

The Intelligent Vocalist
John Henny
Hosted by world renowned vocal coach John Henny, The Intelligent Vocalist delves into all things singing - from anatomy and vocal science, to performance, lessons, health, artist development and inside industry practices, Join John as he opens the door to the world of singing and gives insights gleaned from his many decades of teaching everyone from beginners to superstars, as well as training other leading voice teachers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 11, 2024 • 22min
Episode 376 – Emotional Support for Singing
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

Jun 4, 2024 • 33min
Episode 375 - The Chiaroscuro Whisper with Ken Bozeman
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

May 28, 2024 • 21min
Episode 374 - The Joy of Failure
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

May 21, 2024 • 22min
Episode 373 - Resisting Complexity
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

May 14, 2024 • 24min
Episode 372 - The Power of Accountability with Tracee Theisen-Henny
In this episode, John talks with Tracee Theisen-Henny about her role as an accountability coach for creatives, particularly singers. Tracee emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, prioritizing tasks, and staying organized to maintain positive momentum. Her approach to accountability coaching is focused on providing truthful and realistic guidance while offering effective encouragement. Episode highlights: Accountability coaching provides guidance and effective encouragement to help creatives achieve their goals. Feedback and a supportive community are crucial for the success of creative projects. Having a calendar and deadlines can help overcome decision fatigue and resistance. Breaking down big projects into smaller, manageable tasks can prevent overwhelm and increase productivity. For accountability coaching with Tracee, click on this link below: Tracee Accountability Coaching Or feel free to contact the Front Desk email with questions for Tracee frontdesk@johnhenny.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

May 7, 2024 • 22min
Episode 371 - The Challenges of the Intermediate Singer
In this episode, John discusses the challenges that singers face as they progress in their vocal journey. He highlights the necessary shift in mindset, the need to let go of technical exaggerations, and the importance of developing a vocal identity. Episode highlights: The technical exaggerations that helped you as a beginner will need to become more nuanced. Embracing one's voice and understanding one's genetic limitations is crucial for intermediate singers. Letting go of perfection and being open to different sources of knowledge is important for growth as a singer. 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

Apr 30, 2024 • 21min
Episode 370 - The Essential Steps to Vocal Power
In this episode, John discusses the essential steps to developing vocal power. Vocal power is achieved by creating a more intense sound wave and filtering it through the vocal tract. He also explains the importance of activating the vocal tract and using semi-occluded vocal tract exercises to increase baseline pressure. Episode highlights: The closed phase of the vocal folds is crucial for power, as it allows for more contact and longer closure. Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises can increase baseline pressure and assist in developing vocal power. The tongue, jaw, lips, and larynx play important roles in achieving vocal power. 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

Apr 23, 2024 • 21min
Episode 369 - The Terrible Truth About Being Productive
In this episode, John discusses the process of being productive and completing projects. He shares his experience of writing and publishing books to help others, emphasizing the importance of deadlines and accountability. Episode highlights: Setting deadlines and having accountability are crucial for being productive and completing projects. The process of finishing and publishing can be challenging, but it is important to overcome self-doubt and decision fatigue. Decide that what you want to create is important enough. 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

Apr 16, 2024 • 21min
Episode 368 - Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Singing
In this episode, John shares 10 things he wishes he knew before he started singing. He discusses the unique nature of the voice compared to other instruments, highlights the changing nature of the voice, and encourages us to apply the knowledge we gain. Episode highlights: The voice is different from other instruments and requires patience and understanding. The voice is a changing instrument, so it is important to be open and welcoming to the change. Embrace the uniqueness of your voice and enjoy every moment of singing. 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

Apr 9, 2024 • 26min
Episode 367 - From Day Job to YouTube Sensation with Mike Massé
In this episode, John talks with Mike Massé, a musician known for his popular YouTube covers, about his journey from being a lawyer to a full-time musician. Mike explains his approach to choosing songs and how he strives to recreate them faithfully while adding his own touch. He also discusses the challenges of staying healthy as a vocalist and the transition to being self-employed. Episode highlights: There's a charm to a casual gig setting that people can relate to and find comfort in. Your music career doesn't have to happen before a "real job." Try to emulate rather than imitate. Being self-employed can make it difficult to "clock out." To learn more about Mike, go to https://mikemasse.com/ and https://www.youtube.com/@mikemasse 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


