Breaking Through: From Rock to Opera, the Basic Technique of Voice [Paperback]

Gloria Bennett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

Author and voice teacher Gloria Bennett has taught Axl Rose of Guns N'Roses, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Exene Cervenka of X, Steve Wynn of Dream Syndicate, Dexter Holland of The Offspring, and Anthony Keidis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, among others. Her comprehensive and practical book, now in its second edition, offers a clear explanation of the voice as an instrument and proper vocal technique. Through examples, anecdotes and exercises, Breaking Through provides for both the novice and professional vocalist a vital sourcebook for maintaining and enhancing the quality of the voice. Topics covered include: pitch problems and solutions, evening your range, projection without strain, how to stay vocally healthy on the road, how to find a good vocal coach, and much more.

Product Details

• Paperback: 104 pages
• Publisher: Hal Leonard Corporation; 2 edition (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 079357238X
• ISBN-13: 978-0793572380
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,446,753 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Breaking Through is a poor source book for vocalists, August 19, 1999

By 

Paula Marie Jones (Ventura , California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Breaking Through: From Rock to Opera, the Basic Technique of Voice (Paperback)

Breaking Through is one of many books written by so called 'famous voice teachers of the stars' who don't really have any solid technique and want to make money talking about their former now famous students. This book is filled with many quotes, stories, and advice from a wide range of people, some of who are familiar, others not, which takes up most of the space in the book. There is little in the way of Ms. Bennetts special vocal technique that we wouldn't get out of any other beginning book. This book has inconsistent and incorrect information. For example the author claims that there is no such thing as voice registers and then goes on to tell you how to eliminate voice registers. There in contradictory information in many other important areas as well. I have taught voice for 10 years in all styles of singing. In my opinion this book is poorly written, self serving and not a good source for vocal technique.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Choose Another Vocal Book, July 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Breaking Through: From Rock to Opera, the Basic Technique of Voice (Paperback)

The vocal training and theory information in this book is not any different than some of the better vocal books available. There are some informative moments that can actually be used however, I and some of my students feel that the author spends too much effort on "knocking" other teachers and techniques, in addition to referencing to specific people that she prides their ability to herself, instead of just explaining the techniques, which we are looking for when we buy a book to learn. "Never buy a book by it's title".

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Poorly written and self-promoting, May 7, 2002

By 

Russell Day "choralrad" (Tualatin, OR) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Breaking Through: From Rock to Opera, the Basic Technique of Voice (Paperback)

Althought there are some good points in this book, I found it very poorly written. Her explanation of breathing is detailed, but inaccurate. However, you can gain something from the general concepts. Her chapter on "How to find a good teacher" tells you to avoid teachers with poor motivations and poor techniques, but she never "paints the perfect teacher" as she promises. I found this pattern throughout the book.
I was annoyed with the chapter on Gloria's "famous" students that did not add to the purpose of the book. The book was obviously not proofread. The all too frequent missing words and misplaced grammar made for slow reading.
I must mention that I liked the section with vocal exercises and the explanations, as well as some of the voice care instructions. This book was a disappointment, with a few useful highlights.