Yoga for Singing A Developmental Tool for Technique and Performance

The 19th-century Italian singing teacher Giovanni Battista Lamperti once wrote, "'Know thyself' applies to the singer more than to other professions, because to sing well, body, soul, and mind are tuned together." Yoga, with its focus on connecting mind, body, and soul, is a tool that can greatly enhance the art of singing in this very way. In Yoga for Singing, author Judith Carman outlines the many connections between the two arts, presenting a systematic approach to yoga practices to support the development of singing technique as well as to lay a foundation for confident performance and a long and healthy singing career. She demonstrates how closely practices such as physical postures, breathing practices, and deep relaxation techniques match the needs of singers. Included in the book and its extensive companion website are copious illustrations and specific exercises designed to be used by singers and voice teachers, regardless of their level of experience with yoga. With a unique take on technique and performance improvement, this book is an excellent resource for both vocal students and professionals at any stage of their career.

Contents. About the Companion Web Site. PART I: Theory and Techniques. Chapter I Yoga and Singing: The Connections. Chapter II Yoga and Singing: The Body. Chapter III Yoga and Singing: The Breath. Chapter IV Yoga and Singing: The Mind. Chapter V Yoga and Singing: The Heart. Chapter VI Yoga and Singing: The Performer. PART II: Practices for Various Needs. Asana Reference Chart. Sequences for Specific Areas of the Body. A Complete Practice for Daily Use. Short Practices for Specific Vocal Deficiencies. Short Practices for Specific Situations. Weight Issues. Afterword. Appendix: For the Voice Teacher. Yoga for the Private Lesson. Yoga for Singers Classes: Lesson Plan Introductions and Outlines. Endnotes. Glossary. References. Sanskrit Pronunciation Guide. Index.

Judith E. Carman has taught singing for forty years, practiced yoga for almost twenty years, and taught yoga classes especially designed for singers for a decade.