The book is designed as a reference text for teachers of singing, singers, choral conductors and organists, speech and voice therapists, laryngologists and other health professionals, psychologists and those in linguistics. It discusses the physiological, psychological, musical and emotional aspects of the voice, particularly as they relate to singing but also to speaking. Important features of this work are the clear illustrations, the broad coverage of the topic and the extensive bibliography. The book provides a greater understanding of how the voice works and the many factors involved in singing as well as an objective discussion of singing without reference to specific techniques. - Publisher.
During the past decades, "Dynamics of the singing voice" has successfully been established as a reference text for teachers of singing, singers, choral conductors and organists, speech and voice therapists, laryngologists and other health professionals, psychologists and those in linguistics. It discusses the physiological, psychological, musical and emotional aspects of the voice, particularly as they relate to singing but also to speaking. The book provides a greater understanding of how the voice works and the many factors involved in singing as well as an objective discussion of singing without reference to specific techniques. In this fifth edition, the author has now updated and rearranged the content. Furthermore she has added a new chapter on vocal pedagogic aspects in order to meet the requirements of the art of singing of the 21st century. Thus this new book provides the reader with the established concepts in combination with the latest knowledge about modern approaches to the singing voice.
An essential guide to how the voice works; and how to realize its potential. Concise, accurate, and accessible, The Performer's Voice explains how the voice works and how to use it efficiently. Emphasizing the infinite potential of the human voice, this practical book enables vocal professionals to use their voices effectively to create dynamic performances. Written for people who use their voices every day; from singers, actors, and teachers to trial lawyers, ministers, and radio announcers; The Performer's Voice brings together the basic anatomy, physiology, technique, and performance skills required for effective use of the voice. Simple exercises and observations, designed for busy people to do in a short time, provide practical application. Anatomically correct drawings support concise, direct explanations. Taking a balanced, common sense approach, this book provides simple guidelines for using the voice healthily and imaginatively. For anyone who relies on the voice for a living,The Performer's Voice provides the essential tools for confident, imaginative and compelling performances.
Ah, there’s just nothing better than singing in the shower. The acoustics are perfect and you don’t sound half bad, if you do say so yourself. In fact, with a little practice you could be the next “American Idol” platinum-selling recording artist, or stage sensation. It’s time for Pavarotti to step down and for you to step up as monarch of songdom. Whether you’re a beginning vocalist or a seasoned songster, Singing for Dummies makes it easy for you to achieve your songbird dreams. Singing for Dummies gives you step-by-step instructions and lots of helpful tips, hints, vocal exercises, reminders, and warnings for both men and women, including advice on: The mechanics of singing Discovering your singing voice Developing technique Singing in performance Maintaining vocal health Performing like a pro Singing for Dummies is written by Dr. Pamelia Phillips, Chair of Voice and Music at New York University’s Undergraduate Drama Department. Dr. Phillips shares all of her professional expertise to help you sing your way to the top. She gives you all the information you need to know about: Proper posture and breathing Perfecting your articulation Finding the right voice teacher for you How to train for singing Selecting your music materials Acting the song Overcoming stage fright Auditioning for musical theater In addition to Dr. Phillips’ wisdom, Singing for Dummies comes with a CD packed full of useful instruction and songs, including: Demonstrations of proper technique Exercises to develop technique and strength Scales and pitch drills Practice songs for beginning, intermediate, and advanced singers Singing for Dummies contains all the information, practices, techniques, and expert advice you need to hone your vocal skills with ease.
This monograph arose from a conference on the Production of Speech held at the University of Texas at Austin on April 28-30, 1981. It was sponsored by the Center for Cognitive Science, the College of Liberal Arts, and the Linguistics and Psychology Departments. The conference was the second in a series of conferences on human experimental psychology: the first, held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Psychology Department, resulted in publication of the monograph Neural Mechanisms in Behavior, D. McFadden (Ed.), Springer-Verlag, 1980. The choice of the particular topic of the second conference was motivated by the belief that the state of knowledge of speech production had recently reached a critical mass, and that a good deal was to be gained from bringing together the foremost researchers in this field. The benefits were the opportunity for the participants to compare notes on their common problems, the publication of a monograph giving a comprehensive state-of-the-art picture of this research area, and the provision of enormous intellectual stimulus for local students of this topic.
Taking a "Sing First, Talk Later" approach, The Singing Book gets students singing from the very first day. Combining a simple introduction to basic vocal technique with confidence-building exercises and imaginative repertoire--with 30 new songs--The Singing Book teaches beginners the vocal skills they need to get started, gives them exciting music to sing, and provides the tools they need to develop the voice and keep it healthy. A new recordings disc included free with every new book provides the melodies and accompaniments for all 78 songs for practice and performance.
Althought there are numerous books dealing with the science and acoustics of speech, there are relatively few that deal with the singing voice as distinct from the speaking voice. Now, Johan Sundberg's The Science of the Singing Voice—illustrated with over a hundred instructive and significant diagrams and drawings—thoroughly describes the structure and functions of the vocal organs in singing, from the aerodynamics of respiration through the dynamics of articulation.
Every discipline tends to develop its own particular language and ways of communicating. This is true also about the various disciplines that talk about and describe the human voice - particularly as it relates to singing. The aim of this book is to bridge any gaps in communication, foster better understanding of the singing voice and encourage collaboration between those involved in performance, teaching, therapy and medicine. Because there is increasing interest in research in all these disciplines, creating a "common ground" for communication about the singing voice is essential for mutual understanding and for effective prevention and treatment of disorders in singers. One object for the artistic and scientific professions is to understand each other better by finding a vocabulary and terminology which they can share and use effectively. Difficulty in communication often arises when a singer or teacher of singing attempts to describe something sensory in nature by use of imagery and sign-language to non-singers, including the health and medical profes sions; and, in the same way, the use of obscure and sometimes frightening terminology by those in the medical sciences when offering explanations to singers. Teaching and simple language was and is needed from both sides. A number of advances are helping to create rapid change in bridging gaps in communication and in adding new information: 1. The formation of Associations for Performing Arts Medicine on a na tional and international scale are bringing new awareness to those who work with singers and other artists.
A Systematic Approach to Voice: The Art of Studio Application is a professional resource presenting a framework for the integration of science-informed principles of voice production and pedagogical application in the training of singers. Author Dr. Kari Ragan has spent years using this organizational template of the five voice systems—respiration, phonation, registration, articulation, and resonance—to identify technical challenges and design corrective vocal exercises in order to facilitate efficient singing. Each of the voice system chapters contains a brief overview of the mechanics as well as key points for teachers, or “teacher takeaways.” The book’s core offering is vocal exercises which, framed within a systematic approach, provide strategies for the art of studio application. The intent is an approach that leads to technically proficient singing working in service of great artistry. Key Features: * Over 85 vocal exercises for studio application framed within a systematic approach for both a CCM and classical aesthetic * Brief overview of the mechanics of each voice system and relevant “teacher takeaways” * Extensive discussion on semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises * Introduction of several kinesthetic singing tools * Eight sample warm-up protocols designed for various levels of singers and both CCM and classical genres * Video demonstrations for each vocal exercise and sample warm-up
Complete Vocal Fitness: A Singer’s Guide to Physical Training, Anatomy, and Biomechanics is a primer on sport-specific training for vocal athletes. Elite athletes apply cutting-edge research in movement and physiology to customize fitness regimens that ensure peak performance. The principles of sports science that enable them to fine-tune strength, flexibility and dynamic stabilization to meet the requirements of a given sport are invaluable for preparing the body to meet the physical demands of singing. This book will teach you to: Optimize alignment by identifying and resolving postural distortions Balance strength and flexibility throughout your torso to facilitate full breathing and promote coordinated breath management Improve oxygen consumption to enhance your stamina and ability to sustain long phrases Stabilize your spine and major joints in order to continue performing with solid technique while meeting the demands of stage movement Musicians of all kinds benefit from understanding the basics of how their instruments work. This book is also a guide to how the vocal instrument functions. You will find accessible descriptions of the fundamental components of vocal anatomy – laryngeal function, articulation and resonance – explaining their movements, their interaction with one another, their integration with the anatomy of breathing and alignment, and relating them to common non-anatomical terminology often used in the voice studio.
