Vocal Tips in 10 with Amber Mogg Cathey

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 baseline
What a change in your upper range may be telling you
What to do when you notice minor changes
Which warning signs mean it’s time to stop and seek professional help

The 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If you've ever wondered whether vocal fry is wrecking your voice, this episode separates the outdated myths from the real science, with practical guidance for more efficient, expressive, lower-strain singing and speaking.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 Voice

Do 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 Gym

Join me in the Vocal Pro Collective

Watch 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 Gym

Join me in the Vocal Pro Collective

Watch this episode on YouTube
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.