Description
Book SynopsisClass Voice: Fundamental Skills for Lifelong Singing is a unique undergraduate textbook which can be adapted to needs of any potential voice user, including music education students, voice students who are not majoring in music, and adult learners. By explaining the basics of singing using practical skills and examples, this text is accessible to students with a wide range of talents, interests, and expertise levels. With chapters devoted to skills for singing solo and in groups, instructors can tailor the included materials to encourage students to become thoroughly familiar with their own voices and to identify and appreciate the gifts of others. Learning to sing is a process of trial and error. The warm-ups and other in-class performance opportunities contained in this textbook can raise student confidence and minimize anxiety. The chapters about age and size-appropriate repertoire and issues of vocal health provide vital information about preserving the vocal instrument for a lifetime of singing. Key Features Warm-up and cool-down exercise routines, including strategies for relaxing and breath management Repertoire topics divided by language and genre and suggestions about how to use the repertoire to develop specific skills Issues of diversity, gender, and inclusivity covered in the chapter entitled "The Singing Life" Suggestions for comparative listening and questions for discussion to encourage deeper learning Adaptable materials which can be tailored to fit interests in choral music, musical theater, folksong, as well as Classical vocal repertoire Assignments, evaluation criteria, and assessment forms for midterm and final presentations A glossary of key terms A bibliography with resources for research and learning Information on basic musicianship skill training for those who need it A PluralPlus companion website with PowerPoint lecture slides and three sample syllabi tailored to different class voice populations and study questions with answers and suggested reading lists for students
Table of ContentsForeword by Robert T. Sataloff, MD, DMA How to Use This Textbook A Message to Students A Message to Teachers Getting Started: Studying Singing Together Acknowledgements Contributors Reviewers Introduction. Strategies for Lifelong Singing Song: With and Without Words Instruments versus Voice Human Growth: Musical, Physical, Aesthetic Speaking Voice and Singing Voice Use Musical Skill Training and Singing Issues of Fach and Longevity Conclusion Discussion Questions References Chapter 1. Skills for Learning to Sing Brenda Smith The Basics of Singing Relaxation Posture Breathing Resonance The Why and How of Warm-Ups and Cool Downs Discussion Questions References Chapter 2: Anatomy and Physiology of the Voice Robert Thayer Sataloff Anatomy Physiology Conclusion References Chapter 3. Skills for Learning to Sing Music Ronald Burrichter Introduction Musicianship Skills Singing and Rhythm Basics of the Printed Page Other Rhythmic Tricks Singing and Note Learning Understanding Aural Skill Levels Strategies for Lifelong Music Learning Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Learning Music Learning Online Resources for Music Learning Choral Singing Chapter 4. Skills for Learning to Sing Text Brenda Smith The Italian Language and Singing Skill International Phonetic Alphabet Tricks for Learning IPA The Value of the International Phonetic Alphabet Learning the IPA in English Consonants Singing versus Speaking Vowels and Consonants Using the International Phonetic Alphabet as a Tool Phonetic Transcriptions and "Rhyming Vowels" Sounds in Italian, German, and French Diction in Context Conclusion Discussion Questions References Chapter 5. Singing Solo Brenda Smith The Singing Art in the Western World Bel Canto, Legato, and the Even Scale Range, Registration, and Tessitura Messa di Voce or "Measuring" the Voice Tone Quality and Vibrato Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Reading References Chapter 6. Singing with Others Brenda Smith and Ronald Burrichter Singing Together in Choirs A Brief History of Early Choral Singing Unison Singing Choral Breathing Canons Suggested Canons for Class Voice Use Two-Part Singing The Singing Life of Choral Singers Singing Soprano in a Choir Singing Alto in a Choir Singing Tenor in a Choir Singing Baritone or Bass in a Choir Choral Singing and Tuning Challenges of Choral Singing Score Marking Conclusion Chapter 7. Skills for Mastering Repertoire Brenda Smith and Ronald Burrichter Warm-ups and Voice Building Relaxation and Posture Breathing and Resonance Cool-Downs Solving Vocal Problems in Repertoire Repertoire Learning Skills Learning a Song: Step One Is the Text Word Mastery Understanding Vowels Materials for Score Preparation Establishing the Context for a New Song Sample Fact Sheet for Vocal Repertoire Musical Preparation Practice Strategies Sample Practice Logs Sample One Sample Two Sample Three Practice Styles The Role of Mindfulness and Joy in Practice Performance Anxiety and Musical Preparation Tips for Mindful Preparation Performing and Mental Toughness Physical Factors and Performance Singing and Sharing the Stage Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Reading Practice Skills Performance Anxiety References Chapter 8. Vocal Skills and Repertoire Brenda Smith and Ronald Burrichter What Singers Sing Folksongs Early Italian Songs and Arias British and American Song German Lieder French Melodie Learning Vocal Skills through Repertoire Suggested Vocal Repertoire and Lesson Plans for Class Voice Study Breath Coordination and Gentle Onset Legato and Phrasing Vocal Agility and Flexibility Vocal Color and Text Painting Range and Registration Messa di voce Opera, Singspiel, and Operetta Musical Theater Suggested Musical Theater Repertoire for Class Voice Spirituals and African American Art Songs Putting It All Together Interpreting Text and Music Performance Strategies for Class Presentations Midterm and Final Projects and Performances Midterm Presentation Final Presentation Program Notes and Research Performance Etiquette Criteria for Evaluation "An die Musik" (To Music) - An International Calling Card for Singers Conclusion Discussion Questions Recommended Online Resources Resources for Further Reading References Chapter 9. The Singing Life Considerations for the Adolescent Singing Voice Vincent Oakes Singing Fundamentals for the Adolescent Voice Phonation Onset and Duration Non-Pitched Exercises for the Adolescent Voice Limited Range Exercises for the Adolescent Voice Aural Development of the Adolescent Singer Balance and Physicality for the Developing Singer Additional Considerations Conclusion Discussion Questions For Further Reading References Singing and Women Brenda Smith Finding Your Voice Women and Choral Singing Healthy Voice Use Maintaining Your Voice Vocal Aging: To Sing or Not to Sing Vocal Limitations and Strategies Conclusion Discussion Questions References Singing Life of Men Ronald Burrichter The Singing Life of Tenors Men Falsetto Voices The Singing of Life of Baritones and Basses Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Reading Gender Spectrum Voice Erin Nicole Donahue Working with the Gender Diverse Population Transition and Hormones Aspects of Voice and Verbal Communication The Transgender or Gender Diverse Singer Considerations for the Music Educator Conclusion Discussion Questions References Chapter 10. The Science of Healthy Singing Erin Nicole Donahue Vocal Health and Wellness A Brief Overview of Anatomy and Physiology Respiration Maximizing Vocal Health Voice Disorders and Laryngeal Pathology The Voice Care Team Conclusion Discussion Questions References Conclusion. The Benefits of Skillful Lifelong Singing Brenda Smith and Ronald Burrichter Singing Alone and with Others The Intrinsic Value of Singing Singing in the 21st Century 21st Century Vocal Pedagogy Maintaining Fundamental Skills for Singing Cautions and Strategies Conclusion Discussion Questions Resources for Further Reading References Glossary Bibliography: Resources for Research and Learning Index
