Selecting the right teacher, developing confidence, overcoming stage fright, and many other important skills receive thoughtful discussion in this indispensible guide, written by a world-famous diva of 4 decades' experience.

A Beginning Singer's Guide is a vocal pedagogy with four practical uses. First, it can be used as a collateral text for studio voice lessons. The teacher can conserve time by assigning relevant reading in the book instead of making lengthy expositions during the lesson. Second, it can be used as a primary text for undergraduate vocal pedagogy classes. Many schools offer a vocal pedagogy class whose enrollment includes singers and future choral conductors. A special chapter for the future choral conductor containing methods and other aids should meet the need for an all-in-one text for this class. Third, it can be used as a practical guide for new voice teachers. A special chapter containing methods for new voice teachers and studio administration will be very useful to the new teacher of voice. Fourth, the book explores subjects not usually covered in music pedagogy books, such as notes on working with a pianist, improving memory, common acting terms, subtexting, and methods for alleviating performance anxiety. These important, yet often disregarded areas, further complement a singer's talent and skill. The author does not espouse any particular 'method' of singing; instead, he applies a universal, scientific approach with the firm belief that singing can be enhanced through further musical knowledge. The sequence of the book follows the natural sequence of learning to sing. The book is rounded out with line art of the vocal mechanism, musical examples, tables outlining the musculature of singing, practical forms, information for the beginning teacher, and a bibliography.

This book attempts to help people of all ages grow towards singing properly. The contents are designed to give Vocal Music Success: Ideas, Hints, and Help for Singers and Directors to all ages that desire growth in singing knowledge. The book contains suggestions for teachers and directors of singing groups. The book will teach and help singers with many mechanics needed in proper singing technique. In my experience as a teacher, student, adjudicator, and singer, I am confident that this book will help obtain, with confidence, a beautiful singing voice.

Frederick James Crowest defines his book, 'Advice to Singers', as not a guide on how to sing, but rather a collection of hints for aspiring singers. He emphasizes the importance of having a teacher and dispels the myth that singing can be learned from a book alone. Crowest covers a wide range of topics, including habits, pronunciation, voices, instruction, practice, style, expression, time, and music selection. He stresses the need for a good education, discipline, and perseverance in the study of singing, as it is an art that will test one's character.