Choral Pedagogy and the Older Singer

Dr. Brenda Smith teaches studio voice, diction and vocal pedagogy at the University of Florida in Gainesville. She has been widely recognized for her contributions to the concept of lifelong singing through proper voice care. Dr. Smith is a lyric soprano with special interests in the recital and concert repertoire. In addition, Dr. Smith was translator, collaborator, and assistant to Dr. Wilhelm Ehmann and Dr. Frauke Haasemann, the pedagogues whose work in Germany and the United States developed the concept known as "voice building for choirs". Dr. Smith works regularly as consultant, clinician, and conductor with amateur and professional choirs. She has been associated with the choirs of St. Ignatius Loyola, the Central City Chorus, and the Dessoff Choirs in New York City, the Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, the Cathedral Choral Society of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., as well as the choirs of the Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, Florida. As an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the American Choral Directors Association, Dr. Smith speaks as a resource for solo singers, voice teachers, and choral conductors. Robert T. Sataloff, MD, DMA, FACS, is a Professor and Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery and Senior Dean for Clinical Academic Specialties, Drexel University College of Medicine. He is also Adjunct Professor in the departments of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University, the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, and on the faculty of the Academy of Vocal Arts.

Patricia Henshaw, Principal SLT, Voice, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, RCSLT Bulletin (Sept. 2012): "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."

• 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