The Intelligent Vocalist

In this episode, John discusses the importance of singing during uncertain times. Tap into the emotional connection that singing provides, and the power the voice has to heal. John encourages listeners to seize the moment and not let external chaos hinder their passion for singing.   Episode highlights: The voice is directly connected to emotion. It is the instrument of the soul. It's essential to...

In this episode, John Henny discusses the concept of studying singing through the metaphor of seasons. He describes 'summer' as a time for exploration and growth, where singers can experiment with new techniques and styles. Conversely, 'winter' represents a period of focused mastery, where singers hone in on specific skills and techniques. John emphasizes the importance of transitioning between th...

In this episode, John talks with Ariel Bloomer, the lead vocalist for Icon for Hire. Ariel discusses the importance of prioritizing freedom and authenticity over fame in the music industry. She shares her journey of navigating the modern music landscape, emphasizing the significance of genuine connections with fans and the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity. Ariel reflects on her experie...

In this episode, John explores the concepts of the hedgehog and the fox as they relate to musicians and singers. He discusses the dichotomy between those who specialize in one area (hedgehogs) and those who are versatile across many styles (foxes). Through examples of iconic musicians, John illustrates how these approaches can influence an artist's career and sound. Reflect on your own musical asp...

In this milestone 400th episode of The Intelligent Vocalist Podcast, John Henny reflects on the journey of the podcast, its impact on listeners, and the importance of an open mindset in exploring vocal techniques and personal growth. He emphasizes the value of understanding the voice, the connection between mind and voice, and the need for continuous exploration and questioning of traditional beli...

In this episode, John draws from complexity theory to explain how balance between order and chaos is essential for effective, cathartic, and joyful singing and performance. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, emotional connection, and the joy of singing balanced with the technical aspects of vocal training.   Episode highlights: Too much order leads to rigidity and can take the joy out o...

In this episode, John discusses some traditional beliefs and techniques in singing, and emphasizes the importance of questioning these ideas while recognizing their inherent value, rather than dismissing them just because they seem outdated or overused. He encourages us to think like scientists, remaining open to new ideas while respecting the foundations of older vocal concepts.   Episode highlig...

In this episode, John discusses the complexities of honesty in music, particularly in relation to the use of technology like Auto-Tune and pitch correction. He explores the evolution of music manipulation, the pressures faced by modern artists, and the expectations of audiences regarding live performances. John emphasizes the importance of authenticity while acknowledging the changing landscape of...

In this episode, John Henny and Cathal Jack discuss the intricacies of vocal range development, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of strength and tone over volume. They explore the emotional connection in singing, the essence of impactful performances, and the significance of finding one's unique voice. The discussion also touches on the use of accents and language to...

In this episode, John Henny emphasizes the importance of slowing down in vocal practice to foster better development and understanding of one's voice. He discusses the necessity of patience and the value of deliberate practice. John encourages singers to embrace their unique voices, celebrate small progress, and cultivate kindness towards themselves throughout their vocal journey.   Episode highli...

In this episode, John discusses the common issue of vocal tension and shares his favorite techniques to reduce it. He emphasizes the importance of understanding phonation threshold pressure, maintaining proper airflow and support, and the role of body alignment and mental relaxation in achieving a balanced singing experience. John also introduces the concept of negative practice and effective imag...

In this episode, John Henny explores how the ego and the sense of self can hinder our progress and limit our potential as singers and creatives. It's important to turn our attention outward and focus on helping others, rather than being self-centered. He also talks about the role of practice in overcoming the self and achieving a state of flow in singing. Dissolve the self and trust in the process...

In this episode, John Henny interviews Leigh McRae, a 30-year veteran of the music industry as a singer, actor, songwriter, vocal coach and recording artist. They discuss Leigh's journey as a singer, the influence of his professional experience on his teaching, and the importance of consistent vocal habits and skills. They also touch on the challenges performers face, the impact of the pandemic on...

In this episode, John Henny shares his own experiences of waiting for the right time to work on projects and emphasizes the importance of taking action and starting now. Time is limited, and waiting for the perfect moment is a fantasy. The right time doesn't exist, and if you wait for that, you'll never get started. Episode highlights: There is never a perfect time to work on your voice, so start...

In this episode, John shares a story of a student who was afraid to bring new information to their teacher. The need for trust and open communication in the student-teacher relationship is especially crucial when it comes to the voice. The role of the teacher is a guide, and it is important to take control of your own voice and education. He encourages students to question their teachers and bring...

In this episode, John Henny discusses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning to sing, and the potential benefits and challenges of AI. He explains how he uses AI, particularly ChatGPT, to train and have conversations with custom AI models. He also explores the future possibilities of AI in voice teaching and learning. John encourages listeners to embrace AI as a tool for learning and...

In this episode, John shares the story of his mother, who decided to learn piano in her 80s and how it has improved her musical abilities. John emphasizes the importance of audiation skills for singers and how learning a fixed instrument like piano or ukulele can enhance these skills. He also highlights the impact of rhythm and phrasing on vocal performance and the benefits of playing an instrumen...

In this episode, John explains that the spotlight effect is a cognitive bias that leads us to believe that we are being noticed more than we actually are. This can hinder our progress and make us afraid of taking risks and making mistakes. John shares personal experiences from his own life to illustrate the importance of taking risks and embracing failure in order to grow and improve. He encourage...

In this episode, John Henny talks about honoring and nurturing your natural gifts in singing. We need both natural talent and hard work to achieve success in singing. John shares examples of singers with natural ability who have also put in the work to develop their skills, and he encourages singers to embrace their unique gifts and work hard to refine and share them with others. Episode highlight...

In this episode, John Henny discusses the uniqueness of each voice, and encourages singers to reflect on why they sing and what brings them joy. He explores the concept of limitations and how to work within them while following your natural gifts. Be honest, and check in regularly with yourself about what truly makes you happy as a singer. Episode highlights: Reflect on why you sing and what bring...

In this episode, John Henny explains that while it is helpful to group similar things together to understand complex skills, it becomes problematic when we assume that similar things are the same. The physical and acoustic aspects of different vocal modes and how they relate to chest voice, head voice, and mix are often misunderstood.   It is important to constantly refine our approach to singing...

In this episode, John Henny discusses the impact of social media on our focus and attention. He warns about the addictive nature of platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, and how they can consume our time and mental energy. John emphasizes the importance of reclaiming our focus and taking control of our time by limiting our use of social media. By doing so, we can have more time and menta...

In this episode, John discusses the importance of taking control of your vocal journey. Singers cannot be good at everything and should focus on their strengths and passions. Consider your mind, personality, and innate gifts to help determine your limitations and potential as a singer. It's also important to find the right teacher who aligns with your goals and interests. Episode highlights: Singe...

In this episode, John Henny discusses the importance of understanding time signatures for singers, and how rhythm and phrasing separate great singers from average ones. He explains the basics of time signatures, such as the meaning of the top and bottom numbers, and focuses on the most common time signatures. Henny highlights the significance of internalizing the rhythmic clock as a singer and the...

In this episode, John Henny discusses natural talent versus training in singing. He shares examples of famous singers who have worked hard on their voices, debunking the myth of effortless talent. He emphasizes the value of voice teachers and the benefits of formal training, though self-study and listening to other singers can also be valuable. Ultimately, he encourages singers to work hard and fi...