Episode 72 – Distraction Is the Enemy
The mind is a stimulus-seeking machine, which creates opportunities to be constantly distracted. Technology, especially social media is engineered to take advantage of our increasingly short attention spans. The problem is, the work we singers seek to do takes a great deal of focus and awareness. In this episode, John discusses the problems of distraction and how…
Episode 71 – The Seven Traits of Great Singers
Great singers have a uniqueness that makes them rare and special. But they also have traits in common that help fuel their greatness. In this episode, John discusses these traits so many leading singers have cultivated and developed in their musical lives to lift themselves above the pack. These traits are: Consistency Self-Awareness Kinesthetic Awareness Attention…
Episode 70 – Understanding Sound
It all starts with sound, however, few singers understand the nature of sound and the importance of creating balanced sound waves. In this episode, John breaks down how sound works and the differences in balanced and unbalanced sound waves. SHOW LINKS: January Voice Challenge
Episode 69 – The Singer’s Serenity Prayer
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I can’t change – sage advice through the ages, but often ignored by singers. The beauty of singing is it is a discipline of continuous improvement and discovery. But there are also limitations in each of our voices, limitations that should be accepted so we can focus on…
Episode 68 – Habit and Consistency
Bad habits are easy to form but hard to live with. Good habits are hard to form but easy to live with. Your current level of singing ability is the culmination of your daily work habits and routines and while every voice can improve, not all of us have formed the habits to make consistent…
Episode 67 – Year-End Wrap-Up
2018 was a year of continued advances in singing science and the influence of media savvy voice teachers. In this year-end wrap-up, John looks at some key areas of voice and discusses the current state of singing and teaching.
Episode 66 – My Journey to Health, Part 2
Health is extremely important for the singer and performer, as our body is our instrument. In this follow-up episode, John continues his discussion of losing a large amount of weight in a short period of time, with the help of scientist Ray Cronise.
Episode 65 – My Journey to Health, Part 1
Food is everpresent in our lives and is part of a large percentage of our social interactions. The trap of hyper-palatable, calorically dense foods is creating a global health crisis of obesity and overnutrition. The singer’s instrument is their body and vocal, as well as full-body health, should be a priority. In this episode, John discusses…
Episode 64 – Essential Piano Skills for Teachers and Singers
The piano is the perfect instrument for developing a greater understanding of music. Having basic piano skills can help you be a better voice teacher, but it can also help you as a singer, making your practice sessions more efficient and helping you learn songs quicker. In this episode, John discusses the benefits of learning…
Episode 63 – Working In the Margins
Life can be hectic and unpredictable and our vocal practice can often fall by the wayside. “Working in the margins” is an idea John learned from a client who is also a bestselling author. He utilizes this concept to stay prolific in his output while maintaining a rigorous performing schedule. John has adopted the idea and…