Description: This invaluable text breaks down complicated singing concepts with 64 specific vocal exercises designed to overcome faults and to develop vocal virtuosity. Drawings, musical examples, anatomical illustrations, and copious photographs of opera stars are also included.
Review Quotes:
"The first part of this textbook for vocal students is devoted to tracing the historical background of the art of singing from ancient times to the present. Subsequent chapters teach practical vocal techniques, beginning with the Bel Canto method of breathing. Marek (voice, Mannes College of Music) has also provided approximately 60 vocal exercises for developing vocal virtuosity. The volume is illustrated with b&w anatomical drawings and photographs of opera stars...." --Reference and Research Book News
"Singing: The First Art is both a history and a manual....Pedagogues who have not read Coffin's texts will find this an accurate and accessible overview; teachers who are familiar with the work will find it a balanced and practical interpretation of the method." --Journal of Singing "provides useful references....well written and well supported by illustrations and musical examples....[Marek] has done singers, and those who are interested in singing, a great service by drawing together some of the major sources of literature on vocal history and vocal technique." --Music Education Research "The first part of this textbook for vocal students is devoted to tracing the historical background of the art of singing from ancient times to the present. Subsequent chapters teach practical vocal techniques, beginning with the Bel Canto method of breathing. Marek (voice, Mannes College of Music) has also provided approximately 60 vocal exercises for developing vocal virtuosity. The volume is illustrated with b&w anatomical drawings and photographs of opera stars." --Reference and Research Book News