I have a habit of rereading chapters every few months.

This practice allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the content. Each time I read, I notice new details and perspectives that I might have missed before.

Rereading also helps me to retain the information better. By going over the material multiple times, it becomes more ingrained in my memory.

Moreover, it gives me the opportunity to reflect on how my own thoughts and ideas have changed since the last time I read.

Sometimes, I find that I have a different interpretation of the text, or that I can relate to certain passages in a new way.

In conclusion, rereading chapters every few months is a valuable activity that enriches my reading experience and helps me to grow as a learner.

Jerry Hines conducts interviews with some of the world's most renowned opera singers.

He delves into their thoughts on various aspects of singing, such as breathing, support, placement, the concept of an "open throat", scales, and training.

The resulting reading is truly captivating as each of these singers presents their own unique and subjective terminology when discussing the mechanics of singing.

It is interesting to note the diverse range of perspectives and approaches that these accomplished artists have developed over the years.

By sharing their insights, they offer a valuable glimpse into the complex and nuanced world of opera singing.

Whether you are a professional singer or simply a lover of opera, this article provides a wealth of information and inspiration.

It serves as a reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to singing and that each singer must find their own path to achieving vocal excellence.

"When the voice is placed right, singing is like walking. You don't usually think when you walk, but if you are climbing the stairs, you'd better pay attention to the steps, or you'll fall." This is a very insightful view into the world of many successful singers. It emphasizes the importance of having the right vocal placement, which can make singing feel as natural and effortless as walking. However, just like when climbing stairs, singers need to be more aware and attentive when facing certain challenges or difficult passages in a song.

The interviews in this context do get a bit repetitive towards the end, but that doesn't take away from the fact that they all have interesting techniques to share. Each singer may have their own unique approach to achieving that perfect vocal placement and expressing themselves through music. It's fascinating to learn about these different techniques and how they can be applied to one's own singing.

I really enjoy the vocalises as well. They are not only a great way to warm up the voice but also a means of improving vocal control and flexibility. By practicing vocalises regularly, singers can strengthen their vocal muscles and develop a more beautiful and powerful singing voice. Overall, this exploration of the art of singing through the eyes of successful singers is both informative and inspiring.

Required reading for any professional singer, though, and I quote the famous American baritone Cornell MacNeil: 'This book May Be Injurious to your vocal health!' ;-)

This statement by Cornell MacNeil is quite intriguing. It makes one wonder what could be in the book that might have such an impact on a singer's vocal health. Is it some radical vocal technique that goes against the norm? Or perhaps it contains information that could potentially lead to overexertion or improper use of the vocal cords?

For professional singers, their vocal health is of utmost importance. Any potential threat or warning should be taken seriously. They spend years training and caring for their voices, and would not want to do anything that could harm them.

This quote from MacNeil serves as a cautionary tale. It reminds singers to be careful when exploring new methods or reading books that claim to offer revolutionary techniques. It is essential to approach such information with a critical eye and consult with trusted vocal coaches or experts before implementing any new practices.

In conclusion, while the book in question may be a source of interest and curiosity for professional singers, they must always prioritize their vocal health and make informed decisions based on reliable advice and their own experience.

A wonderful book that offers a truly interesting exploration into how each of these great singers interpret the concept of vocal technique.

As one delves into its pages, they come away with the profound realization that vocal technique is indeed an "art and not a science," just as my voice teacher, the remarkable tenor and vocal pedagogue Wayne Conner, often told me.

Words and concepts such as diaphragmatic breathing, open throat, and lowered larynx mean different things to different people. This book is not intended to be used as a strict guide to proper and healthy singing per se. Instead, it provides an interesting glimpse into the various practices and techniques that have proven successful for these great voices.

Altogether, it is an enjoyable and edifying read that can expand one's understanding and appreciation of the art of singing.

I have not completed reading this book as yet. However, I thought I would pen a review regardless, considering I'm not certain when I will finish it. This is especially the case since I'm currently engrossed in reading about 9 books simultaneously.

The book had a promising start. It was quite fascinating to peruse what the singers had to say regarding some of the fundamental aspects of singing. The author, Jerome Hines, interviewed approximately 40 opera singers for this book, dedicating a chapter to each one of them. He endeavors to uncover several common elements, namely breathing technique, the passagio or transition in the voice, vocalizing and warming up, support, and an open throat.

I don't frequently attend or listen to opera. Nevertheless, I did glean some useful insights from reading their accounts and perspectives on singing.

For instance:

"The voice commences in the mind, not in the body." This holds great truth. Joanna, our Grace Notes conductor, always implores us to envision the note first, imagining how it should sound before actually singing it.

"No gasping...ever!" This is quite interesting because if one observes most of the contemporary pop singers, their breathing is so audible that it can be rather disconcerting. My husband has blamed it on me as he can now no longer listen to Kat Deluna sing without noticing her loud breathing. Another singer I've noticed with extremely loud breathing is Lea Michele, who portrays Rachel in the Glee series.

"We all have a bit of phlegm in the morning due to sleep, which vanishes by midday." No wonder! We at Grace Notes find it arduous when we have to sing in the early hours of the morning during church services.

"The piano you cannot learn." I was disheartened to read this, that "a real good piano...a head sound, this you have to possess. You have to be born with it." Christine, my fellow Grace Noter, can sing high notes in piano (a soft and quiet tone) extremely well, which I struggle to do no matter how hard I try. Now, unfortunately, I understand why.

Nonetheless, as I reached the middle of the book, my interest waned. Even though each of the singers had distinct views on their technique, being an amateur in singing, it started to seem rather repetitive to me.

But finish it I shall. The one thing that will drive me is the chapter on the late Luciano Pavarotti that I have yet to read. Then again, it's only because out of all the singers interviewed, he is the only one I'm familiar with.

p/s I finally completed the book. It is good...though I must confess that I could only comprehend 75% of it :) Reading about the technicalities of singing is no easy feat.

This is one of my all-time favorite books when it comes to vocal technique. The author, Jerome Hines, a renowned operatic bass, has conducted in-depth interviews with numerous opera singers, including the likes of Pavarotti, Domingo, Rosa Ponselle, and many others, focusing solely on their singing techniques. What makes this book truly special is that it doesn't get overly complicated with anatomy and technical jargon. Instead, it presents each singer's unique perspective on how they approach singing.

I have found this book to be an invaluable resource throughout my career. I have referred to it on countless occasions and have always been quick to recommend it to my students. The descriptions provided by Domingo and Pavarotti regarding the tenor passaggio are simply fantastic. They offer insights that are both practical and inspiring. Similarly, Corelli's discussion on the significance of having a low larynx is equally enlightening.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of singing. It provides a wealth of knowledge and inspiration that can help singers of all levels improve their technique and deepen their understanding of the vocal art form.

I absolutely loved the real life stories presented in this book!

The great advice it offers is truly eye-opening. It makes you realize just how differently singing can be comprehended by different people.

The human voice is indeed a magnificent instrument, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to technique.

This book effectively proves that point. It showcases the diverse ways in which singers have developed their skills and found their own unique voices.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced singer, there is something to be learned from the stories and advice in this book.

It encourages you to explore different techniques and find what works best for you, rather than simply following a set formula.

Overall, it is a fascinating read that will inspire you to think differently about singing and push the boundaries of your own vocal abilities.

This is an absolute must-read for all vocal students.

There have been numerous occasions when I would have a teacher mention something, and I truly had no idea what they were actually referring to.

I possess a dark, deep voice, and forward placement has been a nightmarish concept to understand and maintain.

Moreover, what exactly is legato? I have always been someone who has grappled with achieving the legato sound. I believe this is because, as a child, it was difficult for people to understand me. I had been instructed to separate and enunciate clearly.

This remarkable book clarifies so many of the areas that have previously driven my teachers crazy. It provides in-depth explanations and practical guidance, enabling vocal students like myself to gain a better understanding of these complex concepts and techniques.

It is truly a valuable resource that I would highly recommend to anyone serious about improving their vocal skills.

Such a remarkable book on vocal technique exists, presenting a plethora of diverse opinions and voices. I perused this for my vocal pedagogy class. Although it is by no means a comprehensive textbook on singing in the traditional sense, it has bestowed upon me a wealth of distinct approaches to singing that I can effectively utilize with my students.

The author's exploration of various vocal techniques and the inclusion of different viewpoints offer a unique perspective. It allows for a more in-depth understanding of the complex world of singing. As I delved into the pages, I discovered new ways to approach teaching vocal skills, ones that I believe will enhance my students' learning experiences.

This book serves as a valuable resource, inspiring me to think outside the box and explore different methods of teaching singing. It has broadened my horizons and given me the confidence to experiment with new approaches in the classroom. I look forward to implementing these ideas and seeing the positive impact they will have on my students' vocal development.

A valuable collection of interviews of opera stars has been carried out by an opera star. This collection is truly remarkable. The humor that shines through in the interviews adds a touch of lightness and entertainment. It makes the reading experience not only informative but also highly enjoyable. The layout of the collection is well thought out, making it easy for the readers to navigate and find the information they are interested in. Moreover, the knowledge expressed by the opera stars is extensive and profound. It covers various aspects of singing, including techniques, interpretations, and the art of performing. For anyone who has a passion for singing or is simply interested in the world of opera, this collection is a must-read. It offers unique insights and perspectives that can inspire and educate.

Sadly, I was not mentioned in this book.

It really came as a disappointment to me. I had hoped that my efforts or my contributions might have been recognized and included within its pages.

As I turned each page, my anticipation grew, only to be met with a sense of exclusion.

It makes me wonder if my work went unnoticed or if there were other reasons for my omission.

Nevertheless, I will not let this setback deter me.

I will continue to strive and work hard, hoping that in the future, my name will be rightfully included in such works.

Maybe this experience will serve as a motivation for me to prove myself even more and make my mark in a more significant way.

Until then, I will keep pushing forward and not let this disappointment hold me back.