The Four Voices of Man

by Jerome Hines

Distinguished Metropolitan Opera basso Jerome Hines provides a wealth of information and advice for all those who have embarked on or plan to embark upon a serious singing career. From basic information on how the head and body combine to produce vocal sound, he goes on to analyze the “four voices” encompassed by the singer's one voice, always explaining how through proper technique and training the voice can achieve its ultimate in power, grace and beauty. The book also guides the singer through the labyrinth of choosing the right teacher, shows how physical and emotional health and care of the body relate to the vocal apparatus and considers such diverse matters as stage fright, dealing with conductors and managers and that final challenge – facing the critics.

Genres: Music

252 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

Reviews

[Milan Perišić · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Mr. Hines' writing. He is witty, charming, and interesting but not very precise, and, i dare say, not good at explaining himself at times. Also, do not hope to learn something about singing - even though some of the methods or instructions described in the book can "work" for you, unfortunately, it does not provide a clear and complete guide for good singing, not even close. I'm sure that was his intention, being that he tried to join various singing "techniques" in one Frankenstein-like mash-up, even though they contradict themselves. He also begins his book by talking about the ambiguity of some instructive phrases uses widely in the industry and how they are often misunderstood or misinterpreted, and then goes to talk about things such as "smile under the sternum", leaving us to guess what that even means. The book does, however, provide some very useful practical career tips, which is a plus - not a lot of attention is given to such things at any point in a typical artists' education and development.

[Iaroslav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting theory about vocal techniques. But, there is almost no usefulness in it, because of the phenomenological nature of learning how to sing. You need to feel it and build up a real connection with yourself through your teacher. Anyway, it is great to know the story of Jerome Hines life.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, this sounds like my music teacher. If this is what true musicians are like, then spare me! The info itself is good, and the author is polite enough, but you can tell he's temperamental like the rest of them, and so opinionated, when I disagree with a lot of what he says near the end.