The 888 pages of The Craft of Singing constitute a rich resource that can potentially serve many classes of reader.

Who can benefit from this book?

Originally conceived as a textbook for singers, the book grew into a comprehensive review of voice science and its practical application to the singing voice.

The book is a:

reference text for all singers, combining:

-- comprehensive compendium of voice science

(anatomy, physiology and acoustics)

-- physiology of singer’s phonetics (both vowels

and consonants)

-- direct application of this knowledge (in

compelling detail) to three songs (It., Ger.

and En.)

detailed exploration of vocal technique presented in a carefully graduated matrix to help beginning through intermediate singers gain a strong vocal technique

vocal pedagogy text for undergraduates.

How language sounds are made -- especially consonants

No other text contains the detailed exposition of how language sounds are produced by ranking singers. While the physiology of vowels is fairly common in vocal writing, the physiology of consonants – sounds that comprise more than half of those needed in singing – have received virtually no attention. In this

book, they finally get their due.

During the course of this broad survey of up-to-date voice science and vocal technique, Nair “explains potentially confusing concepts in a clear manner. The writing style, which is not formal, will not intimidate beginners.” (Gerschner, review in JoV).

Critical subjects not usually covered in voice lessons or courses

A popular feature with readers of the book is its last section where Nair writes about non-musical, non-vocal aspects of performance. These are subjects that are almost never covered during the course of voice lessons but, none-the-less, are critical to a singer facing a performance. Chapters on

Learning Vocal Music

Programming and Citing Vocal Music

The Printed Program

OnStage I: Stage Dress

OnStage II: Stage Etiquette and Tradition

cover these subjects in copious detail with supporting illustrations and photographs.

A 'must-have' resource

Prior to the publication of this book, a singer or voice pedagogue attempting to approach the subject of voice science and its application to modern vocal technique would usually have to collate information from many different source. In CoS, Nair collates and expands this critical information and thus provides a reference book that will serve the reader for years to come.