The Vocal Athlete, Second Edition and the companion book The Vocal Athlete: Application and Technique for the Hybrid Singer, Second Edition are written and designed to bridge the gap between the art of contemporary commercial music (CCM) singing and the science behind voice production in this ever-growing popular vocal style. This book is a must have for the speech pathologist, singing voice specialist, and vocal pedagogue. Heavily referenced, this text is ripe with current research on singing science as it relates to the CCM voice. In addition to general singing science, The Vocal Athlete is the first book of its kind to address the unique vocal and physiologic demands of commercial singing from a sound scientific and pedagogical standpoint. Historical review of classical vocal pedagogy is interwoven and transitioned to current pedagogy of CCM. Anyone who trains singers will gain insight into the current research and trends regarding the commercial music artist. The Vocal Athlete distinguishes itself from other pedagogy texts by incorporating current peer reviewed literature in the area of CCM and its studio application. Also unique to this text are chapters on body alignment, traditional and holistic medicine, the lifecycle of the voice, and the physiology of belting. The companion book The Vocal Athlete: Application and Technique for the Hybrid Singer, Second Edition is a practical array of vocal exercises and techniques described by experienced CCM vocal pedagogues. This book features access to a PluralPlus companion website with singing exercises to further enhance understanding of techniques and skills used in training these singers. These books are invaluable tools for anyone who uses or trains the singing voice. New to the Second Edition: New chapter on Perception, Aesthetics, and Registration in the Commercial Vocal Athlete Access to a PluralPlus companion website with PowerPoint lecture slides

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements Contributors Section I. Structure & Function of the Voice Chapter 1. The Singer's Body: Alignment, movement, and Intention Introduction Kinesthetic Awareness and the Somatic Rolodex Tension versus Release Tensegrity Posture and Alignment Assessing Posture and Alignment Beyond Posture Body Mapping Yoga Chapter Summary References Chapter 2. Respiratory Kinematics Historical Overview of Respiratory Pedagogy Contemporary Respiratory Pedagogical Training Respiratory Pedagogical Summary Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory Mechanism for the Singer Respiratory Kinematics for Vocal Athletes-What the Research Tells Us Chapter Summary References Chapter 3. Laryngeal Anatomy, Physiology, and Function During Singing Introduction Role of the Larynx Basic Laryngeal Anatomy and Physiology Review of Nerve Supply to the Intrinsic Muscles Microstructure of the Vocal Folds Vocal Fold Vibration Phonatory Onset Vibrato Chapter Summary References Chapter 4. Neurologic Control of Voice Production Working from the Top Down: From the Singer's Brain to the Singer's Body Central Nervous System Peripheral Nervous System Autonomic Nervous System Summary of Neuromotor and Neurosensory Pathways for Voice Production Musical Performance Anxiety and Emotional Aspects of Singing References Chapter 5. Resonance and Vocal Acoustics Introduction Resonators and Resonance Focus and Placement Chapter Summary References Chapter 6. Perceptions, Aesthetics and Registration in the Commercial Vocal Athlete Introduction History and Evolution of Vocal Registers Registration as a Laryngeal Event Registration ad a Vocal Tract/Timbre Event Registration Transitions in Classical and Musical Theater Vocal Athletes Voice Typing in Musical Theater Vocal Athletes Summary References Section II. Vocal Health and Fitness Chapter 7. Impact of Phonotrauma on Vocal Health and Singing Introduction What Is Phonotrauma? Risk for Phonotrauma Impact of Phonotraumatic Behaviors on Voice and Singing When Is Vocal Rest Indicated? Voice Rest and Vocal Fold Surgery Wound Healing Physiology Vocal Rest Versus Vocal Exercise Vocal Load and Phonotrauma Management of Phonotrauma Behavioral Intervention Direct Voice Therapy Medical and Surgical Management Chapter Summary References Chapter 8. Common Vocal Pathologies in Vocal Athletes: A Medical Perspective Introduction Muscle Tension Dysphonia Other Laryngeal Disorders Evaluation and Diagnosis of Vocal Pathology: What to Expect During a Visit? Treatment Chapter Summary References Chapter 9. Multidisciplinary Care of the Vocal Athlete Leda Scearce Introduction The Voice Care Team The Voice Evaluation Roles and Responsibilities of the Voice Care Team Collaborative Interaction and Decision Making Chapter Summary References Chapter 10. Laryngeal Reflux: What the Singer Needs to Know Adam D. Rubin and Cristina Jackson-Menaldi Introduction Symptoms Complications of Reflux How Do I Know if I Have Reflux? Treatment Chapter Summary References Chapter 11. The Singer's Guide to Anesthesiology and Voice Samuel A. Schechtman and Andrew Rosenberg Introduction Basics of Anesthesia Procedures that Require Airway Devices Singer Concerns Other Common Airway and Vocal Tract Complications and Preventive Considerations Chapter Summary References Chapter 12. Life Cycle of the Voice Overview The Pediatric Performer: Considerations for Vocal Performing in Children Through Adolescence Aspects of the Aging Voice and the Nonclassical Singer Chapter Summary References Chapter 13. Medicine, Myths and Truths Introduction Medications and the Voice Reflux Medications Herbal Supplements and Vitamins Chapter Summary References Section III. Vocal Pedagogy for the 21st Century Vocal Athlete Chapter 14. History of Classical Voice Pedagogy Overview Classical Vocal Pedagogy Early Vocal Pedagogues Chapter Summary References Appendix 14-A. Classical Vocal Pedagogy Resources Chapter 15. Belting: Pedagogical Considerations Introduction Increasing Demand for Commercial Pedagogy and Belting Overview of History and Pedagogical Approaches for Belting Chapter Summary References Chapter 16. Physiology of Belting: Research and Theory Introduction Belting-Perceptual Research Laryngeal Muscle Activity and Action during CCM Singing Voice Source Information on Belting Formants and Harmonic Findings/Singers Formant/Formant Tuning Intensity Findings Vibrato Findings Timbre/Spectral Slope Findings Nasality Findings Registration Findings The Science Behind the Singing: Inertance and Compliance Theories Chapter Summary References Chapter 17. Exercise Physiology Principals for Training the Vocal Athlete Introduction Muscle Fibers and Laryngeal Function Skeletal (Limb) Muscles Muscle Fuel Basic Training Principles for Exercise Science Research on Exercise Science for Voice Application of Exercise Physiology Principles for Training Vocal Athletes Vocal Warm-Ups Voice Fatigue Monitoring Vocal Effort Chapter Summary References Chapter 18. Application of Motor Learning Principals to Voice Training Introduction Motor Performance Versus Motor Learning Stages of Motor Learning Establishing Training Goals Structuring a Lesson The Forgetting Hypothesis Feedback and Cueing Reducing Learner Dependency Implicit versus Explicit Learning Directing Learners' Attention Chapter Summary References Chapter 19. The Art of Perfection: What Every Singer Should Know About Audio Technology Matthew Edwards Introduction The Roots: Wax Cylinder Recordings Modern Recording Methods Live Performance Opera Listening Levels The Equipment Behind the Product Signal Processing Live Sound Systems Teaching with Audio Equipment Chapter Summary References Index