The Intelligent Vocalist

Singers are often unsure how much to practice on a daily basis. There are a number of variables that come into play, and each singer is different. In this episode, John discusses guidelines to make your practice productive and positive.

The balancing of tiny, unseen muscles is critical for singing, but these coordinations can be tricky. In this episode, John explains the muscles of pitch - how they work and how they need to balance for powerful singing.

When first starting to sing, there are usually major technical skills that need to be developed.  Once a baseline level of technique is established, there is a new mountain to climb - the mountain of musicianship. In this episode, John discusses the path to singing mastery and the skill sets you should be aware of along the way.  EPISODE LINKS: Weekly Lesson Special Discount

The world of voice teaching has often been fractured, with various camps, methods, and disciplines, keeping a sense of distance from each other. In recent years, a new crop of teacher has emerged who is embracing different styles and methods, as well as working closely with science and medicine. In this episode, John discusses these changes in approach and attitude and why the future of teaching looks very bright indeed. EPISODE LINKS: Mindy Pack RAab Stevenson Joshua Alumu Dr. Reena Gupta

If only it were easier - but it rarely is. Being a creative, an artist, a musician is to invite constant obstacles and setbacks. These roadblocks can sideline us, even cause some of us to give up completely. In this episode, John discusses the inevitable struggles you will face and how to find inspiration and new directions within.

Technology, the internet, and even social media can be wonderful tools for the singer.....until they are not. Many of these tools have been engineered to distract and steal away your time and attention - leaving you less time and energy for singing and creative pursuits. In this episode, John discusses how to control your digital distractions and how to stay focused on your vocal growth. EPISODE LINKS: Deep Work by Cal Newport Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport    

Maximum Flow Declination Rate (MFDR) is not something often discussed by singers (or even voice teachers) but it is an important part of having a powerful voice. In this episode, John explains what MFDR is and how best to develop safe and healthy vocal power. EPISODE LINKS: OHNI Vocal Masterclass Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy OOVO Straw (use code HENNY at checkout to save 10%)*   *Affiliate link - we get a small commission with your purchase (at no extra cost to you). Go directly to www.oovostraw.com if you'd like to bypass this.

We all have a future ideal self we strive towards - the singer we will someday hope to be. But staying focused on this ideal can often cause us to become discouraged, as it seems so far away and, at times, unattainable. In this episode, John discusses how best to measure your progress to keep a positive, motivated mindset for your singing.

In singing, the vowel is "all-important" while consonants are often relegated to bits of noise that must be negotiated around. But consonants not only give us understandable language - they are the rhythmic drivers of music, containing a whole world of expressive possibilities. In this episode, John delves into making consonants an important part of your vocal performance, helping you become a dynamic, more rhythm-driven singer.  

Rhythm and sense of time are not the first things singers tend to work on, yet they are vitally important music skills. Developing a great sense of time and a feel for accurate rhythmic subdivision should be high on the list for every singer. In this episode, John gives some of his favorite exercises for mastering rhythms and developing your groove. Episode Links: Modern Reading in 4/4 by Louis Bellson