Welcome to Integral Vocalist!
 In general terms, the integral vocalist is
one who earnestly strives to expand his/her conscious mind-body
awareness in all aspects of life, a lifelong process that involves
ongoing development in mastering a variety of life issues associated
with self (I), society (WE),
and nature or the physical world (IT and/or ITs).
These four areas (I, WE, IT, ITs), which may be viewed as quadrants (levels,
stages, and types of human development), are discussed more
fully on this link.
In general terms, the integral vocalist strives to:
- Maintain a consistently well-balanced approach to life—in
both personal and career-related areas
- Develop an all-inclusive, worldcentric worldview founded
on critical thinking, a profound sense of gratitude, and
an intense curiosity about a wide range of central life issues,
with the result of gaining greater knowledge and understanding
- Discover his/her “authentic voice”, by working consistently
at developing a vocal production based on efficient functioning,
and capable of communicating music, text, and normal speech
with clear intent and genuine expressivity
- Share willingly and selflessly his/her combined talents
and skills with others as a collaborative vocal performer,
inspired and guided by the primary goal of honestly interpreting
and communicating the musical/textual works of creative artists
for the psycho-emotional and aesthetic benefit of all listening
and observing persons—and for the greater good of society
at large
- Exemplify the highest standards of moral, ethical, and
civil behavior as a model world citizen
In addition, model vocalists are expected to make a lasting
commitment to explore and master a wide range of essential
multifaceted skills, including:
- A liberal education to gain information
and insights into a wide variety of fields, such as: history
(U.S. and world); languages; philosophy; psychology; sociology;
health-related fields (physical education, nutrition); and
sciences that address voice-related information, including
acoustics, human anatomy and physiology
- Efficient voice production,
including techniques, methods, and processes that enhance
learning, practice, and implementation of skills
- Solid musicianship, including
a thorough grounding in music fundamentals (theory), functional
keyboard skills, facility in reading music, and an understanding
of the most prominent vocal music styles (in both classical
and popular genres)
- Language fluency, including a knowledge
of poetic styles, a firm grounding in English diction, plus—for
classical singers—correct pronunciation of several foreign
languages (Italian, French, German, Spanish, et al)
- Expressive performance,
including graceful body movement, an engaging stage personality,
ability to interpret a wide range of textual meanings, and
to communicate with appropriate emotional expression
This list is by no means exhaustive, but should give a general
idea of what knowledge and skills are required of serious-minded
vocalists. For more detailed information, please see the publications
link,
which provides links to my three books on singing, notably The
Singer’s Life: Goals and Roles, which addresses
both personal and professional issues. In addition, you may
download free of charge two handouts I use for most of my guest
artist-teacher presentations:
I hope you find this information helpful to you in your singing
endeavors. Additional voice-related information is available
on the integral artist/teacher link. If I
can be of any assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Voice Publications for Singers
• Classical Singer Magazine
• Journal
of Singing |
