The Owner's Manual to the Voice: A Guide for Singers and Other Professional Voice Users

by Rachael Gates, L. Arick Forrest, Kerrie Obert

Singers must equip themselves with enough knowledge to clearly convey specific sensations and difficulties with their instrument. Understanding of potential dangers and disorders, familiarity with a variety of medical procedures, and comprehension in various facets of diagnosis and treatments empower singers to "own," just like other musicians, their instrument. The Owner's Manual to the Voice provides singers with the knowledge necessary to communicate effectively and in intelligent terms about their instrument, especially when conversing with medical professionals. Beginning with an overview of the vocal anatomy, lead author Rachael Gates, and co-authors L. Arick Forrest, M.D. and Kerri Obert, M.A., C.C.C/S.L.P, proceed through detailed discussions of caring for the voice and common causes of vocal changes and problems before guiding the reader through the process of choosing, talking to, and working with an ENT. In so doing, they give insights that any professional voice user - whether singer, actor, broadcaster, politician, teacher, preacher, or lawyer - will find helpful if not essential.

Genres: Nonfiction

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Erin Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this book was SUPER HELPFUL to me as a singer. Lots of anatomy and basics of how things truly work in the larynx, which is more important than I realized. Know Thy Instrument!
The second half of the book, however, when it came to surgeries and procedures, felt very opinionated as they moved from a "everyone should get to know their own voice and do what works for them because every person and voice is different" vibe to a much more "know it all" vibe. As a person who has had vocal surgery, I know for a fact that some of their definitive answers are simply inaccurate. If the second half of this book was more generally informative and less "this is how it is, we know it all", I think that this could be a truly excellent text.

[CharityJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

A dry, academic title that focuses on potential vocal issues. But the first part of the book that explains the intricate physiology of the vocal system has take-aways. Good for anyone who uses their voice a lot and wants a better understanding of it.

[Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not worth 41 dollars. Was this book written by a doctor or just a vocalist? These people are crazy and write on obesity, asthma, medicine that “harms” vocalist when there is plenty of amazing singers who fall into categories in this book. I wish I could rate this book a 0/10.

[Autumn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lol this book is so silly

[Karen]

Very valuable book for a singer or voice teacher to own.