The art of the solo performer

Subject: The art of the solo performer
From: olddude
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 01:36 PM

One outstanding book, got mine off of Amazon. No kidding folks DWDITTY turned me on to this book. From seasoned veteran to a beginner it is a great read for a solo performer.

Dan

Subject: RE: The art of the solo performer
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 03:09 PM

Just checked Amazon and it looks good, Dan. Also checked the Seattle Public Library's web site and they don't have it. I take it that it's by Steve Rapson.

Gonna get it. Thanks!

One that I might recommend is Singing Professionally (Revised Edition), by Isabella Hong-Young. It's a good survey of vocal technique and how to use the voice for various singing styles—including giving clues to opera singers as to how not to sound like an opera singer when it isn't appropriate to do so. It does contain some very good exercises for breath support and vocal exercises that are good for general practice and for warm-ups. Also tips on memorization.

Applicable to any kind of singing.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: The art of the solo performer
From: PoppaGator
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 03:48 PM

From reading the material on Amazon, looks to me like "Art of the Solo Performer" addresses a broad range of concerns for all kinds of performers (speakers, etc., as well as musicians), including music-biz problems like producing demos, etc. "Singing Professionally" seems to be more exclusively about vocal technique.

Does that sound about right?

Subject: RE: The art of the solo performer
From: Deckman
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 03:53 PM

I found "The Art of the Solo Performer" to be very good. I'm a seasoned performer and I learned a lot. When I was reading it, a long time professional actor was staying with us, and she found it to be very good also. bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: The art of the solo performer
From: Don Firth
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 03:59 PM

Right, PoppaGator.

But she talks about such things as memorizing songs, preparing for auditions, etc.   Not just vocal technique, but vocal performance.

"How to harness your nervousness to energize your performance," and such.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: The art of the solo performer
From: olddude
Date: 21 Jun 10 - 10:02 PM

Don
it is by rapson, I got mine on Amazon.   you will love the book ... the cool thing it is about anyone who works with an audience, not just musicians but public speakers ... everyone ...   Just an outstanding read I think. His advice is just dead on and gives a person a lot to think about when performing

Dan