Episode 447 - Finding Your Voice Again After a Long Layoff

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 how neuroplasticity, consistency, and self-compassion can help singers rebuild. Your voice isn’t gone, it just needs time and care to find its way back.   Episode highlights: Neural pathways for singing do not disappear; they just need to be reawakened through consistent practice. Start small, stay patient, and track your progress to build momentum and confidence. Approach your return with curiosity and forgiveness, not judgment. Your voice is resilient.   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 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 techniques can lead to improved vocal control and reduced effort while singing.   Episode highlights: Inspiratory muscle training enhances control and strength. Singers reported longer sustains and feeling less effort while singing after training. Practical exercises can be done with or without devices.   Get The Breather Voice here: https://thebreather.com/products/breather-voice Learn more about the scientific study mentioned here: https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-024-03471-2   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 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 expression instead of trying to please everyone.   Episode highlights: Listeners’ preferences are highly individual and shaped by personal taste. Emotional honesty and connection often matter more than technical perfection. Embracing your unique vocal identity is more important than trying to please everyone.   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, 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 expression over language in vocal pedagogy.   Episode highlights: The second edition includes updates based on new research and discussions. Historical pedagogy and modern science can converge for effective teaching. Expression is fundamental in vocal pedagogy, predating language.   To get your copy of Practical Vocal Acoustics, go to https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/practical-vocal-acoustics-9798765156513/   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 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 compassionate perspective. Your voice is valid, valuable, and worth nurturing at every stage.   Episode highlights: Aging affects every voice, but with consistent work singers can regain strength, range, and tone. Great singers are not simply “born that way.” Hard work and focus are always part of the story. Singing is your birthright, and no one should ever make you feel ashamed of your voice.   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 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 perspectives without fear of disagreement. These reflections are meant to spark dialogue and encourage deeper thinking about what we truly believe.   Episode highlights: Empathy, connection, and great ears matter more than technical knowledge alone. Every voice teacher has something to offer, regardless of style, platform, or background. Artificial intelligence is set to profoundly change the future of voice education.   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 is joined by Guoying Yang, an interdisciplinary researcher and voice teacher, whose work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, artificial intelligent, art education, and special education. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is changing art, teaching, and human creativity, and why artists may benefit from engaging with this new tool rather than avoiding it.   Episode highlights: AI is not just a trend but a new tool in human history, like fire and computers. While AI can eventually help diagnose voice issues and assist with learning, it cannot replace human creativity, motivation, and connection. Embracing imperfection and authentic expression is what makes human art irreplaceable in an AI-driven world.   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 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 voice. Embracing it helps us find deeper truths and a more personal path in music.   Episode highlights: Holding space for seemingly conflicting ideas can lead to breakthroughs in singing and teaching. Discomfort in the learning process often signals that growth and discovery are happening. Openness to multiple perspectives helps you find deeper truths about your voice.   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 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 between. Find that balance so your singing feels easier, freer, and more fun.   Episode highlights: Great singing happens in the balance between control and freedom. Stress, lack of sleep, and overthinking can pull you out of your brain’s sweet spot. Short, focused practice sessions and even mental rehearsal help the brain stay in flow.   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, 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 presence. This conversation offers practical tools for any performer looking to transform nerves into connection.   Episode highlights: Performance is a skill that requires as much practice as singing itself. Constructive self-talk—before and after a performance—is essential for growth. True audience connection comes from feeling the music, not overthinking it.   To learn more about Lucie, go to https://www.lucieburns.com/ and https://www.stagereadyartists.com/ You can find her on social media @lucieburnsperformancecoach   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