The Intelligent Vocalist

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

In this episode, John talks with Chris Liepe about exploring your voice, the importance of expression and experiencing your voice freely. 2:40 - Chris talks about what inspired his musical path and teaching style 8:24 - The importance of expression 16:12 - Be willing to fail - it will lead to success 23:06 - Learning vs experiencing To learn more about Chris Liepe visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chrisliepe/featured Website: https://chrisliepe.com

In this episode, John talks with Tracee Theisen-Henny about setting goals, accountability, and how to break through overwhelm to be a "productive creative." Episode Highlights: The new year can be stressful with setting goals and resolutions for the creative mind Making accountability positive The "now," "next," and "necessary" list Celebrating the gain over the gap Organize and edit to keep moving forward Contact Tracee at frontdesk@johnhenny.com

Why is it easier for some of us to sing while others struggle? Genetics may be part of the answer. In this episode, John talks with voice teacher Julie Miles about her work with the genetics company, 23 and Me. Among the topics covered are: Is there a pitch matching gene? Why do some of us hesitate to sing for others? Nature vs nurture in singing Tone deafness