EducationNews.org

1) I understand that you have just published a textbook called Voice for Non Majors. What led you to write such a book?

When I first began teaching Class Voice (essentially voice training in a classroom setting), I looked at a number of textbooks. There are many fine books out there.However, I noticed that they seemed to be designed for the students who were just starting and wanted to pursue singing as a career.

There were no textbooks that were tailored to students who were taking this class, either to complete a graduation requirement (such as many instrumental music majors have to do) or people who like to sing as a hobby, but have no real desire to make it a career. My book takes the fundamental information of singing and boils it down to an accessible resource for those students. It is also a good resource for singing at the high school level.

2) I used to do choir back in college and found it very enjoyable. Is this what you are talking about in your book vocal music? Or are you referring to solo singing?

Well, I feel that healthy singing is healthy singing.It shouldn't matter whether you are singing in choir, on stage, in church or wherever. The principles laid out in the textbook can be applied to any type or style of singing. In fact, in my book I use the analogy of weight lifting. First, you learn the proper form for lifting weights and what you want to achieve. After you have done that, you tailor your workouts to your specific goal and needs, i.e. lifting lighter weights and sculpting the body or lifting heavier weights and building muscle.

The same holds true for singing.First you learn how to make the sounds in a healthy way. Then, you apply them to your own needs, i.e. solo singing, choral singing, singing in the shower, etc.

3) I recall hearing Frank Sinatra say "If you can talk, you can sing". What are your thoughts on that ?

Yes.I do agree. In fact, as Robert Preston says in The Music Man, "Singing is just sustained talking. "That is why, in my book, I have dealt with the idea of how these same techniques can help strengthen the speaking voice. The human voice is capable of many things. However, the principles of singing, when applied to speaking, can create less vocal fatigue and a stronger voice. Now does that mean that if you can talk you can make a career of singing? That is up for debate.

There are so many other non-musical factors that are involved with successful careers in singing that the question must be dealt with on an individual basis. However, with regards to the people who say they can't carry a tune in a bucket, I say that it is possible for most people to learn how to sing. The question is, do you want to take the time to develop that skill?

4) Sadly, I don't have much of a range- I am basically a bass-- do you think there is any way of my ever being able to sing tenor? Or low tenor parts?

Unfortunately, I would have to say, probably not.Without actually hearing a voice, it is impossible to determine the full range of its capabilities.

However, going from bass to tenor is a bit of a stretch.It has been done before, but not without a lot of work. What is more likely is that, with training, you could be more comfortable singing higher.How much higher depends on your individual voice.

5) In your mind, why should a college student take voice lessons if they are not music majors or minors?

As I mentioned before, the same principles and techniques used in singing correctly, can, and should, be used to talk correctly. How many teachers get to the end of the day and find there voice is exhausted? Many.While breath support and vocal placement will not keep your voice from getting tired, it will take longer for the voice to get tired. It will also minimize the damage on the voice that can be done when talking, incorrectly, for extended periods of time.

6) Sadly, one of the Three Tenors is no longer with us. Who can music and voice students look up to currently in terms of role models?

They should be able to look up to their teachers as role models. Music teachers are, especially at the college level, performer/teachers. It is good for students to see that their teacher is able to incorporate the same things that they ask their students to do. Other than teachers, there are many wonderful performers, alive and dead, that students can use as influences. Fortunately, we live in an age where recordings abound. Just because someone passes away, no longer means that there legacy to the art form is gone. Pavarotti has left an incredible legacy of recordings that students can listen to and enjoy for generations to come.

7) Who are some of the people who have influenced you?

Well, I would have to say that my biggest, professional influence have been my voice teachers. They were amazing and instilled in me the determination and drive to get past any obstacles that were in my way, musically. As far as professional singers of the past and present, I would say there are too many to name. However, some of the biggest influences would have to be: Samuel Ramey, Nicolai Ghiaurov, Cesare Siepi, Ezio Pinza, Hans Hotter, George London and Sherrill Milnes.

As I said before, this is in no way a complete list, but it is a thumbnail of some of the big names.I have been influenced by singers in every voice type.You can learn something from every singer.

8) I recently reviewed John Jacobson's book- A Place in the Choir - and he discussed the importance of kids being able to sing and be part of perhaps an ensemble or other vocal group. Does your book focus on individual performance or focus on the student being part of a group ( choir, ensemble,or " barbershopquartet " )? Which do you consider more important?

My book focuses on individual performance as it relates to singing. However, as I mentioned earlier, the tools provided can be applied to each area of singing and vocal production. I think the most important part of singing is the one that a particular student/singer spends the most time doing. I don't think it is accurate or appropriate to pick one type of singing of singing (solo or ensemble) and say it is more important than the other. If that were the case, than why would you even bother with the other type? No, both types of singing are equally important and should be approached with the same attention to healthy vocal production.

9) How can interested music and voice teachers get a copy of your book ?

The book is available from a number of places. First, teachers can go directly to the publisher, Prentice Hall and order it.It is, also, available from a number of sources online from Amazon.com to Target.com.  Additionally, a preliminary search of my name, on the internet, shows that the book is available on 5 continents in 12 countries.Even though it remains in English, but it is available around the world.

10) I understand that you are about to start a new position- can you tell us about it and what your focus there will be?

I have accepted a position at The University of Tennessee at Martin. It is a wonderful school in northwest Tennessee. My focus will be teaching voice and assisting with opera workshop. However, I will, also, teach any other vocal/music classes that I am asked to teach based upon the needs of the university.

Published May 14, 2008