Ever wonder why your voice flips, cracks, or shifts gears when you sing? This episode breaks down why that happens—and why it’s not a mistake.

Hi, I’m Drew, and on this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we’re unpacking one of the most misunderstood behaviors of the human voice: register transitions. Whether you call it flipping, cracking, or passaggio, this reflex is built in—not broken.

We’ll explore:

• The natural muscular behavior behind your voice’s “gear shifts”

• Why micromanaging your sound can make things worse

• How science-based vocal habits lead to long-term confidence

• What not to do when your voice “breaks”

• And how to start retraining your voice if it’s stuck in one register

Understanding these core vocal behaviors is the first step to unlocking control, consistency, and range. And it’s exactly the kind of work we do inside VoSci Academy, launching July 25.

🎓 Want structured guidance and tools that actually work? Become a Founding Member of VoSci Academy: https://www.voicescience.org/academy

🎤 What actually makes voice lessons effective? It’s not just about finding a great teacher—it’s also about being the kind of student who improves. In this episode of The Voice Science Podcast, we dive into the real factors that drive vocal progress.

Whether you’re searching for your first voice teacher, returning to lessons after a break, or wondering how to make the most of your time and money, this episode breaks down the science and strategy of effective vocal learning.

We’ll explore:

• How to vet voice teachers and avoid common red flags
• What separates voice teachers from vocal coaches
• Why credentials and experience both matter (but aren’t enough)
• How student mindset and habits shape results
• The #1 myth about talent vs. training

🧠 This episode is especially relevant for:

• Singers looking for online voice lessons
• Parents researching vocal training for their kids
• Adults returning to singing after years away
• Teachers rethinking their own pedagogy

💡 Learn more about VoSci Academy, our guided learning platform for singers built on vocal science. Enrollment opens July 25 and closes August 4. Become a Founding Member and lock in lifetime access: https://www.voicescience.org/academy

Why do so few boys take voice lessons—and how can we change that?

In this episode, voice teacher and pedagogue Timothy Wilds joins Drew to unpack the science, strategy, and sensitivity required when training a boy’s voice. From understanding vocal fold changes during puberty to choosing repertoire that fits—not just vocally, but emotionally and developmentally—we explore what it means to meet boys where they are.

You’ll learn:

• What happens to the male voice during puberty—and why it matters for training
• Why thin fold/head voice is essential for pre-pubescent boys
• How to support vocal development without pushing too far, too fast
• Repertoire pitfalls to avoid—and what to choose instead
• The role of gender, identity, and storytelling in young singers’ repertoire
• Song suggestions across genres: art song, folk, musical theatre, and more

Whether you’re a voice teacher, choir director, or a parent supporting a young singer, this episode offers grounded, research-informed guidance for working with AMAB students in the crucial years before and during puberty.

🎧 VoSci Academy is launching July 2025!

Want science-backed training for singers and teachers? Join the interest list: https://voicescience.org/academy

Resources & Mentions:

• Art Song: Edward MacDowell’s Eight Songs, A Child’s Garden of Verses settings
• Folk/Familiar Tunes: Shenandoah, Lean on Me, Let’s Go Fly a Kite
• MT Roles for Boys: Oliver, Billy Elliot, The Secret Garden, Les Mis (Gavroche)
• Lesser-Known MT: Hook, Working, A Bronx Tale, Lost in the Stars