The Intelligent Vocalist

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John takes a close look at the onset, the tiny moment when a note begins, and how it can affect breath, pitch, and vocal clarity. He explains how singers can learn to hear and control these different types of onsets instead of letting them become unconscious habits. Start listening to those first few milliseconds and you may discover a whole new level of control in your singing.   Episode highlights: Breath-first, folds-first, and balanced onsets each create different results. Great singers use different onsets intentionally for musical expression. Precision comes from developing choices rather than relying on automatic defaults.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores why singers can get stuck chasing an idealized version of their voice instead of working with the instrument they actually have. He looks at the ways studio recordings and memories of our younger voices can distort that comparison. Give yourself a chance to hear and appreciate what your voice can do right now.   Episode highlights: Studio recordings are constructed performances, not one-to-one comparisons. Memory can rebuild our best moments into something better than reality. Recording yourself and getting outside feedback gives you a more useful perspective.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores why practicing can become difficult when your voice no longer does what it once did. He explains how turning practice into an experiment can remove the pressure of judging every session and make it easier to stay consistent. Go into your next session with a question and see what your voice can teach you.   Episode highlights: A constructive practice question has no losing answer. A difficult session can still give you useful information. The 20-5-1 rule provides a simple structure for consistent practice.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John looks at several common singing myths that may not be scientifically accurate but can still be useful. He explores why some ideas stick around because they offer singers a helpful way to experience or approach the voice. Keep learning how the voice works, but don't be too quick to throw out a "myth" that helps you sing.   Episode highlights: A singer's sensations are real, even when they do not reflect the underlying mechanism. Simple vocal cues can help guide attention toward a desired coordination. When a vocal "myth" is challenged, ask what was actually disproven and what the instruction was helping you accomplish.   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

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John explores what singers can learn from the way modern athletes approach aging, recovery, and long-term performance. He explains why older singers need more intentional practice, better recovery, and smarter daily habits rather than simply working harder. The voice changes with age, but with the right approach, it can remain strong, expressive, and reliable for years to come.   Episode highlights: Aging removes biological forgiveness, making recovery and smart practice more important. Shorter, more focused practice sessions often work better for older singers. Sleep, nutrition, and consistent training matter more than quick fixes or vocal hacks.   Read the New York Times article here.   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