Product Description

Combining the physical, technical, and artistic aspects of singing, the author applies current findings in medicine, acoustics, phonetics, and speech therapy to the singer's needs. The text demonstrates the scientific basis of exercises and vocalises, covering all major areas of vocal technique.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #188260 in Books
• Published on: 1986-10-21
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Customer Reviews

Insightful
One of the most insightful books I have read. Mr. Millers book is so well thought out. The material is so well researched that it sometimes feels like one is reading a research paper. Do not let this discourage you from buying it, however, because it never gets boring. It is a very useful tool for any person who wants to improve his voice. I noticed results withing a few days of reading the book and I have to admit I haven't even tried all the exercises. This book is also not always easy to understand but Mr. Miller does his best to help by adding an appendix and even a glossary of vocal terms! Definitely worth your money if your seeking to better your voice, even if it is not for a professional career.

A Personal Encounter with Richard Miller
Over 40, now having studied with over twenty professional singers and academic coaches, teaching and enjoying public performances in opera as well as several civic choral societies, I can only regret not having access to this material much earlier in my career. Recently I was introduced to Richard's master class and seminar and I knew immediately that I had to acquire this text. Unlike so many subjctive apporaches I have ran into elsewhere, there is little left to the imagination or to private interpretation when it comes to the pysiology and functionality of the voice as it is so well outlined in its pages. Regardless of the style of singing one might wish to pursue, every serious student/performer will gain infinite insight from following this comprehensive guide to perfecting a more internationaly accepted vocal technique. The sheer volume of difinitive information it contains constitutes the most exhaustive collection of practical examples, scientific research and systematic exercises that I have ever encountered. Now utilized as the basis of instruction at many universities, this lively publication is a must for every studio.

Fantastic--A Scholarly Approach to Singing
I've read several books on singing, and this is by far the most comprehensive resource I've found.

Richard Miller has written several books on singing, all of them very helpful. This is his volume on systematic vocal technique.

Miller's book opens with a chapter on The Coordinated Vocal Onset and Release: Establishing Dynamic Muscle Equilibrium through Onset and Release (aka attacks and cutoffs, aka starts and stops). Following chapters cover breath management, agility, resonance, vowel differentiation, nasal consonants, non-nasal consonants, sostenuto, registers of males and females, vowel modification, and so on. There is also a wonderful appendix with physiological information on laryngeal structure, the breathing apparatus, and the resonator system.

Most of the chapters include helpful exercises to develop and improve each aspect of singing which Miller discusses. The bibliography is tremendous, and it is clear that the reader is given accurate information on every page.

If Miller's opening chapter title didn't give it away, this book can be highly technical at times. Miller uses lots of terms, both physiological and singing-related, which can be difficult to grasp. Voice teachers, especially those who have some familiarity with the terms and physiology, will find this book immensely helpful. Amateur singers or novices should look elsewhere.

More accessible books on singing are those by Clifton Ware or Oren Brown. For those courageous souls who do not fear an in-depth answer, this book is for you!