The Vocal Athlete

The Vocal Athlete, Third Edition is written and designed to bridge the gap between the art of contemporary commercial music (CCM) singing and the science behind voice production in this ever-growing popular vocal style. Revised and expanded, this edition is a must-have for vocal pedagogy courses and speech-language pathologists, singing voice specialists, and voice teachers. Heavily referenced, this text is rife with current research on singing science as it relates to the CCM voice. Anyone who trains singers will gain insight into the current research and trends regarding commercial music artists. 

The text distinguishes itself from other academic pedagogy texts by incorporating comprehensive chapters on the physiology of belting, current peer-reviewed literature in vocal training for CCM styles, and application in the voice studio. Also included is current information on our understanding of gender affirmation treatments and potential implications for singers. 

New to the Third Edition

• New comprehensive chapter titled Overview of Black American Music: History, Pedagogy, and Practice by Trineice Robinson-Martin and Alison Crockett 
• Extended and revised sections in several chapters
• Reference grid depicting specific content areas for both the proposed NATS vocal pedagogy curriculum and the PAVA-RV
• Updated references throughout the text

Related Workbook

The companion book, The Vocal Athlete: Application and Technique for the Hybrid Singer, Third Edition is a practical array of vocal exercises and techniques described by experienced CCM vocal pedagogues. 

PluralPlus Online Ancillary Materials

For instructors: PowerPoint slides

Foreword by Robert T. Sataloff
Preface
Acknowledgments
Contributors

Section I.  Structure and Function of the Voice
1.     The Singer’s Body: Alignment, Movement, and Intention
Introduction    
Kinesthetic Awareness and the Mental Rolodex
Tension Versus Release
Tensegrity
Posture and Alignment    
Skeletal Structures
Performance Demands and Alignment
Muscular Structures of the Neck
Research Considerations for Extrinsic Laryngeal Muscles
Deep Muscles of the Neck 
Targeting Posture and Alignment in the Voice Studio
Beyond Posture
Chapter Summary 

2.    Neurological Control of Voice Production
Introduction
Working From the Top Down: From the Singer’s Brain to the Singer’s Body
Central Nervous System
Peripheral Nervous System
Autonomic Nervous System
Summary of Neuromotor and Neurosensory Pathways for Voice Production
Musical Performance Anxiety and Emotional Aspects of Singing
The Efficacy of Mindfulness and Meditation Practices for Vocal Athletes 

3.    Foundations of Motor Learning: Application to Vocal Teaching and Learning
Introduction
How We Learn
Implicit Versus Explicit Learning
Motor Performance Versus Motor Learning
Stages of Motor Learning
Establishing Training Goals
Structuring a Lesson 
The Forgetting Hypothesis 
Feedback and Cueing
Reducing Learner Dependency
Directing the Learner’s Focus
Attention and Monitoring
Future Considerations
Nurturing a Growth Mindset
Chapter Summary 

4.    Exercise Physiology Principles for Training the Vocal Athlete
Introduction
Muscle Fibers and Laryngeal Function
Basic Training Principles for Exercise Science
Research on Exercise Science for Voice
Application of Exercise Physiology Principles for Training Vocal Athletes 
Research on Vocal Warm-Ups and Cooldowns 
Monitoring Vocal Effort
Chapter Summary 

5.    Respiratory Kinematics
Introduction
Historical Overview of Respiratory Pedagogy
Contemporary Respiratory Pedagogical Training
Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory Mechanism for the Singer 
Primary Muscles of Inspiration 
Respiratory Kinematics for Vocal Athletes—What the Research Tells Us
Emerging Respiratory Findings in Diverse Populations
Chapter Summary

6.    Laryngeal Anatomy, Physiology, and Function During Singing
Introduction
Role of the Larynx
Basic Laryngeal Anatomy and Physiology
Voice Production
Chapter Summary 

7.    Resonance and Vocal Acoustics
Introduction
Labeling and Notation
Resonators and Resonance 
Chapter Summary

Section II. Vocal Health and Fitness
8.    Phonotrauma: Impact on Vocal Health and Singing
Introduction
What Is Phonotrauma? 
Wound Healing and the Vocal Folds
Vocal Rest and Vocal Fatigue
Management of Phonotrauma
Managing Voice Demands During an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Medical and Surgical Management
Chapter Summary

9.    Common Vocal Pathologies in Vocal Athletes: A Medical Perspective
Introduction
Muscle Tension Dysphoria
Laryngitis 
Vocal Fold Lesions
Other Laryngeal Disorders
Evaluation and Diagnosis of Vocal Pathology: What to Expect During a Visit
Treatment
Chapter Summary

10.    Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: What the Singer Needs to Know
Introduction
Symptoms
Complications
How Do I Know if I Have Reflux?
Treatment
Chapter Summary

11.    Multidisciplinary Care of the Vocal Athlete 
Introduction
The Voice Care Team
The Voice Evaluation
Roles and Responsibilities of the Voice Care Team
Collaborative Interaction and Decision-Making
Chapter Summary

12.    The Singer’s Guide to Anesthesiology and Voice
Introduction
Basics of Anesthesia
Procedures That Require Airway Devices
Singer Concerns
Other Common Airway and Vocal Tract Complications and Preventive Considerations
Chapter Summary

13.    The Life Cycle of the Singing Voice
Overview
The Pediatric Performer: Considerations for Vocal Performing in Children Through Adolescence
Aspects of the Aging Voice and the Nonclassical Singer
Chapter Summary

14.    Medicine, Myths, and Truths
Introduction
Medications and the Voice
Reflux Medications
Herbal Supplements and Vitamins
Myths and Truth About Dryness
Hydration
Chapter Summary

15.    Perceptions, Aesthetics, and Registration in the Commercial Vocal Athlete
Introduction
Perceptions and Aesthetics 
History and Evolution of Vocal Registers
Voice Typing in Musical Theater Vocal Athletes 
Sound Types Within the Musical Theater Genre 
Summary

Section III. Vocal Pedagogy for the 21st-Century Vocal Athlete  
16.    History of Classical Voice Pedagogy
Overview
Classical Vocal Pedagogy
Early Vocal Pedagogues
Chapter Summary

17.    Overview of Black American Music: History, Pedagogy, and Practice
Introduction
Conceptual and Philosophical Approaches to Black American Music
History and Development of Black American Music
Pedagogical Parameters, Training Strategies, and Cultural Understanding When Teaching Black American Music
Conclusion

18.    Overview of Belting: History, Pedagogy, and Practice
Introduction
Increasing Demand for Commercial Pedagogy and Belting
Overview of History and Pedagogical Approaches to Belting
Chapter Summary

19.    Physiology of Belting: Research and Theory
Introduction
Belting—Perceptual Research
Laryngeal Muscle Activity and Action During Contemporary Commercial Music Singing
Voice Source Information on Belting
Formants and Harmonic Findings/Singer’s Formant/Formant Tuning
The Science Behind the Singing: Inertance and Compliance Theories
Chapter Summary

20.    The Art of Perfection: What Every Singer and Voice Teacher Should Know About Audio Technology
Introduction
Understanding Microphones
Signal Processing
Teaching With Audio Equipment
Chapter Summary

Index

The Vocal Athlete, Third Edition comes with access to supplementary teaching resources on a PluralPlus companion website.

The companion website is located at: https://www.pluralpublishing.com/publication/va3e

INSTRUCTOR:

The instructor resources include PowerPoint lecture slides.

To access the resources, you must contact Plural Publishing, Inc. to be verified as an instructor and receive your access code.

Email: instructormaterials@pluralpublishing.com

Tel: 866-758-7251 (toll free) or 858-492-1555