Idiot's Guides: Singing, Second Edition [Audio]

Idiot’s Guides: Singing, Second Edition exemplifies artful teaching and clearly illuminates the perils, pitfalls, joys, and extreme exuberance that singing can offer. The authors state that there is no substitution for a gifted voice teacher, and they are right. What has been needed, though, is a clear guidebook, a reference to the many concepts inherent in the careful study of singing. This book offers that and more. Especially important is the emphasis on musicianship and the development of music reading skills. One of the great tragedies in music education in the last number of years has been the disintegration of a systematic teaching of basic skills, something that all students should and can learn. It is hoped that the strong emphasis on musicianship, not just singing, found in this book will inspire and provide substance for music students to extend their training to include music theory, ear training, and historical matters. What has always struck me about singing is the fact that it is so personal, and that there is not one degree of separation between the singer and the instrument. Learning to sing places one in a vulnerable position, and this book helps the burgeoning singer to honestly understand what is involved. There are no shortcuts offered here, just clear, artful teaching.