Singing For Dummies

Take your voice to the next level and grow as a performer Whether you′re a beginning vocalist or a seasoned singer, this practical guide gives you step–by–step instructions and lots of helpful tips, hints, exercises, and advice on the mechanics of singing, discovering your range, developing technique, singing in performance, and maintaining vocal health. Be rock solid — get up–to–speed with the basics of singing and master posture, breathing, and tone Get moving and grooving — improve your singing by getting the hang of tone, resonance, vowels, and consonants Belt your heart out — move on to more advanced techniques like working with your speaking voice and belting Find your musical style — get great suggestions for singing in different genres, including classical, country, jazz, musical theater, opera, pop, or R&B Open the book and find: Techniques for increasing your range Tips for overcoming stage fright Articulation exercises Ideas on developing a practice routine Performing tips to improve your confidence Strategies to use for acting while singing How to choose songs to enhance your technical skills Advice on finding a voice teacher and making the most of lessons How to determine your voice type Learn to: Take your singing skills to the next level Grasp the importance of posture and breath control Prepare for auditions and performances Sing along with the recorded exercises on the accompanying CD

Introduction. Part I: Exploring Singing Basics. Chapter 1: Preparing to Sing. Chapter 2: Determining Your Voice Type. Chapter 3: Aligning Your Body for Great Singing. Chapter 4: Breathing for Singing. Chapter 5: Toning Up the Voice. Part II: Improving Your Singing. Chapter 6: Acquiring Beautiful Tone. Chapter 7: Exploring Resonance. Chapter 8: Shaping Your Vowels for Clarity. Chapter 9: Exercising Consonants for Articulation. Chapter 10: Crafting a Practice Routine. Part III: Advanced Techniques to Improve Your Voice. Chapter 11: Developing the Parts of Your Singing Voice. Chapter 12: Expanding Your Vocal Flexibility and Range. Chapter 13: It′s a Cinch: Belting Out Your Song. Chapter 14: Training for Singing. Chapter 15: Finding the Right Voice Teacher. Part IV: Preparing to Perform. Chapter 16: Selecting Your Music Material. Chapter 17: Mastering a New Song. Chapter 18: Acting the Song. Chapter 19: Confronting Your Fear of Performing. Chapter 20: Auditioning a Song. Part V: The Part of Tens. Chapter 21: Ten Performers with Good Technique. Chapter 22: Ten Frequently Asked Questions about Singing. Chapter 23: Ten Tips for Maintaining Vocal Health. Chapter 24: Ten Tips for Performing Like a Pro. Part VI: Appendixes. Appendix A: Suggested Songs to Advance Your Singing Technique. Appendix B: About the CD. Index.

Pamelia S. Phillips , DMA, is the Professional Program Director and Chair of Voice and Music at Collaborative Arts Project 21 (CAP21) in New York. A seasoned performer, her appearances range from contemporary American Opera premieres to guest performances with major symphonies. Pam has taught extensively at such institutions as Arizona State University and Wagner College. She holds degrees in music education and vocal performance.