The Right Way to Sing.(Book Review)

The Right Way to Sing, by Linda Marquart. Allworth Press (10 E., 23rd St., New York, NY, 10010), 2005. 127 pp. $12.95.

Linda Marquart's book, The Right Way to Sing, is a pragmatic approach to singing that would benefit amateurs, beginning voice students and teachers, and choir directors and members. While most of the information is familiar, Marquart's clear, direct and inspiring writing style makes the reading especially beneficial for a novice student or young teacher.

This compact book offers a systematic procedure toward a healthy vocal technique, as well as valuable information about practicing, avoiding vocal strain, learning a song, preparing a recital and finding a voice teacher. Chapter Four, "Vocal Technique," discusses and describes the basics of singing: posture, breathing, support, placement and resonance, registers, color and phasing. What is refreshing about the approach to these typical topics is how Marquart consistently links the physiological act of singing to the expressive act of singing, including such instructions as using "the breath to express the meaning of the phrase" and a discussion of "expressive" diction. She never loses sight of the "singer as a ...