On the Art of Singing (Hardcover)

by Richard Miller (Author) "Singing is largely a subjective action..." (more)
Key Phrases: vowel diagonal, resonator tract, vowel migration, North American, Music Example, New York (more...)

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


Product Description
Of all of the performance arts, that of singing is the most complex and its preparation and practice the most fraught with controversy. Teachers argue over the best method, and students often move from teacher to teacher in search of the ultimate vocal style. Technique is only one aspect of the singer's art, however. Considerations of musical and performance style, career development, and long-term vocal health are also vital to the successful singer.

This exciting new collection of essays is the first book to look at the art of singing in its totality. Written in a direct, 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 pedagogy, style and interpretation, professional preparation, and vocal technique, the book is structured such that the reader may pick and choose as personal interests and need dictate. Written by a master singer and instructor well known for his work on the scientific aspects of singing, On the Art of Singing is essential reading for everyone involved in singing of the art and technique of the voice.

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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 6.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #128,503 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 48 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

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.

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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!

16 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.