Power Performance for Singers: Transcending the Barriers / Edition 1

by Shirlee Emmons, Alma Thomas

Overview

To perform well in today's highly competitive world where technical skills have been advanced to an unprecedented degree, a singer must be able to handle incredible pressure within the performing arena; his or her ability to deal with this stress will often determine whether he or she will succeed. Why, then, do singers with less technical skill sometimes out-perform stars? Why do some stars suddenly stop performing? What is that mysterious factor that makes an electric performance? Consistent, competent performances do not depend solely upon superior vocal skills, nor are they a matter of luck. On the contrary, the best performances result from a combination of mental attitude, concrete performing skills, and excellent technical skills in that order. Yet most singers have never had the opportunity to acquire the essential skills that make for a successful career.

Written as a self-help manual for singers at all levels of expertise, Power Performance for Singers is designed to teach performing artists, and especially singers, how to experience elite performance at their level. The skills outlined in this book will help singers use what they have, to enjoy their voices during performance, and to perform consistently to the best of their present ability.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780195112245
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/20/1998
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 6.47(h) x 1.05(d)
Lexile:	1140L (what's this?)

About the Author

Shirlee Emmons is a prominent New York City voice teacher and has taught at Columbia, Princeton, Boston, and Rutgers Universities. She is author of Tristanissimo (1990) and The Art of the Song Recital.

Alma Thomas is an accredited sports psychologist who works with British sports stars in all fields, as well as dancers, singers, actors, lawyers, politicians, and international tennis and golf players.

Table of Contents

Part I. The Power of Performance1. This Thing Called Performance2. The Characteristics of Peak Performance3. What is Mental Toughness?Part II. Preperformance4. The Performance Cycle: Plans and Routines5. The Self and Performance: You, the Person; You, the Performer6. Physical Well-Being and Relaxation7. Setting Goals8. Developing Self-Confidence through Positive Thinking9. The Art of Concentrating10. Distractions11. Dealing with Anxiety12. Imagery in Performance13. Memory14. The Coach's Place in Singer's Preperformance WorkPart III. Performance15. Exploring and Planning "Meaning" for Performance16. The Audition and the Competition17. The Song Recital and the Staged Performance18. The Coach's and/or Accompanist's Place in Singers' Audition, Competition, and Performance Work19. Fear in PerformancePart IV. Postperformance20. Postperformance Management21. Staleness and Burnout in Performers22. Mental Rehabilitation following Vocal Injury or IllnessAfterword: Getting Your Act Together, the Ultimate SolutionAppendix 1: Exercise FormsAppendix 2: Teaching Points

Editorial Reviews

"It is written with great enthusiasm and clearly laid out in a way that will make it a useful tool to those who need it....there are useful insights to do with confidence-building which will resonate with many singers."—Music and Letters

From the Publisher