A Singer's Guide to the Larynx

Book excerpt: 'I think the knowledge presented in the text is hugely important for teachers of singing. In the shadow of ignorance, superstition and misunderstanding rage. Some singers do quite well even if their thinking about the voice is completely nuts but teachers need to understand each other in order to profit from exchange of experience and ideas'. Johan Sundberg The knowledge in this clearly presented text is important for teachers and students of singing and set out in a most imaginative way. The figures are beautiful and simply delightful to look at. Learners can acquire and revise knowledge in multiple and often playful ways. In the shadow of all the mystery and guesswork regarding the structure and function of the vocal instrument, the approach of this book, written from a singer's perspective, with scientific and anatomical accuracy, is a much-needed educational tool. As a manual it offers a universal approach to an understanding of the larynx that will enable pedagogues to engage in a robust and open exchange of experience and ideas with their students. This is an excellent, comprehensive approach that has been written specifically to help singers understand their instrument as the book builds through from basic, colour-coded anatomy to function.