Voiceover Lessons for Beginners
By John Matthew
Voiceover Lessons for BeginnersApr 16, 2024
026 Beginner Tip: Take It Slow
John solves a common beginner's dilemma with this simple tip.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
025 Script Tip #1: Problem & Solution
Improve your reads with this simple script analysis tip.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
024 How To Get Started In Voiceover
A concise 5-part plan to launch your voiceover career.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
UPDATE MARCH 2024: Voiceover Coaching Now Available
I've relaunched my coaching practice, check out the link below for more info.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
023 Impressions & Prototypes
John explains the difference between impressions and prototypes, and how to handle each.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
022 Practice the Boring Stuff
John explains why you should practice technical material.
Also, I changed the cover art.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
UPDATE JANUARY 16, 2024
It's been a while but I'm still here! I'm currently working on new episodes, re-launching my coaching practice, new graphics and a new name for the show. Thanks for your patience and more info in the next week or so...JM
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
021 Top 7 Tips for Getting Paid
John gives you 7 ways to help you get paid on time.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists and used under license for this production.
020 The Good & Bad of Voiceover Work
John goes through his top 5 favorite things about voiceover work, and some of the the not-so-good things too.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists and used under license for this production.
019 Client Deliverables
John explains exactly what you should be delivering to clients when you send them job files in this important lesson.
Lesson 16 Audio Specs: https://youtu.be/f_axYX2PBEw
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/5ZMBvGexmEb
Lesson 18 Editing & Processing: https://youtu.be/bFZreyKR9_k?si=mpaFJpf61jtSGLXN
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jmvopodcast/episodes/Recording-Basics-3-Basic-Voiceover-Editing--Processing---Step-By-Step-Voiceover-Lessons-for-Beginners-18-e2bb40r
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists and used under license for this production.
018 Recording Basics #3 Basic Voiceover Editing & Processing
A beginner's guide to editing and processing a voiceover in Sound Forge Pro 17. If you have different software, the specifics will vary but the concepts are the same.
Lesson 16 Audio Specs: https://youtu.be/f_axYX2PBEw
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/5ZMBvGexmEb
Lesson 17 Recording & Saving: https://youtu.be/RpSGTcILOKc
https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/NLj6ZFexmEb
Compression Basics: https://www.uaudio.com/blog/audio-compression-basics/
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Sound Forge Pro software is copyright Magix.
017 Recording Basics #2 Record & Save a Voiceover
A beginner's guide to recording a voiceover in Sound Forge Pro 17. If you have different software, the specifics will vary but the concepts are the same.
Lesson 16 Audio Specs: https://youtu.be/f_axYX2PBEw
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1hefjwEHueMljtoJYP7ERn?si=-Vvfs5LJTj2ESrBWFhd0Vg
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Sound Forge Pro software is copyright Magix.
Bonus Lesson 2: Do What Works For YOU
In the second bonus lesson, John illustrates an important principle - and we hear the new audio logo!
Bill Nighy interview: https://youtu.be/6Aq_V3LTbtg?si=SlsTBsGrnSZ1fF0X
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
016 Recording Basics #1 Audio Specs & File Formats
A techy primer for voiceover talent new to recording.
More info: https://www.izotope.com/en/learn/digital-audio-basics-sample-rate-and-bit-depth.html
https://www.izotope.com/en/learn/whats-the-difference-between-file-formats.html
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
015 Three Techniques for Better Performances
Here are three simple techniques to improve your voice acting for auditions and jobs.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
014 Celebrity Voiceovers: A Discussion
John and a very special mystery guess discuss celebrities doing voiceover work, and how it effects the rest of us.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
013 Multiple Takes for Better Voiceover Auditions
In lucky episode 13, John and special guest Kathleen take a closer look at multiple audition takes.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Commercial copy used in this episode was written by John Matthew for demonstration purposes only.
012 7 Easy Tips for Better Voiceover Auditions
In the first episode of Series 2, John shares some home audition tips gleaned from his years of experience.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
011 Home Studio Part 5: Software
In Lesson 11, John looks at popular recording & editing software for voiceover talent, and gives a few comments on studio monitors. GarageBand—MAC; FREE with MAC; limited editing & multitracking ability, but a good place to start before upgrading.
Audacity—WIN/MAC; FREE and popular: I personally don’t like it. Wave editor.
Adobe Audition— WIN/MAC; wave editor with multitrack capabilities.
Twisted Wave— WIN/MAC; wave editor.
Magix Sound Forge Pro—WIN/MAC; wave editor, what I use; also comes in a stripped-down version.
Pro Tools & Logic Pro—highly capable pro level recording and producing suites; way more firepower than you need for just recording and editing VO tracks or making demos in multitrack; do not recommend unless you’re already using and comfortable with the software
Multitrack environments for making demos:
PreSonus Studio One—highly capable multitrack environment; I find it simpler and easier to use than Pro Tools & Logic Pro.
Reaper—WIN/MAC; fully capable multitrack recording & editing; inexpensive but a bit more complex than you may need if only doing VO.
Magix Vegas Pro—this is a video editing package but features a very intuitive and easy-to-learn multitrack audio environment; like Sound Forge, also comes in a stripped-down version.
Adobe Audition (see above)
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
010 Home Studio Part 4: Audio Interfaces
In Lesson 10, John gives a primer on microphone preamps and audio interfaces. Audio interfaces are also called sound cards, audio devices, or audio input-output devices. Audio Devices under $300 as of upload date: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Focusrite Scarlett Solo MOTU M2 2x2 Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Solid State Logic SSL2+ Universal Audio Volt 2 USB-C
I haven’t found any good comparison videos yet but I’ll update show notes if I do.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
Bonus Lesson 1: Microphone Technique
In this first bonus lesson, John gives a primer on microphone technique for recording voiceover.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
009 Home Studio Part 3: The Microphone
In Lesson 9, John gives a primer on microphones for voiceover, and makes some recommendations.
More info on VO mics: https://www.voices.com/blog/which-microphones-are-best-for-voice-actors/
Mic comparison videos: https://youtu.be/5uyBYnoZB5k
https://www.sweetwater.com/
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
008 Home Studio Part 2: The Voice
In Lesson 8, John talks about the importance and variables of vocal production, as the second link in the voiceover recording chain.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
007 Home Studio Part 1: The Recording Environment
In Lesson 7, John begins his home voiceover studio mini-series with a discussion of the first link in the audio recording chain: the recording environment.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2023 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
006B Making your voiceover demos & clips
In Lesson 6 Part 2, John talks about working with a producer to get your demos made, and making simple clips on your own.
Voiceover Resource Guide (VORG): https://voiceoverresourceguide.com/
Voiceover Universe: https://voiceoveruniverse.ning.com/
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more : https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2022 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
006A All About Voiceover Demos PART 1
In Lesson #6 Part 1, we begin to untangle the complicated modern world of voiceover demos with a broad overview of the current VO demo landscape.
Website : https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more : https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2022 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted.
005 How Much Does Voiceover Really Pay?
In Lesson #5, we discuss how much different types of voiceover work actually pay, including both union and non-union jobs.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
004 How Do You Get Voiceover Work?
In Lesson 4 we explore some of the principal ways voice actors get work, and when you should start looking.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
003 Is Voiceover Right For You?
In Lesson 3 we explore some core characteristics of successful voice actors - how well do you match up?!
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
002 Who Does Voiceover?
In this Lesson, we talk about the many different people doing voiceover work, and answer the question - "Can you be one of them?" We finish with your next assignment.
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
001 What Is A Voiceover?
In this first Lesson, we define "voiceover", discuss the implications for the newcomer, and get you going with your first assignment!
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.
Series Introduction - Voiceover Lessons for Beginners
What is this new educational series for voiceover students all about? Listen and find out!
Website: https://johnmatthew.com/
Coaching info: https://johnmatthew.com/coaching/
Practice copy, equipment page & more: https://johnmatthew.com/voiceover-resources
The Lessons on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLw33En2XnPZnJDIH-rUDguk_mymLzpEBQ
Questions & comments to jmvopodcast@gmail.com
copyright 2024 John Matthew, all rights reserved. No unauthorized reproduction permitted. Music & SFX copyright Envato and/or their associated artists. Graphic images copyright John Matthew or Canva and/or their associated artists.