The Complete Idiot's Guide to Singing

This book has all the basics about how to sing. There is no substitute for private lessons or a voice class, however this book is a very excellent supplement or text book. The CD included is good but the presentations tend to be a little fast. I recommend this book highly.

Bought this for my husband...EVERYONE within hearing distance of our home, is praying for this book & CD to help!

Most of the reviews written prior to me (3-13-08) seem to be from those with professional vocal training background. My brief review is from a layman who read or perused many introductory singing instructions books to teach myself. This is, by far, the best single introductory book I've seen. Clearly written, well organized, Complete Idiot's series uses better paperstock and graphics design than Dummies series (easier to read), and, the author is clearly more knowledgeable than most other authors. Most other authors describe and favor a way of preferred singing and focus on preferred styles of music. The authors here are far more understanding--recognizing that some may want opera, jazz, rock, etc, and they recognize that different types of training are suitable for these. From among the many singing books I've reviewed, this is the single best introductory book to begin with.

Granted, music "snobs" will dislike the idea of being called an "idiot", but this book covers it all. It includes the concepts of classical, jazz and popular singing. it is written for the average aspiring student to receive some of the much needed information on the basics of singing. Written for the average "idiot", this book provides a very simple explanation of important concepts such as costal breathing, placement and resonance. The CD that it comes with is quite valuable in learning intervals, and includes concepts that must be heard in order to understand. The exercises are also quite valuable. Please do NOT use this as a replacement for private voice lessons. But keeping this as a resource will increase your understanding, and this book may be used as a reference guide as you study. it even includes a very small repertoire of songs to study, along with demonstrations and accompaniment tracks for practice! I read this book, as a voice teacher, in order to assist me with simplifying my explanations to my students. Great stuff here!

This may be the most concise, complete and enjoyable book I've read in years. This book should be in the library of every music department and used in every music curriculum.The detail of physical requirements for enhanced singing, the historical references and the breadth of musical genres is without parallel. Own this book!