Circle of Sound Voice Education.

Circle of Sound Voice Education, by Doreen Rao with Bill Pierson. Boosey & Hawkes/Alfred Publishing Co., Inc. (16320 Roscoe Blvd., P.O. Box 10003, Van Nuys, CA 91410), 2005. 105 pp. $14.95.

Doreen Rao is an internationally acclaimed choral conductor, specializing in children's choirs, with vast experience in professional music. Currently on the faculty at the University of Toronto, Rao has written numerous books on choral music education. In Circle of Sound she moves beyond traditional music education towards viewing music as a transforming medium for life and spirit. Written in collaboration with tai chi teacher and composer Bill Pierson, this is, in reality, a philosophy book, using basic movements of Taijiquan and the underpinning philosophies, to approach the teaching of singing. This small, inexpensive and easy-to-read book, full of pictures and detailed explanations of the suggested exercises, is a "must read" for all choral conductors. Interestingly enough, as a teacher of voice and vocal pedagogy on the college level, I would recommend the book highly to all voice teachers as well, regardless of the level of singers with whom they work, simply because of the philosophy and world-view presented about singing and sound, as parts of life and as tools for spiritual growth.

Although not an expert, I am familiar enough with tai chi to realize that it can transform the body and mind in subtle ways. Clearly Rao has practiced this eastern form of "body-breath-mind" movement and contemplation for some time, and it has profoundly influenced her work. She has used the exercises and methods described in this book for more than six years and finds they not only improve the vocal quality of her groups, but seem to improve the lives of the participants as well. Half of the book's six chapters focus on philosophy and discussion, making a strong case for the book's subtitle, A Contemplative Approach to Singing through Meditation, Movement, and Vocalization. Remaining chapters illustrate the recommended exercises for stretching, breath work and singing-all with intention and mindfulness. Traditional pedagogical terms are avoided in favor of tai chi and yoga terms. As I experimented with the provided exercises and musical examples, I found old ideas given a new slant with the Rao-Pierson approach--some are opposite from common practice--and I have decided to try them in my own teaching.

Circle of Sound will be most accessible to vocal musicians with some knowledge of the eastern meditative arts, however this is not essential. The ideas are important and leave the reader wanting more. What arguably is essential is this global and holistic approach to singing as a healing tool for people living in today's world of suffering and chaos. Reviewed by Karen Peeler, Worthington, Ohio.