Foundations In Singing:A Basic Textbook In Vocal Technique and Song Interpretation [Spiral-bound]

Van Ambrose Christy (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0697125661 | ISBN-13: 978-0697125668 | Publication Date: June 3, 1996 | Edition: 6th

This textbook and song anthology seeks to aid the reader master the essentials of vocal technique, it addresses the particular needs of beginners, and the pedagogy and selection of songs help to promote further understanding. A cassette accompanies the text, including a wide variety of folk, art and popular songs enabling students to practice on their own and build on skills outside of lesson time.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Glenn Paton grew up in a musical home in New Castle, Pa. He studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music under Franklin Bens and Sonia Essin. After military service he studied further at the Eastman School of Music under Julius Huehn. Through both Essin and Huehn he traces his vocal lineage to Anna Schoen-René and through her to Pauline Viardot-García.

After studying lieder interpretation in Stuttgart, Germany, under composer Hermann Reutter, Paton taught at the University of Wisconsin and sang annual concert tours with Reutter as his accompanist. Later he taught at the University of Colorado, which gave him a fellowship to do research in Rome.

In California since 1986, Paton taught class voice to acting students at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Pasadena. In 1989 he joined the faculty of the University of Southern California. He celebrated his 60th birthday by giving a solo recital, and he continues to perform occasionally.

Paton has edited song collections for G. Schirmer, Leyerle Publications and Alfred Publishing Co. Voice studios around the world use his books, including works translated into Japanese and Korean. --This text refers to an alternate Spiral-bound edition.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 304 pages
• Publisher: Brown & Benchmark; 6th edition (June 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0697125661
• ISBN-13: 978-0697125668
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #857,615 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent instruction and songs for beginning vocal student, October 7, 1999

By 

Sylvia Stengle (Bethlehem, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Foundations In Singing:A Basic Textbook In Vocal Technique and Song Interpretation (Spiral-bound)

This is a clear, concise no-nonsense introduction for vocal students with a list of additional resources at the end of each of 12 chapters. It is supplemented by nearly 200 pages of wonderful, varied songs, many arranged for both high and low voice, with piano accompaniment. The music ranges from simple folk tunes through Broadway hits to art songs and arias in foreign languages. Appendixes provide guides to musical terms, the international phonetic alphabet, and tips on singing in selected foreign languages. Helpful for anyone embarking on improving vocal technique.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Practical Guide, April 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Foundations In Singing:A Basic Textbook In Vocal Technique and Song Interpretation (Spiral-bound)

My voice teacher recommended Christy's "Expressive Singing" when I was studying opera. I found it helpful, although the photos were already dated. Recently I discovered "Foundations in Singing" in my public library. Impressed with its concepts, exercises, & approach, I puschased my own copy and use "Foundations" when I teach others. The cassette tape completes the set. My only reservation is the cost - ouch! Grudgingly, I must admit it was worth it to "bite the bullet" and buy the set. Hope this is helpful.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The "Foundations in Singing" Tape is a great addition!, April 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Song cassette for use with Foundations In Singing (Audio Cassette)

"My own voice teacher recommended Van Christy's "Expressive Singing" to me years ago when I was an opera student. It was most helpful. I must admit, however, "Foundations in Singing" is great for beginning students. I have elected to use it with my voice students. The cassette tape adds an additional dimension to the text: The demonstration of exercises is quite helpful. The song collection covers a wide range of styles and languages, while reinforcing the concepts in the text.