Seminar in Vocal Pedagogy

Conclusion

The primary difference between Vennard and Miller are approach. Vennard's philosophy seems mostly bound to the "letter of the law;" that is, the biological processes seem engineered to work in a specific way, and that is the primary determinant in proper vocal technique. Miller argues from a much more pragmatic viewpoint: understanding of all these processes have their place, but they must be handled within prioritization of freedom of the voice and what actually works. Knowing how the system ought to function and what creates the best, safest vocal product are not always exactly the same thing; in fact, very often what seems most logical and natural in vocal function is not actually always the best or safest.

Both have much to teach; it seems very little new, important information will be added to the groundwork these men have laid down. (Of course, that is probably the mentality held of the teachings of Garcia, Lamperti, and Marchesi when their findings were current.) New discoveries in vocal technique and physiology may help to clarify each of these teachers' tenets, either unifying them or causing them to become more distinct. In any case, the body of knowledge of vocal pedagogy and our comprehension of proper vocal function and its application is all the richer for their work.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Christy, Van. Expressive Singing, 3^rd Edition. William C. Brown: Dubuque, IO, 1974.

Miller, Richard. The Structure of Singing: System and Art in Vocal Technique. Macmillan: New York, 1986.

Vennard, William. Singing: the Mechanism and the Technic. Carl Fischer: New York, 1968.