The Intelligent Vocalist

We all have likes and dislikes; however, we need to keep our musical minds and options open. Every song is a form of art created by talented people who wish to express themselves in a unique way. In this episode, John discusses the importance of learning from a variety of music and singers and why criticism is a negative force best avoided.

Mix singing is one of the most sought after singing skills, but there is much confusion about the topic. In this episode, John answers your top questions about mixed voice and how to find and develop your mix.

Although most people are uncomfortable listening to their recorded voice, singers need to constantly listen to and analyze their singing. In this episode, John discusses how to incorporate self-recordings into your practice and how to analyze the results for continuous improvement.  

There is only so much we can read and study about a physical skill. At some point, you need to establish the sensations and balances in your nervous system and awareness. In this episode, John discusses the need to experience singing and performance at higher and higher skill levels and establish a path of continuous improvement.

Change is inevitable but rarely easy. In our current turbulent times, change is accelerating at a breakneck and often frightening pace. In this episode, John discusses how change can be positive and how to start creating future singing success.

In Part II of John's interview with Steve Giles and Chris Johnson of the Naked Vocalist Podcast, they discuss the ultimate question: "What's the secret of singing?"  

Steve Giles and Chris Johnson of the Naked Vocalist Podcast are two of the world's leading contemporary voice teachers. In Part I of a two-part interview, John talks with Steve and Chris about what they currently find most exciting in the world of voice and how to have successful online lessons. Episode Links: The Naked Vocalist Website

The pandemic has allowed some industries to thrive while nearly wiping out others. Performance has been hit especially hard, creating a long struggle for singers. In this episode, John talks with performance anxiety coach and mental health professional, Ingela Onstad. Ingela discusses the stresses singers have been dealing with and how to stay focused, motivated, and ready to hit the stage when performance opens up again. EPISODE LINKS: Ingela's Website

As you progress in your singing, you will likely start to interact with better musicians. Higher-level musicians will listen to and interact with you differently than novice players. At the same time, you will need to respond to these musicians on a deeper level. In this episode, John discusses how to listen and respond to great players and suggests two classic recordings to help develop your listening skills.

Our current world has many of us retreating to us vs. them, binary thinking. This attitude can creep into our views of singing and technique, which can blind us to other helpful methods and views. In this episode, John explores the problems of binary thinking and why the ideas of "one true technique" are misguided and harmful for singers.