On the Art of Singing [Hardcover]

Richard Miller (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195098250 | ISBN-13: 978-0195098259 | Publication Date: May 30, 1996

This engaging and long influential collection of essays looks at the art of singing in its totality. Written in a lively, non-technical style, On the Art of Singing is a comprehensive manual that deals with all aspects of singing, from the physiology and acoustics of the singing voice to career-building. Divided into four main sections -- vocal technique, style and interpretation, professional preparation, and vocal pedagogy - the book's structure is such that the reader may pick and choose as personal interests and needs dictate. Containing essential information for all singers, including original research on the mechanics of the voice, this book collects in one volume everything that renowned instructor and singer Richard Miller considers essential to the art of vocal performance. To anyone seeking that elusive state of vocal freedom, whether as a singer or instructor of singers, and to anyone else interested in voice, vocal technique or vocal performance, On the Art of Singing will prove an indispensible guide.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book should be in the hands of every serious young student of singing, every student of singing regardless of age, and every teacher who truly cares about our art." --Dale Moore, Professor of Music at the Eastman School of Music and Past President of the National Association of Teachers of Singing

"Everything presented in this book is excellent, thoroughly researched and practised material. It should be required reading for every singer and teacher...Written by a cultured and refined teacher/artist and writer, this is the soundest and liveliest book on vocal pedagogy published recently." --The Singer

"Paradigmatic, delightful to read, and a treasure trove of information, this highly recommended volume belongs in the hands of all singing performers and teachers." --Journal of Singing

"It is interesting reading and illustrates the need for common-sense approaches to the art of singing. Miller's witty writing is enjoyable, sharp, and occasionally dry....His insight is based on much study, science, and experience." --Choral Journal

About the Author

The late Richard Miller was Professor of Singing and the Director of the Otto B. Schoepfle Vocal Arts Center at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (May 30, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195098250
• ISBN-13: 978-0195098259
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #522,192 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pithy commentary on various aspects of singing, June 5, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (OU at Athens, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Art of Singing (Hardcover)

Richard Miller has compiled a number of his columns formerly published in NATS Journal of Singing. Sorting the subject matter into four broader categories, he deals with issues of training the singing voice, musical style and interpretation, preparation for the professional life, and the singing voice and vocal function. Miller has definite biases and is not afraid to voice them. His essays are usually succinct and to the point, spiced up with comments such as: "Someone should call a halt to the proliferation of so-called "master classes" presented by performing artists who normally do not teach." and "Woofy baritones, tinny tenors, strident sopranos, and bovine mezzos can in no way serve as surrogates for healthy voices that sound like baritones, tenors, sopranos, and mezzos because their instruments work efficiently." This is a great read and must for voice teachers and students of singing.

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilariously Informative!, June 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: On the Art of Singing (Hardcover)

Richard Miller writes numerous essays on several subjects of FAQ regarding the preparation, performance, pedagological mysteries, and marvel of the classically trained voice. His humor adds spark and interest that keeps you reading! Two of my favorite essays are entitled "McPedagogy" and "How to Really Bomb a Masterclass." Miller creates an invigorating experience through his advice on training, musical style and interpretation, preparation for the professional life, and vocal function. What a great learning tool!

18 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is great!, August 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: On the Art of Singing (Hardcover)

On the Art of Singing gives Richard Miller's views on a very broad range of topics related to singing from teaching to performing. This book gave me many great ideas that I will impliment in the future in my own singing and in teaching my students. He addresses many issues pertaining to controversial areas in performance and pedagogy today.