Table of Contents

Contents: Preface; Introduction; A history of vocal pedagogy; Ethics, psychology and vocal pedagogy; Science and vocal pedagogy; Voices, tonal ideals, classification and technique; Performance; Conclusion; Appendices; Bibliography; Indexes.

About the Author

Dr Karen Sell, soprano, performs and teaches singing and piano, and lectures and conducts vocal workshops and masterclasses in many parts of the world. With qualified teacher status and performance and teaching diplomas in singing and piano from the UK, she has also studied in Canada and the USA. Sell has taught all age groups and levels of ability in schools and higher education, in private practice in the UK and Canada, has published articles and reviews on vocal pedagogy, and is a regular columnist and reviews editor (books and recorded music) of Singing.

Reviews

'... a most valuable study not only for professional or amateur singers and for voice teachers but also for other performers and music educationalists... This scholarly volume should be on the shelves of every singer and voice teacher and is a must for the libraries of all Music Colleges and Conservatoires.' ISSTIP Journal '... the clarity of Karen Sell's language reflects her wide experience as a writer... a most useful, clearly expressed publication.' Singing 'A valuable addition to the voice pedagogy literature, this concentrated volume deals with the historic roots of voice production, comparative voice pedagogy, the psychology and ethics of voice teaching, tonal ideals, technique, and practical performance concerns. Dr Sell expresses her information in direct, uncompromising language, and offers full verification of her viewpoints by citing acoustical and physiological sources. Highly recommended.' Richard Miller, author of 'The Structure of Singing' (Schirmer, 1986) 'This book certainly gives much food for thought, and presents a considerable range of information and ideas...' The Singer 'Karen Sell's book is really an excellent resource... this is an extremely open and honest discourse on the issues germane to creating and maintaining an holistic approach to vocal pedagogy. it does all it sets out to do...thoroughly researched and copiously referenced... a very comprehensive journey through the world of teaching singing and one that should be of great interest to well-established teachers and a great aid to anyone starting out as a teacher. It gives an enormous amount of information for everyone else associated with vocal education and it will also help singers themselves to understand what it is they are getting themselves into, should they wish a very useful addition to the professional armamentarium.' Communicating Voice '... the advice gleaned from her experience as a teacher is excellent...Voice pedagogy instructors at both the undergraduate and graduate level will find the extensive bibliography useful, and Sell's suggestions for a multifaceted teaching strategy stimulating fodder for discussion in their classes.' The Journal of Singing 'The book [...] has something to offer teachers working in a range of settings, as well as singers working at different levels.' British Journal of Music Education 'Sell's new book is a noteworthy resource on vocal pedagogy. Beneficial to both voice teachers and choral directors, this text inspires us to broaden our definitions of vocal pedagogy so that we are better able to serve our students and work as members of the larger community of voice professionals.' Music Educators Journal 'Sell's masterful description of the vocal and breathing mechanisms with its accompanying illustrations might be required reading for Alexander Teacher Training schools... recommended reading for all vocal studies students.' Alexander Journal