Intelligent Vocalist Podcast

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John talks about the struggles singers face when returning to their voice after time away, whether from the pandemic, health issues, or life changes. He explains why the voice can feel weak or uncoordinated after too much time off and...

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John discusses a revolutionary breathing warm-up technique that can significantly enhance singing performance. He explores the importance of inspiratory muscle training, the benefits of using resistance devices, and how these techniqu...

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John looks at why people respond so differently to the same voice. He explains how emotional connection and personal taste often outweigh technical skill, even for trained listeners. The takeaway is clear: focus on authentic expressio...

In this episode, Ken Bozeman discusses the evolution of his book Practical Vocal Acoustics and the updates made in the second edition. He explores various theories of vocal production, the importance of procedural knowledge in teaching, and emphasizes the significance of expres...

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John addresses the harmful messages singers often receive that lead to shame, doubt, and discouragement. He calls out the myths around aging, talent, and teaching that can make singers feel “less than,” and offers a more compassio...

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John shares five viewpoints he believes may challenge the status quo in voice teaching. From rethinking what makes a teacher effective to questioning how new technologies will shape the field, he invites listeners to explore different...

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John is joined by Guoying Yang, and interdisciplinary researcher and voice teacher, whose work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, artificial intelligent, art education, and special education. Together, they explore how artif...

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John talks about the value of holding opposing ideas in singing and teaching without rushing to resolve them. He explains how cognitive dissonance, though uncomfortable, can open doors to discovery, growth, and new perspectives on the...

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John digs into the idea of criticality, the brain’s “sweet spot” for learning, creativity, and performance. He explains how singers can get stuck in either too much control or too much chaos, and why the real magic happens right...

In this episode, John talks with Lucie Burns—author, musician, and performance coach—about the deeper emotional roots of performance anxiety. Lucie shares insights from her decades-long career helping singers connect authentically with their audience by shifting from fear to ...