The Intelligent Vocalist

In this episode, John explains the four levels of competency, and what it really means to reach your highest level of singing.   Episode highlights: There is bliss in the first level, unconscious incompetence, but that disables us from growth. We may experience frustrations as we progress through the levels of competency. All the work we put in during the lower levels of competency is what gives u...

In this episode, John talks with drummer, singer, and author Jason Thomas Gordon about his book, The Singers Talk. Jason spent nearly a decade interviewing some of the greatest vocalists in modern music to compile this wonderful resource guide for singers.   Episode highlights: Singers don't seem to have many resources compared to other musical instruments. This is a book you can continuously to l...

In this episode, John talks about the three terrible Cs that can affect your singing growth.   Episode Highlights: Our own human nature can trap us in the three Cs. Your journey is to uncover and express the best, most honest version of you. Singing and the voice provide continuous learning.   To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com  featuring his T...

In this episode, John talks with Kerrie Obert, a Speech-Language Pathologist, Singing Voice Specialist, and Voice Teacher, about vocal tremors that can develop in aging voices, and the current treatments available to help find stability in the voice again.    Episode Highlights: There is unfortunately still not a lot that is known about what can cause a tremor to develop A tremor and vibrato have...

In this episode, John talks about how frustration can actually be a guide for us in our singing journeys, and how to better navigate frustration when we experience it.   Episode Highlights: Frustration shows that something is important to you and that you care Quitting is not always wrong Frustration is like a "check engine" light Asking "What, why, and how?" can help you work through frustration...

In this episode, John and singing teacher Lisa Perks explore the hidden cost of vocal shame. They share personal stories and strategies to overcome self-doubt, making it a riveting listen for all. Episode Highlights: The Challenge of Vocal Wobble The Psychological Consequences of Vocal Damage The Impact of Losing One's Voice To find out more about Lisa and her programs, visit epiphanyvocalstudio.c...

In this episode, John engages in an enlightening conversation with Heather Baker, a distinguished vocal coach and the first British teacher certified as Level 5 in Speech Level Singing (SLS)—their discussion centers around the intriguing relationship between singing and gesturing.  Episode Highlights: The neuro side of singing The advantages of gestures to singing The use of gestures in conducting...

In this episode, John explores the difficulties of trying to master everything all at once, and shares his advice on how we can all learn to not get over our vocal skis.  Episode Highlight: The temptation to step beyond the starting point Good ways of checking in on your growth The practice of learning how to filter information To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses...

In this episode, John engages in a riveting conversation with law lecturer turned voice coach, Debbie Winter, exploring the importance of continuing education and reclaiming your vocal power after a setback. Episode Highlights: Rediscovering your voice Working towards a vision Completing one idea at a time To know more about Debbie Winter, visit: https://voicestudycentre.com/  To learn more about...

In this episode, John discusses with the first-rate vocal coach and vocalist Jim Dix about committing to a disciplined routine to achieve your higher musical self. Episode Highlights: Envisioning the ultimate, optimal self Different practice approaches Challenges in starting your skills-improvement journey To find out more about Jim and his programs, visit jimdixvoicestudio.com . To learn more abo...

In this episode, John talks about the magic of music and how, just as you never step in the same stream twice, you never sing the same note twice. Episode Highlights: The Transient Vocal Theory The Natural Tremors in the Body The Illusion of Permanence  To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Spe...

In this episode, John explores the wonders of imagery, movement, and singing with the person behind the revolutionary Franklin Method–Eric Franklin. Episode Highlights: The Franklin Method Imagery in Singing Error Amplification To know more about Eric, visit: https://franklinmethod.com/thank-you-the-intelligent-vocalist/ To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal...

In this episode, John Henny discusses vibrato with voice professor and researcher, John Nix. Episode Highlights: How emotions and physiology affect vibrato Adjusting the speed of vibrato The potential to sing vibrato To know more about John Nix, visit: johnnixvoiceteacher.com To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teachi...

In this episode, John discusses with voice teacher Gabriel Weiner the limits of technique in singing. Episode Highlights: Matching students with the right voice teachers Teaching learners to have a vocal vision The Passaggio is a Boogeyman To know more about Gabriel, visit: https://www.contemporaryvoicelessons.com/ To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Asses...

In this episode, John dives headfirst into a whirlpool of thoughts, opinions, and outbursts surrounding the voice-teaching community. Episode Highlights: Voice teachers blasting other voice teachers Need for respect for professionals and their expertise Rejection and demeaning of older knowledge To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Les...

In this episode, John talks about the utilization of models for the voice. He looks into models that serve as tools to decipher intricate systems, particularly highlighting the Machine Model Fallacy. Episode Highlights: The voice is not a machine Fight or flight shows up in your voice Different voice methods work for different people   To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online...

In this episode, John talks with Sacramento Pop Choir Managing Director Emily Perez about singing as an emotional music language, a birthright, and a built-in communication system. Episode Highlights: Singing is a skill that can be learned and improved Singing connects people with themselves, others, and nature. Learning to work on your voice can make it a glorious and rich instrument. To find out...

In this episode, John creatively discusses quarter-wave resonators, resonance, and registration. Episode Highlights: The voice is a quarter-wave resonator Sound wave starts at equilibrium until a disturbance is created Nodes are zero displacements, while antinodes represent maximum velocity   To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lesson...

In this episode, John shares some crucial tips on preparing yourself before every performance and avoiding stage fright.   Episode Highlights: It's important to spend enough time in preparation Positive self-talk may not be the most effective antidote to stage anxiety Give others permission not to like you Communication and connection are the highest levels of singing   To learn more about John He...

In this episode, John talks with professional singer and vocal coach Jeff Alani Stanfill about the significance of understanding and training the Contemporary Commercial Music Tenor.   Episode Highlights: Common struggles faced by CCM Tenors Importance of good posture in singing Normalizing high notes Embracing your unique voice type   Find out more about Jeff at voicesoaring.com.   To learn more...

In this episode, John talks about the importance of taking steps to sharpen your skills.   Episode Highlights: Plan and prepare Set time to practice Find the right people   To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com .

In this podcast episode, John discusses how skill assessment can help you celebrate your strengths and work on your weaknesses.   Episode Highlights: Singers are vocal athletes Paving your way with your unique abilities Improving your musicality Developing emotional expression   To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Te...

In this episode, John discusses the importance of active listening in improving musicianship and how to develop it.   Episode Highlights: Working on rhythm Getting into music theory Expanding your music palette   To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice...

In this episode, John talks about the importance of embracing boredom. Episode Highlights: The attributes of great musicians Great breakthroughs that come from boredom The mind and body connection To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments, and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academ...

In this episode, John discusses the vocal tract and its primary importance in the singing process. Episode Highlights: The transient theory of voice production The surprising way the vocal folds produce sound The primacy of the vocal tract To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments, and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training...