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.

For beginning and intermediate singers in private study at the college level, this text covers techniques of singing and includes 52 songs for high and low voices in a variety of styles, such as folk, musical theater, arias and art songs, and rounds. Techniques address practicing, vocalizing, breathing, learning a song, articulation, vocal health, theatrics, and music reading. The songs take up about two-thirds of the book. This edition contains new ones (four of which are previously unpublished), a new section on songs of faith, notes on historical context and performance suggestions, and a list of websites. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

"The three greatest strengths are: (1) Anthology of songs; (2) CD accompaniment; (3) Author's knowledge and explanation of basic technique. à Theatrics of singing is great I especially like the part about 'selling' the song."

"This layout is better ordered than the Paton I am using. à It seems simple and clear. Non-threatening for the scared first-time singer."

"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."

This comprehensive introductory text has helped a generation of non-singers find their voice and thousands of amateur singers sing even better just as it will help you. In Part One, you will learn about principles of voice production, breathing, basic vocal health, learning to read music, how to learn a song, performance techniques, musicianship, and song interpretation. Part Two provides you with an anthology of 60 songs--folk, musical theater, art songs, songs of faith, duets, and rounds (for group performance). A separate CD set is available that includes all the melodies and accompaniments for the song anthology.

Part I: TECHNIQUE. 1. Practicing. 2. Vocalizing. 3. Breathing. 4. Learning a Song. 5. Basic Principles of Vocal Technique. 6. Vocal Health. 7. Theatrics of Singing. 8. Music Reading. Part II: SONG ANTHOLOGY. 1. Background and Performance Notes. 2. Folk Songs. A la Claire Fontaine. Amar, Amar. Canción Mixteca. Carrickfergus. The Coconut Tree. How Can I Keep from Singing? I Live Not Where I Love. If You Will Love Me. Maranoa Lullaby. Marianina. The Meadowlands. Oh Danny Boy. Scarborough Fair. See the Waters A-Gliding. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child. 3. Songs from Movies and Musical Theater. The Book of Love. A Change in Me. The Colors of My Life. Hey, Look Me Over. If Ever I Would Leave You. Long Ago. The Moon and I. On My Own. Once upon a Dream. Simple. Since I Gave My Heart Away. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. Unexpected Song. When I Fall in Love. You Made Me Love You. 4. Art Songs and Arias. Beneath a Weeping Willow's Shade. Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind. Come Away. Come Ready and See Me. Im Frühling. L'aurore. Linden Lea. Noche Serena. Non lo dir col labbro. Pastoral. Sure on This Shining Night. There Is a Lady Sweet and Kind. Un moto di gioia. Wehmut. Will There Really Be a Morning? 5. Songs of Faith. Ave Maria. Be Thou My Vision. Eternal Life (Prayer of St. Francis). Gaelic Blessing (May the Road Rise up to Meet You). The God of Abraham Praise. Great Day! He Shall Feed His Flock. O Rest in the Lord. Panis Angelicus. Psalm 23. 6. Duets. 7. Rounds. Dona Nobis Pacem. Let Us Sing Together. Shalom Chaverim (Farewell, Good Friends). Sample Vocal Exercises. For Further Study. Glossary of Musical Terms and Symbols. Glossary of Technical Terms. Glossary of Song Styles. International Phonetic Alphabet. eSources. Bibliography. Index.