Alexa is joined by Jono McNeil, a seasoned vocal coach, arranger, and producer with over 15 years of experience in the UK music and entertainment industries. Jono's extensive background includes working on popular TV shows like The Voice UK, The Masked Singer, and The Voice Kids, as well as providing coaching for touring acts such as JLS and New Rules. Not only is Jono a sought-after vocal expert, but he's also an accomplished artist and singer, having performed with renowned musicians like Michael Bublé, Paloma Faith, and Jamie Cullum. You’ll gain insights into the world of TV vocal coaching and the dynamic career of this multifaceted music professional.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Jono's affinity for working on TV sets stems from his passion for assisting performers in maximising their 90-second spotlight to captivate the audience. In his daily role, he crafts strategies for each singer and performer, enabling them to effortlessly evoke emotional connections from the viewers. This becomes particularly gratifying given that many of these acts are new and are experiencing the exhilaration of creating such impactful moments on stage for the first time.
Jono finds working in TV enjoyable because it's a collaborative environment where everyone pitches in to get the job done despite the pressure. He emphasises the importance of trusting the team's expertise and working together to ensure a smooth and effective process.
There is a challenge of capturing and maintaining audience attention for TV shows, which heavily influences ratings and show longevity. Jono recognises the importance of not just creating new formats but also crafting content that resonates with viewers, making them want to come back for more.
When it comes to shows like The Voice and The Masked Singer, there is an art of constructing relatable stories and establishing connections between the performers and the audience. Beyond the initial appeal, Jono thinks that viewers are drawn by the personal and emotional aspects of the artists' lives. Creating a genuine connection and engagement with the audience becomes a pivotal aspect of his role as a vocal coach.
With tens of thousands of applications for shows like The Voice and The Voice Kids, there is the challenge of discovering exceptional talents within the sea of applicants. Jono believes that sometimes the most impactful performers might not be the most technically polished ones. This process involves the collaboration of dedicated scouts, casting teams, and vocal coaches, all working together to identify individuals who have the potential to emotionally resonate with the public. 
Jono assumes the vital role of safeguarding the welfare of the singers he mentors. He embraces a profound duty of care, prioritising their emotional and mental well-being. Not only does he equip them with the necessary technical skills, but he also recognises the significance of their psychological health. Jono is committed to providing singers with the resources they need, including access to psychologists when necessary, to ensure they can navigate the challenges of the industry with resilience and confidence.
On The Voice, the celebrity coaches offer valuable insights into the direction they envision for their singers, sharing their creative input with Jono and the other vocal coaches. Jono then tailors his coaching to align with the artist's and the celebrity coach's vision. The celebrity coaches are very competitive and do genuinely want one of their singers to win. 
The top three things you will need to work on TV shows like The Voice and The Masked Singer are a wealth of experience, being adaptable to changing situations, and the ability to seamlessly collaborate within a multifaceted team environment. 

BEST MOMENTS‘I love music and what it does to capture our community experiences’ ‘Technique is a wonderful servant but a terrible master’ ‘In TV you’re always being auditioned’ ‘Our job is to extract someone who we feel is really going to stri