Episodes
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In this episode, John Henny and Cathal Jack discuss the intricacies of vocal range development, addressing common misconceptions and emphasizing the importance of strength and tone over volume. They explore the emotional connection in singing, the essence of impactful performances, and the significance of finding one's unique voice. The discussion also touches on the use of accents and language to unlock higher notes, as well as the importance of play in building vocal technique.
Episode highlights:
Trying harder and putting in more effort will not help you reach higher notes. Great singing is more than range. Technique should enhance, not overshadow, a singer's expression.To learn more about Cathal Jack, go to cathaljack.com
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
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In this episode, John Henny emphasizes the importance of slowing down in vocal practice to foster better development and understanding of one's voice. He discusses the necessity of patience and the value of deliberate practice. John encourages singers to embrace their unique voices, celebrate small progress, and cultivate kindness towards themselves throughout their vocal journey.
Episode highlights:
Patience is crucial in vocal development, regardless of age. Quality of practice is more important than quantity. The taste gap highlights your standards in what you love, and your shortcomings to those standards.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
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In this episode, John discusses the common issue of vocal tension and shares his favorite techniques to reduce it. He emphasizes the importance of understanding phonation threshold pressure, maintaining proper airflow and support, and the role of body alignment and mental relaxation in achieving a balanced singing experience. John also introduces the concept of negative practice and effective imagery as tools to enhance vocal performance and reduce tension.
Episode highlights:
Hydration and SOVT exercises help lower the phonation threshold pressure (PTP) value. Support involves a dynamic relationship between inhalation and exhalation. Flow phonation is about balancing airflow and vocal resistance.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
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In this episode, John Henny explores how the ego and the sense of self can hinder our progress and limit our potential as singers and creatives. It’s important to turn our attention outward and focus on helping others, rather than being self-centered. He also talks about the role of practice in overcoming the self and achieving a state of flow in singing. Dissolve the self and trust in the process of singing in order to experience the highest level of singing.
Episode highlights:
The self doesn’t want failure; it just wants protection. Imposter syndrome is when you make it about you. Trusting in the process and letting go of control can lead to a more authentic and joyful singing experience.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
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In this episode, John Henny interviews Leigh McRae, a 30-year veteran of the music industry as a singer, actor, songwriter, vocal coach and recording artist. They discuss Leigh’s journey as a singer, the influence of his professional experience on his teaching, and the importance of consistent vocal habits and skills. They also touch on the challenges performers face, the impact of the pandemic on singers, and the importance of maintaining vocal health and technique. Leigh shares his daily regimen for vocal maintenance and emphasizes the need for preparation and conditioning in order to achieve consistency in singing.
Episode highlights:
Consistent vocal habits and skills are crucial for successful singers, and they require regular practice and refinement. Performers need to be prepared for the demands of their profession, including the challenges of touring and maintaining vocal health. Maintaining vocal health and technique requires a daily regimen and a mindset of readiness for performance.You can learn more about Leigh McRae at leighmcrae.com and vocalmastery.com
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
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In this episode, John Henny shares his own experiences of waiting for the right time to work on projects and emphasizes the importance of taking action and starting now. Time is limited, and waiting for the perfect moment is a fantasy. The right time doesn’t exist, and if you wait for that, you’ll never get started.
Episode highlights:
There is never a perfect time to work on your voice, so start now. Successful musicians like the Beatles had a strong work ethic and didn't wait for inspiration or the right time. Even if you can't afford private lessons, there are affordable or free resources available to improve your voice. Time is limited, so make the most of it and appreciate your current circumstances.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
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In this episode, John shares a story of a student who was afraid to bring new information to their teacher. The need for trust and open communication in the student-teacher relationship is especially crucial when it comes to the voice. The role of the teacher is a guide, and it is important to take control of your own voice and education. He encourages students to question their teachers and bring in outside information, while also respecting the expertise and guidance of their teacher.
Episode highlights:
Trust and open communication are essential in the student-teacher relationship. Students should feel comfortable bringing new information and questions to their teacher. It is important to find a teacher who is open to new information and willing to discuss and explore different approaches that align with your vocal needs and goals.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
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In this episode, John Henny discusses the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning to sing, and the potential benefits and challenges of AI. He explains how he uses AI, particularly ChatGPT, to train and have conversations with custom AI models. He also explores the future possibilities of AI in voice teaching and learning. John encourages listeners to embrace AI as a tool for learning and expanding their knowledge.
Episode highlights:
AI has the potential to make focused voice instruction more accessible to a wider audience. The human element and connection in voice teaching will continue to be valuable and sought after, even with the advancements of AI. AI can be a valuable tool for learning and expanding knowledge, but it should be used with caution and critical thinking.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
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In this episode, John shares the story of his mother, who decided to learn piano in her 80s and how it has improved her musical abilities. John emphasizes the importance of audiation skills for singers and how learning a fixed instrument like piano or ukulele can enhance these skills. He also highlights the impact of rhythm and phrasing on vocal performance and the benefits of playing an instrument for singers.
Episode highlights:
Learning an instrument can enhance audiation skills for singers. Rhythm and phrasing are crucial for vocal performance. Playing a fixed instrument like piano or ukulele can improve musicality and musicianship.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
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In this episode, John explains that the spotlight effect is a cognitive bias that leads us to believe that we are being noticed more than we actually are. This can hinder our progress and make us afraid of taking risks and making mistakes. John shares personal experiences from his own life to illustrate the importance of taking risks and embracing failure in order to grow and improve. He encourages us to change our perspective, understand that the fear of failure is unfounded, and invest in ourselves to become better singers.
Episode highlights:
Taking risks and embracing failure are essential for growth and improvement as a singer. Performing in live situations and recording in professional studios provide valuable learning experiences. Investing in ourselves, seeking professional help, and practicing regularly are key to becoming better singers.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
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In this episode, John Henny talks about honoring and nurturing your natural gifts in singing. We need both natural talent and hard work to achieve success in singing. John shares examples of singers with natural ability who have also put in the work to develop their skills, and he encourages singers to embrace their unique gifts and work hard to refine and share them with others.
Episode highlights:
Natural talent alone is not enough to achieve success in singing; hard work and training are also necessary. Singers with natural ability should not take their gifts for granted and should work even harder to refine their skills. Developing a strong work ethic is crucial for singers who may not have natural talent but can surpass others through dedication and effort. Artistry in singing is not just about having a perfect voice; it also involves developing one's unique gifts and using them to create meaningful music.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
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In this episode, John Henny discusses the uniqueness of each voice, and encourages singers to reflect on why they sing and what brings them joy. He explores the concept of limitations and how to work within them while following your natural gifts. Be honest, and check in regularly with yourself about what truly makes you happy as a singer.
Episode highlights:
Reflect on why you sing and what brings you joy in order to stay motivated. Recognize and work within your limitations as a singer. Focus on a narrow lane of expertise and develop your natural gifts. Regular self-reflection is important to understand what truly makes you happy as a singer.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
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In this episode, John Henny explains that while it is helpful to group similar things together to understand complex skills, it becomes problematic when we assume that similar things are the same. The physical and acoustic aspects of different vocal modes and how they relate to chest voice, head voice, and mix are often misunderstood. It is important to constantly refine our approach to singing and be aware of the nuances and subtleties of our own voice.
Episode highlights:
Grouping similar things together helps us understand complex skills, but assuming they are the same can be problematic. Vocal registers, such as chest voice, head voice, and mix, have both physical and acoustic aspects. As we age and our voice changes, we need to constantly refine our approach to singing. Every note in our voice is its own register, and it's important to treat them differently.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
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In this episode, John Henny discusses the impact of social media on our focus and attention. He warns about the addictive nature of platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, and how they can consume our time and mental energy. John emphasizes the importance of reclaiming our focus and taking control of our time by limiting our use of social media. By doing so, we can have more time and mental clarity to focus on our passions, such as singing.
Episode highlights:
Social media platforms can be addictive and consume our time and mental energy. It is important to be mindful of the content we consume on social media and the impact it has on our focus and attention. Removing social media apps from our phones and limiting our use can help us reclaim our focus and have more time, energy, and mental clarity for our passions, like singing.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
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In this episode, John discusses the importance of taking control of your vocal journey. Singers cannot be good at everything and should focus on their strengths and passions. Consider your mind, personality, and innate gifts to help determine your limitations and potential as a singer. It’s also important to find the right teacher who aligns with your goals and interests.
Episode highlights:
Singers should focus on their strengths and passions rather than trying to be good at everything. The mind, personality, and innate gifts play a significant role in a singer's limitations and potential. Finding the right teacher who aligns with your goals and interests is crucial for progress. Investing time and/or money in improving your voice can lead to faster advancement.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
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In this episode, John Henny discusses the importance of understanding time signatures for singers, and how rhythm and phrasing separate great singers from average ones. He explains the basics of time signatures, such as the meaning of the top and bottom numbers, and focuses on the most common time signatures. Henny highlights the significance of internalizing the rhythmic clock as a singer and the advantage singers have in playing with time.
Episode highlights:
Understanding time signatures is crucial for singers to develop rhythm and phrasing skills. Odd time signatures like 5/4 and 7/4 require counting the number of pulses between downbeats. Singers have the advantage of playing with time and can speed up, pull back, or hesitate while staying anchored in their internal clock. Being rhythmically precise and confident as a singer enhances collaboration with other musicians and makes for a better performance.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
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In this episode, John Henny discusses natural talent versus training in singing. He shares examples of famous singers who have worked hard on their voices, debunking the myth of effortless talent. He emphasizes the value of voice teachers and the benefits of formal training, though self-study and listening to other singers can also be valuable. Ultimately, he encourages singers to work hard and find the right teacher or method to develop their voices to their fullest potential.
Episode highlights:
The myth of natural talent in singing is often perpetuated by the media and fans, but the reality is that even the most talented singers work hard and receive training. Formal voice training with a qualified teacher can provide valuable guidance and help singers improve their vocal technique and overall performance. Self-study and listening to other singers can also be beneficial, but it's important to have a strong foundation and understanding of vocal technique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to singing, and each singer should find the right teacher or method that suits their voice and goals.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
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In this episode, John talks with May Oskan about rough vocal effects and the techniques behind them. May also discusses the importance of creating vocal effects safely and the different parts of the vocal tract that can be used to create distortion. She explains that coordination and control are key in creating different vocal effects.
Episode Highlights
Creating vocal effects safely involves controlling volume, avoiding extrinsic tension, and using specific structures in the vocal tract. Learning vocal effects may be easier for singers who have already developed specific coordinations and have a playful attitude towards their voice. Voice teachers interested in teaching vocal effects should listen to a variety of vocal effects, listen to their students' desired sounds, and explore vocal effects themselves to better understand and teach them.You can learn more about May Oskan at mayoskanvoice.com
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
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In this episode, John explores the concept of the vocal prime, its significance, characteristics, and implications for singers of all ages. He emphasizes the importance of honoring and investing in the voice, regardless of age, and encourages continuous improvement and care.
Episode highlights:
The vocal prime is a significant period in a singer's life, characterized by strength, stability, and flexibility in the voice. Investing in vocal care and improvement is essential at every stage of a singer's life, regardless of age. Creating a new vocal prime is possible at any age, emphasizing the potential for continuous growth and development in singing. The voice is a valuable instrument that should be honored, nurtured, and used consistently to maintain its strength and flexibility.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
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In this episode, John discusses the importance of charisma and owning the space as a performer. He emphasizes the cultivation of energy and emotional communication, and highlights the role of vocal technique and emotional intention in creating a powerful performance.
Episode highlights:
Charisma is a quality that can be cultivated and developed by performers to own the energy and space during a performance. Vocal technique is a tool for communication, and emotional communication is the highest level of singing. The shared humanity and emotional connection between the performer and the audience create a powerful and unique experience.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
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