The Intelligent Vocalist

In this episode, John Henny introduces the HEROES system, a method to keep your voice healthy and flexible. Each element of the system is essential for maintaining vocal health and longevity. Episode highlights: The HEROES system (hydration, exercise, range, optimization, energy, and sing) is a comprehensive approach to maintaining vocal health and flexibility. Both topical and systemic hydration are crucial for keeping the vocal folds properly hydrated. Regular exercise, both for the body and the voice, is essential for maintaining overall vocal health. Optimizing vocal technique and resonance can help prevent vocal strain and ensure efficient phonation. 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 breaking through self-imposed limitations in singing. He explores the power of memories and stories in shaping our beliefs about our voice and potential, and encourages singers to embrace their unique voice and let go of negative self-talk. Episode highlights: Past experiences and memories shape our beliefs about our voice and potential. Accept and embrace your unique voice, including any physical limitations. Change negative self-talk and focus on the present moment. Share your unique universe with others and let go of stories that hold you back. 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 lessons he learned from writing and publishing his latest book, 'The Mature Singer's Guidebook.' He talks about the challenges he faced during the writing process, how he overcame self-doubt and resistance, and offers valuable advice for anyone embarking on a big project. Episode highlights: Imposter syndrome and self-doubt come with big projects after the initial excitement wears off. Stay in the present moment to persevere and see your project to completion. Only "done" gets paid. Break down the work, set due dates, and hold yourself accountable. 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 singing from the vocal tract. He shares his inspiration for writing his book, The Mature Singer's Guidebook, and how his work with Kerrie Obert helped him understand the significance of the vocal tract in maintaining a healthy voice. Episode highlights: The vocal tract plays a crucial role in singing and should not be overlooked. Balancing tension in the vocal tract is essential for a healthy voice. Observing and manipulating the vocal tract during practice can lead to improved 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

In this episode, John talks with Susan Lowell de Solórzano about the concept of biotensegrity and its application to singing. Susan shares her personal experience with biotensegrity and how it changed her approach to singing. She emphasizes the importance of balancing tension and relaxation in singing, and explores the use of metaphors and imagery to enhance vocal performance. Episode highlights: Biotensegrity is a framework for understanding biology using the principles of tensegrity. Fascia is a connective tissue that interlinks and holds the body together. Balancing tension and relaxation is crucial in singing. Metaphors and imagery can be used to enhance vocal performance. To learn more about Susan, visit https://www.youtube.com/@smlbtarchive and get her book at https://a.co/d/2fWhjV9 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 vocal values and how they can shape your success as a singer. He emphasizes the difference between what is within your control and what is not, and encourages focus on the things that are within your control as defined by your values. Episode highlights: Focus on what is within your control and accept what is not. Identify and prioritize your personal vocal values. Consistent study and application of knowledge are crucial for improvement. Push through fear and judgment to achieve your singing 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 tenor, pedagogue and researcher Nicholas Perna about the topic of voice issues and the stigma surrounding them in the singing community. They discuss the concept of technique shaming, how singers often blame themselves for vocal struggles, and highlight the complexity of singing and the various factors that can affect the voice, emphasizing the need for understanding and support. Episode highlights: Voice issues are common among singers and can be caused by various factors unrelated to technique. Blaming singers for their vocal struggles is unfair and unhelpful. The singing community should provide support and understanding to those experiencing voice issues. Singers should seek help from professionals, such as otolaryngologists and speech language pathologists, and not hesitate to share their struggles with trusted individuals. To learn more about Nicholas Perna, visit https://nicholasperna.com/ and https://www.vocalfri.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 discusses his top strategies for optimizing the voice. He emphasizes the importance of simplifying the singing process and breaking it down to first principles. Episode highlights: Simplify the singing process by focusing on air, cord, and vowel (ACV). Practice efficient breathing and maintain a tall posture. Use narrow vowels and semi-occluded vocal tract exercises to optimize the voice for different registers and styles. 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 top voice-over artist Liz Hill as she discusses her experience with freelance work and how it has changed her life. Liz highlights the advantages that singers have in voiceover work, as their vocal training and skills are easily transferable. She shares her journey of starting out in freelancing, the potential for income in this field, and her new venture of creating courses and training content to help others get started in freelancing. Episode highlights: Freelance work, particularly in voiceover, can be a lucrative source of income for singers. Singers have an advantage in voiceover work due to their vocal training and ability to connect emotionally with the audience. Starting out in freelancing may require charging lower rates initially, but as skills improve, rates can be increased. Creating courses and training content can be a valuable way to share knowledge and help others succeed in freelancing. To learn more about Liz Hill, visit https://www.freelancebff.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 discusses how to deal with changing information in the field of singing. Information needs to change and evolve, but it's important to start with simpler and bigger chunks of information in the beginning of one's singing journey. Episode highlights: Don't fall for the advertising trope that claims everything you know about singing is wrong. Focus on the basics and foundational concepts before diving into more esoteric topics. Be cautious of misinformation and clickbait in the singing industry. Continuously seek knowledge and information that works for you at your current stage. 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