The human voice is the most popular musical instrument, and vocal singing is like any other musical endeavour- it takes discipline, practice (and some talent) to do it well. CIG to Singingoffers readers an easy-to-use guide to the process of becoming a singer. Readers will learn how to find their ideal singing range, how to improve their basic technique, how to stand and breathe properly, how to sing in different musical styles, and the book is filled with numerous illustrations, musical examples and singing exercises. An audio CD includes examples of different techniques and accompaniments for the exercises, letting the reader hear the way they're supposed to sound and practice along. The book also contains a glossary of terms, singer's pronunciation reference, vocal problems troubleshooting guide, and a list of resources.

The complex art of conducting may look effortless to the casual onlooker, however, it requires a great deal of knowledge and skill. The success of a performance hinges on the director's ability to keep the group playing together and interpreting the music as the composer intended. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Conducting Music shows student and novice conductors how to lead bands, orchestras, choirs, and other ensembles effectively through sight-reading, rehearsals, and performances.

A beautifully composed journey through music history! Music history is a required course for all music students. Unfortunately, the typical music history book is dry and academic, focusing on rote memorization of important composers and works. This leads many to think that the topic is boring, but bestselling author Michael Miller proves that isn’t so. This guide makes music history interesting and fun, for both music students and older music lovers. • Covers more than Western “classical” music—also includes non-Western music and uniquely American forms such as jazz • More than just names and dates—puts musical developments in context with key historical events

Instruction and tips for creating arrangements, structuring compositions, and writing for various styles of music.

How many haircuts is that tune-up worth? With money tight, bartering is growing in popularity. Over 70,000 businesses make cashless transactions throughout America. Here is the only complete, step-by-step guide to how this potentially lucrative process works, including: • The advantages of direct versus national barter networks • How to save and increase profitability • How to increase sales and revenue • How to start a trade exchange. • From a national expert and bareter entrepreneur • Detailed resource section exchanges and business associations

Music theory doesn’t need to be complicated, and this guide will show you how to make it simple. Idiot's Guides: Music Theory, Third Edition, is a concise and clear guide that teaches any budding musician or experienced musician how to read musical notation by navigating the basics of reading and composing music. Here’s what you’ll find: • The basics of tones, including pitches, clefs, scales, intervals, and major and minor keys • The building blocks of rhythm, including note values, basic notation, time signatures, and tempo, dynamics, and navigation • How tunes are created, starting with melodies, chords, chord progressions, and phrases and forms • The basics of accompaniment, including transcribing, accompanying melodies, and transposing to other keys • Composing and arranging, including coverage of musical genres and forms, how to compose your own music, arranging for voices and instruments, working with lead sheets and scores, and performing your music • Helpful reference appendixes, including a glossary, chord charts, and instrument ranges • Expanded online ear-training and transcribing exercise content, including exercises at the end of each chapter and an answer key appendix

Ah, there’s just nothing better than singing in the shower. The acoustics are perfect and you don’t sound half bad, if you do say so yourself. In fact, with a little practice you could be the next “American Idol” platinum-selling recording artist, or stage sensation. It’s time for Pavarotti to step down and for you to step up as monarch of songdom. Whether you’re a beginning vocalist or a seasoned songster, Singing for Dummies makes it easy for you to achieve your songbird dreams. Singing for Dummies gives you step-by-step instructions and lots of helpful tips, hints, vocal exercises, reminders, and warnings for both men and women, including advice on: The mechanics of singing Discovering your singing voice Developing technique Singing in performance Maintaining vocal health Performing like a pro Singing for Dummies is written by Dr. Pamelia Phillips, Chair of Voice and Music at New York University’s Undergraduate Drama Department. Dr. Phillips shares all of her professional expertise to help you sing your way to the top. She gives you all the information you need to know about: Proper posture and breathing Perfecting your articulation Finding the right voice teacher for you How to train for singing Selecting your music materials Acting the song Overcoming stage fright Auditioning for musical theater In addition to Dr. Phillips’ wisdom, Singing for Dummies comes with a CD packed full of useful instruction and songs, including: Demonstrations of proper technique Exercises to develop technique and strength Scales and pitch drills Practice songs for beginning, intermediate, and advanced singers Singing for Dummies contains all the information, practices, techniques, and expert advice you need to hone your vocal skills with ease.