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LeBorgne, Wendy D., and Marci Rosenberg. The Vocal Athlete. San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing, 2014. Paper, xvii, 307 pp., $59.95. ISBN 978-1-59756-458-8 www.pluralpublishing.com
Wendy LeBorgne and Marci Rosenberg, singers who are speech-language pathologists, have observed a change in the field of professional singing. The market for commercial music has burgeoned, and with its growth there is increased demand for singers who are versatile and resilient. The authors describe this type of singer as a vocal athlete, skilled in multiple styles of singing with dancing and acting abilities and the stamina to tolerate a rigorous performance schedule. In the authors' estimation, however, training programs for singers, voice teachers, and singing voice pathologists have not reflected this shift in performance demands. This book is intended to guide voice professionals in establishing and maintaining vocal longevity in the commercial music market.
The volume is divided into three broad sections. The first explains the structure and function of the voice, beginning with postural alignment. Brief overviews of body training methods, including Feldenkrais Method, Alexander Technique, body mapping, myofascial release, Rolfing, yoga, and Pilates are included. In a discussion of respiration, LeBorgne and Rosenberg explore the historical pedagogic approaches to singing, as well as contemporary methods employed by teachers of belting. They illuminate the role of the nervous system in voice production, as well...