Category Archives: Intelligent Vocalist Podcast
Episode 169 – Vocal Stability
Stability is something that’s missing in all our lives right now, but we can still find stability in our voice. Having a stable voice across your range is not the product of one aspect of singing, but a blending of optimal balance in breath, phonation, and resonance. In this episode, John discusses how all parts…
Episode 168 – Don’t Shortchange the Verse
Singers tend to focus on the money notes, the big, high notes usually found in the chorus of a song. But there is a world of musical expression to be found in the verses. Although the verse tends to be lower and less vocally exciting, there is much of a song’s story to be found…
Episode 167 – Phonation for Singing
Phonation is the act of creating sound waves from the vocal folds. While we phonate naturally in speech, singing requires a higher level of awareness and control. In this episode, John discusses the three main types of phonation and the elements you need to be aware of for healthy singing.
Episode 166 – The Myth of Pure Talent
We often like to think of our musical heroes as being more than human, imbued with supernatural talent. This belief is unfair to both our heroes and ourselves, as it ignores a great deal of the hard work and constant learning all singers and musicians must go through. In this episode, John discusses the myth…
Episode 165 – Hollywood Session Singing with Gerald White
No matter where you live, you have likely heard Gerald White sing. Gerald is a first-call session singer in Los Angeles, whose voice has appeared on numerous TV shows and major motion pictures. Gerald is also a highly skilled voice teacher, and sight-singing instructor. In this episode, Gerald discusses the demanding world of session work…
Episode 164 – Effective Online Lessons
It’s the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, and social distancing has already begun in earnest. In this episode, John discusses online voice lessons and how to get the most from your remote study.
Episode 163 – Contemporary Pop Singing with Sam Johnson
Sam Johnson is a leading online voice teacher whose YouTube Videos have garnered tens of millions of views. John talks with Sam about his journey to teaching voice, the current state of pop singing, the role of voice science in his teaching, and much more. EPISODE LINKS: Sam’s Website Sam’s YouTube Channel
Episode 162 – This Precious Singing Moment
We spend so much time depressed about the past or anxious about the future that we often miss the miracle of the present. Every moment you get to spend with your voice should be treasured and experienced fully. In this episode, John discusses the mindset of gratitude and awareness that will bring a new sense…
Episode 161- Getting Worse Before You Get Better
When you get serious about singing, it’s not uncommon to go through periods of feeling like you are getting worse instead of improving. The path of learning to sing is not a straight one, and we often need to take detours that can lead to frustration. In this episode, John discusses why we may need…
Episode 160 – Accepting Your Voice
Body acceptance is a growing trend, freeing us from attempting to fit into narrowly defined concepts of attractiveness. Yet this often doesn’t happen with the voice. Singers struggle to make their voice some it’s not, often to frustrating results. In this episode, John discusses the concept of vocal acceptance, and why your natural voice is…