The Intelligent Vocalist

The world of voice teaching has often been fractured, with various camps, methods, and disciplines, keeping a sense of distance from each other. In recent years, a new crop of teacher has emerged who is embracing different styles and methods, as well as working closely with science and medicine. In this episode, John discusses these changes in approach and attitude and why the future of teaching l...

If only it were easier - but it rarely is. Being a creative, an artist, a musician is to invite constant obstacles and setbacks. These roadblocks can sideline us, even cause some of us to give up completely. In this episode, John discusses the inevitable struggles you will face and how to find inspiration and new directions within.

Technology, the internet, and even social media can be wonderful tools for the singer.....until they are not. Many of these tools have been engineered to distract and steal away your time and attention - leaving you less time and energy for singing and creative pursuits. In this episode, John discusses how to control your digital distractions and how to stay focused on your vocal growth. EPISODE L...

Maximum Flow Declination Rate (MFDR) is not something often discussed by singers (or even voice teachers) but it is an important part of having a powerful voice. In this episode, John explains what MFDR is and how best to develop safe and healthy vocal power. EPISODE LINKS: OHNI Vocal Masterclass Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy OOVO Straw  (use code HENNY at checkout to save 10%)*   *Affiliate...

We all have a future ideal self we strive towards - the singer we will someday hope to be. But staying focused on this ideal can often cause us to become discouraged, as it seems so far away and, at times, unattainable. In this episode, John discusses how best to measure your progress to keep a positive, motivated mindset for your singing.

In singing, the vowel is "all-important" while consonants are often relegated to bits of noise that must be negotiated around. But consonants not only give us understandable language - they are the rhythmic drivers of music, containing a whole world of expressive possibilities. In this episode, John delves into making consonants an important part of your vocal performance, helping you become a dyn...

Rhythm and sense of time are not the first things singers tend to work on, yet they are vitally important music skills. Developing a great sense of time and a feel for accurate rhythmic subdivision should be high on the list for every singer. In this episode, John gives some of his favorite exercises for mastering rhythms and developing your groove. Episode Links: Modern Reading in 4/4 by Louis Be...

How do you know if you are doing the right exercise, or if you are doing it properly? An exercise that's good for one voice may not be so good for another. In this episode, John delves into the common mistakes he sees singers make with vocal exercises.

Using a straw to warm-up the voice is extremely efficient and effective. The straw provides changes in backpressure and acoustics that make it easier to find vocal balance and stability. In this episode, John explains how best to utilize the straw in your vocal routine.   Episode Links: Straw Warmup Course (Free)  

High, intense belt is one of the most thrilling types of contemporary singing, and it is a highly prized skill amongst singers. However, belt is also one of the most potentially damaging vocal styles, if not done properly. In this episode, John discusses the mechanics of belt singing and how it can be done in a healthy way. EPISODE LINKS Secrets of Belting Course

A quick way to garner attention, especially online, is to develop a rebellious, contrarian stance against the "establishment." In the world of voice, there are debates launched, proclaiming certain ideas or techniques to be "completely wrong." This can create a lot of confusion for the singer, especially when something they have studied is dismissed. In this episode, John looks at the nature of th...

Voice specialist, Dr. Reena Gupta joins John for Vocal Q&A part 2. In this episode, Reena discuses: The effects of marijuana and alcohol on the voice The essential partnership of the voice teacher and doctor Steroid use for the voice Vocal fry And much more!   This is another MUST-LISTEN episode for all professional voice users!

Dr. Reena Gupta is one of the leading ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors in Los Angeles. Dr. Gupta specializes in professional voice users, including celebrity singers. Dr. Gupta joins John in the studio to answer your voice questions, including: When should you see an ENT? What should voice teachers listen for in singer's voices? How to develop your diagnostic ear. How to know you are getting the...

Part 2 of the Chris Johnson (of the Naked Vocalist podcast) interview.   In this episode, John asks Chris listener questions on all things voice, including such topics as:   Vowels in different languages and dialects The under-vowel Balanced compression Singing when sick Chris is one of the leading voice teachers in the UK and his answers are always fascinating and well-steeped in vocal science.  

Knowing what to work on in the practice room can be confusing. How do you know if you are focusing on the right aspects of your voice? In this first of a two-part interview, John is joined by Chris Johnson (of the fantastic Naked Vocalist podcast) to discuss how to analyze the voice and discover where you should focus your efforts.

Overwhelm is as close as the phone in your pocket, where there is a never-ending parade of vocal distractions to pull at your attention. Countless vocal methods, YouTube videos, courses, online discussion and arguments - it can leave you trying to do everything (and ultimately, nothing) at once. In this episode, John discusses how to get out of the overwhelm and on the road to consistent vocal imp...

"Placement" is a term that often confuses singers: How do I place the voice? What is the right placement for my voice? Is there a lever to move my voice forward and back? What does this even mean? In this episode, John goes through the proper use of placement, and how to control these sensory guideposts.  

One of the main reasons for singers to stop is painful criticism. The opinion usually comes from a person of authority, someone they respected - a choir director in childhood, a less than kind voice teacher, or an industry professional, such as a producer. One opinion causing years, sometimes decades to be lost. In this episode, John discusses the danger of allowing another's opinion to have power...

Developing technical mastery of your vocal instrument is a life-long project of dedication and determination. However, hyper-focusing on technique can cause us to lose touch with the pure joy of singing. In this episode, John talks about keeping the passion for singing alive while continuing to gain technical ability.

For every singer, there are frustrating areas of the voice we just can't seem to conquer. The is where your vocal "crowbar" can be your best tool for solving stubborn issues. By discovering and utilizing your vocal crowbar, you can start eliminating these singing problems quickly and effectively.  

Learning any new skill can be daunting, but the voice has levels of complexity that make it a unique challenge. The fine-tuning and coordination of muscles and energies we scarcely feel (or feel in illusory ways) can confuse and discourage the beginning singer (as well as the more experienced). In this episode, John breaks down the difficulties of learning to sing, both technical and mental, and g...

We all have bad days as singers. We can even have extended periods of voice issues that seem never to end. These setbacks can create feelings of discouragement that pull us from the path of improvement. In this episode, John discusses how to bounce back from these difficult days and how you can quickly get back on track to achieving your vocal goals.  

Most human endeavors have an element of competition to them, and music is no different. The problem is when competition between singers turns toxic, it can be a discouraging situation. In this episode, John looks at how to use competition to your benefit, and how to move towards a higher level of competition with yourself, to help push you to new artistic heights.

Your voice will change dramatically from birth to old age. What can you expect during these different periods? Can you sing well your entire life? In this episode, John takes you through the how and why of your changing voice and gives you tips for staying healthy throughout your vocal lifetime.

It is a common question for singers (and all creatives) - do I have what it takes? But is this even the question to ask? And if asked, who is to answer? In this episode, John looks at this fundamental struggle of self-doubt and how it impacts you, the singer.