The Structure of Singing: System and Art in Vocal Technique

by Richard Miller

Book Overview

Combining the physical, technical, and artistic aspects of singing, the author applies current findings in medicine, acoustics, phonetics, and speech therapy to the singer's needs. The text... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0534255353
• Release Date: October 1986
• Publisher: Schirmer Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Fantastic--A Scholarly Approach to Singing

I've read several books on singing, and this is by far the most comprehensive resource I've found. Richard Miller has written several books on singing, all of them very helpful. This is his volume on systematic vocal technique. Miller's book opens with a chapter on The Coordinated Vocal Onset and Release: Establishing Dynamic Muscle Equilibrium through Onset and Release (aka attacks and cutoffs, aka starts and stops). Following chapters cover breath management, agility, resonance, vowel differentiation, nasal consonants, non-nasal consonants, sostenuto, registers of males and females, vowel modification, and so on. There is also a wonderful appendix with physiological information on laryngeal structure, the breathing apparatus, and the resonator system. Most of the chapters include helpful exercises to develop and improve each aspect of singing which Miller discusses. The bibliography is tremendous, and it is clear that the reader is given accurate information on every page. If Miller's opening chapter title didn't give it away, this book can be highly technical at times. Miller uses lots of terms, both physiological and singing-related, which can be difficult to grasp. Voice teachers, especially those who have some familiarity with the terms and physiology, will find this book immensely helpful. Amateur singers or novices should look elsewhere. More accessible books on singing are those by Clifton Ware or Oren Brown. For those courageous souls who do not fear an in-depth answer, this book is for you!

Excellent, but NOT for those who are uneducated about singin

This may sound pompous, that is, saying what I say in the title of my review. This book is excellent, and it is the first one I read by Richard Miller. However, I have sang for decades, had a career, and teach voice. I have a background in understanding what he is talking about. I read the reviews that rated this book a one star, and quite frankly, I can see why such a person would do that. It was evident by the reviews that these people, though they want to sing and love doing it, are still looking for that "one perfect exercise" that will create their "soon to be famous voice." This book will not do that for you. Firstly, there is no such thing as a "singing made simple" book, even though there are plenty of them out there that claim such a thing is possible. It is true one doesn't need to understand all there is to know about singing to sing well, but one does have a greater appreciation for what they are doing if they learn more than the basic scales. This book does try to help people understand the physical functionings of the voice, which techniques out there actually work against good vocal production and which things support it. All of that can be very confusing if you are not somewhat knowledgeable of singing technique. That is why I say, this book is NOT for those who are not educated in singing, or who are seeking a quick fix for some vocal problem they may have, or who simply think reading a book on voice will make them the winners of the NEXT AMERICAN IDOL. Personally, I think this book is more valuable to teachers than anyone, but it is excellent for serious students who wish to learn more about what is happening in their bodies as they sing. None of Richard Miller's books are an easy read, and in fact, they are very academic in nature and in word usage, and they presuppose the reader has a very active background in vocal terminalogy. I recommend all his books for those who are studying and most especially to those who teach. I don't recommend any of them to those who are wanting the "quick fix" to stardom. One thing all readers of his works need is a very detailed understanding of their own bodies, and what they do while they sing. Only then will the information he gives really help you, for only then will you see if you are using your muscles correctly or if you are not. Miller's books on singing, as excellent as I think they are, are not for everyone. Buy this book only if you are sure you know it contains what you are able to understand. I recommend borrowing his books from public libraries before you buy them, then you will be able, without having spent the price, to see if they help you. Once you see how good they are, then buying them is an excellent idea.

Systematic is right!

For the serious vocalist, this book is a must. I have been studying voice wih great teachers for the past 23 years, have studied vocal pedagogy in college and have taught privately for 10 years. Nowhere have I experienced such a straight forward, in-depth, enlightening explanation of the process of singing.This book is usable by all voice types, with special sections for unifying the male and female registers. The exercises are many. I easily spend 1 hour a day vocalizing now. But now my vocalization time has specific goals, rather than just repeating a series of scales with no thought or purpose.That is the beauty of this book. Mr. Miller shows one how to correct and maintain each of the important aspects of proper vocal production, while increasing one's understanding of the process. Which, and this REALLY rocks, allows one to consistently reproduce the results even under the strain of performance.I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

Insightful

One of the most insightful books I have read. Mr. Millers book is so well thought out. The material is so well researched that it sometimes feels like one is reading a research paper. Do not let this discourage you from buying it, however, because it never gets boring. It is a very useful tool for any person who wants to improve his voice. I noticed results withing a few days of reading the book and I have to admit I haven't even tried all the exercises. This book is also not always easy to understand but Mr. Miller does his best to help by adding an appendix and even a glossary of vocal terms! Definitely worth your money if your seeking to better your voice, even if it is not for a professional career.

A Personal Encounter with Richard Miller

Over 40, now having studied with over twenty professional singers and academic coaches, teaching and enjoying public performances in opera as well as several civic choral societies, I can only regret not having access to this material much earlier in my career. Recently I was introduced to Richard's master class and seminar and I knew immediately that I had to acquire this text. Unlike so many subjctive apporaches I have ran into elsewhere, there is little left to the imagination or to private interpretation when it comes to the pysiology and functionality of the voice as it is so well outlined in its pages. Regardless of the style of singing one might wish to pursue, every serious student/performer will gain infinite insight from following this comprehensive guide to perfecting a more internationaly accepted vocal technique. The sheer volume of difinitive information it contains constitutes the most exhaustive collection of practical examples, scientific research and systematic exercises that I have ever encountered. Now utilized as the basis of instruction at many universities, this lively publication is a must for every studio.