Amber Mogg Cathey shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Amber, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I’m being called to put myself out there in ways I haven’t had to in years. After 26 years in Nashville, where I was deeply established, moving to Denver two years ago pushed me out of my comfort zone. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to continue working online with Nashville singers — and singers all over the world — but here no one knew me. So I had to start reaching out, reintroducing myself, and sharing what I have to offer in a vulnerable way, which was nerve-wracking after so long in a community where I was known. But leaning into that discomfort has been transformative — it’s already led to amazing opportunities, from coaching Denver singers in person to working with local groups and bands, and it’s helping me feel truly rooted in this new community.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Amber Mogg Cathey, a high-performance vocal coach, professional singer, and certified Vocal Rehabilitation Specialist now based in Denver. I’m a Berklee College of Music graduate, and I’ve spent decades performing and more than 20 years coaching in the Nashville music industry. I work with indie and major label artists, touring professionals, singer-songwriters, and singers rebuilding their voices after illness or injury — really, singers at every level of their journey.
I bring deep training and knowledge in vocal technique, health, and artistry, along with years of real-world experience as a performer, vocal producer, arranger, and industry professional. I support singers in finding voices that are strong, flexible, and sustainable — whether they’re recovering from fatigue, preparing for tour, or refining their sound in the studio. To reach singers beyond the lesson room, I created Erase Your Break, a course that teaches singers to master mix voice and create their most consistent sound, and I lead the Vocal Pro Membership, an interactive online training community for singers of all levels around the world. I also host the podcast Vocal Tips in 10, offering free insights in ten minutes or less.
What excites me most right now is bringing all of this experience to Denver’s community — combining health, technique, artistry, and industry know-how to help singers discover their most authentic, sustainable voice and thrive in every setting.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I probably first felt powerful the first time I stepped on stage. I was five years old, and my elementary music director brought me out to sing ‘Castle on a Cloud’ from Les Misérables. Even my parents didn’t know what I was capable of until that moment, but when I sang, people listened — they cared about what I had to offer, even at just five years old. That was a defining feeling, and I’ve probably been chasing it ever since. Now, as a coach, one of the greatest joys of my work is helping singers discover that same power in themselves — the moment they realize their voice matters and people are listening.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Oh gosh, I don’t know that I ever truly almost gave up, but I’ve definitely gone into hibernation mode when my confidence took a hit. One moment that still haunts me was when I had the chance to open for the songwriter behind Car Wheels on a Gravel Road — one of my absolute favorite songs and albums, sung by my hero Lucinda Williams. Word had gotten out about an amazing show I’d played at the same venue just the week before with my full band, so the room was packed with major industry people — even Lucinda herself. But my regular guitar player was on tour, so I used a stand-in who decided to throw out everything we’d rehearsed and play like The Edge from U2. Stylistically it was a total mess, and I didn’t yet have the confidence or skills to rein it in. I just belted louder and louder over him, and it was truly the only gig I’ve ever walked away from feeling awful about — and it was one of the most important of my career at the time.
But here’s the thing: that experience taught me more than my ‘perfect’ gigs ever could. It showed me the importance of preparation, adaptability, and ultimately of owning the stage as the artist, no matter what’s happening around me. I always tell my singers I bring them real-world experience — not just from the moments I’ve rocked it, but also from the times I didn’t yet know what I was doing. My hope is that I can help them build confidence and skills so they avoid some of those painful lessons and step into their own power more quickly.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would definitely say what matters most to me is my people. I love my family, I love my friends, and I love the artists I’m so fortunate to work with. Connection is at the core of who I am — building relationships, supporting others, and sharing life through community. That’s what grounds me and gives my life meaning.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I understand that the voice isn’t just about the voice — it doesn’t float around free in the world. When I’m working with someone, I’m working with a whole person. Every aspect of the body and the mind affects how the voice functions and how an artist connects and expresses. Singing is holistic and has to be approached that way. To think that our thoughts or physical state don’t impact the voice is missing the big picture, big time. Try giving your most killer performance with a sprained ankle and major stress — it all matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ambermoggcathey.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambermoggcatheyvoice/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmberMoggCatheyVoice
- Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@ambermoggcatheyVocal Tips in 10 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vocal-tips-in-10-with-amber-mogg-cathey/id1771934436
Image Credits
Professional photos by Libby Danforth
