The late Berton Coffin's teachings and writings established him as an international authority on vocal pedagogy. Professor Emeritus, University of Colorado, Boulder, he also lived and taught in Europe from 1976 to 1983—in his private studio in Vienna; during summers with the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria; and in twenty-one opera houses in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. He presented master classes in the United States and in Europe and served as a visiting professor of voice at U.S. universities. Dr. Coffin, baritone, held academic and professional music degrees from Columbia University, Eastman School of Music, Chicago Musical College, and Earlham College.

In this reprint from 1960, Coffin lists repertoire for lyric and dramatic tenors for use in concert programs, training, specific or seasonal occasions, and sacred pieces. Songs are divided among American, British, French, German, Italian, Russian, Scandinavian, Spanish, and miscellaneous categories and are also listed by articulation, type (including humorous, folk, and spiritual), and arias, song cycles, solo cantatas, and those with additional instruments. Each entry contains composer, title, range, and publisher. There is no bibliography. The second edition contains duets, trios, songs with limited range, and chamber operas.