Singing and the Actor

Rating:
Summary: Great technical Walk-thru of voice mechanics!
Review: I've read several good books on voice for acting and singing. There's a lot to learn and I've found it helpful to look at it from many points of view. Other books cover the mechanics to some degree, but this one devotes a great deal of space to exercises that help you identify all the pieces that contribute to the production of sound. With these exercises, I find it a lot easier to methodically troubleshoot when something is not working and narrow it to the problem area, eg, larynx, support, etc. and action that causes the problem, eg, nasality, "excessive pressure on the vocal folds" etc. I also learned the mechanics involved in several techniques, such as "belting" or "crying". I would recommend this to any singer or actor starting out for understanding how the voice works.

Rating:
Summary: Intelligent and Straightforward
Review: This book contains detailed descriptions of the vocal qualities needed in today's theatre singing. It doesn't preach classical techniques, but it does tell you how to find sounds like twang, "speech", and cry safely and correctly. Clear and practical stuff with things to try out and assignments. A really useful book packed with information that I haven't seen published anywhere else. I loved it.

Rating:
Summary: Intelligent and Straightforward
Review: This book contains detailed descriptions of the vocal qualities needed in today's theatre singing. It doesn't preach classical techniques, but it does tell you how to find sounds like twang, "speech", and cry safely and correctly. Clear and practical stuff with things to try out and assignments. A really useful book packed with information that I haven't seen published anywhere else. I loved it.

Rating:
Summary: A self-contradicting and and completely inaccurate book
Review: This book is filled with incorrect misleading information on ways to manipulate the human voice to achieve sounds (ie. belting) that are scientifically proven to be damaging. Many of the techniques described in this book require the physical manipulation of the vocal apparatus, a process which can lead to undue strain on the vocal folds and surrounding musculature. Though this books does occassionally contain accurate information on the process of healthy singing, there is far too much that is incorrect and poses permanent damage to the voice. The author frequently contradicts herself as she explains her process of vocal "training." The techniques of this book ask the reader to embark on an unhealthy and permanently damaging course of vocal study. I recommend this book only to those wishing to know how NOT to sing.