Episode 429 - Owning the Room

In this episode of The Intelligent Vocalist, John reflects on how vocal education has evolved over the years since he began teaching. From the rise of voice science and virtual lessons to a deeper focus on mental health and student-centered teaching, he highlights the biggest shifts that have shaped how we teach and learn singing today. Whether you’re a singer or a teacher, this is a valuable look at where voice training is headed, and why staying curious matters.   Episode highlights: Voice education is now more collaborative, inclusive, and student-focused than ever before. Science and technology have revolutionized how we understand and train the voice. There is no single right way to sing—modern teaching encourages flexibility, openness, and lifelong learning.   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 shares his personal experience with age-related vocal challenges and outlines seven ways the voice changes over time. He explains how muscle loss, hormonal shifts, and neurological slowdowns can impact vocal performance, and what you can do to maintain vocal health and power. This episode is full of practical strategies for keeping your voice healthy, responsive, and ready to meet new challenges.   Episode highlights: Regular, focused practice can counteract many changes you may encounter in your voice. Tools like SOVT exercises, breath resistance devices, and tongue/soft palate workouts can help rebuild and maintain vocal function. Acceptance is key: you may not sound like you did at 25, but you can still find beauty, strength, and joy in your evolving 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 dives into the power of the “sometimes vowels” Y and W—why they’re more than just grammar quirks and how they can help singers reduce tension and improve transitions. If you're working on mix, belt, or tricky vowels on tricky notes, these two letters may be your new best friends.   Episode highlights: Y and W glides help reset tension and ease vocal transitions. These glides narrow vowels, making high notes easier to access without strain. Practicing with glides can dramatically improve vowel tuning and vocal efficiency.   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 how singers can project presence and energy to truly "own the room" during a performance. He explains how outward focus, emotional intention, and energetic alignment create authentic connection with an audience. This isn't about perfection—it's about making the space vibrate with your presence.   Episode highlights: Outward energy and emotional intention help you fully connect with an audience. Mirror neurons cause listeners to subconsciously reflect your emotional state—so presence matters. You don’t need big movements to own the room—you need alignment, honesty, and focus.   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 unpacks the confusion around vocal registers and why the terminology can sometimes do more harm than good. He encourages singers to focus on feeling, hearing, and ease rather than chasing labels like chest, head, or mix. It's a thoughtful reminder that technical models are tools—not the destination.   Episode highlights: Don't ask “What register am I in?”—ask “What do I feel and hear?” Vocal registers exist on a continuum, not in fixed categories. The goal isn’t to master vocal jargon—it’s to connect, express, and sing with ease.   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 the vital role of self-kindness in vocal training. He shares how negative self-talk can derail progress and why treating yourself like a supportive teacher leads to better results. Singing is a personal journey—and kindness is the key to lasting growth.   Episode highlights: Treat yourself like the voice teacher you’d actually want to work with. Self-kindness builds the emotional safety your voice needs to grow. You can make vocal progress without crushing your spirit.   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 Henny speaks to those who feel too overwhelmed to sing, reminding us that singing can be a form of self-care rather than another pressure. He offers simple, low-stress strategies to gently reconnect with your voice—even when motivation is low. Singing doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to bring you back to the present moment.   Episode highlights: Overwhelm isn’t laziness—it’s a real mental load that can block your singing. Reframe practice as self-care, not performance. Start small—just showing up for 60 seconds is enough to begin.   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 the blurred lines between technical accuracy and practical usefulness in voice teaching. He challenges the need for absolute correctness by sharing examples of "wrong" ideas that still yield great results. It's a thoughtful reflection on how vocal truths evolve—and why what's helpful sometimes matters more than what's technically true.   Episode highlights: Not all vocal truths need to be technically correct to be helpful. Experience and sensation often matter more than scientific precision. Voice teaching evolves—and it’s okay to change your mind.   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 delves into the deeply personal experience of discovering your voice. He emphasizes mindfulness, self-acceptance, and staying curious, especially as the voice changes over time. It's a powerful reminder that the vocal journey is ongoing and worth embracing.   Episode highlights: Your voice is truly one in eight billion. Self-acceptance of your voice is essential. Notice everything there is to notice about your voice—go almost to an absurd level.   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 explains how cultivating physical awareness can dramatically improve vocal technique and performance. He introduces simple exercises that help singers tune into breath, posture, and resonance to develop a stronger mind-body connection. Through consistent observation and reflection, singers can build more reliable and expressive vocal habits.   Episode highlights: The voice is an instrument we don't see. Linking physical sensations with vocal outcomes creates confidence and consistency. Mindfulness and curiosity allow singers to uncover subtle feedback from the body and improve technique more intuitively.   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