Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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".

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.

I can't believe that I spent money on this book. Besides the editorial mistakes, there is so much information in this book that is not correct. I know there are a lot of philosophies concerning solid vocal technique. I am a professional singer and teacher of voice and have worked with a number of teachers, coaches, and conductors. I have studied the different approaches for breath control, vowel modification, etc. This author is rather narrow in her views and she contradicts several of her own statements. If you want to learn to sing, find a good voice teacher and avoid this book.

I think this book is excellent. I highly recommend it. I have a degree in Vocal Performance from USC and have been singing professionally for years.

this book gave me valuable information on the history of voice and proved to me that all the"gimmicks" that other voice teachers in the past have taught me did nothing to improve my voice,range or alleviate the horseness . gloria bennett's no frill,cut to the chase method of singing convinced me that this is THE ONLY correct way to sing!!

Gloria Bennett is one of the great vocal instructors who have helped many famous singers. Her wisdom is evident in the suggestions she provides in building the voice. This is the first book I have read on vocal instruction which truly provides specific exercises and tips on how to maintain the quality of our voice. Hoarseness and sore throats used to be a problem for me and I learned a couple of techniques which have alleviated that problem. This is an enjoyable book to read and a must for anyone who is studying voice.

THIS IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE BOOK ON VOCAL TECHNIQUE TO DATE. COMPLETE, WITH SIMPLE GUIDELINES TO GET THE VOICE IN SHAPE. A MUST FOR ALL SINGER

For those of us who want a better understanding of how the voice works. finally a book about the voice that is easy to read and apply. it has helped me tremendously. for pop and rock singers as well as opera.

Concise, well-written book on techniques to improve your voice. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.