Episode 373 - Resisting Complexity
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
Release Date: 05/21/2024
Episode 388 - The Power of Learning an Instrument
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John shares the story of his mother, who decided to learn piano in her 80s and how it has improved her musical abilities. John emphasizes the importance of audiation skills for singers and how learning a fixed instrument like piano or ukulele can enhance these skills. He also highlights the impact of rhythm and phrasing on vocal performance and the benefits of playing an instrument for singers. Episode highlights: Learning an instrument can enhance audiation skills for singers. Rhythm and phrasing are crucial for vocal performance. Playing a fixed instrument like piano or...
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Episode 387 - The Spotlight Effect
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John explains that the spotlight effect is a cognitive bias that leads us to believe that we are being noticed more than we actually are. This can hinder our progress and make us afraid of taking risks and making mistakes. John shares personal experiences from his own life to illustrate the importance of taking risks and embracing failure in order to grow and improve. He encourages us to change our perspective, understand that the fear of failure is unfounded, and invest in ourselves to become better singers. Episode highlights: Taking risks and embracing failure are...
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Episode 386 - Honor Your Gifts
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John Henny talks about honoring and nurturing your natural gifts in singing. We need both natural talent and hard work to achieve success in singing. John shares examples of singers with natural ability who have also put in the work to develop their skills, and he encourages singers to embrace their unique gifts and work hard to refine and share them with others. Episode highlights: Natural talent alone is not enough to achieve success in singing; hard work and training are also necessary. Singers with natural ability should not take their gifts for granted and should work...
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Episode 385 - Know Thy Singing Self
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John Henny discusses the uniqueness of each voice, and encourages singers to reflect on why they sing and what brings them joy. He explores the concept of limitations and how to work within them while following your natural gifts. Be honest, and check in regularly with yourself about what truly makes you happy as a singer. Episode highlights: Reflect on why you sing and what brings you joy in order to stay motivated. Recognize and work within your limitations as a singer. Focus on a narrow lane of expertise and develop your natural gifts. Regular self-reflection is important...
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Episode 384 - Similar vs Same
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John Henny explains that while it is helpful to group similar things together to understand complex skills, it becomes problematic when we assume that similar things are the same. The physical and acoustic aspects of different vocal modes and how they relate to chest voice, head voice, and mix are often misunderstood. It is important to constantly refine our approach to singing and be aware of the nuances and subtleties of our own voice. Episode highlights: Grouping similar things together helps us understand complex skills, but assuming they are the same can be...
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Episode 383 - Reclaim Your Focus
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John Henny discusses the impact of social media on our focus and attention. He warns about the addictive nature of platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, and how they can consume our time and mental energy. John emphasizes the importance of reclaiming our focus and taking control of our time by limiting our use of social media. By doing so, we can have more time and mental clarity to focus on our passions, such as singing. Episode highlights: Social media platforms can be addictive and consume our time and mental energy. It is important to be mindful of the content...
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Episode 382 - Taking Control of Your Vocal Journey
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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....
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Episode 381 - Understanding Time Signatures
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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...
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Episode 380 - Training vs Natural Talent
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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...
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Episode 379 - The Science of Rough Vocal Effects with May Oskan
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
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...
info_outlineIn 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