The Intelligent Vocalist

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 these debates and how you should consider them as you continue your vocal education.

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 best possible evaluation The truth about nodules

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 improvement.

"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 over you and your singing.

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.