The Intelligent Vocalist

Interruption has been the theme of this past year. The lack of performances and general uncertainties has led to many of us taking a break from our singing. In this episode, John discusses how to carefully and properly return your voice to peak shape and performance.

Vocal tension is one of the top issues singers deal with. However, not all tension is bad. We need a certain amount of tension to produce sound. Knowing good from bad tension is essential for singers. In this episode, John discusses how to identify and correct tension to sing at your best.

We all have likes and dislikes; however, we need to keep our musical minds and options open. Every song is a form of art created by talented people who wish to express themselves in a unique way. In this episode, John discusses the importance of learning from a variety of music and singers and why criticism is a negative force best avoided.

Mix singing is one of the most sought after singing skills, but there is much confusion about the topic. In this episode, John answers your top questions about mixed voice and how to find and develop your mix.

Although most people are uncomfortable listening to their recorded voice, singers need to constantly listen to and analyze their singing. In this episode, John discusses how to incorporate self-recordings into your practice and how to analyze the results for continuous improvement.  

There is only so much we can read and study about a physical skill. At some point, you need to establish the sensations and balances in your nervous system and awareness. In this episode, John discusses the need to experience singing and performance at higher and higher skill levels and establish a path of continuous improvement.

Change is inevitable but rarely easy. In our current turbulent times, change is accelerating at a breakneck and often frightening pace. In this episode, John discusses how change can be positive and how to start creating future singing success.

In Part II of John's interview with Steve Giles and Chris Johnson of the Naked Vocalist Podcast, they discuss the ultimate question: "What's the secret of singing?"  

Steve Giles and Chris Johnson of the Naked Vocalist Podcast are two of the world's leading contemporary voice teachers. In Part I of a two-part interview, John talks with Steve and Chris about what they currently find most exciting in the world of voice and how to have successful online lessons. Episode Links: The Naked Vocalist Website

The pandemic has allowed some industries to thrive while nearly wiping out others. Performance has been hit especially hard, creating a long struggle for singers. In this episode, John talks with performance anxiety coach and mental health professional, Ingela Onstad. Ingela discusses the stresses singers have been dealing with and how to stay focused, motivated, and ready to hit the stage when pe...

As you progress in your singing, you will likely start to interact with better musicians. Higher-level musicians will listen to and interact with you differently than novice players. At the same time, you will need to respond to these musicians on a deeper level. In this episode, John discusses how to listen and respond to great players and suggests two classic recordings to help develop your list...

Our current world has many of us retreating to us vs. them, binary thinking. This attitude can creep into our views of singing and technique, which can blind us to other helpful methods and views. In this episode, John explores the problems of binary thinking and why the ideas of "one true technique" are misguided and harmful for singers.

Kristian Lavercombe has starred in major productions from Urinetown to Jesus Christ Superstar, but he is best known for playing Riff Raff in the Rocky Horror Show. Kristian holds the world record at over eighteen hundred performances. In this episode, John and Kristian discuss his successful career and his best advice for singers looking to work in musical theatre. Plus, Kristian tells the best op...

Vocal technique is a vital skill, but it can also become a trap, leaving singers frustrated and less connected with their performances. In this episode, John discusses getting beyond technique to the highest level of singing - selfless communication and connection.  

You can have all the vocal technique in the world, but if you can't conquer your mental fears and roadblocks, you will struggle to perform at your best. Becky Gilhespie, a leading voice teacher in London, and now Australia, has published a new book, Singing for the Self-Conscious , to help singers breakthrough their mental hurdles. In this episode, John and Becky discuss the everyday mental strugg...

The current challenges we face have been incredibly disruptive for musicians and creatives. Projects, goals, and livelihoods have been displaced, creating untold amounts of stress and worries of the future. In this episode, John discusses how to navigate these difficult times and how a cable TV show about restoring cabins has helped him find a positive mental space.

Singing is full of little interrupters, changes in pitch, vowels, or consonants that can throw you off balance and into vocal tension. By utilizing legato to smooth out your singing, you can diminish these interruptions and stay locked-in to your vocal sweet spots. In this episode, John discusses legato and how to practice and employ this concept in your own singing. EPISODE LINKS Beginning Singin...

No matter your level of experience, it's always a good idea to revisit the fundamentals. In this episode, John discusses his brand new book, Beginning Singing, and his approach to the fundamentals for beginners as well as advanced singers. EPISODE LINKS Beginning Singing Book

With most high-level skills, the better you get, the harder it can seem to improve. In this episode, John discusses what to expect as you become more advanced and how to push through the inevitable rough patches to come. EPISODE LINKS Beginning Singing Book

In her book, The Biggest Bluff, author, and psychologist Maria Konnikova takes a year off from writing to learn poker. In 12 short months, she goes from complete novice to tournament champion. Maria learns that poker is an almost perfect vehicle for learning how to make correct life decisions, and how to deal with the swings of luck we all experience. In this episode, John discusses how to deal wi...

There are so many decisions that go into a creative project. Knowing when something is good enough without getting stuck in the perfectionist trap can be incredibly hard to discern. In this episode, John discusses his journey to find the right cover for his latest book, and the creative struggles and decisions he dealt with. EPISODE LINKS: Cover Examples  

When tackling a larger project, such as writing a song or reaching a vocal goal, it is all too easy to falter just before the finish line. After the initial inspiration wears off, it requires a level of sticktoitiveness to push through and see the goal to completion.  In this episode, John discusses the mental roadblocks to finishing large projects and what to do to get over the hump and get it do...

There can be two planes of focus when singing. The inner is on physical adjustments - the breath, vocal fold resistance, etc. Outer focus is on the results - a brighter sound, feeling the tone more forward, etc. In this episode, John discusses the difference between both types of focus and how to balance them in your practice and performance.  

Great singers are a fantastic source of inspiration, but the temptation to copy them can leave our singing struggling for originality. In this episode, John discusses how to breakdown your favorite vocal performances to create your unique style.

Singing, performing, and auditioning can be stressful, filling the mind with doubt and fear. Annie Little is an experienced actress and voice teacher who has been using guided meditations to help her students overcome anxiety and to find a calm mental space in which to learn and sing. EPISODE LINKS Annie's Website