The Intelligent Vocalist

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 Singing Book Video Breakdown of Floor Jansen

Join John as he dives into the essentials of singing, perfect for both novices and seasoned vocalists. He introduces his new book, which breaks down key concepts from breathing techniques to resonance. Discover the ACV framework that helps singers grasp vocal mechanics for better control. John shares practical tips on vowel shaping and resonance effects, tackling topics like registration and vibrato. Plus, learn about as resources available for practice, and hear why this book is truly a passion project for him.

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 with the current state of the world for musicians (known as a "bad beat" in poker) and how to make correct decisions going forward in your singing and music. EPISODE LINKS The Biggest Bluff by Maria Konnikova

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 done.

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