The Diagnosis & Correction of Vocal Faults: A Manual for Teachers of Singing & for Choir Directors

by James C. McKinney

Popular for more than two decades among college voice teachers and their students, this outstanding, authoritative vocal pedagogy text is an invaluable manual. It thoroughly examines the vocal problems prospective voice teachers will encounter daily in the teaching studio and choral rehearsal. The author's approach is a unique one, based in large part on diagnostic procedures similar to those used by doctors. As each vocal fault is presented, its identifying characteristics or symptoms are stated, its possible causes are discussed, and corrective procedures are suggested. Fourteen male and female voice samples of various vocal faults are discussed in the text, enabling students to better identify basic characteristic sounds associated with each fault. Current and prospective choir directors and voice teachers who need help in improving the vocal sounds of choir members or students will find this practical guidebook to be an ever-present help in time of trouble. Titles of related interest also available from Waveland Davids-LaTour, Vocal A Guide to Classical and Contemporary Styles for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers, Second Edition (ISBN 9781478640226); Emmons-Sonntag, The Art of the Song Recital (ISBN 9781577662204); McClosky, with members of the McClosky Institute of Voice, Your Voice at Its Enhancement of the Healthy Voice, Help for the Troubled Voice, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577667056); Melton-Tom, One Integrating Techniques across Performance Disciplines, Third Edition (ISBN 9781478647898); and Stanton, Steps to Singing for Voice Classes, Third Edition (ISBN 9781577661351).

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

About the author

Dr. James C. McKinney held a combination doctorate in music theory and voice. He had the unique teaching ability of getting his point across with great clarity, and this ability come through in his books as well. For many years he served as Dean of the School of Music for Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Forth Worth, Texas.

Reviews

[even · Rating 4 out of 5]

wasn't gonna add but I read ts 4 times

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written before current advances in science, stroboscopy, etc. and some of the information is outdated. The chapters on breath support and registration have some old info, but the book as a whole is full of wonderful ideas and strategies to support good vocal technique in clear language.

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took this book in order to learn more about controlling my voices. It did a great job on teaching me the basics and putting a name to certain effects which I couldn’t put a finger on or phrase previously. It is recommended to use the book with a teacher and I can see why, however I, as an absolute beginner found myself motivated to do more research and start improving my voice. The effect would be much bigger with a guided approach. In any case, I recommend it further. Four stars, because sometimes I found it hard to follow the structure.

[Samantha Huamaní · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started with a really good and intuitive book "Sing like never before" (Stoney), and i have to say that without that i would have never understood this books as much as i did with that background knowledge. And I agree with other review that it seems more directed to male singers than women. It has the vast knowledge but all the explanations lacked images to represent the meaning. I think it did an OK job. But i would have to read more books to know if this is the furthest singing books can reach.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be incredibly interesting and not a little daunting. I never knew how complicated, nuanced and psychological the act of singing is. I understand now why people can spend a lifetime learning how to sing.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for any voice teacher or choir director--so thorough!

[Sarahadams · Rating 2 out of 5]

some of the info was out of date