The Intelligent Vocalist

John talks with "Singing for the Self-Conscious" author, Becky Gilhespie about overcoming fear and discovering the joy of singing. 4:45 - What is Fearless Singing? 10:45 - The number one way to become fearless 13:32 - Recognizing self-sabotage 20:00 - Practice being uncomfortable EPISODE LINKS Becky's Website How to Get Over Performance Nerves

In this episode, John talks with the incredibly talented songwriter and educator Shane Adams. Shane is on the faculty of Berklee College Of Music, is a Grammy-nominated music educator, an award-winning songwriter, and lectures worldwide. Here he breaks songwriting down to make it simple and understandable, and he encourages everyone of all ages to start songwriting. If you want to have a career as a singer, learning the craft of songwriting is a way for you to reach and connect to a larger audience, collaborate with other musicians and make extra income.

The creative mind is often a double-edged sword: The ability to dream and create can also lead to indecision and unfulfilled goals. Tracee Theisen-Henny helps creatives, singers, and voice teachers (including her husband, John) eliminate roadblocks and accomplish realistic goals. In this episode, John and Tracee discuss typical challenges creatives face and some of her best tips to refocus and get things done. EPISODE LINKS Contact Tracee at frontdesk@johnhenny.com

In this episode, John discusses what vocal strain is and the difference between vocal intensity and strain. As singers develop and work towards auditions and performance they have to ask for more power from their voices. It is a fine balance of "pressing in" and engagement of the vocal folds. John explains what happens in the voice as singers create robust sounds and how to engage more intensity safely.

Straw phonation can be an excellent warm-up and can help a singer find vocal balance, but at the same time, it should be used within reason as a tool but not relied on as a crutch. In this episode, John discusses arguments for and against using the straw and its role in a singer's vocal development. John also explains some of the vocal science behind the straw and tips on adding it to your singing practice.

In this episode, John speaks with Dr. Reena Gupta on the challenges of singing and performing in this continued pandemic. Dr. Reena Gupta, a specialist in Otolaryngology and the founder of the Center For Vocal Health covers topics such as navigating breakthrough Covid infections as well as Long Covid and the lingering symptoms that some singers experience after having Covid. EPISODE LINKS: The Singer Summit 2021 Center for Vocal Health

"On Having No Head" by Douglas Harding is a short, concise book that shows a simple method to finding states of open awareness and flow. This state of lowered self-awareness is perfect for creativity and musical performance. In this episode, John discusses singing with "no head" and how to glimpse this place of openness and flow.

Long COVID is defined as symptoms lasting over 12 weeks. The lingering fatigue and respiratory issues can be devastating for the singer. Dr. Rachel Goldenberg has extensive experience working with long COVID sufferers. In this episode, Rachel and John discuss the impact of ongoing symptoms and how to approach and manage long COVID as a singer. EPISODE LINKS: Dr. Rachel Glodenberg's Website

Voice teacher Philippe Hall calls emotion "the most neglected skill in singing." Not only does emotion connect you with the listener, but it also helps support and refine your technique. In this episode, John and Philippe discuss his performing career, the importance emotion has played in his success, as well as Philippe's new singing course. Episode Links: Singing Revealed Course

Vocal acoustics is one of the most confusing yet important parts of singing. In this episode, John gives you the essential knowledge you need to understand this crucial element of your instrument.