Episode 245 - The Top Misconceptions of Vocal Technique
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
Release Date: 12/14/2021
Episode 430 - The Sometimes Vowels
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John dives into the power of the “sometimes vowels” Y and W—why they’re more than just grammar quirks and how they can help singers reduce tension and improve transitions. If you're working on mix, belt, or tricky vowels on tricky notes, these two letters may be your new best friends. Episode highlights: Y and W glides help reset tension and ease vocal transitions. These glides narrow vowels, making high notes easier to access without strain. Practicing with glides can dramatically improve vowel tuning and vocal efficiency. ...
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Episode 429 - Owning the Room
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores how singers can project presence and energy to truly "own the room" during a performance. He explains how outward focus, emotional intention, and energetic alignment create authentic connection with an audience. This isn't about perfection—it's about making the space vibrate with your presence. Episode highlights: Outward energy and emotional intention help you fully connect with an audience. Mirror neurons cause listeners to subconsciously reflect your emotional state—so presence matters. You don’t need big movements to...
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Episode 428 - Registration Confusion
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John unpacks the confusion around vocal registers and why the terminology can sometimes do more harm than good. He encourages singers to focus on feeling, hearing, and ease rather than chasing labels like chest, head, or mix. It's a thoughtful reminder that technical models are tools—not the destination. Episode highlights: Don't ask “What register am I in?”—ask “What do I feel and hear?” Vocal registers exist on a continuum, not in fixed categories. The goal isn’t to master vocal jargon—it’s to connect, express, and sing with ease. To learn...
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Episode 427 - Training With Kindness
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores the vital role of self-kindness in vocal training. He shares how negative self-talk can derail progress and why treating yourself like a supportive teacher leads to better results. Singing is a personal journey—and kindness is the key to lasting growth. Episode highlights: Treat yourself like the voice teacher you’d actually want to work with. Self-kindness builds the emotional safety your voice needs to grow. You can make vocal progress without crushing your spirit. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling...
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Episode 426 - Too Overwhelmed to Sing
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John Henny speaks to those who feel too overwhelmed to sing, reminding us that singing can be a form of self-care rather than another pressure. He offers simple, low-stress strategies to gently reconnect with your voice—even when motivation is low. Singing doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to bring you back to the present moment. Episode highlights: Overwhelm isn’t laziness—it’s a real mental load that can block your singing. Reframe practice as self-care, not performance. Start small—just showing up for 60 seconds is...
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Episode 425 - How Wrong is Wrong?
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores the blurred lines between technical accuracy and practical usefulness in voice teaching. He challenges the need for absolute correctness by sharing examples of "wrong" ideas that still yield great results. It's a thoughtful reflection on how vocal truths evolve—and why what's helpful sometimes matters more than what's technically true. Episode highlights: Not all vocal truths need to be technically correct to be helpful. Experience and sensation often matter more than scientific precision. Voice teaching evolves—and it’s...
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Episode 424 Becoming Fascinated With Your Voice
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John delves into the deeply personal experience of discovering your voice. He emphasizes mindfulness, self-acceptance, and staying curious, especially as the voice changes over time. It's a powerful reminder that the vocal journey is ongoing and worth embracing. Episode highlights: Your voice is truly one in eight billion. Self-acceptance of your voice is essential. Notice everything there is to notice about your voice—go almost to an absurd level. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses,...
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Episode 423 - The Voice/Body Connection
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explains how cultivating physical awareness can dramatically improve vocal technique and performance. He introduces simple exercises that help singers tune into breath, posture, and resonance to develop a stronger mind-body connection. Through consistent observation and reflection, singers can build more reliable and expressive vocal habits. Episode highlights: The voice is an instrument we don't see. Linking physical sensations with vocal outcomes creates confidence and consistency. Mindfulness and curiosity allow singers to uncover...
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Episode 422 - Your Vocal Biological Clock
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John explores how aging affects the voice and the importance of caring for it over time. He emphasizes that consistent, focused practice—even just a few minutes a day—can slow vocal decline and lead to real improvement. Singers of all ages, take action now and invest in your future voice. Episode highlights: Your voice has an expiration date. The work you put in today compounds into breakthroughs. You must challenge negative thoughts about your singing. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, featuring his Teaching...
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Episode 421 - Vocal Massage with Stephen King
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John speaks with voice teacher, body psychotherapist, and founder of the Voice Care Centre in the UK, Stephen King, about his upcoming book, The Handbook of Vocal Massage. Their conversation explores a relational approach to vocal care, emphasizing the role of consented touch, the performer’s mind-body connection, and strategies for managing performance anxiety and physical tension. Stephen also shares insights on creating safe conditions for vocal expression and the powerful role of self-touch in enhancing vocal performance. Episode highlights: Tension in singing...
info_outlineIn this episode, John talks about the biggest misconceptions about vocal technique.
Show Highlights:
2:06 - The first myth; technique is the highest level of singing
4:38 - Does technique inhibit artistry?
6:51 - Vocal lessons to study technique can be a shortcut to getting to a higher level of singing
16:35 - Keep the joy of singing and let technique be a tool