The Intelligent Vocalist

In this episode, John talks with voice teacher Matthew Johnson about vocal distortion and how these techniques can add dimension to a vocal performance. In addition, they discuss the importance of knowing how to achieve these techniques safely, if and when to use vocal distortion, and what type to use depending on the music's genre.  Episode highlights: What is vocal distortion, and can it be done safely? Everyone is capable of creating distortion - when and why you would use this sound  What is false fold/cord distortion? What is "fry scream?" To learn more about Matthew Johnson, visit: elitesinger.com To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com

In this episode, John talks about what is actually going on during breathing for singing and how understanding the process of breath support can help you in your search to find exercises to develop proper breathing techniques.  Episode highlights: What is relaxed breathing? How the muscles work together to create a "good" balance of engagement for singing When too much tension or clenching in the stomach muscles can cause tension in the vocal cords Expansion explained To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com

In this episode, John talks with Dr. Daniel K. Robinson (aka Dr. Dan), an award-winning freelance artist and educator, about "singing essentials." Episode highlights: Breaking down core concepts for singers Voice science for the vocal student  Everyone can be a singer and how to value your voice Technique can be the "key pathway." To learn more about Dr. Dan, visit: www.voiceessentials.com.au www.djarts.com.au

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