Episode 52 – Do Great Singers Equal Great Voice Teachers?
There are many criteria to use in selecting a voice teacher, a great singing voice is an obvious metric to use. There are those who argue singing well is the ONLY criteria for choosing a voice teacher. However, the reality doesn’t always match up to conventional wisdom. In this episode, John discusses teaching versus “doing”…
Episode 51 – Seeing the Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor
Just the mention of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor (ENT) can strike terror in the hearts (and throats of singers). However, a good ENT can be your voice’s best friend. In this episode, John covers what to look for in choosing an ENT, when you should go, what to expect, and the main vocal…
Episode 50 – Using SOVT Exercises
Semi-occluded Vocal Tract Exercises are not some strange ritual being practiced on a commune in Oregon – no, they are perhaps one of the best and most foolproof ways to get your voice working correctly. Semi-occluded (partially blocked) vocal sounds create healthy backpressure in the voice, which presses down and helps the vocal cords align…
Episode 49 – Being More Productive
The creative mind can be a challenge to manage. We are constantly bombarded with new thoughts and ideas which can lead to overwhelm and project paralysis. In this episode, John shares how the power of habit can fuel you to greater success in your singing and musical endeavors. SHOW LINKS BestSelf Journal SHOW TRANSCRIPT (coming soon)…
Episode 48 – Teaching Yourself to Sing
Teaching yourself to sing can be a confusing and frustrating experience. For various reasons, singers will try and go it alone, and while not often the best option there are ways to make the process more efficient and effective. In this episode, John gives his Teaching Triangle, the method he uses to stay on track when…
Episode 47 – What’s Keeping You From Your Singing Goals?
Theoretical Physicist, David Deutsch breaks all goals into two steps. 1. It must be achievable according to the physical laws of the universe. 2. If it is possible, then it is merely a matter of acquiring the knowledge necessary to achieve it. It is not a time or resources problem – it is a knowledge problem. You can…
Episode 46 – Your Health and Singing
We all hear about vocal health, vocal rest, proper technique. But what about your overall health? Is this something you have been ignoring? Is it something you are beginning to worry about? In this episode, John looks at his own health journey and what it has meant to him as a teacher and content creator.…
Episode 45 – Intellectual Humility
Humble thyself! Yep, it turns out ego and confidence not only makes you unpleasant on social media, but it can also slow your progress and learning. In this episode, John looks at how adopting intellectual humility and a growth mindset can be critical in rapid growth as a singer, voice teacher, musician, and yes, human being.…
Episode 44 – The Acoustics of Mix
Mix is an often misunderstood term (as are most in singing). Singers often refer to mix as “something less than belt,” but in this episode, John discusses how to take your mix into the world of intense belting without the usual vocal fatigue and danger. The acoustics of mix are incredibly fascinating and open up…
Episode 43 – Drop Your Jaw
Drop your jaw! If you take voice lessons you have no doubt heard this command. You have even likely felt the beneficial effects of doing the jaw drop. Why does dropping the jaw help? And why do we often resist doing it? In this episode, John looks at the acoustic science behind dropping your jaw…