LibGuides: Vocal Music (Solo): Technique

Jump to: General Resources | Diction & Pronunciation | Interpretation & Analysis | Stage Performance | Wellness

General Resources

Books in the Allen Library (selections)

So You Want to Sing (series)
Call Number: MT820 S696
Series topics include early music, gospel, spirituals, blues, world music, a cappella, music by women, and much more.
The Naked Voice by W. Stephen Smith
Call Number: MT820 S66 N35 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2007
Focuses on the technical, psychological, and spiritual elements of singing, to reveal the true unique sound of one's own voice by singing with the whole self.

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Call Number	Subject
MT 820 – 915	Singing and vocal technique

Diction & Pronunciation

Guide to Vocal Music Translations
Many of the resources in this guide include IPA transcriptions as well as translations.

Online Resources

Art Song Central
Public domain sheet music. Auto-generated IPA transcriptions are available for German, French, Italian, and Latin songs.
IPA Chart with Sounds
The full chart of IPA symbols. Click a symbol to hear an example of the sound it represents.

IPA Source This link opens in a new window
IPA transcriptions and literal translations of opera arias and art song texts. Currently includes over 12,000 texts.

Oxford International Song Festival
Texts and translations of over 4,000 songs. Many also include videos, IPA transcriptions, or other helpful information.

General Books in the Allen Library (selections)

Diction for Singers by Joan Wall, Robert Caldwell, Tracy Gavilanes, and Sheila Allen
Call Number: MT883 D54 W36 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 1990
Covers diction in general, plus special features of English, Italian, Latin, German, French, and Spanish. Includes vowel and consonant charts with IPA transcriptions.
A Handbook of Diction for Singers by David Adams
E-book.
Covers Italian, German, and French diction, including IPA symbols and tips for singers.
International Phonetic Alphabet for Singers by Joan Wall
Call Number: MT883 W36 I58 [Allen shelves & reference]
Publication Date: 1989
A manual to compare and contrast sounds, read and write IPA transcriptions, sing examples, and more.

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Singing > Diction
Singing > Instruction and study

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Call Number	Subject
MT 883	Vocal music diction and pronunciation

Language-Specific Books in the Allen Library (selections)

German for Singers

Describes the full range of German sounds, including exceptions to the standard rules of pronunciation. Includes musical examples from folk and art songs.

Scandinavian Song

A survey of available music from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, with sample IPA transcriptions and translations, and information for rendering new IPA transcriptions.

Singers' Italian

Covers all aspects of Italian pronunciation and diction, with in-depth IPA descriptions.

Singing and Communicating in English

A guide to the principles of English diction for British, American, and regional dialects. Includes practical exercises.

Singing in Brazilian Portuguese

An overview of the language and music, composer biographies, and selected texts with IPA transliterations plus literal and poetic translations.

Singing in Czech

Covers each sound of the Czech language, with IPA symbols and exercises. Also includes an overview of Czech vocal repertoire with translations and IPA transcriptions.

Singing in Greek

Tools to locate and perform Greek art songs and arias. Covers the alphabet and pronunciation, grammar, history, texts with IPA transcriptions and translations, and more.

Singing in Latin

Describes regional pronunciations from the 700s AD to the present, and makes recommendations for specific works and repertoires.

Singing in French

The basics of French diction in singing.

Singing in Mandarin

A comprehensive guide to mastering vocal repertoire in Mandarin. Covers diction and language, historical context, repertoire, and more.

Spanish Diction for Singers

A practical course which helps you to master perfect diction, achieve great interpretations, and connect with your audiences.

Russian Songs and Arias

Phonetic readings and word-by-word translations of songs and arias, plus a concise guide to Russian diction.

Interpretation & Analysis

Books in the Allen Library (selections)

Poetry into Song by Deborah Stein and Robert Spillman
Call Number: MT120 S74 1996 [Allen shelves]
Establishes a framework for Lieder analysis based on a process of performing, listening, analyzing, and performing again.
Singing in Style by Martha Elliott
Call Number: MT892 E44 S5 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2006
An introduction to vocal performance practice from the Baroque period to the present: ornamentation, vibrato, rubato, portamento, articulation, tempo, language, and more.
The Third Line by Daniel Helfgot and William O. Beeman
Call Number: MT892 H45 T [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 1993
Offers guidance on using movement, focus, facial expression, and vocal inflections derived from the text and music to make the music visual on stage.

Find more books on interpretation & analysis

Search subjects in the catalog:

Operas > Analysis, appreciation
Operas > Interpretation
Singing > Interpretation
Songs > Analysis, appreciation
Songs > Interpretation

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Call number	Subject
MT 95 – 100	Analysis of operas
MT 120 – 121	Analysis of solo vocal music
MT 892	Vocal music interpretation

Stage Performance

See also our guide to Music Theatre resources!

Books in the Allen Library (selections)

Acting for Singers by David F. Ostwald
Call Number: MT956 O78 A28 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2005
Explains how to analyze a script or libretto and develop a character, and addresses the issues that often afflict singers pursuing believable performance.
Singing, Acting, and Movement in Opera by Mark Ross Clark
Call Number: MT956 C53 2002 [Allen shelves]
Emphasizes integration of vocal performance, character development, facial expression, and movement on the stage. Includes practical exercises and applications to well-known works.

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Acting in musical theater
Acting in opera
Musical theater > Instruction and study

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Call Number	Subject
MT 955 – 956	Dramatic production/performance

Wellness

Books in the Allen Library (selections)

Complete Vocal Fitness by Claudia Friedlander
Call Number: MT821 F75 2018 [Allen shelves]
Uses principles of sports science to fine-tune strength, flexibility, and dynamic stabilization to meet the physical demands of singing.
Everyday Voice Care by Joanna Cazden
Call Number: MT821 C38 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2012
Practical advice to keep your expressive voice in top working order. Integrates up-to-date medical information with common-sense suggestions for the demands of contemporary life.
The Singing Athlete by Andrew Byrne
Call Number: MT821 B97 2020 [Allen shelves]
Voice training guide combining athletics and neuroscience from one of the top teachers of professional Broadway performers.
The Vocal Athlete by Wendy D. LeBorgne and Marci Rosenberg
Call Number: MT893 L43 2021 [Allen shelves]
Provides an understanding of the vocal mechanism, care of the body and instrument, and the science behind the voice.

Find more books on vocal wellness

Search subjects in the catalog:

Singers > Health and hygiene
Singing > Physiological aspects
Voice > Care and hygiene
Voice > Physiological aspects

Suggest a Resource

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).