The Structure of Singing: System and Art in Vocal Technique

A lot of these reviews (both positive and negative) state that Miller's use of physiological terms might make it inappropriate for the beginning voice student because he or she might not be familiar with these terms. Well, how else would the beginning student gain familiarity with the physiological terms relevant to singing if not from a book about singing? If you're a serious vocal student, you should make close study of this book. It's extremely clear and precise BECAUSE it uses specific words that have specific meanings. If it's difficult for you to understand what he's saying, it's because you lack knowledge, and you should be eager to work hard to acquire this knowledge. Here's a tip that applies not only to this book, but to ALL reading: when you come across a term that is unfamiliar, grab a dictionary, Google or Wikipedia it (or whatever definition-delivery system you might be using in the future when you read this review). Don't criticize the author for making you learn stuff that you didn't already know. That's what good books do. My criticisms of this book: 1. It's great, but a little pricey, isn't it? 2. Some of the illustrations look like bad photocopies of anatomical atlases, and are therefore a little blurry and difficult to read.

This is a phenomenal book! I am a deep-diver in different topics, meaning I read a lot of technical books in various fields. This one is among the best books I have ever come across in my life. I do not have enough words to express how good this book is. BTW, I am no way related to the author and in general somewhat tough on vendors. When you read how to pronounce a vowel that you have been pronouncing wrong for the last 30 years, you know the book is adding some value to your life:-). If you want to use your vocal instrument effectively - does not have to be singing, it could be oration, sales presentation or just normal talking, simply put, if you want to sound nice, read this book thoroughly and practice the instructions. Sometimes you will see someone sounding really nice, but that person cannot teach another person how sound similarly nice. But since this book explains how and why one sounds good, you will even be able to teach others how to sound good. I have benefited a lot! I highly recommend this book to everyone. If you can't understand the things in the first read, keep reading it over and over - you will eventually get it. And once you get it, it's a pure bliss.

I read this book 14 years ago as an undergraduate vocal performance major and struggled to understand nearly all of it. Reading it today, however, with many more years of experience both singing and teaching voice, I realize how truly brilliant this work is! It communicates with detail, specificity, and relative simplicity concepts that the majority of voice teachers struggle to articulate in a useful way. It it an invaluable resource for teachers and/or singers of intermediate and advanced skill, but I WOULD DEFINITELY NOT RECOMMEND IT TO THE BEGINNING SINGER. While Miller's explanations of vocal functions could be intellectually understood by someone of any skill level (as long as they have the determination to keep reading), they can really only be practically applicable for someone who is already very sensitized to the physical sensations experienced while singing.

The book arrived in a Used condition despite being listed as New. I contacted the seller about this, who kindly helped me out. I would purchase from that seller again. Accidents happen. Thank you!

I really am enjoying this book. It is more of a college level textbook type but great in that it is covering the physical apparatus of the voice and so much of parts of the body associated with singing. I would recommend for any voice teacher.

If you want to learn how to sing - and add a few new words to your vocabulary, get this book. To those reviewers who find fault with Mr. Millers fancy words: Grow up and get yourself a freakin' thesaurus and/or a dictionary. This book is full of info on singing, from breathing to forming vowels to taking care of the voice. Lots of exercises. I've read other books on singing, but this book is better than any of them. If this book doesn't make you a better singer, then it might be time to think about taking up mime instead. So, do yourself a favor - buy this book.

This is the most amazing book. I highly recommend it for all singers, but especially for those with soprano voices.

Great

Should be in every classical singer's library. A huge amount of valuable information.

Expensive book, no denying. But it's great. Detailed explanation and analysis of the voice in all aspects. If you're into the technical side of singing and understanding how your voice works, or just a teacher looking to further understanding, it's worth it.

Como o prometido.

Comme dans toute oeuvre rigoureuse, l'auteur profite de la souplesse de la langue anglaise dans ses definitions, ce qui a posé quelque difficultés de traduction dans l'excellente version française.

Very very advanced read. I’d say one of the most in depth books I have read on singing. I’ll be honest some of it goes over my head but it is is a fantastic purchase and something I reference back to a lot even though I am coming from a more pop/rock style. Recommended to singers / coaches