Overview
This comprehensive introductory text has helped hundreds of thousands of new singers and experienced singers find their voice or sing even better. The text consists of two parts. Part One discusses practicing, vocalizing, breathing, learning and dramatizing songs, maintaining your vocal health, and reading music. Part Two is an anthology of 52 songs, from folk songs, movies and musical theater, art songs and arias, songs of faith, duets, and rounds (for group performance). A companion 2-CD Set (ISBN 0495115320) includes all the melodies and accompaniments for the song anthology, plus pronunciation for foreign language songs.
Synopsis
This comprehensive introductory text has helped hundreds of thousands of new singers and experienced singers find their voice or sing even better. The text consists of two parts. Part One discusses principles of voice production, breathing, vocal health, music reading, learning a song, performance techniques, musicianship, and song interpretation. Part Two is a collection of 52 songs- movies and musical theater, folk, art songs, songs of faith, duets, and rounds (for group performance). A companion 2-CD Set includes all the melodies and accompaniments for the song anthology, plus pronunciation for foreign language songs.
Editorials
From the Publisher
"The three greatest strengths are: (1) Anthology of songs; (2) CD accompaniment; (3) Author's knowledge and explanation of basic technique. … Theatrics of singing is great I especially like the part about 'selling' the song.""I really like that there is more music and not so much text so the students are actually singing and not just reading about singing. Your organization is good and very useable for the way I teach the course. … I feel Part I is a good introduction to singing without going overboard. All the important aspects of singing are covered without great detail. Any areas that the students might want to explore more I could certainly enhance, but for an introduction course the material seems to be appropriate. … I really like the 'Background and Performance Notes' for the songs. … This is so often overlooked but is so very essential for our singers to learn in order to really 'sell the song' as they need to do."
"This layout is better ordered than the Paton I am using. … It seems simple and clear. Non-threatening for the scared first-time singer."
"I like your simple explanation in the chapters. The chapters are not long, so they are not intimidating. You do what the title says, 'Basics in singing.'"
"Three major strengths: 1. Excellent information on vocal health that is up to date; 2. Songs are laid out in high and low keys for various voice types and ranges; 3. Good background information about the songs and good variety of song styles to appeal to a broad interest in a class."