Book Recommendations

Welcome Guest. Please Login or Register.

Book Recommendations

Posted: 1/23/04 at 1:04am

Could someone please recommend a great book(s) that solely
deal(s) with breathing and relaxation techniques for the voice? I was taking these private voice classes at $150 an hour, 2 hours a week for 8 weeks. I have dropped her because I plan to look for someone else. But for the time being, I'm looking to maybe find books of some sort to help myself before beginning my search for someone else. According to her, there's too much strain in my voice, and I'm having pitch problems, and this is because I haven't mastered breathing and relaxation techniques.
Any advice on books is appreciated...Thanks!

"Everything's coming up roses, this time for me!"

re: Book Recommendations

Posted: 1/23/04 at 7:41am

You've been paying too much for someone who can't also help you with the problem. Check with friends and ask about their teachers. Don't be afraid to go to someone who teaches Opera, as that's very much about producing strong sound. And get another teacher. You could read, but you need someone with a good ear who is trained in how to help you.

Just an idea: on your own, sing from speaking. Speak the lines, then add to the length of saying them, then add pitch, graduate up to singing, always breathing. Do not let your throat constrict. The healthiest singing is from the same place as speaking, IMO. Just an exercise. You'd still need a good voice therapist.

Sorry I don't know any books to recommend. Good luck!

re: re: Book Recommendations

Posted: 1/23/04 at 10:19am

"Freeing the Natural Voice" by Kristin Linklater

If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.

re: re: re: Book Recommendations

Posted: 1/23/04 at 11:51am

A great book is "Discover Your Voice: How to Develop Healthy Voice Habits" by Dr. Oren Brown. It comes with a CD so that you can hear the excercises he describes.

re: re: re: re: Book Recommendations

Posted: 1/23/04 at 1:47pm

Thank you so much for your advice! I will look up the 2 you've mentioned to me and see what I can do on my own!

I know, I do need to be instructed esp. someone to show me how it's done and to also teach me. But I guess until April I will be doing what I can on my own.

Then I would be looking for a suitable instructor! But very hard to find. I'm asking around but no one I know has any idea.

"Everything's coming up roses, this time for me!"

re: re: re: re: re: Book Recommendations

Posted: 1/23/04 at 1:55pm

I was going to recommend "Freeing the Natural Voice" as well. Good book. The only problem with using books for voice is the practical issue. It's extremely difficult to determine if you are doing the exercises correctly. Sounds like your teacher is not good at communicating to achieve results and also unable to recognize your difficulties. $150 an hour should get results, not just evaluations.

Also try looking into the Alexander Technique. Very good for relaxation and releasing tension.
Alexander Technique

"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

re: re: re: re: re: re: Book Recommendations

Posted: 1/23/04 at 2:02pm

Thank you Matt for the research!!
Yes, I do see some difference in my voice, but apparently it all goes back to square one when I am tense and not relaxed!!!

I have to master those breathing/relaxation techniques!!!
Why is it soooooooo difficult!!!!

"Everything's coming up roses, this time for me!"

← Back to Message Board

View all Videos

Tickets From $59

Tickets From $60

Tickets From $95