New Diction Book for Singers

Canadian collaborative pianist and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Mississippi at Oxford Amanda Johnston has just announced the release of her new book English and German Diction for Singers: A Comparative Approach.  A wonderful collaborator and coach, I have no doubt that this text will become a staple in the studios of teachers and coaches of singing everywhere!

Here is the press release:

Innovative Comparative Approach

This comprehensive resource examines English and German diction separately, but also thoroughly compares both languages.  It removes the unnecessary fear of German and also encourages students to look at English in a new light.  Sample topics include the treatment of the schwa, the treatment of monosyllabic, incidental words, the varied use of R, e.g., [ɹ], [ɾ], [r], [ɐ], [ə], and healthy, glottal onsets. 

Complete Resource for Teachers

• Answer key to all supplementary exercises
• Removable flashcard containing IPA symbols for both English and German
• Musical examples throughout, indicating rhythmic timing of voiced and voiceless consonants

Target Market

• Ideal for Undergraduate Courses in English and/or German Diction: Introductory chapters introduce all necessary IPA symbols for each language, complete with exercises for mastery of IPA

• Ideal for Graduate Courses in English and/or German Diction:  Advanced chapters focus on concepts such as rhythmic timing of consonants, implosion/explosion, lyric and phrasal doubling of consonants, common consonant blends, and phrasal consonant clusters

• Ideal for private voice instructors, choral directors, vocal coaches, and collaborative pianists. IPA is provided throughout, as well as many exercises for self-study.

The German Schwa: Vocalic Chameleon

This book offers a clear deconstruction of the controversial schwa, introducing the concept that the German schwa changes colour according to its environment.  It is hence referred to as a “vocalic chameleon”.  It is coloured by the quality of the previous vowel. The German schwa is pronounced in the position of the previous vowel, without any movement of the tongue or lip positions.  It is never stressed, but rather in a constant state of flux, as it continually matches its surroundings.  

Ordering Information: Click on the link to order from Amazon