Hello All,
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! I just recieved my copy of "The Modern Singing Master: Essays in Honor of Cornelius Reid." Although Reid himself writes a chapter about his journey of over sixty years as a voice teacher, the rest of the chapters are by his students, voice scientists (like Stephen Austin), and Alexander and Feldenkreis teachers. Probably Reid's most famous student, Tenor Jon Stewart, writes a chapter on the vocal exercises which are used in a typical Reid lesson. The four major areas of the book revolve around the four major componants of Reid's teaching: The two- register theory, vowel purity, the use of rhythm in vocal training, and the use of dynamics. These are four rather basic building- blocks. Reid has never tried to reinvent the wheel...just to adhere to the masters of our art. Oh, there is a very interesting chapter entitled, "Could Maria Callas' voice have been saved?" Hats off to the author for having the guts to let that title go to print;)
The book is a must read for any serious teacher or singer. You can check it out at scarecrowpress.com
Take Care All,
Taylor L. Ferranti DMA Candidate, LSU Certificate of Vocology Associate Director of Music First Presbyterian Church Baton Rouge, LA
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