Passionate Performer Podcast

Ep. 74: Should I Take The Gig If It Doesn't Pay?

You’ve been at this for a while, but you’re still settling for paid performances that have you feeling like you really don’t want to do it anymore. Let’s break down why you’re feeling this way, and help you figure out the next right steps that are going to help you advocate for yourself and perform the way you want to as a pro or semi-pro singer. RESOURCES:The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
The Wisdom of Your Body by Hilary L. McBride PhD
Honestly, Dear Listener Podcast episodeEp. 33: Restaurant Gig Contracts - the DOs & DON'TsNeed help not only navigating your vocal challenges, but also working through your gigging game plan? Join the Passionate Performer Program! CLICK HERE to learn more. FREE 7 Days to the Stage Journal HEREGet 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up for Podbean's Podcast subscription services by visiting: http://www.podbean.com/mvcperformance
 
MUSIC:
"It's Time" By: Melissa V. Cartwright All rights reserved © 2025

Ep. 73: Why Does My Mouth Get So Dry When It’s Time To Perform?

That dry-mouth feeling is "no bueno" – especially when it’s time to step up to the mic. Melissa’s breaking down the real issue behind the issue, and how to troubleshoot your performance when this happens.RESOURCES:Atomic Habits by James Clear
Dry Mouth & Anxiety article Discover HOW your voice works and what to do to begin singing the songs you love with the START Singing mini-course. Get it HERE.OR get the course PLUS our entire library of resources, lesson discounts, and extensive training when you join the Passionate Performer Program! CLICK HERE to learn more. FREE 7 Days to the Stage Journal HEREGet 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up for Podbean's Podcast subscription services by visiting: http://www.podbean.com/mvcperformance
 
MUSIC:
"It's Time" By: Melissa V. Cartwright All rights reserved © 2025

Ep. 72: Why Does Everyone Think This Song Is Right For Me, But It Feels So Wrong? with Christopher Brent Davis

Non-binary vocalist, music director, and voice coach, Christopher Brent Davis, joins Melissa to unpack a question so many performers wrestle with - sharing their personal journey of being vocally miscategorized, the emotional toll of singing music that doesn’t align with your identity, and what it takes to reclaim your voice on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt boxed in by expectations or disconnected from the music you’re “supposed” to sing, this episode offers powerful validation, and a path forward.Follow CBD's work on Instagram: @thecbdmusicstudioTrain your voice with freedom, flexibility, and FUN inside the Passionate Performer Program! CLICK HERE to learn more. Get my FREE 7 Days to the Stage Journal HEREGet 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up for Podbean's Podcast subscription services by visiting: http://www.podbean.com/mvcperformance
MUSIC:
"It's Time"By: Melissa V. Cartwright All rights reserved © 2025

Ep. 71: I've Practiced The Song 100 Times And It STILL Doesn't Sound Right!

Melissa chats about that all-too-familiar feeling when a song just isn’t clicking, no matter how many times you practice. She’ll help you stop stressing about sounding like the original and start finding what works for your voice, with simple tips to make the song feel more natural, expressive, and true to you.RESOURCES:Transposable tracks: https://www.karaoke-version.com/
Transpose Plug-In on Chrome: https://transpose.video/Turn each and every cover your sing into a MASTERPIECE with my Spice Up Your Song video training! Get it HERE.Train your voice with freedom, flexibility, and FUN inside the Passionate Performer Program! CLICK HERE to learn more. Get my FREE 7 Days to the Stage Journal HEREGet 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up for Podbean's Podcast subscription services by visiting: http://www.podbean.com/mvcperformance
 
MUSIC:
"It's Time" By: Melissa V. Cartwright All rights reserved © 2025

Ep. 70: My Teen's Arts Program Feels Toxic. Should I Get Involved?

Are you worried about your teen's involvement in the arts, but noticing toxic behaviors like favoritism or precasting? Join us as we navigate the delicate balance between nurturing creativity and addressing harmful dynamics in artistic environments.Ep. 49: Dealing with Difficult Directors & Doing Theatre Differently with Sarah Joy Kane
Train your voice with freedom, flexibility, and FUN inside the Passionate Performer Program! CLICK HERE to learn more. Get my FREE 7 Days to the Stage Journal HEREGet 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up for Podbean's Podcast subscription services by visiting: http://www.podbean.com/mvcperformance
 
MUSIC:
"It's Time" By: Melissa V. Cartwright All rights reserved © 2025

Ep. 69: What Do I Do If I Have A Vocal Injury? ENCORE with Kerri Ho

In this special encore episode from Season 1, vocal coach, professional singer, and songwriter, Kerri Ho, shares her personal journey of how she navigated vocal nodules, what her rehabilitation process looked like, and gives you advice on what you can do NOW to sing stronger than ever. This is not the end of your vocal career – it could be the beginning of something better! Connect with Kerri Ho: https://thesongbirdtree.com
Learn to manage your vocal health & stamina, while singing with FREEDOM inside the Passionate Performer Program! CLICK HERE to learn more. Get 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up for Podbean's Podcast subscription services by visiting: http://www.podbean.com/mvcperformance
MUSIC:
"It's Time" By: Melissa V. Cartwright All rights reserved © 2025

Ep. 68: Should I Start My Own YouTube Singing Channel? with Shari Bennett-Jackson

Thinking about starting a YouTube channel for your singing but feel stuck? Singer, songwriter, and voice coach Shari Bennett-Jackson joins me to break down common fears, content myths, and simple steps to get started - no perfection required.Don’t miss out on our BONUS training with Shari inside the Passionate Performer Program on May 14, 2025! Get access to the class and the recording when you become a member:  https://www.mvcperformance.com/passionateperformerprogram Connect with Shari Bennett-Jackson: https://www.thisisshari.com/ 
Subscribe to her channel:  @thisisshari  Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram. What's your biggest challenge in starting a YouTube channel for singing?Get 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up for Podbean's Podcast subscription services by visiting: http://www.podbean.com/mvcperformance
MUSIC:
"It's Time" By: Melissa V. Cartwright All rights reserved © 2025

Ep. 67: HELP! I Was Told I Need To Sound More "Pop"

Ever been told your voice sounds too Broadway or too classical for a pop audition or performance? Don’t panic. This episode is your guide to making a smooth shift into pop vocal territory. We’ll talk tone adjustments, reducing vibrato, and choosing songs that let your voice shine without losing your unique sound. Let’s expand your singing toolbox!Vocalab ResourcesGet more detailed coaching and our entire library of pop singing resources when you become a Passionate Performer Program member! Try it free for 7 days. Join HERE.Get 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up for Podbean's Podcast subscription services by visiting: http://www.podbean.com/mvcperformanceMUSIC"It's Time"By: Melissa V. CartwrightAll rights reserved © 2025

Ep. 66: WORLD VOICE DAY - Why Do I Sing?

Today, in celebration of World Voice Day, we are delving into an essential topic: 'Why Do I Sing?' This episode is dedicated to all the long-time singers out there who might have lost their spark and need to rediscover their love for singing again. You're also getting an inside look at how we roll inside the Passionate Performer Program. Ready to dive deeper? Join HERE!Get your FREE 7 Days to the Stage Journal HERE and feel your BEST the week of the show!Get 1 MONTH FREE when you sign up for Podbean's Podcast subscription services by visiting: http://www.podbean.com/mvcperformanceMUSIC"It's Time"By: Melissa V. CartwrightAll rights reserved © 2025

Ep. 65: I'm Ready To Get Booked. Where Do I Begin? with Marta Spirk

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to put yourself out there, THIS is it. Professional singer, speaker, and business coach Marta Spirk is sharing her real-world experience and best booking strategies to help you stop waiting and start doing. Messy action beats no action—so let’s go!CLICK HERE for all things Marta Spirk. 🎤Need extra guidance in your mental & vocal prep as you get ready to hit the stage? Become a Passionate Performer Program member today! Get started HERE.MUSIC"It's Time"By: Melissa V. CartwrightAll rights reserved © 2025