Ware, Clifton : University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Summary
Basics of Vocal Pedagogy is a comprehensive introductory text for vocal pedagogy classes at the college and
university level. Though written primarily for prospective teachers of singing, vocal music educators, choir directors,
voice coaches and intermediate to advanced level singers will also find the text useful as a textbook, training
manual, and general reference book.
Features:
Comprehensive coverage includes foundations, steps in the vocal process, vocal heath, solo performance, teaching
techniques and modes of instruction.
Academic material is balanced with practical exercises that develop efficient vocal technique.
Foundations chapters cover the mind-body connections in singing.
Traditional Italian methodology is favored.
The author, Clifton Ware has 25 years experience performing and teaching and has also written a text for class
voice, Adventures in Singing.
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1--Philosophy of Singing
Origin and Nature of the Singing Gesture
Aesthetics in Singing
Tonal Preferences
Status of Popular and Classical Singing
Benefits of Voice Study
Chapter 2--Psychology of Singing
Gaining Psychological Insight
Perceptual and Conceptual Aspects
Coping with Complexity and Contradiction
The goal and the Journey as One
Realistic goals and expectations
Chapter 3--Body-Mind Integration
The Vocal Athlete
Role and Function of Muscles
Exercise and Fitness
Diet and Nutrition
Managing Stress
Body-Mind Strategies
Physical/Vocal Exercises
Efficient Body Alignment
Chapter 4--The Vocal Process: Making Connections
Understanding Voice Science
The Vocal Process: How the Voice Works
Mind/Body Connections
The Speech to Singing Connection
From Speech to Singing Using Physical
Vocal exercises
Exercises for Coordinating Breath, Phonation, and Resonation
Chapter 5--Respiration: Managing Breath
Role and Benefits of Breathing
Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiration System
Methods of Breathing
Factors Affecting Efficient Breathing
Breathing Exercises
Breath Coordination and Management
Breath-Tone Coordination Exercises
Chapter 6--Phonation: Producing Tone
Characteristics and Production of Vocal Tone
Principal Anatomy Involved in Phonation
Initiating Vocal Tone
Exercises for developing Efficient Phonation
Chapter 7--Registration: Connecting Voice Levels
Explanation and Description of Vocal Registers
Historical Survey of Registration Terminology
Voice Registers Theories
Registration Physiology
Classifying Register Transitions
Negotiating Register Transitions
Exercises for Coordinating Vocal registers
Chapter 8--Resonation: Optimizing Tone Quality
Acoustics--The Science of Sound
Properties and Characteristics of Sound
Resonance
Vocal Resonators
Maximizing Vocal Resonance
Vocal Efficiency
Techniques for Enhancing Vocal Efficiency
Chapter 9--Articulation: Voicing Vowels and Consonants
Communicating Through Language
Linguistic Terminology
Primary Singing Languages
Introduction to Vowels
Vowel Modification and Efficiency
Introduction to Consonants
Chart of Consonants
Sounding Consonants
Suggestions for Improving Diction
Chapter 10--Coordination: Unifying The Vocal Process
What is Vocal Coordination?
Elements of Dynamic Vocalism
Classification of the Singing Voice
Professional Singing Voice Categories
Reconciliation of Opposites
Chapter 11-- The Singer's Instrument: Use, Pathology, and Care
The Vocal Instrument and Stress
Identifying and Classifying Vocal Disorders
The Vocal Organ Under Stress
Contributing Factors to Vocal Misuse and Abuse
Aging and Hormonal Effects
Voice Irritants
Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders
Serious Vocal Disorders
Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention
Treatment and Prevention of Vocal Disorders
Auditory Disorders: Prevention and Cure
Some Do's and Don'ts of Vocal Health
Chapter 12--Solo Vocal Performance
Selection and Preparation of Solo Vocal Repertoire
Interpretation and Expression
Vocal Performance Dynamics
Vocal Performance Options and Opportunities
Chapter 13--Teaching Singing
History of Vocal Pedagogy
Foundations of Effective Teaching
Instructional Strategies, Techniques, and Tools
Life-Span Voice Teaching
Modes of Instruction
