Hot Takes & High Notes

Hot Takes & High Notes is where the art and science of voice collide, served with a side of unapologetic expert opinion and a whole lot of glee!
Whether you're a voice pro, a singer, a teacher, a colleague, a client, or just an incurably curious human, this is your go-to spot for mythbusting, explanations, research, vocal geekery, and brutally honest takes on what actually works in voice training. 🎶✨

Hi, I’m Melanie Tapson! I'm a clinical singing voice therapist, a vocal health educator, a professional singer, a voice teacher, and a full-time vocal detective! I help singers, speakers, and voice pros decode the mysteries of the human voice with a mix of science, strategy, and a lot of straight talk. I believe in evidence-based voice care, calling out nonsense, and making learning about the voice ridiculously fun. If you’re here for clarity, confidence, and a little chaos, you’re in the right place. 🎤🔥
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Laryngeal Massage: When, Why & Who Should Be Doing It?
Your voice is feeling tight. Your larynx is so high it feels like it's left the building. Someone suggests laryngeal massage as the magic fix. Or maybe you’re a voice clinician wondering if this hands...
Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: I am not a doctor. I don’t play one on TV, I don’t have a prescription pad, and if you ask me to diagnose your mystery rash, I’m going to tell you t...
You’re doing everything right — hydrating, warming up, not yelling at your dog (well, not often) — and yet, your voice is still giving you grief. What gives?! 🤨
Turns out, there are some sneaky suspe...
Your kid just announced they want singing lessons — cue the excitement, the Google searches, and the mild panic. Do you need a Broadway coach? A classical maestro? Someone who won’t turn your living r...