The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny

Dedicated to helping you be a more informed singer. Everything about singing from vocal health, singing technique, vocal coaching and lessons, performance and more.

Episode 349 - The Four Levels of Competence 12/05/2023

Episode 349 - The Four Levels of Competence In this episode, John explains the four levels of competency, and what it really means to reach your highest level of singing. Episode highlights: There is bliss in the first level, unconscious incompetence, but that disables us from growth. We may experience frustrations as we progress through the levels of competency. All the work we put in during the lower levels of competency is what gives us freedom at the highest level. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/28444970

Episode 348 - The Singers Talk with Jason Thomas Gordon 11/28/2023

Episode 348 - The Singers Talk with Jason Thomas Gordon In this episode, John talks with drummer, singer, and author Jason Thomas Gordon about his book, The Singers Talk. Jason spent nearly a decade interviewing some of the greatest vocalists in modern music to compile this wonderful resource guide for singers. Episode highlights: Singers don’t seem to have many resources compared to other musical instruments. This is a book you can continuously to learn from. Even these incredible professionals struggle with self-doubt. Jason asked questions that these singers were never really asked before. To learn more about Jason Thomas Gordon and his book, visit . To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/28378256

Episode 347 - Avoiding the Three Terrible Cs of Singing 11/21/2023

Episode 347 - Avoiding the Three Terrible Cs of Singing In this episode, John talks about the three terrible Cs that can affect your singing growth. Episode Highlights: Our own human nature can trap us in the three Cs. Your journey is to uncover and express the best, most honest version of you. Singing and the voice provide continuous learning. To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/28182920

Episode 346 - Vocal Tremor and the Aging Voice with Kerrie Obert 11/14/2023

Episode 346 - Vocal Tremor and the Aging Voice with Kerrie Obert In this episode, John talks with Kerrie Obert, a Speech-Language Pathologist, Singing Voice Specialist, and Voice Teacher, about vocal tremors that can develop in aging voices, and the current treatments available to help find stability in the voice again. Episode Highlights: There is unfortunately still not a lot that is known about what can cause a tremor to develop A tremor and vibrato have some shared neurological origins The techniques in Kerrie Obert’s course can also help with wobbly vibrato You can learn more about Kerrie and her courses at: and To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/28182911

Episode 345 – Dealing with Frustration 11/07/2023

Episode 345 – Dealing with Frustration In this episode, John talks about how frustration can actually be a guide for us in our singing journeys, and how to better navigate frustration when we experience it. Episode Highlights: Frustration shows that something is important to you and that you care Quitting is not always wrong Frustration is like a “check engine” light Asking “What, why, and how?” can help you work through frustration To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, featuring his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/28048515

Episode 344 - The Price of Vocal Shame with Lisa Perks 10/31/2023

Episode 344 - The Price of Vocal Shame with Lisa Perks In this episode, John and singing teacher Lisa Perks explore the hidden cost of vocal shame. They share personal stories and strategies to overcome self-doubt, making it a riveting listen for all. Episode Highlights: The Challenge of Vocal Wobble The Psychological Consequences of Vocal Damage The Impact of Losing One's Voice To find out more about Lisa and her programs, visit . To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27792147

Episode 343 - Gestures and Singing with Heather Baker 10/24/2023

Episode 343 - Gestures and Singing with Heather Baker In this episode, John engages in an enlightening conversation with Heather Baker, a distinguished vocal coach and the first British teacher certified as Level 5 in Speech Level Singing (SLS)—their discussion centers around the intriguing relationship between singing and gesturing. Episode Highlights: The neuro side of singing The advantages of gestures to singing The use of gestures in conducting singers To find out more about Heather and her programs, visit . To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27792120

Episode 342 - Getting Over Your Vocal Skis 10/17/2023

Episode 342 - Getting Over Your Vocal Skis In this episode, John explores the difficulties of trying to master everything all at once, and shares his advice on how we can all learn to not get over our vocal skis. Episode Highlight: The temptation to step beyond the starting point Good ways of checking in on your growth The practice of learning how to filter information To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27730623

Episode 341 - Continuing Education with Debbie Winter 10/10/2023

Episode 341 - Continuing Education with Debbie Winter In this episode, John engages in a riveting conversation with law lecturer turned voice coach, Debbie Winter, exploring the importance of continuing education and reclaiming your vocal power after a setback. Episode Highlights: Rediscovering your voice Working towards a vision Completing one idea at a time To know more about Debbie Winter, visit: To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27730578

Episode 340 -Your Higher Musical Self with Jim Dix 10/03/2023

Episode 340 -Your Higher Musical Self with Jim Dix In this episode, John discusses with the first-rate vocal coach and vocalist Jim Dix about committing to a disciplined routine to achieve your higher musical self. Episode Highlights: Envisioning the ultimate, optimal self Different practice approaches Challenges in starting your skills-improvement journey To find out more about Jim and his programs, visit . To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27706788

Episode 339 - You Never Sing the Same Note Twice 09/26/2023

Episode 339 - You Never Sing the Same Note Twice In this episode, John talks about the magic of music and how, just as you never step in the same stream twice, you never sing the same note twice. Episode Highlights: The Transient Vocal Theory The Natural Tremors in the Body The Illusion of Permanence To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27665694

Episode 338 - Imagery, Movement and Singing with Eric Franklin 09/19/2023

Episode 338 - Imagery, Movement and Singing with Eric Franklin In this episode, John explores the wonders of imagery, movement, and singing with the person behind the revolutionary Franklin Method–Eric Franklin. Episode Highlights: The Franklin Method Imagery in Singing Error Amplification To know more about Eric, visit: To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27594555

Episode 337 - The Latest on Vibrato with John Nix 09/12/2023

Episode 337 - The Latest on Vibrato with John Nix In this episode, John Henny discusses vibrato with voice professor and researcher, John Nix. Episode Highlights: How emotions and physiology affect vibrato Adjusting the speed of vibrato The potential to sing vibrato To know more about John Nix, visit: To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27594012

Episode 336 - The Limits of Technique with Gabriel Weiner 09/05/2023

Episode 336 - The Limits of Technique with Gabriel Weiner In this episode, John discusses with voice teacher Gabriel Weiner the limits of technique in singing. Episode Highlights: Matching students with the right voice teachers Teaching learners to have a vocal vision The Passaggio is a Boogeyman To know more about Gabriel, visit: To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27338073

Episode 335 - My Current Vocal Rants 08/29/2023

Episode 335 - My Current Vocal Rants In this episode, John dives headfirst into a whirlpool of thoughts, opinions, and outbursts surrounding the voice-teaching community. Episode Highlights: Voice teachers blasting other voice teachers Need for respect for professionals and their expertise Rejection and demeaning of older knowledge To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27327609

Episode 334 - The Machine Model Fallacy 08/22/2023

Episode 334 - The Machine Model Fallacy In this episode, John talks about the utilization of models for the voice. He looks into models that serve as tools to decipher intricate systems, particularly highlighting the Machine Model Fallacy. Episode Highlights: The voice is not a machine Fight or flight shows up in your voice Different voice methods work for different people To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27315507

Episode 333 - The Human Right of Singing with Emily Perez 08/15/2023

Episode 333 - The Human Right of Singing with Emily Perez In this episode, John talks with Sacramento Pop Choir Managing Director Emily Perez about singing as an emotional music language, a birthright, and a built-in communication system. Episode Highlights: Singing is a skill that can be learned and improved Singing connects people with themselves, others, and nature. Learning to work on your voice can make it a glorious and rich instrument. To find out more about Emily and her programs, visit . To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27250107

Episode 332 - Resonance and Registration 08/08/2023

Episode 332 - Resonance and Registration In this episode, John creatively discusses quarter-wave resonators, resonance, and registration. Episode Highlights: The voice is a quarter-wave resonator Sound wave starts at equilibrium until a disturbance is created Nodes are zero displacements, while antinodes represent maximum velocity To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27059403

Episode 331 - Before You Perform 08/01/2023

Episode 331 - Before You Perform In this episode, John shares some crucial tips on preparing yourself before every performance and avoiding stage fright. Episode Highlights: It's important to spend enough time in preparation Positive self-talk may not be the most effective antidote to stage anxiety Give others permission not to like you Communication and connection are the highest levels of singing To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/27030387

Episode 330 - The CCM Tenor with Jeff Alani Stanfill 07/25/2023

Episode 330 - The CCM Tenor with Jeff Alani Stanfill In this episode, John talks with professional singer and vocal coach Jeff Alani Stanfill about the significance of understanding and training the Contemporary Commercial Music Tenor. Episode Highlights: Common struggles faced by CCM Tenors Importance of good posture in singing Normalizing high notes Embracing your unique voice type Find out more about Jeff at To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26896059

Episode 329 - Sharpen Your Axe 07/18/2023

Episode 329 - Sharpen Your Axe In this episode, John talks about the importance of taking steps to sharpen your skills. Episode Highlights: Plan and prepare Set time to practice Find the right people To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26896014

Episode 328 - Skill Assessment 07/11/2023

Episode 328 - Skill Assessment In this podcast episode, John discusses how skill assessment can help you celebrate your strengths and work on your weaknesses. Episode Highlights: Singers are vocal athletes Paving your way with your unique abilities Improving your musicality Developing emotional expression To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, on-line courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26760672

Episode 327 - Active Listening 07/04/2023

Episode 327 - Active Listening In this episode, John discusses the importance of active listening in improving musicianship and how to develop it. Episode Highlights: Working on rhythm Getting into music theory Expanding your music palette To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26760060

Episode 326 – Embracing Boredom 06/27/2023

Episode 326 – Embracing Boredom In this episode, John talks about the importance of embracing boredom. Episode Highlights: The attributes of great musicians Great breakthroughs that come from boredom The mind and body connection To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments, and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26674983

Episode 325 – Your Amazing Vocal Tract 06/20/2023

Episode 325 – Your Amazing Vocal Tract In this episode, John discusses the vocal tract and its primary importance in the singing process. Episode Highlights: The transient theory of voice production The surprising way the vocal folds produce sound The primacy of the vocal tract To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments, and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26674707

Episode 324 – Finding Your True Path with Rick Cowley 06/13/2023

Episode 324 – Finding Your True Path with Rick Cowley In this episode, John talks with Rick Cowley, founder of VysionQuest, about getting in touch with your "true self" to gain direction and inspiration for understanding your greater purpose. Episode Highlights: How did VysionQuest, start? How do you get True Clarity? How do people find their "greater purpose"? What is the triangle of self-understanding? For more information on VysionQuest and Rick Cowley, visit To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments, and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26604522

Episode 323 – Your Small Singer Mind 06/06/2023

Episode 323 – Your Small Singer Mind In this episode, John talks about the concept of the small mind. Episode Highlights: The small mind does have its purpose and importance. Goals of meditation Allowing yourself to let go How to move to your larger mind To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments, and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26316513

Episode 322 – Using Feedback and Criticism 05/30/2023

Episode 322 – Using Feedback and Criticism In this episode, John talks about handling feedback and criticism. Episode Highlights: Constructive vs Destructive criticism Welcoming feedback Healthy self-criticism is important The power of continuous improvement To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments, and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: JohnHenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26440503

Episode 321 – You Can’t Quit 05/23/2023

Episode 321 – You Can’t Quit In this episode, John discusses how to persevere when facing challenges. Episode Highlights: Struggles in singing The challenge of aging Finding new ways to work To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments, and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26417667

Episode 320 – The Problem With Quick Tips with Spencer Welch 05/16/2023

Episode 320 – The Problem With Quick Tips with Spencer Welch In this episode, John talks with voice teacher Spencer Welch about quick vocal tips and the almost addiction that singers can have, jumping from vocal tip to vocal tip. Episode Highlights: The dangers of quick tips in a quick tip video Learning voice from Youtube is not the same Experience is important Find that person who can be empathetic to your needs Find out more about Spencer at https://www.spencerwelch.com To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, online courses, Vocal Assessments, and Voice Lessons with his Teaching Team of Experts, Speaker Training, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: . /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/26413188

The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny

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