Synopses & Reviews
This engaging and long influential collection of essays looks at the art of singing in its totality. Written in a lively, non-technical style, On the Art of Singing is a comprehensive manual that deals with all aspects of singing, from the physiology and acoustics of the singing voice to career-building. Divided into four main sections -- vocal technique, style and interpretation, professional preparation, and vocal pedagogy - the book's structure is such that the reader may pick and choose as personal interests and needs dictate. Containing essential information for all singers, including original research on the mechanics of the voice, this book collects in one volume everything that renowned instructor and singer Richard Miller considers essential to the art of vocal performance. To anyone seeking that elusive state of vocal freedom, whether as a singer or instructor of singers, and to anyone else interested in voice, vocal technique or vocal performance, On the Art of Singing will prove an indispensible guide.
Review
"This book should be in the hands of every serious young student of singing, every student of singing regardless of age, and every teacher who truly cares about our art." --Dale Moore, Professor of Music at the Eastman School of Music and Past President of the National Association of Teachers of Singing
"Everything presented in this book is excellent, thoroughly researched and practised material. It should be required reading for every singer and teacher...Written by a cultured and refined teacher/artist and writer, this is the soundest and liveliest book on vocal pedagogy published recently." --The Singer
"Paradigmatic, delightful to read, and a treasure trove of information, this highly recommended volume belongs in the hands of all singing performers and teachers." --Journal of Singing
"It is interesting reading and illustrates the need for common-sense approaches to the art of singing. Miller's witty writing is enjoyable, sharp, and occasionally dry....His insight is based on much study, science, and experience." --Choral Journal
Synopsis
A comprehensive volume on all facets of vocal performance, On the Art of Singing considers in detail established comparative vocal techniques, the specifics of interpretation and communication, the factors that contribute to career preparation and maintainance, and the application of functional information to the art of singing. Topics that most frequently concern singers and teachers at all levels of accomplishment are reviewed. These include an examination of pedagogical approaches to breath management, to laryngeal freedom, and to resonance balance, advice on career building, considerations of style and interpretation, and information on the physiology and acoustics of the singing voice. Data from diverse sources, otherwise inaccessible to the singer, are assembled and interpreted in the light of performance artistry. From his own long and distinguished career as a performer, teacher of singing, and vocal researcher, the author aims at making practical the relationship of technical proficiency to freedom in performance.
About the Author
The late
Richard Miller was Professor of Singing and the Director of the Otto B. Schoepfle Vocal Arts Center at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.
Table of Contents
'Introduction
PART I: On Trainining the Singing Voice
PART II: On Musical Style and Interpretation
PART III: On Preparation for the Professional Life
PART IV: On the Singing Voice and Vocal Function
Index
'