This outstanding volume is well-known for its simplicity, inclusiveness, and integrity to the fundamentals of the art of singing. The late Royal Stanton an experienced teacher; the founder of Schola Cantorum, a symphonic choir of 150 voices; and a composer and arranger of many nationally published pieces wrote with the flair to engage and hold the interest of newcomers venturing into the organized process of singing. His nine-step format provides readers the opportunity to build on their voice-training achievements. Singing is more than endless exercises and technical devices, and Stanton's methods have proven effective in guiding beginners from their initial tentative approaches to phonation, to the outer edges of performance and the rudiments of interpretation. Learning the joys of controlled singing in a friendly environment encourages beginners to think of singing as a natural, peer-approved activity. Outstanding features: 1) forty-three songs provide many opportunities for singing and practice; 2) valuable exercises and activities can be tailored to a variety of learning situations; 3) logical organization, beginning with critical breathing techniques; 4) useful as is or in conjunction with other materials; and 5) actively involves readers in every aspect of the learning process.
Titles of related interest also from Waveland Press: Davids-LaTour, Vocal Technique: A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers (ISBN 9781577667827); Decker-Kirk, Choral Conducting: Focus on Communication (ISBN 9780881338768); Emmons-Sonntag, The Art of the Song Recital (ISBN 9781577662204); Fish-Lloyd, Fundamentals of Sight Singing and Ear Training (ISBN 9780881337204); McClosky, with members of the McClosky Institute of Voice, Your Voice at Its Best: Enhancement of the Healthy Voice, Help for the Troubled Voice, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577667056); McKinney, The Diagnosis and Correction of Vocal Faults: A Manual for Teachers of Singing and for Choir Directors (ISBN 9781577664031); and Melton-Tom, One Voice: Integrating Singing and Theatre Voice Techniques, Second Edition (ISBN 9781577667711).
"This is exactly the book beginning singers need to study. I cannot recommend it highly enough." -- Marilyn Horne
"I love this book. The explanations are clear enough for the beginning singer to grasp. I like the practical exercises and activities at the end of the lesson that give clear direction on how to apply the information from the chapter." -- Kimberly L. Cone, Columbus State University
