The Intelligent Vocalist

John Henny

Hosted by world renowned vocal coach John Henny, The Intelligent Vocalist delves into all things singing - from anatomy and vocal science, to performance, lessons, health, artist development and inside industry practices, Join John as he opens the door to the world of singing and gives insights gleaned from his many decades of teaching everyone from beginners to superstars, as well as training other leading voice teachers.

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476 episodes
Updated July 14

Episodes476

Newest first

Feb 15, 2022 · 25 min
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: chicagovoicecare.com
Feb 8, 2022 · 29 min
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: acappellacademy.org
Feb 1, 2022 · 29 min
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
Jan 25, 2022 · 20 min
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
Jan 22, 2022 · 17 min
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?"
Jan 18, 2022 · 26 min
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 Highlights: The inspiration behind Jeff's Let Your Voice Soar audio course and his journey to find the right vocal coach How adjusting vowels and "space" can help a singer to reach higher notes and smooth transitions through bridges Jeff talks about his relationship with David Phelps and developing a master class Finding your own original sound To find out more about Jeff and his courses, visit: https://voicesoaring.com
Jan 11, 2022 · 32 min
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. 2:40 - Chris talks about what inspired his musical path and teaching style 8:24 - The importance of expression 16:12 - Be willing to fail - it will lead to success 23:06 - Learning vs experiencing To learn more about Chris Liepe visit: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chrisliepe/featured Website: https://chrisliepe.com
Jan 4, 2022 · 24 min
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 Highlights: The new year can be stressful with setting goals and resolutions for the creative mind Making accountability positive The "now," "next," and "necessary" list Celebrating the gain over the gap Organize and edit to keep moving forward Contact Tracee at frontdesk@johnhenny.com
Dec 28, 2021 · 23 min
Episode 247 - Singing and Genetics
Why is it easier for some of us to sing while others struggle? Genetics may be part of the answer. In this episode, John talks with voice teacher Julie Miles about her work with the genetics company, 23 and Me. Among the topics covered are: Is there a pitch matching gene? Why do some of us hesitate to sing for others? Nature vs nurture in singing Tone deafness
Dec 21, 2021 · 23 min
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. In this episode, John discusses how recording and analyzing small parts of music over and over can help us refine our singing to higher levels.
Dec 14, 2021 · 17 min
Episode 245 - The Top Misconceptions of Vocal Technique
In 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
Dec 7, 2021 · 33 min
Episode 244 - Vocal Articulation with Chris Johnson
In this episode, John talks with internationally recognized voice teacher and mentor Chris Johnson about the importance of articulation in singing. Episode Highlights: 3:20 - How different sounds can become troublesome for a singer 7:50 - What is co-articulation? 16:10 - Consonants can be our rhythm makers in singing 24:30 - Tongue placement and how it can change vocal acoustics To learn more about Chris Johnson, visit: www.teachvoice.com or https://www.chrisjohnsonvocalcoach.com
Nov 30, 2021 · 20 min
Episode 243 - Your Musical Mind
In this episode, John talks about exploring your musical mind and how expanding your imagination can support your creativity and help you be a better singer. 3:08 - Get curious about the music you listen to 4:25 - Texture in sound 12:38 - Listening to the colours of the voice 15:38 - Let your mind "play" and spend time in your imagination and your own creativity
Nov 22, 2021 · 26 min
Episode 242 - Breathing for Singing with Karyn O'Connor
In this episode, John talks with renowned singing teacher, Karyn O'Connor, about the most effective techniques for breathing. For more information about Karyn O'Connor visit https://www.singwise.com Episode highlights: 2:38 - How is breathing for singing different? 10:25 -Getting back to intuitive breathing and what it is. 15:07 - "Support" explained and why we don't want to overthink it. 18:50 - The balance of feeding air to the vocal folds.
Nov 16, 2021 · 21 min
Episode 241 - Choosing the Right Teacher for You
In this episode, John talks about what to consider when looking for a vocal coach or singing teacher. It is important to research and ask questions to help you find a teacher that is the right fit for you. Episode Highlights: 2:36 - What is a teaching sweet spot? 6:59 - Why singing is different from teaching other instruments. 10:06 - Key skills a teacher should have. 16:18 - Connection is vital.
Nov 9, 2021 · 18 min
Episode 240 - You Gotta Have Swagger
In this episode, John discusses confident swagger and how it can help to improve your singing performance. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: 1:32 - Singers are front and center, and the challenges involved 5:05 - Where to get your swagger (this may surprise you!) 8:32 - Mastering your vocal instrument 13:14 - Letting go of perfectionism
Nov 2, 2021 · 29 min
Episode 239 - Fearless Singing With Becky Gilhespie
John talks with "Singing for the Self-Conscious" author, Becky Gilhespie about overcoming fear and discovering the joy of singing. 4:45 - What is Fearless Singing? 10:45 - The number one way to become fearless 13:32 - Recognizing self-sabotage 20:00 - Practice being uncomfortable EPISODE LINKS Becky's Website How to Get Over Performance Nerves
Oct 26, 2021 · 28 min
Episode 238 - Becoming a Songwriter with Shane Adams
In this episode, John talks with the incredibly talented songwriter and educator Shane Adams. Shane is on the faculty of Berklee College Of Music, is a Grammy-nominated music educator, an award-winning songwriter, and lectures worldwide. Here he breaks songwriting down to make it simple and understandable, and he encourages everyone of all ages to start songwriting. If you want to have a career as a singer, learning the craft of songwriting is a way for you to reach and connect to a larger audience, collaborate with other musicians and make extra income.
Oct 22, 2021 · 30 min
Episode 237 - Helping Creatives Get Things Done
The creative mind is often a double-edged sword: The ability to dream and create can also lead to indecision and unfulfilled goals. Tracee Theisen-Henny helps creatives, singers, and voice teachers (including her husband, John) eliminate roadblocks and accomplish realistic goals. In this episode, John and Tracee discuss typical challenges creatives face and some of her best tips to refocus and get things done. EPISODE LINKS Contact Tracee at frontdesk@johnhenny.com
Oct 19, 2021 · 18 min
Episode 236 - Am I Straining?
In this episode, John discusses what vocal strain is and the difference between vocal intensity and strain. As singers develop and work towards auditions and performance they have to ask for more power from their voices. It is a fine balance of "pressing in" and engagement of the vocal folds. John explains what happens in the voice as singers create robust sounds and how to engage more intensity safely.