The Intelligent Vocalist

In this episode, John talks about how we need to get out of our own way with our singing and how to accept and appreciate where we are in our singing journey right now. Episode Highlights: How to be in the moment without judgment when you sing Are you overthinking? Fear, anticipation, and tension and how it gets in the way Navigating comparison and perfectionism If you would like to learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, and John's Singing School, visit: johnhenny.com

In this episode, John talks with Daniel Formica, a world-class performer, and vocal coach, about "support" in singing. Episode highlights: What is support? How connection is the key How to recognize if you are grabbing or forcing the sound Warming up your voice is more like "re-awakening" your nervous system to an optimal singing condition To learn more about Daniel Formica, visit: yourvocalteacher.com Daniel Formica YouTube Link

In this episode, John talks about what you can do as a singer and a performer while the music industry and live performances are still recovering. Episode Highlights: Navigating the waves of the "starts" and "stops" as a performer during this time Stay connected to "why" you love music and "why" you sing Take this time to find something in your singing or your education that you can take to the next level Don't be afraid to learn from many avenues If you would like to learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, courses, and Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com

In this episode, John talks about the importance of hydration for singing and the steps we can take to support our voice. Episode highlights: The mucus membrane on the vocal folds and how aging and environment affect it Humidity, hormones and medications, and the voice How much water should we drink? The difference between superficial hydration and systemic hydration To learn more about John Henny and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com

In this episode, John talks with Dr. H. Steven Sims, director at the Chicago Institute for Voice Care, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, about overall vocal health. Episode highlights: Lifestyle choices and how they can affect your voice Acid reflux - when and what you eat matters Hormones and age and how they relate to the voice Supplements that can support the voice To learn more about Dr. H. Steven Sims visit: chicagovoicecare.com

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 ear and your vocal instincts Vowel sounds and how they play into the arrangement of songs To learn more about Ben Bram and his A Cappella Academy program, visit: acappellacademy.org

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 tongue and larynx You can find Kerrie's courses at: getvocal-now.com

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 voice without judgment

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-criticism in your singing Where are your "leaks?"

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 Phelps and developing a master class Finding your own original sound To find out more about Jeff and his courses, visit: https://voicesoaring.com