The Intelligent Vocalist

In this episode, John discusses the importance of taking control of your vocal journey. Singers cannot be good at everything and should focus on their strengths and passions. Consider your mind, personality, and innate gifts to help determine your limitations and potential as a singer. It’s also important to find the right teacher who aligns with your goals and interests. Episode highlights: Singers should focus on their strengths and passions rather than trying to be good at everything. The mind, personality, and innate gifts play a significant role in a singer's limitations and potential. Finding the right teacher who aligns with your goals and interests is crucial for progress. Investing time and/or money in improving your voice can lead to faster advancement. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com

In this episode, John Henny discusses the importance of understanding time signatures for singers, and how rhythm and phrasing separate great singers from average ones. He explains the basics of time signatures, such as the meaning of the top and bottom numbers, and focuses on the most common time signatures. Henny highlights the significance of internalizing the rhythmic clock as a singer and the advantage singers have in playing with time. Episode highlights: Understanding time signatures is crucial for singers to develop rhythm and phrasing skills. Odd time signatures like 5/4 and 7/4 require counting the number of pulses between downbeats. Singers have the advantage of playing with time and can speed up, pull back, or hesitate while staying anchored in their internal clock. Being rhythmically precise and confident as a singer enhances collaboration with other musicians and makes for a better performance. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com

In this episode, John Henny discusses natural talent versus training in singing. He shares examples of famous singers who have worked hard on their voices, debunking the myth of effortless talent. He emphasizes the value of voice teachers and the benefits of formal training, though self-study and listening to other singers can also be valuable. Ultimately, he encourages singers to work hard and find the right teacher or method to develop their voices to their fullest potential. Episode highlights: The myth of natural talent in singing is often perpetuated by the media and fans, but the reality is that even the most talented singers work hard and receive training. Formal voice training with a qualified teacher can provide valuable guidance and help singers improve their vocal technique and overall performance. Self-study and listening to other singers can also be beneficial, but it's important to have a strong foundation and understanding of vocal technique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to singing, and each singer should find the right teacher or method that suits their voice and goals. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com

In this episode, John talks with May Oskan about rough vocal effects and the techniques behind them. May also discusses the importance of creating vocal effects safely and the different parts of the vocal tract that can be used to create distortion. She explains that coordination and control are key in creating different vocal effects.  Episode Highlights Creating vocal effects safely involves controlling volume, avoiding extrinsic tension, and using specific structures in the vocal tract. Learning vocal effects may be easier for singers who have already developed specific coordinations and have a playful attitude towards their voice. Voice teachers interested in teaching vocal effects should listen to a variety of vocal effects, listen to their students' desired sounds, and explore vocal effects themselves to better understand and teach them. You can learn more about May Oskan at mayoskanvoice.com To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com

In this episode, John explores the concept of the vocal prime, its significance, characteristics, and implications for singers of all ages. He emphasizes the importance of honoring and investing in the voice, regardless of age, and encourages continuous improvement and care. Episode highlights: The vocal prime is a significant period in a singer's life, characterized by strength, stability, and flexibility in the voice. Investing in vocal care and improvement is essential at every stage of a singer's life, regardless of age. Creating a new vocal prime is possible at any age, emphasizing the potential for continuous growth and development in singing. The voice is a valuable instrument that should be honored, nurtured, and used consistently to maintain its strength and flexibility. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com

In this episode, John discusses the importance of charisma and owning the space as a performer. He emphasizes the cultivation of energy and emotional communication, and highlights the role of vocal technique and emotional intention in creating a powerful performance. Episode highlights: Charisma is a quality that can be cultivated and developed by performers to own the energy and space during a performance. Vocal technique is a tool for communication, and emotional communication is the highest level of singing. The shared humanity and emotional connection between the performer and the audience create a powerful and unique experience. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com

In this episode, John Henny discusses the importance of emotional support for singers. He emphasizes that singing is different from learning any other instrument. Singers expose themselves in a way that other instruments don't because the average listener focuses on the singer more than any other aspect of music. Singers also face emotional challenges such as stage fright, self-doubt, and criticism. It is essential for singers to have emotional support from friends, family, and the right voice teacher or mentor. Episode highlights: Singers expose themselves in a way that other instruments don't. Singers face emotional challenges such as stage fright, self-doubt, and criticism. You need safe support from your family, friends, singing community, voice teacher, and from yourself. Mindfulness and developing strategies to deal with irrational fears and negative thoughts are important for singers. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com

In this episode, John Henny interviews Kenneth Bozeman about the concept of the chiaroscuro whisper. Ken explains that the chiaroscuro whisper is a technique used to identify the resonances of the vocal tract by introducing a white noise into the vocal tract. This technique allows singers to tune their vocal tract and hear the pitches of each resonance peak. Ken also discusses the difference between vocal fry and the white noise of the whisper, as well as the importance of tuning resonances for efficient and pleasurable singing. He emphasizes the need to focus on expression and feelings rather than language when singing. Episode highlights: The chiaroscuro whisper helps identify the resonances of the vocal tract. Tuning resonances is important for efficient and pleasurable singing. The white noise of the whisper is different from vocal fry, and the chiaroscuro whisper may be closer to a regular singing sound than vocal fry. When using the chiaroscuro whisper, it is important to focus on expression and feelings rather than language. The sensation of pleasure is a good indicator of vocal efficiency. To learn more about Ken Bozeman, go to kenbozeman.com To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com

In this episode, John Henny discusses the experience of failure and setbacks in the context of pursuing one's goals. He shares personal stories of failure and how he dealt with them, emphasizing the importance of allowing oneself to feel the emotions that come with failure and not judging or trying to fix them immediately.  Episode Highlights Failure and setbacks are inevitable when pursuing goals, and they provide valuable learning experiences. Allowing oneself to feel and process the emotions that come with failure is important for personal growth. Shifting the focus from seeking approval to valuing the experience itself can lead to a more fulfilling journey. Failure should be seen as an opportunity for improvement and not as a reflection of one's worth or abilities. Being authentic and embracing failure as part of the journey can lead to greater success and connection with others. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com

In this episode, John Henny discusses the desire for simplicity and easy answers in singing. He emphasizes the complexity of the voice and the need for a nuanced approach. John explores the challenges of finding solutions for vocal issues and the ever-changing nature of the voice. He also highlights the importance of embracing the complexity of singing and the joy of not knowing everything. John encourages singers to appreciate the uniqueness of their voice and to embark on the beautiful challenge of exploring its complexity. Episode Highlights: The voice is incredibly complex, and there are no easy answers or quick fixes. Vocal issues require a nuanced approach and understanding of the individual's unique voice. Singing is a journey of ever-unfolding complexity, and embracing the mystery and joy of not knowing everything is part of the process. Appreciate the uniqueness of your voice and the beauty of the challenge it presents. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Voiceschool.com featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com