Vocal Tips in 10 with Amber Mogg Cathey

If high notes make your chin lift, shoulder tense or whole body reach upward, this episode is for you.Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down why chasing a high note can make it harder - and shares simple tools to help you hit the high notes with more freedom and less effort.You'll learn:A sliding-third exercise for more ease and coordination in your upper rangeThe "vocal trombone" and candy-cane cuesA jaw-release exercise to reduce lifting and pushingThe "woo" exercise for a stronger, freer upper rangeThe "tippy bird" movement to interrupt unconscious reaching and pullingYou'll also learn how your thoughts can trigger tension before you even sing a note - and why experimenting with different cues is essential, because no single tool works for every singer.If you tend to reach, brace or overwork for high notes, press play for practical ways to make your upper register feel more doable.🎤 Voice Gym → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/voice-gym🎤 Vocal Pro Collective → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collective📺 Watch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it actually mean to “sound like yourself” as a singer? If you’ve ever wondered What’s my sound?—or caught yourself trying to sound like the artist, genre, or version of a singer you think you’re supposed to be—this episode is for you.Amber shares practical exercises to help singers uncover the vocal and stylistic choices that naturally sound like them—from starting with the speaking voice and purposeful imitation to experimenting with melody, genre, phrasing, and more.Because your authentic sound isn’t something you need to manufacture or lock into a box. It’s something you uncover through listening, experimenting, playing, and paying attention to what keeps showing up.🎤 Voice Gym → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/voice-gym🎤 Vocal Pro Collective → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collective📺 Watch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your voice gives you clues when something isn’t quite right — if you know what to listen for.In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey shares two simple tools you can use to check in on your voice, establish what’s normal for you, and catch early warning signs of swelling, irritation, or overuse before they become a bigger problem.She breaks down the Bastian Swelling Test and a simple morning humming check, what each one can tell you, and — most importantly — what to do when something changes.You’ll learn:How to establish your own healthy vocal baselineWhat a change in your upper range may be telling youWhat to do when you notice minor changesWhich warning signs mean it’s time to stop and seek professional helpThe goal isn’t to panic over every little vocal change — it’s to know your instrument well enough to recognize when something is different and know what to do next.If you sing, speak, teach, coach, or rely on your voice professionally, these are two simple tools worth having in your vocal health toolbox.🎤 Voice Gym → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/voice-gym🎤 Vocal Pro Collective → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collective📺 Watch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vocal fry gets a bad reputation — but is it actually damaging your voice? In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down one of the most misunderstood techniques in singing and speaking, and why modern voice science says it's not the villain people think it is.Amber explains how vocal fry supports gentle vocal fold closure, why it shows up stylistically across pop, R&B, country, folk, and soul, and how it's used as a real tool in vocal therapy and rehabilitation. She also gets honest about when it can become an issue — usually overuse or compensating for poor vocal fold connection, not the technique itself — and compares it to "icing on a cake" for singers who want to use it well.If you've ever wondered whether vocal fry is wrecking your voice, this episode separates the outdated myths from the real science, with practical guidance for more efficient, expressive, lower-strain singing and speaking.📱Instagram Vocal Fry video🎤 Voice Gym → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/voice-gym🎤 Vocal Pro Collective → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collective📺 Watch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vocal Cooldowns 101: The Quick Habit That Saves Your VoiceDo you warm up before you sing but skip the cooldown after? You're not alone — and it might be costing you more than you think. In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down why cooldowns deserve a permanent spot in every singer's routine, helping your voice transition safely from athletic singing back down to your relaxed speaking voice.You'll learn simple, practical cooldown exercises you can start using today, including sliding intervals, SOVT techniques like lip trills and raspberries, vocal sirens, tongue circles, and jaw massage. And here's the best part — cooldowns don't need to be long to make a real difference.Whether you're a singer, speaker, or anyone who uses their voice daily, this episode gives you simple tools to help your instrument recover, reset, and stay ready for whatever's next.🎤 Voice Gym → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/voice-gym🎤 Vocal Pro Collective → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collective📺 Watch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎙️ This week: a fan-favorite replay!I'm knee-deep in boxes finally moving back into my house here in Nashville — getting the studio set up, getting my son settled into school, all of it. So this week I'm resharing one of the all-time most-listened-to episodes of Vocal Tips in 10, and brand new episodes are back starting Wednesday, 8/19.If you missed it the first time (or want a refresher): here's the 5-Minute Vocal Warm-Up You Can Do In the Car.Join me this week as I share a quick and effective 5-minute vocal warm-up you can do right in your car.Perfect for those on-the-go moments before a gig, rehearsal, or audition, this routine requires no instruments and minimal thought, allowing you to focus on the road while preparing your voice. With exercises designed to connect your breath, relax your vocal folds, and lock in resonance, you'll arrive ready to perform at your best.🚘 Tune in and make the most of your drive time!Get a new vocal workout every week in the Voice GymJoin me in the Vocal Pro CollectiveWatch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wonder what gives Hayley Williams' voice its bright, edgy punch? In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down the techniques behind that signature sound — from vowel shaping to crisp consonant articulation. Recorded from a past session (life's mid-move over here!), it's a full breakdown of an acoustic performance of "Into You," covering the "nay-nay" scale for tone, forward articulation, and vocal cries for emotional punch.Whether you're new to pop vocals or sharpening your edge, these are practical, voice-healthy techniques you can adapt into your own sound — no copying, just inspiration.Get a new vocal workout every week in the Voice GymJoin me in the Vocal Pro CollectiveWatch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Outdoor gigs are every singer's nemesis — no walls, no ceiling, nothing for your sound to bounce off, so you often can't hear yourself. Add heat, wind, and dust, and it's a fast track to vocal strain if you don't know what to do.In this episode, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down how to protect your voice and perform your best when the elements aren't on your side: why pushing to compensate only hurts you, how to rely on feel when monitors fail you, hydration strategies that start before the gig, and how to modify your setlist for tough conditions.Whether you're on a backyard stage or a festival main stage, get the tools to make it through summer without sacrificing your voice.🎤 Voice Gym → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/voice-gym🎤 Vocal Pro Collective → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collective📺 Watch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Struggling to keep up a consistent vocal practice when your schedule is packed or unpredictable? In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey shares how singers can make short, focused practice sessions actually count — so busy seasons don't have to mean losing progress.You'll learn how to set realistic goals, why short daily sessions can outperform long inconsistent ones, how to avoid vocal overtraining, and why working with a vocal coach can amplify everything you're already doing. Plus, tips for embracing seasonal breaks without guilt — because rest is part of the process too.In this episode:Why purposeful, focused practice beats "more" practiceHow to realistically schedule vocal practice during busy seasonsThe power of short, 15-minute sessions for skill-buildingBalancing workload to prevent vocal overtrainingSetting attainable goals and celebrating small winsThe value of professional coaching for faster progressGet a new vocal workout every week in the Voice GymJoin me in the Vocal Pro CollectiveWatch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You're busy. You're tired. You barely have time to think, let alone think about your voice. But if you're a singer, speaker, or anyone who relies on your voice professionally, the chaotic seasons are exactly when your vocal care matters most.In this episode, Amber Mogg Cathey shares the strategies that got her through a cross-country move and a health scare without sacrificing her voice — proof that even when life feels like too much, there are still small, doable things you can do to prioritize feeling and sounding your best.No fancy equipment. No studio. No extra hour you don't have. Just practical, on-the-go techniques — like semi-occluded vocal tract exercises, gentle neck retractions, and tongue massages — you can fit into the cracks of a packed schedule to release tension, prevent fatigue, and keep your voice ready to perform.Because your voice doesn't get a day off just because life got crazy. And neither should your care for it.Get a new vocal workout every week in the Voice GymJoin me in the Vocal Pro CollectiveWatch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 20+ years of coaching singers professionally, vocal coach Amber Mogg Cathey has heard the same questions come up again and again — and in this episode she's answering the five biggest ones. From why singers sound so different on a recording to how to get more power without straining, these are the questions every singer has asked at some point. Short, direct, and packed with real answers from two decades in the vocal studio.In this episode:Why you sound so different on a recording than in your head (plus a trick to try right now)How to get more power without strainingWhy your voice cracks on certain notes — and what to actually do about itHow long you really need to warm upWhether to sing through sickness or rest completelyGet a new vocal workout every week in the Voice GymJoin me in the Vocal Pro CollectiveWatch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've been feeling stuck, disconnected, anxious, overwhelmed, or like you're carrying tension into your singing, this episode is for you.In this special guided episode of Vocal Tips in 10, licensed hypnotherapist Katie Crooks leads Amber through a Vocal Reset Hypnosis designed specifically for singers and performers.This isn't about learning more technique.It's about creating space.Space to release tension.Space to let go of unhelpful thoughts and patterns.Space to reconnect with your voice, your confidence, and your authentic expression.Whether you're preparing for a performance, recovering from a difficult experience, feeling creatively blocked, or simply wanting to feel more grounded and free in your voice, this is a session you can return to again and again whenever you need a reset.Find a quiet place where you can relax, listen safely, and allow yourself to fully participate in the experience.🎁 Free support - The Stardom Series🗣️Katie's Ignite Your Voice MasterclassReady to train with the why built into every workout? Check out the Vocal Pro Collective: https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collectiveWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/2qmyl7r86E8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever felt like you know what to do technically — you have the skills, the talent, the exercises — and yet something still feels blocked when you sing… this episode is for you.In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey sits down with licensed hypnotherapist Katie Crooks to explore the connection between the mind, nervous system, emotions, and the voice — and why technique alone isn’t always enough to unlock the voice and artistry you’re capable of.Katie shares how decades of working with singers and speakers eventually led her into hypnotherapy and subconscious work, helping performers move through fear, perfectionism, emotional holding patterns, performance anxiety, and nervous system responses that can directly affect vocal freedom and expression.This conversation explores:• performance anxiety + the nervous system• emotional blocks in singing• subconscious patterns that affect performance• why some singers still feel stuck even with good technique• creating more safety, confidence, freedom, and connection in your voiceAnd this is just Part 1.Next week, Katie actually guides Amber through a Vocal Reset Hypnosis session that listeners can come back to over and over again as part of their own vocal practice and performance preparation.🎁 Free support - The Stardom Series🗣️Katie's Ignite Your Voice MasterclassReady to train with the why built into every workout? Check out the Vocal Pro Collective: https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collectiveWatch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/PIa3NTy_FQM Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you don't know why an exercise works — what it's actually doing in your voice — you're practicing in the dark.In this episode, vocal coach and certified vocal rehabilitation specialist Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down the single most transformative shift she sees in singers: the moment they stop just doing exercises and start understanding them.She shares a real story of a seasoned singer whose confidence and control completely changed once he understood the purpose behind his training — and why that understanding matters whether you're a beginner or a working professional.You'll learn:Why most vocal training leaves singers dependent on their teacher instead of their own instrumentHow understanding the why lets you troubleshoot your voice in real timeThe science behind exercises like lip trills and what they're actually doing for your vocal foldsHow to start building a real vocal toolboxReady to train with the why built into every workout? Check out the Vocal Pro Collective: https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collectiveGet a free sing-along vocal warm-up + a favorite mix voice exercise: www,ambermoggcatheyvoice.mykajabi.com/sing-along-warm-upWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Sox4NV01P8E Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most singers believe their voice is the problem.It’s not.In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, Amber Mogg Cathey breaks down one of the most common patterns she sees in singers and voice-led artists: feeling stuck, strained, or limited—not because of their voice, but because of the training, messaging, and beliefs they’ve absorbed along the way.Many artists assume their voice “can’t” do certain things—whether it’s high notes, mix, power, or consistency. But in most cases, the issue isn’t ability. It’s a mismatch between the voice and the tools they’ve been given.Amber unpacks:The limiting beliefs that quietly shape how singers use their voiceHow outdated or rigid training can actually hold vocal progress backWhy “your voice just can’t do that” is rarely trueWhat singers actually need to build a voice that feels strong, free, and reliableThis episode goes beyond technique. It’s about reframing the relationship singers have with their voice—so they can stop second-guessing and start trusting what’s possible.Your voice isn’t broken. You just haven’t been given the right support yet.If you want more support like this—exercises, structure, and coaching—check out The Voice Gym and The Vocal Pro Collective.And if this episode hit home, share it with another singer who needs to hear it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If your voice feels off—scratchy, swollen, stuck, or just not doing what you want—this episode is for you.Allergy season, post-nasal drip, congestion, travel, fatigue… it happens. And when it does, most singers either push through (not helpful) or stop singing altogether (also not helpful).In this episode of Vocal Tips in 10, I’m walking you through a simple, strategic sequence of exercises to help your voice reset and start feeling like you again—without forcing or overworking.We’ll work through:A gentle SOVT “HN” exercise on one note to ease the voice back inStraw in water with sliding intervals to help reduce swelling and irritationA “floppy jaw” release to reduce tension in the articulators (because your body will try to tighten up when you’re not at 100%)An “NG” exercise to reconnect resonance and smooth out your registersThis is the kind of reset I use with singers when their voice isn’t cooperating—so instead of guessing (or spiraling), you have a clear way forward.Stop guessing. Start training.🎤 Voice Gym → https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/voice-gym🎤 Vocal Pro Collective →https://www.ambermoggcathey.com/collectiveWatch this episode on YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.