Practical Vocal Acoustics

Kenneth Bozeman distills the most important vocal acoustic principles and insights for contemporary teachers and singers.

Scientific knowledge of vocal acoustics has grown exponentially in the last 80 years. With sophisticated yet inexpensive sound analysis technology, more voice teachers are curious about the value of vocal acoustics for the studio and see the need to understand it for more efficient, science-informed pedagogy. This 2nd edition provides vital updates, including:

- Updated notational designations
- Inclusion of the transient theory of voice alongside the source-filter theory
- Updated gender designations
- More details about treble voice acoustics and pedagogy
- More details about vocal styles other than classical
- Updated information on the perception of sound

With concise and easy-to-understand language, the book takes complex concepts of vocal acoustics and imparts practical tips and strategies that readers can use in their teaching and singing. Unlike many other singing texts, this book focuses on the knowledge and use of vocal acoustics as an especially powerful avenue for training vocal efficiency. Bozeman addresses topics including the relevance of perception of sound and sensation to singing, how theories of vocal resonance guide function, the pedagogic implications of tube acoustics, resonances and their interactions with harmonics, acoustic vocal registers and registration, effective passaggio training, the acoustics of belting, and acoustic technology useful for the studio.

Also included are vocal exercises implementing these concepts.

Now in its expanded second edition, Practical Vocal Acoustics continues to offer readers a concise and immediately applicable framework to identify and navigate important acoustical interactions in a singing voice. This is a startlingly direct and accessible take on what might otherwise be a dense and complex subject. Bozeman’s elegantly insightful work deserves a place on any serious voice teacher’s bookshelf. -- Ian Howell Author of Hearing Singing: A Guide to Functional Listening and Voice Perception
Ken Bozeman's new edition further illuminates the science underpinning the current "State of the Art of Voice" in all its glorious complexity. -- Janice Chapman Professor of Voice, Guildhall School of Music and Drama; Author of Singing and Teaching Singing: A Holistic Approach to Classical Voice
Practical Vocal Acoustics is a cornerstone of acoustic vocal pedagogy, and this new edition only strengthens its place as an essential resource. Few texts manage to be this concise, organized, and immediately useful. And beyond the concepts—which are worth their weight in gold—what shines through is Ken Bozeman’s profound curiosity, his reverence for the art and history of singing, and his unwavering commitment to inclusivity. -- Chadley Ballantyne Associate Professor of Music, Voice, Stetson University
The second edition of Practical Vocal Acoustics is a welcome addition to the expanding literature on this topic. Like the first edition, it is written in a clear and forthright style which makes voice research not only accessible, but most importantly, immediately applicable for the acoustics-curious pedagogue. -- Lynn Helding Professor of Vocal Arts and Opera, Coordinator of Voice Pedagogy, University of Southern California; author of The Musician’s Mind

Kenneth Bozeman, tenor, was the Frank C. Shattuck Professor of Music at Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin, where he was chair of the voice department and taught voice, and voice science and pedagogy.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.