The Intelligent Vocalist

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.

The world of the working musician is competitive, and the best singer does not always get the job. You need to be a top-level professional in both skills and attitude. James Eager is a veteran bass player in the UK music scene and the creator of ebassguitar.com, a leading music education site. In this episode, John and James discuss working with other musicians and what band leaders are looking for when hiring singers.

There comes a period in a singer's development where the mind becomes the challenge rather than the voice. Reaching the highest levels requires a mindset that is quite different from the beginning or intermediate singer. In the episode, John discusses what to work and focus on as you transition to advanced levels.

Range is often the yardstick singers use to measure themselves and others. But range alone does not a singer make. In this episode, John is joined by voice Teacher Matt Ramsey to discuss developing vocal range, its place in the singer's skill set, and why it may not be as important as you think. EPISODE LINKS: Matt Ramsey Website