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

Jun 11, 2019 · 16 min
Episode 95 - Beware the Gap
We all have a future ideal self we strive towards - the singer we will someday hope to be. But staying focused on this ideal can often cause us to become discouraged, as it seems so far away and, at times, unattainable. In this episode, John discusses how best to measure your progress to keep a positive, motivated mindset for your singing.
Jun 7, 2019 · 20 min
Episode 94 - In Praise of Consonants
In singing, the vowel is "all-important" while consonants are often relegated to bits of noise that must be negotiated around. But consonants not only give us understandable language - they are the rhythmic drivers of music, containing a whole world of expressive possibilities. In this episode, John delves into making consonants an important part of your vocal performance, helping you become a dynamic, more rhythm-driven singer.
Jun 4, 2019 · 15 min
Episode 93 - Essential Rhythm for Singers
Rhythm and sense of time are not the first things singers tend to work on, yet they are vitally important music skills. Developing a great sense of time and a feel for accurate rhythmic subdivision should be high on the list for every singer. In this episode, John gives some of his favorite exercises for mastering rhythms and developing your groove. Episode Links: Modern Reading in 4/4 by Louis Bellson
May 31, 2019 · 19 min
Episode 92 - Common Exercise Mistakes
How do you know if you are doing the right exercise, or if you are doing it properly? An exercise that's good for one voice may not be so good for another. In this episode, John delves into the common mistakes he sees singers make with vocal exercises.
May 27, 2019 · 17 min
Episode 91 - Effective Straw Warmups
Using a straw to warm-up the voice is extremely efficient and effective. The straw provides changes in backpressure and acoustics that make it easier to find vocal balance and stability. In this episode, John explains how best to utilize the straw in your vocal routine. Episode Links: Straw Warmup Course (Free)
May 24, 2019 · 18 min
Episode 90 - Understanding High, Intense Belt
High, intense belt is one of the most thrilling types of contemporary singing, and it is a highly prized skill amongst singers. However, belt is also one of the most potentially damaging vocal styles, if not done properly. In this episode, John discusses the mechanics of belt singing and how it can be done in a healthy way. EPISODE LINKS Secrets of Belting Course
May 21, 2019 · 18 min
Episode 89 - Everything You Know is Wrong
A quick way to garner attention, especially online, is to develop a rebellious, contrarian stance against the "establishment." In the world of voice, there are debates launched, proclaiming certain ideas or techniques to be "completely wrong." This can create a lot of confusion for the singer, especially when something they have studied is dismissed. In this episode, John looks at the nature of these debates and how you should consider them as you continue your vocal education.
May 17, 2019 · 32 min
Episode 88 - Vocal Q&A with Dr. Reena Gupta, Part 2
Voice specialist, Dr. Reena Gupta joins John for Vocal Q&A part 2. In this episode, Reena discuses: The effects of marijuana and alcohol on the voice The essential partnership of the voice teacher and doctor Steroid use for the voice Vocal fry And much more! This is another MUST-LISTEN episode for all professional voice users!
May 14, 2019 · 27 min
Episode 87 - Vocal Health Q&A with Dr. Reena Gupta, Part 1
Dr. Reena Gupta is one of the leading ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctors in Los Angeles. Dr. Gupta specializes in professional voice users, including celebrity singers. Dr. Gupta joins John in the studio to answer your voice questions, including: When should you see an ENT? What should voice teachers listen for in singer's voices? How to develop your diagnostic ear. How to know you are getting the best possible evaluation The truth about nodules
May 10, 2019 · 40 min
Episode 86 - Voice Q&A with Chris Johnson
Part 2 of the Chris Johnson (of the Naked Vocalist podcast) interview. In this episode, John asks Chris listener questions on all things voice, including such topics as: Vowels in different languages and dialects The under-vowel Balanced compression Singing when sick Chris is one of the leading voice teachers in the UK and his answers are always fascinating and well-steeped in vocal science.
May 7, 2019 · 39 min
Episode 85 - Knowing What to Work On
Knowing what to work on in the practice room can be confusing. How do you know if you are focusing on the right aspects of your voice? In this first of a two-part interview, John is joined by Chris Johnson (of the fantastic Naked Vocalist podcast) to discuss how to analyze the voice and discover where you should focus your efforts.
Apr 29, 2019 · 19 min
Episode 84 - Dealing With Vocal Overwhelm
Overwhelm is as close as the phone in your pocket, where there is a never-ending parade of vocal distractions to pull at your attention. Countless vocal methods, YouTube videos, courses, online discussion and arguments - it can leave you trying to do everything (and ultimately, nothing) at once. In this episode, John discusses how to get out of the overwhelm and on the road to consistent vocal improvement.
Apr 23, 2019 · 19 min
Episode 83 - What Is Placement?
"Placement" is a term that often confuses singers: How do I place the voice? What is the right placement for my voice? Is there a lever to move my voice forward and back? What does this even mean? In this episode, John goes through the proper use of placement, and how to control these sensory guideposts.
Apr 15, 2019 · 18 min
Episode 82 - The Danger of One Opinion
One of the main reasons for singers to stop is painful criticism. The opinion usually comes from a person of authority, someone they respected - a choir director in childhood, a less than kind voice teacher, or an industry professional, such as a producer. One opinion causing years, sometimes decades to be lost. In this episode, John discusses the danger of allowing another's opinion to have power over you and your singing.
Apr 9, 2019 · 18 min
Episode 81 - Don't Lose the Joy
Developing technical mastery of your vocal instrument is a life-long project of dedication and determination. However, hyper-focusing on technique can cause us to lose touch with the pure joy of singing. In this episode, John talks about keeping the passion for singing alive while continuing to gain technical ability.
Apr 2, 2019 · 16 min
Episode 80 - Using Your Vocal Crowbar
For every singer, there are frustrating areas of the voice we just can't seem to conquer. The is where your vocal "crowbar" can be your best tool for solving stubborn issues. By discovering and utilizing your vocal crowbar, you can start eliminating these singing problems quickly and effectively.
Mar 26, 2019 · 22 min
Episode 79 - On Being a Beginner
Learning any new skill can be daunting, but the voice has levels of complexity that make it a unique challenge. The fine-tuning and coordination of muscles and energies we scarcely feel (or feel in illusory ways) can confuse and discourage the beginning singer (as well as the more experienced). In this episode, John breaks down the difficulties of learning to sing, both technical and mental, and gives you his best advice for getting through this challenging period of your vocal journey.
Mar 19, 2019 · 19 min
Episode 78 - Dealing with Discouragement
We all have bad days as singers. We can even have extended periods of voice issues that seem never to end. These setbacks can create feelings of discouragement that pull us from the path of improvement. In this episode, John discusses how to bounce back from these difficult days and how you can quickly get back on track to achieving your vocal goals.
Mar 13, 2019 · 17 min
Episode 77 - Singing and Competition
Most human endeavors have an element of competition to them, and music is no different. The problem is when competition between singers turns toxic, it can be a discouraging situation. In this episode, John looks at how to use competition to your benefit, and how to move towards a higher level of competition with yourself, to help push you to new artistic heights.
Mar 5, 2019 · 23 min
Episode 76 - The Life of Your Voice
Your voice will change dramatically from birth to old age. What can you expect during these different periods? Can you sing well your entire life? In this episode, John takes you through the how and why of your changing voice and gives you tips for staying healthy throughout your vocal lifetime.