The Art of Singing - Discovering and Developing Your True Voice (Vocal Instruction) [Paperback]

Jennifer Hamady (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2009

The Art of Singing: Discovering and Developing Your True Voice is a new, groundbreaking book about the psychology of singing. Using the voice as a medium, author Jennifer Hamady explores how fear, poor learning habits, preconceived notions, and an unhealthy mindset can and do often get in the way of optimal musical and personal performance. With practical advice for releasing mental and physical tensions, establishing confidence and vocal strength, and embracing personal and musical optimism and wonder, Jennifer offers musicians and non-musicians alike a path toward truly joyful self-expression. The book includes a chapter dedicated to vocal technique, as well as a CD, narrated by Jennifer herself, with exercises, tips, and suggestions for optimal vocal development.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An incredible book... I've read it twice!" Daniel Levitin, author of "This is Your Brain on Music" and "The World in Six Songs"

"In Jennifer Hamady's extremely thoughtful and commendably helpful how-to guide, she writes... with indisputable common sense, about singing from a different, if not entirely radical, perspective." David Finkle, Back Stage

"It's The Artist's Way, The Four Agreements, and Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain all rolled into one. A new book, author, and force to be reckoned with." Don Davis, Variety

"Thank you for writing this book. My heart is leaping with joy that there are other people out there thinking like this. It has given me a sense of belonging and direction for my teaching, and has been a huge help to my students." Liz Johnson, Professor, Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University

"She's written the singer's version of 'The Secret'. Oprah would be proud!" Clair Reilly-Roe, Singer/Songwriter, NYC

"I came to Jennifer to rediscover how to sing. What she helped me find was my voice. There is no greater gift. This book should be on everyone's list of must-reads." Charles Day, The Lookinglass Consultancy

"Words cannot express how much your book has done for me as a singer and as an aspiring music educator. Thank you..." Mimi Parroco, New York University

"Jennifer's book simply confirms her abilities in discerning the fundamentals of life. Powerfully insightful, her treatment of fear not only has immediate application but revolutionary impact, as she has identified the core problems that undermine the full performance of so many people. There is no doubt in my mind that the book will have enormous positive impact on a wide cross section of people." Dr. Amii-Omara Ottunu, Chair, UNESCO Institute of Human Rights --Various

About the Author

Jennifer Hamady is a Hal Leonard author.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation; Pap/Com edition (April 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1423454804
• ISBN-13: 978-1423454809
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #443,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jennifer Hamady is a voice coach and counselor specializing in emotional issues that interfere with self-expression. Based in New York City, Jennifer works in private practice with musicians and non-musicians alike to discover, develop and confidently release their best personal, professional and creative potential. Her clients include Grammy, CMA, Emmy, and Tony award-winners, as well as corporate clients across a wide array of industries.

Jennifer spent the early part of her career singing with many of music's top names, including Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Patti LaBelle, Wyclef Jean, Jessica Simpson, Def Leppard, Lee Ann Womack, Cirque du Soleil, Disney, and American Idol. She conducted her undergraduate and graduate work in Classical Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, and Psychology, respectively, and holds current, professional affiliations with Actors' Equity Association (AEA), American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), American Society of Composers and Performers (ASCAP), The Author's Guild (AG), Women In Music (WIM), National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) and The New York Singing Teacher's Association (NYSTA).

In April 2009, Hal Leonard Publishing released The Art of Singing: Discovering and Developing Your True Voice, heralded by Back Stage and Variety as a breakthrough in the psychology of personal and musical performance. Exploring the implications of and opportunities in language, neurology, conditioning, and fear on the creative and learning processes, The Art of Singing offers musicians and non-musicians alike a clear path toward the fulfillment of their personal potential and joyful self-expression. Jennifer is currently working on her second book as well as writing regularly for The Huffington Post and Psychology Today. To link to her columns, please visit: www.findingyourvoice.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scared to sing? Love to sing but want to overcome some hurdles? Try this book!!, July 24, 2009

By 

M. Guttman (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Singing - Discovering and Developing Your True Voice (Vocal Instruction) (Paperback)

Jennifer Hamady is the best voice teacher I have ever had. Period. Her book is a wonderful source of wisdom, and a guide for any level or any kind of singing. In lessons, Jen is a remarkably present woman with a seemingly infinite amount of skill, patience, faith, and compassion. She is consistently able to transport me to a place where my heart is open, my intuition is louder than my fear, and I am singing with a maximum amount of physical and emotional freedom. I have never met anybody quite like her, and I think of her as an angel who has impacted my life on much more than just a musical level. She is also a wonderful writer, who is able to carry her valuable message strongly and clearly through words. The Art of Singing IS a book about technique, but one that often *naturally occurs* the moment that you deeply cherish yourself, honor your uniqueness, and bravely unleash the power that you have possessed *all along* for the benefit of yourself and others. I hope any musician who has lost their way in this world has the opportunity to be exposed to her inspiring truth.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This one's for real, June 12, 2010

By 

Dominick Cicco - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of Singing - Discovering and Developing Your True Voice (Vocal Instruction) (Paperback)

The Art of Singing by Jennifer Hamady is a clear,very insightful, well written book that will help singers of all levels find there natural voice. That may sound strange or overused. Here's the story, I'm a singer. I've been making a living at it for over 20 years. Everything from rock to opera, Cash to Sinatra, Dave Matthews to Beatles. I've had teachers my whole life who confused me more than helped. Fortunately, I have a very resilient voice. I recently purchased this book, read it and got in touch with Jennifer for a vocal session. She is very accessible and a very caring, been through it before, down to earth, knowledgeable and 'easy to get' person. She's had plenty of experience in the entertainment field and is most happy to share. Jennifer has helped me tremendously. I'm singing better now than I have in my whole life as a performer.
I recommend this book to singers who are struggling to make sense of their situation; professional or novice, and to anyone who might be interested in reading a straight forward approach to the wonderful art of singing.
Dominick Cicco, profession singer, musician, writer, actor.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Singing is an exercise in self discovery!, July 31, 2009

By 

Nadia Kazmi (New York, NY, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Art of Singing - Discovering and Developing Your True Voice (Vocal Instruction) (Paperback)

This book is so great because Jennifer brings her expertise in teaching singing to the page very well. Her view point is that 'learning' singing is more about learning about the reasons we keep our real voice from coming out. It's very psychological since the natural voice is what wants to come out and everything that keeps it from coming out of our mouths properly has to do with inhibitions that are taught to us. Her exercises are very easy to follow and this is an interesting and new approach to singing that is very enlightening. Everyone CAN sing and everyone SHOULD sing! Jennifer's blog also provides many insights, I love reading it! [...]