The Naked Voice: A Wholistic Approach to Singing [Hardcover]

W. Stephen Smith (Author), Michael Chipman (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2007

In The Naked Voice, W. Stephen Smith invites all singers to improve their vocal technique through his renowned and time-tested wholistic method. Focusing not only on the most important technical, but also on the often overlooked psychological and spiritual elements of learning to sing, his book allows readers to develop their own full and individual identities as singers. With philosophies and techniques drawn from a lifetime of teaching voice, Smith demonstrates how one can reveal the true unique sound of one's own voice by singing with the whole self. The master's method, presented in concrete and comprehensible terms with helpful illustrations, is enhanced by a CD containing exercises performed by singers from Smith's own studio-singers whose talent and training bring them across the country and around the world. The clear and easy style of The Naked Voice welcomes the reader into Smith's teaching studio, and into conversation with Smith himself as he presents the six simple and elegant exercises that form the core of his method. These exercises provide a foundation for free singing, and lead singers through the step-by-step process of mastering the technique. Throughout, Smith speaks sympathetically and encouragingly to the singer in search of an unencumbered and effective approach to the art. The Naked Voice is a must-read for all singers, giving teachers and students, amateurs and professionals, access to the methods and concepts that have earned Smith his reputation as one of the most highly-sought-after vocal instructors in the international arena today.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For the person delving into comparative pedagogies of the twenty-first century this book is interesting and has much to offer."--Karen Sell, Singing

"With The Naked Voice, Steve Smith has given each singer who reads this book a precious gift: one that not only gives insight into the seemingly elusive term of vocal technique, but one that grants individual artists the license to express themselves freely, live meaningful lives, and let their naked voices rattle into the rafters. "- Joyce DiDonato, Mezzo-Soprano

"Stephen Smith presents a clear and honest approach to singing in his book The Naked Voice. His descriptions and vocal exercises will be helpful to beginning students, as well as seasoned performers. I felt as though I were having a voice lesson with Steve as I read the book! I think that singers will not only find a way to express their authentic voices, but will also find a deeper understanding of their authentic inner selves in following his instruction." -Christine Brewer, Soprano

"W. Stephen Smith's extensive experience with both aspiring and career singers make him eminently qualified to advise vocalists. His pedagogic approach is pragmatic, and strikes a balance between philosophy and practicality. The Naked Voice challenges singers to pursue authenticity in their voices and in their lives. It is recommended reading for singers and their teachers."--Debra Greschner, Journal of Singing

"The appeal of The Naked Voice lies in Smith's willingness to confide his often unique philosophy and procedures to his readers in direct, accessible language without ceremony or stiffness. Frequent testimonials from happy students attest to the author's success as a teacher. His highly personal approach deals with issues of interest to singers. Emanuensis Chipman catches the sense of immediacy that characterizes Smith's style."--Richard Miller, Emeritus Professor of Singing, Oberlin Conservatory of Music

"I have known Stephen Smith for many years and have come to admire him as one of America's finest teachers of voice. This book gives us an accessible and engaging view of his thoughts and the conditions necessary to create vocal freedom. The advice to young singers on the myriad aspects of building a career and maintaining vocal health is straight forward, honest, knowing, and, if taken to heart, enormously helpful."--Robert L. Larsen, Artistic Director, Des Moines Metro Opera and Editor of the G. Schirmer Opera Anthologies

About the Author

W. Stephen Smith is Professor of Voice at the Juilliard School of Music and a member of the voice faculty at the Aspen Music Festival and School. He earned acclaim as resident voice instructor of the Houston Grand Opera Studio, and has taught many professional singers in New York City and around the world.

Michael Chipman is a freelance writer and professional singer. He was the classical and jazz music critic for The Salt Lake Tribune and studied privately with Smith for five years.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (March 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195300505
• ISBN-13: 978-0195300505
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,083 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A simple, clear and truly excellent book on singing, November 7, 2007

By 

Leo Della Rocca "La voce" (Italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Naked Voice: A Wholistic Approach to Singing (Hardcover)

I have bought MANY books on singing. There are so many out there, and most of them will confuse you or only explain the technical side of singing and the terminology. Here we have a very practical and clear, and most importantly, CORRECT explanation of how to sing. I must admit that I am a professional singer and I have studied singing for many years, so my preparation isn't the same as every potential reader of this book. As well, after a troublesome period of vocal problems, and not knowing who to turn to, this book cleared my mind of all the fog and set me on the right path again. Vocal technique is essentially a simple matter, but putting it into practice isn't always so, unless you are one of those fortunate people who got on the right track right away and you have an excellent ear. I have had various voice teachers and the many books I have read on singing have, I must admit, just confused me even more. This is why I praise this book so highly: the writing is clear and the exercises are simple and, most importantly, the singing technique described is for HEALTHY singing. It has truly helped me so much! And to complete the package there is a very helpful CD with various voices performing the exercises explained in the book. It doesn't get any better than this. The author is also a voice teacher at the prestigious Julliard School, and he has taught some important exponents of opera today. What more can I say? Buy the book, if what I have described matches what you're looking for. You'll be happy you did! In bocca al lupo!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Back to basics, September 14, 2009

By 

J. Miller (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Naked Voice: A Wholistic Approach to Singing (Hardcover)

Mr. Smith has an unorthodox approach to singing. Most singers start with some talent, and get "tweaked" til they are great or fizzle out (most of them). The problem is that the tweaking often masks an underlying problem in the technique which must be corrected, or it will continue to plague the singer. The Naked Voice suggests that the singer must re-examine how he/she approaches the voice- essentially as a speaker. Working from the basic element of phonation and natural speech, Mr. Smith guides the reader thru his philosophy of "Wholistic" singing in the way a wholistic medicine practitioner might set about "curing" a patient. As we often treat the symptoms of a problem (gas is the problem, not exhaustion or worry) rather than the problem itself, we tend to use tricks or bandaids to adjust a flat note here or a tight pitch there. He goes "back to basics" by asking the reader to realize singing is an extended form of speaking- to communicate thoughts and emotions to others, not a series of sounds created like an oil painting, prepared to be "viewed" on stage as in a gallery.
The book also provides career advice for the younger singer. A great read for beginners and advanced.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book., December 26, 2008

By 

Willow (Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Naked Voice: A Wholistic Approach to Singing (Hardcover)

One of the most innovative books on vocal technique I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It's simpler than most--it concentrates on how to do it more than on how it's done. Although it probably works a little better for the advanced singer (or teacher of advanced singers--if you're working in the trenches, you might want to start with something else, like Teaching Kids to sing, Solutions for Singers or The Functional Unity of the Singing Voice), it's worthwhile reading for any voice teacher or choral director. And that's probably an understatement.