your living instrument by following these easy steps. Break free from vocal constraints and discover the tools to unlock your full potential, cultivating an authentic sound that resonates with every performance and resonates with you as a human being. Don't...

  14. Ep. 44: What's the big deal with belting?

    Grab a cup and join Melissa as she helps you debunk the myths that have been holding back your vocal potential. From revealing that belting isn't just about cranking up the volume to dispelling the idea that it's a vocal cord destroyer, you’re getting a voice lesson & therapy session all-in-one!…

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  15. Ep. 43: When you DON'T get the gig

    Instead of getting stuck in the despair of rejection, Melissa will guide you through the process of discovering and solidifying your artistic identity. Embrace the power of self-discovery, authenticity, and unwavering passion, and turn closed doors into gateways to your true potential! Don't…

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  16. Ep. 42: The Super Bowl moment that will ignite your performance passion

    Get ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what I'm calling the most powerful performance of this year's BIG GAME! In this episode, we break down the halftime moment that's got everyone buzzing. It's not just about the notes and the stage – it's a revelation that will inspire you to...

  17. Ep. 41: WHY NOT? Voice training in your 50's with Heather Birdsill

    Discover the transformative journey of voice training in your 50s with special guest Heather Birdsill, a hobby singer turned stage enthusiast who discovered the joy of singing as self-care with Melissa. Gain insights and inspiration for unlocking the power of your voice, no matter the season of...

  18. Ep. 40: WHY NOT? Living your best cruise entertainer life with Jordan Douglas Ellis

    Seasoned professional and recording artist, Jordan Douglas Ellis, joins Melissa for a cafecito to share the challenges of cruise ship contracts, to the highs of dropping his first single, and the intricacies of building a one-man show. It's a real, unfiltered story of his journey in the...

  19. Ep. 39: WHY NOT? Evolving as an artist & entrepreneur with Amber Mogg Cathey

    Join us on a transformative journey with Amber Mogg Cathey, the award-winning voice teacher and founder of Evolve Vocal Studio. In this episode, Amber shares her remarkable story of navigating massive pivots as a business owner, voice teacher, and artist. Discover the art of embracing change, no...

  20. Ep. 38: WHY NOT? Embracing change & financial freedom for creatives with Jordan van Zyl

    Settle in for a cozy chat with Melissa and the Budget Bestie, Jordan van Zyl. They dish on Jordan's awesome journey from music therapist to financial coach and music teacher. Get ready for some real talk about the twists and turns of life and the lessons Jordan's learned about staying flexible...

  21. Ep. 37: WHY NOT? Life after a vocal injury with Kerri Ho

    Australian vocal coach & artist Kerri Ho, shares her confident comeback story after healing from vocal nodules, how she’s singing better than ever, headlining her own shows, and encouraging other singers to do the same! This episode is also available for you to watch on the MVC Performance…

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  22. Ep. 36: ESPRESSO - A New Year's blessing for the singer

    Fill your encouragement cup as Melissa closes out this year and shares a special New Year's blessing over you as a singer, no matter what your artistic season looks like. Get your own PDF digital art copy in both English & Spanish, here. Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the...

  23. Ep. 35: Voice dysphoria & the inner critic with Monti Bianchi Performance Wellness

    Elisa Monti, PhD, and Stephanie Bianchi, MT-BC, FAMI of Monti Bianchi Performance Wellness, help us dismantle the inner critic that influences our performance mindset and talk us through how we can truly embrace our unique sound! Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or…

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  24. Ep. 34: Embracing change in your singing career

    A super honest, vulnerable, but empowering time - sharing my personal story & evolution from worship leader to a gigging stage performer, and what it means to reignite my performance passion! Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the…

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  25. Ep. 33: Restaurant gig contracts - the DO's & DON'T's

    Ready to start gigging? How do I make sure I get paid? What if THEY cancel on me? Take a listen for how to begin booking and protect yourself & your art. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram or...

  26. Ep. 32: 5 things you can do NOW for your holiday gigs

    Get ready NOW so that you can get booked! Melissa shares some practical tips on how to get out there and perform with passion this holiday season. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram or visit our...

  27. Ep. 31: The singer's self-care for the winter blues

    Sharing some practical ways you can nurture your voice, mind, body, and soul during the winter months. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram or visit our podcast page:...

  28. Ep. 30: Lessons from a Latina artist with Valerie Morales

    Latin recording artist, radio host, and songwriter, Valerie Morales, joins Melissa for a cafecito to chat about the life lessons from her music career and encouraging women in today’s industry. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the...

  29. Ep. 29: La importancia de entrenar nuestras voces con Bruno Fariña

    Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with this special episode, all in español! Maestro de canto, Bruno Fariña, se une a Melissa en un cafecito informativo para animarnos a cuidar nuestra salud vocal y como motivarnos a seguir explorando nuestras voces. Visit our podcast page:...

  30. Ep. 28: ESPRESSO - A voice lesson in español

    Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a sneak peek inside the COMIENZA A CANTAR min-program and learn to belt out Marc Anthony's hit, "Vivir Mi Vida". Visit our podcast page: https://www.mvcperformance.com/podcast REFERENCES & SOURCES: COMIENZA A CANTAR mini-curso en español...

  31. Ep. 27: How to fill your artistic cup

    Ep. 27: How to fill your artistic cup As performing artists, we pour our very essence into our music, but how do we not lose ourselves in the process? Melissa shares some ways to protect your artistic energy, feel rejuvenated, and help you perform with passion. Visit our podcast page:...

  32. Ep. 26: Living the DREAM with Mark & Bethany Smith

    Artists, playwrights, and theatre owners, Mark & Bethany Smith, talk about seeing their dreams become a reality over the past 17 years and give us the scoop on the world premiere of their original show, Pelagius The New Musical. REFERENCES & SOURCES: The Legacy Theatre & show tickets...

  33. Ep. 25: ESPRESSO - My favorite breathing exercise

    Push play and BREATHE with Melissa, calming your nervous system and getting you ready to perform with freedom. This exercise is featured in the START SINGING™ & COMIENZA A CANTAR mini-programs. Get started at https://www.mvcperformance.com. REFERENCES & SOURCES: Follow @mvcperformance on…

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  34. Ep. 24: Crafting your set list

    You booked the gig! Now what? Melissa shows you 3 easy ways you can begin putting together a set list that reflects who you are as an artist and how to engage your audience! Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a…

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  35. Ep. 23: Helping women thrive in the music biz with Mark Thress

    Voice coach, artist, and co-founder of New Roots Nashville, Mark Thress, discusses the exciting opportunities happening for young women emerging as professional artists in the music industry. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the…

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  36. Ep. 22: ESPRESSO - Successful Stage Stories

    It’s an espresso shot of encouragement for your day with 4 real-life success stories from singers who share how they overcame adversity, have grown confident on stage, and how they’re living the dream. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on…

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  37. Ep. 21: Surviving a 4-hour gig

    The mental, vocal, and logistical preparation needed to successfully perform your big shows and how to troubleshoot the challenges along the way. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram, and let's...

  38. Ep. 20: Post-performance thoughts

    Melissa gives you 3 things to guide the way you evaluate your performances without going down the path of self-deprecation. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram, and let's chat. REFERENCES &...

  39. Ep. 19: Q&A: Always feeling nervous, last-minute auditions & phlegm reduction

    Answering your questions and a special summer announcement! Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram, and let's chat. REFERENCES & SOURCES: From Anxious To Unstoppable E-course...

  40. Ep. 18: ESPRESSO - My favorite vocal warmup

    A mini-voice lesson where Melissa shows you all of the ways you can customize this warmup to help you sing the songs you love! Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on Instagram, and let's chat. REFERENCES &...

  41. Ep. 17: Finding our way back to singing with Renee Maranan

    Vocal instructor & life coach, Renee Maranan, helps discouraged artists get back on the path towards courageous singing and feeling like themselves when they do. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any questions or things you'd like to discuss on the podcast? Send me a message on…

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  42. Ep. 16: Dissociation: Staying present on stage with Dr. Heather Keefe

    Clinical psychologist, singer, dancer, and long-time friend of Melissa's joins this cafecito to help us understand the science of "zoning out" during a performance and how we work on remaining present, fully enjoying ourselves and the audience when we sing. Don't forget to follow & leave a…

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  43. Ep. 15: Being a mindful mompreneur with Lauren Ireland

    Ep. 15: Being a mindful mompreneur with Lauren Ireland Canadian-based voice coach & owner of Singsana, Lauren Ireland, joins Melissa for a cafecito to talk about running multiple businesses, music directing, why mindset is so important to us as teachers and singers, and how she balances her...

  44. Ep. 14: When your mom is also your voice coach

    In this special Mother's Day episode, Melissa has a conversation with her daughters about the realities of navigating their parent-child/teacher-student relationship. Is it like having a "momager"? Do they ever want to train with someone else? What are some of the perks? Don't forget to follow &...

  45. Ep. 13: Anxious to Sing with Keziah Grace

    Mindset, performance anxiety, and career coach, Keziah Grace, encourages listeners with her singing story and how she's helping performers work through their anxiety to show up as the unstoppable singers they've always dreamed of. Keziah will be sharing her tools & techniques in our Sing with...

  46. Ep. 12: The benefits of private lessons & online programs

    Performing artists invest in honing their craft – from voice lessons, programs, and classes – there are so many resources at our disposal! Melissa breaks down the benefits of different types of training and how you can get the most of the each one. Don't forget to follow & leave a review! Got any...

  47. Ep. 11: Healthy boundaries for the performing vocalist

    When it comes to booking shows and performing professionally, how do we protect ourselves from burnout, even when we have the career we've always dreamed of? Melissa shares some mental, vocal & logistical self-care tips to help us establish healthy boundaries. Don't forget to follow & leave a...

  48. Ep. 10: Singing to our inner child & cartoon creations with Sydney Burris

    From Austin, TX, voice teacher & professional artist, Sydney Burris shares what it means to come back to the music that nurtures her “inner child," how she encourages singers to find their true selves, and what led her to create a cartoon series with her band. You can also watch our interview on...

  49. Ep. 9: Taking risks with Shawn Cartwright

    Episode 9: Taking risks with Shawn Cartwright Melissa teams up with her husband, Shawn Cartwright, a singer, musician, former worship minister, and the new CEO of Cartwright Creative Craftworks, to discuss the importance of taking risks in your art & career. You can also watch our interview on...

  50. Ep. 8: 10 creative women I'm currently obsessed with (and you will be, too)

    Episode 8: 10 Creative women I'm obsessed with (and you will be, too) Melissa celebrates the women who have and currently influence her career, art, and personal health & well-being. From recording arts, voice coaching, mental health, and even fashion, you'll become a fast fan of these…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Latin singer/songwriter and voice & performance coach Melissa V. Cartwright, shares some real talk about the things performing artists wrestle with and offers insights & notes of encouragement in each episode. Walk away feeling inspired and with some food (or drink) for thought!

HOSTED BY

Melissa V. Cartwright

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Cafecito with the Coach have?

Cafecito with the Coach currently has 58 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Cafecito with the Coach about?

Latin singer/songwriter and voice & performance coach Melissa V. Cartwright, shares some real talk about the things performing artists wrestle with and offers insights & notes of encouragement in each episode. Walk away feeling inspired and with some food (or drink) for thought!

How often does Cafecito with the Coach release new episodes?

Cafecito with the Coach has 58 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Cafecito with the Coach?

You can listen to Cafecito with the Coach on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Cafecito with the Coach?

Cafecito with the Coach is created and hosted by Melissa V. Cartwright.
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