The Intelligent Vocalist

In this episode, John talks with Grammy award-winning producer and arranger Ben Bram (Pentatonix, Pitch Perfect, Glee, A Cappella Academy) about how a cappella can "up" your singing game. Episode Highlights: Ben talks about his musical journey How to get started "arranging" and layering your own voice  Understanding the musical "rules" of different genres will help you, along with developing your...

In this episode John talks with Kerrie Obert, a Speech-Language Pathologist and Singing Voice Specialist, about the role of the tongue and twanging.  Episode Highlights: What "twang" is and the misconceptions around it The tongue and its role in producing brightness in the sound Finding exercises to find new ways to use the tongue to adjust your sound Vibrato and the balance of tension in the tong...

Show Notes In this episode, John talks about when to put the books, podcasts, and study down to take that knowledge you have learned and utilize it to understand your voice better. Science is not perfect, and knowledge is ever-growing Simplifying the science of resonance and pitch is not that simple  Knowledge is great, but singing is better - putting it all together Take time to experience your v...

In this episode, John talks about how making "mistakes" can be an opportunity to grow. If you can look at mistakes as signals to adjust, you can positively use these moments to reach your true potential.  Mistakes happen, and they happen to me!  If mistakes happen, it may be telling you something in your process that needs attention or adjusting How to come back from mistakes and negative self-cri...

In this episode, John talks with Jeff Alani Stanfill about his vocal journey and how to let your own voice soar. Episode Highlights: The inspiration behind Jeff's Let Your Voice Soar audio course and his journey to find the right vocal coach How adjusting vowels and "space" can help a singer to reach higher notes and smooth transitions through bridges Jeff talks about his relationship with David P...

In this episode, John talks with Chris Liepe about exploring your voice, the importance of expression and experiencing your voice freely. 2:40 - Chris talks about what inspired his musical path and teaching style 8:24 - The importance of expression 16:12 - Be willing to fail - it will lead to success 23:06 - Learning vs experiencing To learn more about Chris Liepe visit: YouTube: https://www.youtu...

In this episode, John talks with Tracee Theisen-Henny about setting goals, accountability, and how to break through overwhelm to be a "productive creative." Episode Highlights: The new year can be stressful with setting goals and resolutions for the creative mind Making accountability positive The "now," "next," and "necessary" list Celebrating the gain over the gap Organize and edit to keep movin...

Why is it easier for some of us to sing while others struggle? Genetics may be part of the answer. In this episode, John talks with voice teacher Julie Miles about her work with the genetics company, 23 and Me. Among the topics covered are: Is there a pitch matching gene? Why do some of us hesitate to sing for others? Nature vs nurture in singing Tone deafness  

A focused, detailed analysis of our voice is a great way to find areas of weakness. This can help us know what to work on in practice sessions. In this episode, John discusses how recording and analyzing small parts of music over and over can help us refine our singing to higher levels.

In this episode, John talks about the biggest misconceptions about vocal technique. Show Highlights: 2:06 - The first myth; technique is the highest level of singing 4:38 - Does technique inhibit artistry? 6:51 - Vocal lessons to study technique can be a shortcut to getting to a higher level of singing 16:35 - Keep the joy of singing and let technique be a tool

In this episode, John talks with internationally recognized voice teacher and mentor Chris Johnson about the importance of articulation in singing. Episode Highlights: 3:20 - How different sounds can become troublesome for a singer 7:50 - What is co-articulation? 16:10 - Consonants can be our rhythm makers in singing 24:30 - Tongue placement and how it can change vocal acoustics To learn more abou...

In this episode, John talks about exploring your musical mind and how expanding your imagination can support your creativity and help you be a better singer. 3:08 - Get curious about the music you listen to 4:25 - Texture in sound 12:38 - Listening to the colours of the voice 15:38 - Let your mind "play" and spend time in your imagination and your own creativity

In this episode, John talks with renowned singing teacher, Karyn O'Connor, about the most effective techniques for breathing. For more information about Karyn O'Connor visit https://www.singwise.com Episode highlights: 2:38 - How is breathing for singing different? 10:25 -Getting back to intuitive breathing and what it is. 15:07 - "Support" explained and why we don't want to overthink it. 18:50 -...

In this episode, John talks about what to consider when looking for a vocal coach or singing teacher. It is important to research and ask questions to help you find a teacher that is the right fit for you. Episode Highlights: 2:36 - What is a teaching sweet spot? 6:59 - Why singing is different from teaching other instruments. 10:06 - Key skills a teacher should have. 16:18 - Connection is vital.

In this episode, John discusses confident swagger and how it can help to improve your singing performance. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 1:32 - Singers are front and center, and the challenges involved 5:05 - Where to get your swagger (this may surprise you!) 8:32 - Mastering your vocal instrument 13:14 - Letting go of perfectionism

John talks with "Singing for the Self-Conscious" author, Becky Gilhespie about overcoming fear and discovering the joy of singing. 4:45 - What is Fearless Singing? 10:45 - The number one way to become fearless 13:32 - Recognizing self-sabotage 20:00 - Practice being uncomfortable EPISODE LINKS Becky's Website How to Get Over Performance Nerves

In this episode, John talks with the incredibly talented songwriter and educator Shane Adams.   Shane is on the faculty of Berklee College Of Music, is a Grammy-nominated music educator, an award-winning songwriter, and lectures worldwide.   Here he breaks songwriting down to make it simple and understandable, and he encourages everyone of all ages to start songwriting. If you want to have a caree...

The creative mind is often a double-edged sword: The ability to dream and create can also lead to indecision and unfulfilled goals. Tracee Theisen-Henny helps creatives, singers, and voice teachers (including her husband, John) eliminate roadblocks and accomplish realistic goals. In this episode, John and Tracee discuss typical challenges creatives face and some of her best tips to refocus and get...

In this episode, John discusses what vocal strain is and the difference between vocal intensity and strain. As singers develop and work towards auditions and performance they have to ask for more power from their voices. It is a fine balance of "pressing in" and engagement of the vocal folds. John explains what happens in the voice as singers create robust sounds and how to engage more intensity s...

Straw phonation can be an excellent warm-up and can help a singer find vocal balance, but at the same time, it should be used within reason as a tool but not relied on as a crutch. In this episode, John discusses arguments for and against using the straw and its role in a singer's vocal development. John also explains some of the vocal science behind the straw and tips on adding it to your singing...

In this episode, John speaks with Dr. Reena Gupta on the challenges of singing and performing in this continued pandemic. Dr. Reena Gupta, a specialist in Otolaryngology and the founder of the Center For Vocal Health covers topics such as navigating breakthrough Covid infections as well as Long Covid and the lingering symptoms that some singers experience after having Covid.   EPISODE LINKS: The S...

"On Having No Head" by Douglas Harding is a short, concise book that shows a simple method to finding states of open awareness and flow. This state of lowered self-awareness is perfect for creativity and musical performance. In this episode, John discusses singing with "no head" and how to glimpse this place of openness and flow.

Long COVID is defined as symptoms lasting over 12 weeks. The lingering fatigue and respiratory issues can be devastating for the singer. Dr. Rachel Goldenberg has extensive experience working with long COVID sufferers. In this episode, Rachel and John discuss the impact of ongoing symptoms and how to approach and manage long COVID as a singer. EPISODE LINKS: Dr. Rachel Glodenberg's Website    

Voice teacher Philippe Hall calls emotion "the most neglected skill in singing." Not only does emotion connect you with the listener, but it also helps support and refine your technique.  In this episode, John and Philippe discuss his performing career, the importance emotion has played in his success, as well as Philippe's new singing course. Episode Links: Singing Revealed Course

Vocal acoustics is one of the most confusing yet important parts of singing. In this episode, John gives you the essential knowledge you need to understand this crucial element of your instrument.