Class Voice : Fundamental Skills for Lifelong Singing

This book explains the basics of singing using practical skills and examples, and is accessible to students with a wide range of talents, interests, and expertise levels.

Class Voice: Fundamental Skills for Lifelong Singing is a unique undergraduate textbook which can be adapted to needs of any potential voice user, including music education students, voice students who are not majoring in music, and adult learners. By explaining the basics of singing using practical skills and examples, this text is accessible to students with a wide range of talents, interests, and expertise levels. With chapters devoted to skills for singing solo and in groups, instructors can tailor the included materials to encourage students to become thoroughly familiar with their own voices and to identify and appreciate the gifts of others. Learning to sing is a process of trial and error. The warm-ups and other in-class performance opportunities contained in this textbook can raise student confidence and minimize anxiety. The chapters about age and size-appropriate repertoire and issues of vocal health provide vital information about preserving the vocal instrument for a lifetime of singing. Key Features Warm-up and cool-down exercise routines, including strategies for relaxing and breath managementRepertoire topics divided by language and genre and suggestions about how to use the repertoire to develop specific skillsIssues of diversity, gender, and inclusivity covered in the chapter entitled "The Singing Life"Suggestions for comparative listening and questions for discussion to encourage deeper learningAdaptable materials which can be tailored to fit interests in choral music, musical theater, folksong, as well as Classical vocal repertoireAssignments, evaluation criteria, and assessment forms for midterm and final presentationsA glossary of key termsA bibliography with resources for research and learningInformation on basic musicianship skill training for those who need itA PluralPlus companion website with PowerPoint lecture slides and three sample syllabi tailored to different class voice populations and study questions with answers and suggested reading lists for students