Choral Pedagogy and the Older Singer

This book should help conductors adjust expectations and methods to suit the condition and abilities of older singers. Maintaining one's vocal skill in later years is the goal, since getting better may not be possible. Knowing that every choral conductor hopes a choir will improve from season to season, a new paradigm for the aging choir must be established. Once involved, the conductor of older singers is certain to reap the benefits of making music with people whose appreciation of the text, the music and the act of singing is deeper than in any younger ensemble.

Reviews

"The resurgence in the popularity of choral singing and the increasing expectation of active participation in a range of activities are combining to encourage more people to enjoy singing well into older age. This American book is designed to help choir conductors adjust their expectations and methods to suit the condition and abilities of older singers. It supports this with a wealth of information about the ageing voice and how to look after it and use it well.

SLTs working with older people who run into difficulties with both their speaking and singing voices will find this book of immense interest. The chapters on medical and vocal health are clear and accessible and particularly helpful. They bring together familiar and new information on anatomy, physiology, conditions, factors affecting the voice and approaches and treatments. This is a treasure trove, well worth a look. My copy is already well thumbed."
—Patricia Henshaw, Principal SLT, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Bulletin (Sept. 2012)

Foreword
Preface
About the Authors
Contributors

I. Introduction
1. Working with Older Singers
2. Choral Pedagogy and Vocal Health

II. Vocal Technique For The Older Singer
3. The Basics of Singing

III. Aspects Of Vocal Technique For Older Singers
4. Range, Stamina, and Voice Quality
5. Tone, Pitch Matching, and Tuning
6. Age- and Size-Appropriate Singing
7. Warm-Up and Cooldown Procedures
8. Special Considerations for Teaching Older Singers
9. Rhythm, Discipline, and Brain Function
10. Vibrato Rate

IV. Vocal Health and Pedagogy
11. Anatomy and Physiology of the Voice
12. Medical Care of Voice Disorders
13. Performing Arts Medicine and the Professional Voice User: Risk of Nonvoice Performance
14. Seating Problems of Vocalists

V. Vocal Health and the Older Singer
15. Vocal Health and the Older Singer
16. The Use of Nutrition and Integrative Medicine or Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Older Choral Singers
17. Vocal Exercise Physiology: Training for a Lifetime

VI. Repertoire For All Ages
18. Content and Language
19. Manner of Performance
20. Choral Diction

VII. Choral Rehearsal And The Older Singer
21. The Rehearsal Process
22. Choral Rehearsal and the Older Singer
23. Men and Singing
24. Women and Singing

VIII. Conclusion
25. Singing and Aging

Bibliography
Glossary
Index