This Is A Voice
When Singers Thrive. Michelle Robinson on Motivation, Teaching and Wellbeing in the Voice Studio
Mar 24, 2026
Season 12
Episode 8
Jeremy Fisher and Dr Gillyanne Kayes with Michelle Robinson
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In this episode of This Is A Voice, Jeremy Fisher and Dr Gillyanne Kayes welcome back psychologist Michelle Robinson for a deeper conversation about the singer-teacher relationship, motivation, wellbeing, and what voice training can learn from sport psychology.
Michelle introduces Self-Determination Theory, breaking down the three psychological needs that help people flourish: autonomy, competence and relatedness. Michelle, Gillyanne and Jeremy explore how these ideas apply to singers, teachers, performance and the learning environment.
The episode also highlights:
* why external validation never really lasts
* how teaching can support both artistry and wellbeing
* the difference between performing “correctly” and performing authentically
* what classical music training can learn from more person-centred approaches
* Michelle’s own distressing experience of music college, and how difficult teaching relationships can leave a lasting mark
* her research into singer-teacher relationships, including a new questionnaire designed to measure closeness, commitment and complementarity
* why musicians deserve the more holistic support that athletes often receive
This is an honest, thoughtful episode about voice, identity, teaching and the kind of support that helps artists thrive.
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