If you’re like many vocal coaches, you’ve probably used the metaphor of a balloon filling up with air to illustrate proper breathing techniques to your students.But does this type of imagery make sense to everyone?According to this episode’s guest, vocal health specialist Jenna Brown, a more effective technique is to let students take an active role in creating images that resonate with them during your singing lessons. Using this “symbolic modeling” technique not only builds a stronger rapport between teacher and student but can also offer shortcuts to learning.In her chat with Tom and Heather, Jenna delves into what she’s discovered as both a voice researcher and vocal coach. She examines the different types of imagery teachers can use in their classes and the effectiveness of using multiple forms of imagery.In this episode, you’ll learn:(6:00) Why singing and teaching professionally led Jenna to become a MA voice pedagogy student researching ways of teaching students better.(9:18) How science, the arts, and relationships all play a part in imagery and voice(11:31) What imagery in voice lessons looks like(14:24) Why adopting a multi-modal approach to imagery can be useful for making learning connections.(16:01) Why most teachers tend to use “stock imagery” in their lessons — and how we can make these images more personal to students(18:45) How Jenna helps students discover the singing images that resonate most with them(22:55) When (and if) teachers should impose their own understanding of how the voice works onto a lesson(24:35) The challenges of personalizing imagery when teaching large classes — and the common experiences singers can have with their voices(27:38) How teachers can help students learn faster by building a shared language of personalized metaphors(30:49) The negative side of using imagery — how metaphors can lead to confusion and misinterpretation for some students(34:52) How science is regarding imagery now(39:36) Why students need to develop a toolbox of skills to adapt to the changing needs of their voices(42:40) How voice teachers can use imagery in their classes without realizing it(45:30) The importance of seeing every student in your class as an individual — and how to adapt your lessons to their personal experiences  You can find Jenna at Bristol Voice Care and her website. Book singing lessons, coaching sessions, or workshops with her at hello@jennabrownmezzo.co.uk.Check out our YouTube channel — and subscribe to see all our other podcast videos! Is there a teacher, performer, or researcher you think would make a great guest on our show? Email us at hello@vocaladvancement.com and let us know!About the Institute for Vocal AdvancementThe Institute of Vocal Advancement (IVA) was created to provide voice teachers with a support network to provide you with the best teaching tools and strategies to advance your career. Learn how our Teacher Training Programs can help advance your career. Use the code “iva20percent” to get 20% off your first year’s course membership fee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.