Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 282
•
Trim: 7 x 10
978-1-4422-5025-3 • Paperback • May 2016 • $62.00 • (£48.00)
978-1-4422-5026-0 • eBook • May 2016 • $58.50 • (£45.00)
Matthew Hoch is associate professor of voice and coordinator of voice studies at Auburn University. He is the author of several books, including A Dictionary for the Modern Singer. He holds the BM from Ithaca College, MM from the Hartt School, and DMA from the New England Conservatory. Dr. Hoch is the 2016 winner of the Van Lawrence Fellowship, awarded jointly by the Voice Foundation and NATS. He actively performs art song, opera, chamber music, and in professional choral settings.
Linda Lister is associate professor of voice and director of opera theatre at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She is the author of Yoga for Singers: Freeing Your Voice and Spirit through Yoga. Also a composer, Dr. Lister holds the BA from Vassar College, MM from the Eastman School of Music, and DMA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Lister is winner of The American Prize in Directing, she has sung many world premieres on the operatic, symphonic, and recital stage.
Chapter 1: Vocal Technique
Chapter 2: Musicianship
Chapter 3: Vocal Health
Chapter 4: Practice Strategies
Chapter 5: Language and Diction
Chapter 6: Singing Classical Genres (and Singing Them Well)
Chapter 7: Singing CCM (Non-Classical) Styles
Chapter 8: Stage Presence
Chapter 9: Business Tips
[The authors] generously share useful information and practical perspectives while providing an extensive list of sources that much of the information came from…. [T]he authors do a wonderful job of providing the most important bits of information on a comprehensive list of subjects. There is much here for the advanced singer to ponder, with new ideas alongside fresh approaches to previously learned material. The addition of the detailed bibliography simply ensures that VoiceSecrets: 100 Performance Strategiesfor the Advanced Singer will be frequently revisited.
— Classical Singer Magazine
Voice Secrets is an excellent practical reference for singers and voice teachers. . . . Well organized and easy to use, the book is a quick look at a myriad of vocal topics. . . .The breadth of information in Voice Secrets demonstrates the authors’ vocal expertise and knowledge of today’s music industry. . . .The writing style is engaging, accessible, and non-academic, even when addressing highly technical topics. The book is full of golden nuggets of singing wisdom, some lighthearted and others pulling no punches. . . .With a detailed index and extensive bibliography, Voice Secrets is a valuable reference that belongs on every singer’s bookshelf.
— The Triangle of Mu Phi Epsilon
I found the information to be relevant, well written and approachable. . . .As a teacher recommending this book to students, this book will start a conversation about singing which will hopefully lead them on the path to knowing what questions to ask. Hoch and Lister show themselves to be experienced AND current in their writing. I would recommend this book for any teacher’s library and will recommend that voice students purchase their own copy. Recommended.
— The Opera Journal
[A] well organized and well researched summary of the essential elements of singing.
— Journal of Singing
Voice Secrets is a well-written and straightforward book that will provide worthwhile information to singers hoping to continue to advance their understanding and production of the craft. Undergraduate and graduate vocal performance majors will find this book especially worthwhile, especially given that the information is presented in a highly relatable manner.
— Pan Pipes (Journal of Sigma Alpha Iota)
Matthew Hoch and Linda Lister have assembled a compendium of one- to three-page hints concerning aspects of the singing art. While the title indicates they are designed for the 'advanced' singer, both voice pedagogues and choral directors will find some of the information presented in an easy-to-understand writing style.... Voice Secrets: One Hundred Performance Strategies for the Advanced Singer is…packed with useful information that is both reliable and up-to-date.
— Choral Journal
I recommend Voice Secrets to anyone who quickly wants to get immersed in the issues of the language, the science, the execution, and the business of becoming a singer. To me the most valuable feature of the book is the exhaustive bibliography of reference books. This is an excellent pedagogical resource.
— Ingo Titze, distinguished professor, University of Iowa; executive director, National Center for Voice and Speech; president, Pan-American Vocology Association
Matthew Hoch and Linda Lister bring fact-based pedagogical ideas and advice to singers of all genres. The user-friendly format and clear, succinct style provide a clever introduction to 100 aspects of the singing art that will be an asset to all singers and singing teachers.
— Lindsey Christiansen, professor, Westminster Choir College
Voice Secrets cleverly and succinctly covers a wide diversity of topics about being a successful singer. The book is rich with up-to-date information singers need to know at the core of their art form along with peripheral, practical advice. The excellent list of resources at the end encourages readers toward further pursuit of knowledge and a variety of perspectives.
— Karen Brunssen, NATS president-elect, Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University
The voice world is filled with challenges and obstacles for which a singer must prepare herself/himself. Voice Secrets provides the reader with a guide to navigating these challenges. This highly enjoyable read addresses myriad voice topics and provides concrete approaches to dealing with everything from performance anxiety and vocal health, to exploring different singing styles and tackling some of the business aspects of a career.
— Brian Gill, associate professor of voice and voice pedagogy, Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University