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 274 - Vocal Endoscopies With Kerrie Obert 06/28/2022

Episode 274 - Vocal Endoscopies With Kerrie Obert In this episode, John talks with Kerrie Obert, a Speech-Language Pathologist, singing voice specialist, and voice teacher, about endoscopies and the insights about the voice she has found. Episode Highlights: Kerrie talks about her journey in developing a deeper understanding of the voice through her experience with endoscopies Vocal folds are only part of the equation when making sound The pharynx and pharyngeal walls explained Why diagnostic terms are complex To learn more about Kerrie Obert, and her new book, go to: To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, courses, John's Singing School, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/23508305

Episode 273 - Don't Miss Your Breakthroughs 06/21/2022

Episode 273 - Don't Miss Your Breakthroughs In this episode, John talks about mindset around major vocal breakthroughs and how arriving at our "big" goals is a good thing, but only focusing on big wins can cloud our daily awareness with "small wins" and the important steps we take daily in our vocal growth. Episode Highlights: How breakthroughs can lead to a feeling of plateau How being present in the moment with your voice "as it is today" can better your results overall Not all breakthroughs are monumental, and how micro-breakthroughs are just as important Deliberate practice explained To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/23462114

Episode 272 - Singing and Weight Loss with Jeff Alani Stanfill 06/14/2022

Episode 272 - Singing and Weight Loss with Jeff Alani Stanfill In this episode, John talks with Jeff Alani Stanfill, an accomplished vocal coach, and singer, about how weight loss can affect someone's singing voice. Episode Highlights: Jeff talks about his musical journey and how his health played a part in his decisions around weight loss John and Jeff share similar experiences of how, as they began to lose a certain amount of weight, they noticed changes in their voices After weight loss, compression of the vocal cords and alignment of breathing support can change due to the physical changes in the body The importance of continuing to work on your voice as you go through physical changes, either due to life stages or weight loss To learn more about Jeff Alani Stanfill, visit: To learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/23364218

Episode 271 - Getting Back to Basics 06/07/2022

Episode 271 - Getting Back to Basics In this episode, John talks about how breaking down your vocal study to the core elements and getting back to basics can solidify fundamental vocal techniques and essentially lead to better singing. Episode Highlights: Dialing down the difficulty level to isolate and focus on core elements of singing can reinforce good habits Breaking down "Air, Cord, and Vowel" Journalling and how it can help you tap into more awareness of your voice Something even as simple as a "hum" can isolate imbalances To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/23280899

Episode 270 - The Problem of High-Level Concepts 05/31/2022

Episode 270 - The Problem of High-Level Concepts In this episode, John talks about how in this day and age, although we have access to so much information, sometimes trying to apply high-level knowledge before learning core concepts can slow down one's progress or end up being just confusing. Episode Highlights: The importance of fundamental techniques High-level concepts can be distracting Steps a new singer can take to prepare for high-level concepts Reading about the voice and techniques is good, but singing is better To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/23224916

Episode 269 - If Not Now, When? 05/24/2022

Episode 269 - If Not Now, When? In this episode, John talks about our relationship with time and how to re-evaluate where we are with our singing to then be able to take steps to reach our vocal goals sooner than later. Episode Highlights: Time is fleeting, and there is no better time than now to embrace your vocal instrument and start working towards your goals Coming to terms with who you are and where your voice is right now Who can help you reach your goals? And what habits can you change or acquire to help you develop? How to shift your mindset to understand that the reward is not the destination but the journey To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/23171660

Episode 268 - Extreme Vocals with Aliki Katriou 05/17/2022

Episode 268 - Extreme Vocals with Aliki Katriou In this episode, John talks with Aliki Katriou, who has extensive knowledge of classical technique, and contemporary styles and is world-renowned for her expertise with "extreme" vocals, about what singing with distortion is and how to start to introduce this technique into your singing. Episode Highlights: Aliki's inspiration and path to singing with distortion The different ways you can introduce distortion into the voice Do languages and voice types affect how easily you can find distortion? Guidelines for how to approach singing with distortion safely To learn more about Aliki Katriou, visit: To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/23063885

Episode 267 - Listen to Your Body 05/10/2022

Episode 267 - Listen to Your Body In this episode, John talks about the importance of listening to your body and your singing voice to recognize when you need to take a step back to rest or regroup. Episode Highlights: The signs that you are hitting the wall, either physically or mentally The voice is an instrument where a positive mindset is as important as mastering vocal technique How to figure ways in a busy life to re-charge mentally What to watch for in your voice if, physically, you need to rest it To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/23005361

Episode 266 - Singing with an Open Throat 05/03/2022

Episode 266 - Singing with an Open Throat In this episode, John talks about what is meant by singing with an "open throat" and how to approach this vocal technique with balance in mind. Episode Highlights: How to tell if you are using excess muscle There is a balance to having an open throat How to gain awareness of your resonant spaces How tongue placement can help boost resonance To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22950716

Episode 265 - The Mind Game of Singing 04/26/2022

Episode 265 - The Mind Game of Singing In this episode, John talks about how singing is not just about mastering vocal techniques but also about mastering our mindset. Episode Highlights: There is more to singing than just "cause and effect" How overthinking about technique or a bad experience in the past can get in the way of your singing today Isolating exercises and how they can help you "let go" in your singing How meditation and reflection can help you look at your singing objectively and without harsh judgment To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22841372

Episode 264 - Preparing to Practice 04/19/2022

Episode 264 - Preparing to Practice In this episode, John talks about setting yourself up for effective singing practice. Episode Highlights: Create a schedule for your practice - it can be a ritual How long should you practice? The importance of creating a good practice space and tools that can help you Getting your mind clear and relaxed for good singing To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22766963

Episode 263 - Hidden Vocal Problems 04/12/2022

Episode 263 - Hidden Vocal Problems In this episode, John talks about how vocal imbalances can creep into our singing and how we sometimes have to dig a little deeper to find these imbalances to be then able to correct them. Episode Highlights: Maintaining balance in singing is a constant practice More advanced singers can sometimes discover imbalances after time off, introducing new styles of musical material or illness Subtle imbalances can lay below our awareness Get some outside ears listening to your voice - Even having a diagnostic check-up once in a while can help you find imbalances before they snowball into a more significant vocal issue To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22686860

Episode 262 - Vocal Distortion with Matthew Johnson 04/05/2022

Episode 262 - Vocal Distortion with Matthew Johnson In this episode, John talks with voice teacher Matthew Johnson about vocal distortion and how these techniques can add dimension to a vocal performance. In addition, they discuss the importance of knowing how to achieve these techniques safely, if and when to use vocal distortion, and what type to use depending on the music's genre. Episode highlights: What is vocal distortion, and can it be done safely? Everyone is capable of creating distortion - when and why you would use this sound What is false fold/cord distortion? What is "fry scream?" To learn more about Matthew Johnson, visit: elitesinger.com To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22646375

Episode 261 - How Breathing Works 03/29/2022

Episode 261 - How Breathing Works In this episode, John talks about what is actually going on during breathing for singing and how understanding the process of breath support can help you in your search to find exercises to develop proper breathing techniques. Episode highlights: What is relaxed breathing? How the muscles work together to create a "good" balance of engagement for singing When too much tension or clenching in the stomach muscles can cause tension in the vocal cords Expansion explained To learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22566356

Episode 260 - The Essentials of Singing with Dr. Dan 03/22/2022

Episode 260 - The Essentials of Singing with Dr. Dan In this episode, John talks with Dr. Daniel K. Robinson (aka Dr. Dan), an award-winning freelance artist and educator, about "singing essentials." Episode highlights: Breaking down core concepts for singers Voice science for the vocal student Everyone can be a singer and how to value your voice Technique can be the "key pathway." To learn more about Dr. Dan, visit: www.voiceessentials.com.au www.djarts.com.au /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22493204

Episode 259 - The Glorious Problem of You 03/15/2022

Episode 259 - The Glorious Problem of You In this episode, John talks about how we need to get out of our own way with our singing and how to accept and appreciate where we are in our singing journey right now. Episode Highlights: How to be in the moment without judgment when you sing Are you overthinking? Fear, anticipation, and tension and how it gets in the way Navigating comparison and perfectionism If you would like to learn more about John Henny, his best selling books, courses, Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, and John's Singing School, visit: johnhenny.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22422989

Episode 258 - Support with Daniel Formica 03/08/2022

Episode 258 - Support with Daniel Formica In this episode, John talks with Daniel Formica, a world-class performer, and vocal coach, about "support" in singing. Episode highlights: What is support? How connection is the key How to recognize if you are grabbing or forcing the sound Warming up your voice is more like "re-awakening" your nervous system to an optimal singing condition To learn more about Daniel Formica, visit: yourvocalteacher.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22359629

Episode 257 - Mending Your Vocal Nets 03/01/2022

Episode 257 - Mending Your Vocal Nets In this episode, John talks about what you can do as a singer and a performer while the music industry and live performances are still recovering. Episode Highlights: Navigating the waves of the "starts" and "stops" as a performer during this time Stay connected to "why" you love music and "why" you sing Take this time to find something in your singing or your education that you can take to the next level Don't be afraid to learn from many avenues If you would like to learn more about John Henny, his best-selling books, courses, and Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22256483

Episode 256 - How Much Water Should I Drink? 02/22/2022

Episode 256 - How Much Water Should I Drink? In this episode, John talks about the importance of hydration for singing and the steps we can take to support our voice. Episode highlights: The mucus membrane on the vocal folds and how aging and environment affect it Humidity, hormones and medications, and the voice How much water should we drink? The difference between superficial hydration and systemic hydration To learn more about John Henny and the Contemporary Voice Teacher Academy, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22151564

Episode 255 - Overall Vocal Health with Dr. H. Steven Sims 02/15/2022

Episode 255 - Overall Vocal Health with Dr. H. Steven Sims In this episode, John talks with Dr. H. Steven Sims, director at the Chicago Institute for Voice Care, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, about overall vocal health. Episode highlights: Lifestyle choices and how they can affect your voice Acid reflux - when and what you eat matters Hormones and age and how they relate to the voice Supplements that can support the voice To learn more about Dr. H. Steven Sims visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/22098182

Episode 254 - A Cappella Singing With Ben Bram 02/08/2022

Episode 254 - A Cappella Singing With Ben Bram In this episode, John talks with Grammy award-winning producer and arranger Ben Bram (Pentatonix, Pitch Perfect, Glee, A Cappella Academy) about how a cappella can "up" your singing game. Episode Highlights: Ben talks about his musical journey How to get started "arranging" and layering your own voice Understanding the musical "rules" of different genres will help you, along with developing your ear and your vocal instincts Vowel sounds and how they play into the arrangement of songs To learn more about Ben Bram and his A Cappella Academy program, visit: /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21961025

Episode 253 - The Role of the Tongue and Twanging with Kerrie Obert 02/01/2022

Episode 253 - The Role of the Tongue and Twanging with Kerrie Obert In this episode John talks with Kerrie Obert, a Speech-Language Pathologist and Singing Voice Specialist, about the role of the tongue and twanging. Episode Highlights: What "twang" is and the misconceptions around it The tongue and its role in producing brightness in the sound Finding exercises to find new ways to use the tongue to adjust your sound Vibrato and the balance of tension in the tongue and larynx You can find Kerrie's courses at: getvocal-now.com /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21787763

Episode 252 - Stop Listening To This Podcast 01/25/2022

Episode 252 - Stop Listening To This Podcast Show Notes In this episode, John talks about when to put the books, podcasts, and study down to take that knowledge you have learned and utilize it to understand your voice better. Science is not perfect, and knowledge is ever-growing Simplifying the science of resonance and pitch is not that simple Knowledge is great, but singing is better - putting it all together Take time to experience your voice without judgment /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21871793

Episode 251 - The Power of Mistakes 01/22/2022

Episode 251 - The Power of Mistakes In this episode, John talks about how making "mistakes" can be an opportunity to grow. If you can look at mistakes as signals to adjust, you can positively use these moments to reach your true potential. Mistakes happen, and they happen to me! If mistakes happen, it may be telling you something in your process that needs attention or adjusting How to come back from mistakes and negative self-criticism in your singing Where are your "leaks?" /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21859061

Episode 250 - How to Let Your Voice Soar with Jeff Alani Stanfill 01/18/2022

Episode 250 - How to Let Your Voice Soar with Jeff Alani Stanfill In this episode, John talks with Jeff Alani Stanfill about his vocal journey and how to let your own voice soar. /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21726614

Episode 249 - Exploring Your Voice with Chris Liepe 01/11/2022

Episode 249 - Exploring Your Voice with Chris Liepe In this episode, John talks with Chris Liepe about exploring your voice, the importance of expression and experiencing your voice freely. /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21442919

Episode 248 - Creative Goals and Success 01/04/2022

Episode 248 - Creative Goals and Success In this episode, John talks with Tracee Theisen-Henny about setting goals, accountability, and how to break through overwhelm to be a "productive creative." /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21642848

Episode 247 - Singing and Genetics 12/28/2021

Episode 247 - Singing and Genetics Why is it easier for some of us to sing while others struggle? /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21608579

Episode 246 - Putting Your Voice Under the Microscope 12/21/2021

Episode 246 - Putting Your Voice Under the Microscope A focused, detailed analysis of our voice is a great way to find areas of weakness. This can help us know what to work on in practice sessions. /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21561485

Episode 245 - The Top Misconceptions of Vocal Technique 12/14/2021

Episode 245 - The Top Misconceptions of Vocal Technique In this episode, John talks about the biggest misconceptions about vocal technique. /episode/index/show/intelligentvocalist/id/21455387

The Intelligent Vocalist with John Henny

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