The Intelligent Vocalist

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

How do you know if you are doing the right exercise, or if you are doing it properly? An exercise that's good for one voice may not be so good for another. In this episode, John delves into the common mistakes he sees singers make with vocal exercises.

Using a straw to warm-up the voice is extremely efficient and effective. The straw provides changes in backpressure and acoustics that make it easier to find vocal balance and stability. In this episode, John explains how best to utilize the straw in your vocal routine.   Episode Links: Straw Warmup Course (Free)  

High, intense belt is one of the most thrilling types of contemporary singing, and it is a highly prized skill amongst singers. However, belt is also one of the most potentially damaging vocal styles, if not done properly. In this episode, John discusses the mechanics of belt singing and how it can be done in a healthy way. EPISODE LINKS Secrets of Belting Course

A quick way to garner attention, especially online, is to develop a rebellious, contrarian stance against the "establishment." In the world of voice, there are debates launched, proclaiming certain ideas or techniques to be "completely wrong." This can create a lot of confusion for the singer, especially when something they have studied is dismissed. In this episode, John looks at the nature of these debates and how you should consider them as you continue your vocal education.  

Voice specialist, Dr. Reena Gupta joins John for Vocal Q&A part 2. In this episode, Reena discuses: The effects of marijuana and alcohol on the voice The essential partnership of the voice teacher and doctor Steroid use for the voice Vocal fry And much more!   This is another MUST-LISTEN episode for all professional voice users!

Dr. Reena Gupta is one of the leading ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors in Los Angeles. Dr. Gupta specializes in professional voice users, including celebrity singers. Dr. Gupta joins John in the studio to answer your voice questions, including: When should you see an ENT? What should voice teachers listen for in singer’s voices? How to develop your diagnostic ear. How to know you are getting the best possible evaluation The truth about nodules 

Part 2 of the Chris Johnson (of the Naked Vocalist podcast) interview.   In this episode, John asks Chris listener questions on all things voice, including such topics as:   Vowels in different languages and dialects The under-vowel Balanced compression Singing when sick Chris is one of the leading voice teachers in the UK and his answers are always fascinating and well-steeped in vocal science.

Knowing what to work on in the practice room can be confusing. How do you know if you are focusing on the right aspects of your voice? In this first of a two-part interview, John is joined by Chris Johnson (of the fantastic Naked Vocalist podcast) to discuss how to analyze the voice and discover where you should focus your efforts.

Overwhelm is as close as the phone in your pocket, where there is a never-ending parade of vocal distractions to pull at your attention. Countless vocal methods, YouTube videos, courses, online discussion and arguments - it can leave you trying to do everything (and ultimately, nothing) at once. In this episode, John discusses how to get out of the overwhelm and on the road to consistent vocal improvement.