The Intelligent Vocalist

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.

Kristian Lavercombe has starred in major productions from Urinetown to Jesus Christ Superstar, but he is best known for playing Riff Raff in the Rocky Horror Show. Kristian holds the world record at over eighteen hundred performances. In this episode, John and Kristian discuss his successful career and his best advice for singers looking to work in musical theatre. Plus, Kristian tells the best opening night story ever! EPISODE LINKS Kristian's Website

Vocal technique is a vital skill, but it can also become a trap, leaving singers frustrated and less connected with their performances. In this episode, John discusses getting beyond technique to the highest level of singing - selfless communication and connection.

You can have all the vocal technique in the world, but if you can't conquer your mental fears and roadblocks, you will struggle to perform at your best. Becky Gilhespie, a leading voice teacher in London, and now Australia, has published a new book, Singing for the Self-Conscious, to help singers breakthrough their mental hurdles. In this episode, John and Becky discuss the everyday mental struggles singers face and the steps to breakthrough to confident singing. EPISODE LINKS: Becky's Website

The current challenges we face have been incredibly disruptive for musicians and creatives. Projects, goals, and livelihoods have been displaced, creating untold amounts of stress and worries of the future. In this episode, John discusses how to navigate these difficult times and how a cable TV show about restoring cabins has helped him find a positive mental space.

Singing is full of little interrupters, changes in pitch, vowels, or consonants that can throw you off balance and into vocal tension. By utilizing legato to smooth out your singing, you can diminish these interruptions and stay locked-in to your vocal sweet spots. In this episode, John discusses legato and how to practice and employ this concept in your own singing. EPISODE LINKS Beginning Singing Book Video Breakdown of Floor Jansen

Join John as he dives into the essentials of singing, perfect for both novices and seasoned vocalists. He introduces his new book, which breaks down key concepts from breathing techniques to resonance. Discover the ACV framework that helps singers grasp vocal mechanics for better control. John shares practical tips on vowel shaping and resonance effects, tackling topics like registration and vibrato. Plus, learn about as resources available for practice, and hear why this book is truly a passion project for him.