The Right Way to Sing.

The Right Way to Sing, by Linda Marquart. Allworth Press (10 E., 23rd St., New York, NY, 10010), 2005. 127 pp. $12.95.

Linda Marquart's book, The Right Way to Sing, is a pragmatic approach to singing that would benefit amateurs, beginning voice students and teachers, and choir directors and members. While most of the information is familiar, Marquart's clear, direct and inspiring writing style makes the reading especially beneficial for a novice student or young teacher.

This compact book offers a systematic procedure toward a healthy vocal technique, as well as valuable information about practicing, avoiding vocal strain, learning a song, preparing a recital and finding a voice teacher. Chapter Four, "Vocal Technique," discusses and describes the basics of singing: posture, breathing, support, placement and resonance, registers, color and phasing. What is refreshing about the approach to these typical topics is how Marquart consistently links the physiological act of singing to the expressive act of singing, including such instructions as using "the breath to express the meaning of the phrase" and a discussion of "expressive" diction. She never loses sight of the "singer as a person" in her effort to find the "voice."

Marquart proposes many tried-and-true empirical methods and imagery, such as the "surprise breath," the "balloon inside the body," keeping "the beach ball underwater," use of the hum for masque placement and the yawn for an open throat. She has a knack for sharply describing these images in written form. Her ideals promote careful teaching, as well as concern for the individual's well-being.

There are a few items that might be challenged, but this is true of any book, certainly one about singing technique. Marquart does not use the International Phonetic Alphabet in her discussion on vowels, perhaps because the novice singer would be unfamiliar with it. There are other diction points, such as using the word "man" as an example of an Italian bright "ah" vowel, which, unfortunately, would not work for American singers.

Marquart has not attempted to deliver a comprehensive nor a scientific study about singing technique. The Right Way to Sing is a user-friendly manual that provides the less-experienced singer or teacher with many solid ideas and applications for healthy singing. Reviewed by Melanie DeMent, NCTM, Newark, Delaware.