Episode 461 - The Real Job of Vocal Exercises
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explains the real purpose of vocal exercises and why they are not meant to test or prove your voice. He shares how exercises support coordination, regulation, and vocal safety rather than chasing range or power. Approach your practice as a place to listen and build trust, not something you have to get right. Episode highlights: Boredom in practice can signal stability and progress. Focused practice matters more than long practice sessions, especially for older singers. Safety and consistency are crucial for vocal growth. To...
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Episode 460 - Strength Training for the Aging Voice
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explains why voices can feel weaker, breathier, or less stable over time and why those changes are not a reason to panic. He breaks down how targeted, consistent vocal strength training can counter muscle loss and improve clarity, stamina, and control. With the right approach, you can keep building strength and enjoy the voice you have now. Episode highlights: Age-related vocal changes have clear physical causes. Strength training helps maintain clarity and stability. Consistent work supports long-term vocal confidence. To learn...
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Episode 459 - How to Safely Get Your Voice Back After Illness
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John walks singers through what is really happening in the voice during and after illness, and why testing high notes too soon can set recovery back. Drawing from sports medicine, he shares a clear, graded approach to rebuilding coordination, strength, and confidence safely. Take it slow, respect the process, and trust that your voice will return when you give it the right conditions. Episode highlights: Forcing the voice too soon can prolong recovery. A gradual return helps restore coordination safely. Patience and care protect your...
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Episode 458 - Why Vocal Resolutions Fail (The Science of Consistency)
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John explains why most vocal resolutions collapse by spring and what the science of learning reveals about building real, lasting progress. He breaks down the pitfalls of willpower, cognitive overload, and unfocused practice, and shows how small systems and consistent habits create far better results. When you work with your brain instead of against it, your practice becomes clearer and more sustainable. Episode highlights: Skill-building relies on systems, not willpower. Focused, single-goal practice creates stronger progress. Small, consistent habits keep your...
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Episode 457 - The Mature Voice, Tech, & Limitations: 5 Key Insights from 2025
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John reflects on what the past year has taught him about working with aging voices, adapting to new technology, and staying honest about personal limitations. He shares how these insights have reshaped his approach to teaching and creativity, especially as the field continues to change. Keep growing and let your work evolve along with you. Episode highlights: Mature voices need informed, supportive guidance. Staying current with technology strengthens your teaching and artistry. Real progress comes from flexibility, curiosity, and continued...
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Episode 456 - Essential Musical Skills Every Singer Needs
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John breaks down the core musical skills singers need in order to grow consistently and sing with confidence. He explains why skills like rhythm, pitch, harmony, and musicianship matter just as much as vocal technique, and how they shape the way singers communicate and perform. When you build these essentials, everything in your singing becomes easier and more expressive. Episode highlights: Musical skills give singers clarity, confidence, and freedom. Rhythm, pitch, and harmony awareness strengthen your technique. Consistent musicianship...
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Episode 455 - Don’t Get Replaced by Technology
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John looks at how new technology has always reshaped the music industry and what singers can learn from past shifts. From synthesizers to AI, he explains why the artists who adapt, stay curious, and use new tools thoughtfully are the ones who thrive. The heart of great music is still human connection, and no technology can replace that. Episode highlights: Technology reshapes music, but adaptable singers thrive. AI can support creativity, not replace it. Human emotion and authenticity remain irreplaceable. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books,...
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Episode 454 - Know Your Energy Rhythms
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John breaks down how your mental, physical, and emotional energy cycles affect your singing. He explains why some days feel effortless while others feel heavy and how aligning your practice with your natural peaks and dips can make your progress smoother and more consistent. When you work with your energy instead of against it, your singing becomes easier and more enjoyable. Episode highlights: Your energy cycles influence how well you sing and learn. Practice technical skills during your peak focus times. Track your daily patterns to find...
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Episode 453 - Get Out of Your Head and Into Your Body
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode, John talks about the shift every singer must make from overthinking the voice to letting the body lead. He explains how true vocal freedom comes from embodied coordination, built through awareness, repetition, and connection rather than constant analysis. When you stop micromanaging and start feeling, your singing flows naturally and expressively. Episode highlights: Singing is learned through experience and sensation, not just understanding. Slow, mindful repetition builds automatic, reliable vocal coordination. Singing with other musicians helps you stay present,...
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Episode 452 - Why Singers Need to Read
The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny
In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores how reading great literature can deepen a singer’s emotional awareness, imagination, and connection to story. He explains how fiction strengthens empathy, memory, and expressive depth, helping singers interpret songs with greater nuance and authenticity. Reading becomes a kind of emotional cross-training that brings more color and truth to your singing. Episode highlights: Reading literary fiction strengthens empathy and emotional intelligence. Immersing yourself in stories helps you embody emotion rather than imitate it....
info_outlineIn this episode, John discusses the complexities of honesty in music, particularly in relation to the use of technology like Auto-Tune and pitch correction. He explores the evolution of music manipulation, the pressures faced by modern artists, and the expectations of audiences regarding live performances. John emphasizes the importance of authenticity while acknowledging the changing landscape of the music industry, including the rise of AI-generated music.
Episode highlights:
- The evolution of music manipulation has changed expectations in studio recordings and live performances.
- Modern artists face immense pressure to deliver perfect performances.
- Audience expectations can conflict with an artist's authenticity.
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