So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre: A Guide for Performers

by Amanda Flynn

Overview

From television shows like Glee and Smash to the phenomenon of the Broadway show Hamilton, musical theatre has never been more popular. In So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre, Updated and Expanded Edition, Broadway vocal coach Amanda Flynn provides an in-depth look at the skills needed to successfully sing and teach this repertoire.

Fully updated to meet the current needs of the profession, this new edition covers a vast array of topics with even deeper discussion: musical theatre history; repertoire; genres used in productions; basic singing voice science; vocal health; audio equipment and microphones; vocal production of musical theatre sounds; acting, dancing, and other movement; working with kids; and auditioning at all levels. The book also includes profiles of Broadway singers that explores their training, methods of vocal upkeep, and advice for singers and teachers.

The So You Want to Sing series is produced in partnership with the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Please visit www.nats.org to access style-specific exercises, audio and video files, and additional resources.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538156322
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	06/15/2022
Series:	So You Want to Sing , #21
Edition description:	Updated and Expanded Edition
Pages:	446
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Amanda Flynn is a voice teacher, voice researcher, vocologist, and professional performer. As an educator, she is currently on the musical theatre voice faculty at Pace University. She is also the owner of Amanda Flynn Voice Studio with students performing on Broadway ( Hamilton, Choir Boy, Be More Chill, The Lightning Thief, Caroline or Change, Mrs. Doubtfire, Mean Girls, Dear Evan Hanson, King Kong, The Color Purple, Fun Home, Matilda, School of Rock, Newsies, Beautiful, Marvin’s Room, Angels in America), Off-Broadway ( Be More Chill, The Lightning Thief, Fun Home, Daddy ), national tours ( Wicked , Waitress, An American in Paris, Rent, The Color Purple, School of Rock, Anastasia, Spamalot, A Chorus Line ), international productions ( Indecent on the West End , A Chorus Line Japan, Legally Blonde UK Tour, The Sound of Music Asia ), and numerous regional theatres.

Table of Contents

List of Figures and Tables

Series Editor’s Foreword (Matthew Hoch)

Foreword (George Salazar)

Acknowledgments

Online Supplement Note

Chapter 1 – Musical Theatre History: A Brief Overview

Chapter 2 – Musical Genres

Chapter 3 – Singing and Voice Science, Scott McCoy

Chapter 4 – Vocal Health for Singers, Wendy LeBorgne

Chapter 5 – Using Audio Enhancement Technology, Matthew Edwards

Chapter 6 – How Learning Works: An Introduction to Motor Learning Theory, Lynn Helding

Chapter 7 – Musical Theatre Vocal Pedagogy

Chapter 8 – Musical Theatre Developmental Repertoire

Chapter 9 – The Musical Theatre Actor

Chapter 10 – The Musical Theatre Athlete

Chapter 11 – Young Musical Theatre Performers

Chapter 12 – Musical Theatre Auditions

Chapter 13 – Musical Theatre Profiles

Glossary

Index

About the Editor and Contributors

Editorial Reviews

Amanda Flynn has provided a wonderful resource for a performers and teachers of singing. The book includes historical information that is critical to understanding this genre, as well as practical guidance. The book is well referenced, clearly written, and is a tremendous resource in the genre.

Amanda Flynn is a master of her craft with a remarkable knowledge of the human voice and a true understanding of the world of musical theatre. I am overjoyed that her insight is now available in this book. For those who are currently working in musicals, trying to find their way in, or simply fans of the genre, I cannot think of a more useful, inspiring, or entertaining read.

Amanda Flynn is a quickly rising star, leader in the voice world, and someone who is as comfortable in a research lab as she is in the studio. This book is the go-to-guide for musical theatre singing and equally valuable for veterans and beginners alike.

This book is insightful, practical, inclusive, and wildly helpful for anyone teaching or singing musical theatre. Between her playful vocalises, actionable descriptions of vocal development and function, and industry and style breakdowns, there's something of value for all readers.

With the updated and expanded edition of So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre, Amanda Flynn has provided as thorough, current, and useful a resource as exists on the topic of musical theatre performance and pedagogy. Singers and teachers at all levels of experience and expertise will benefit from this tremendous volume.

From the Publisher

This book is insightful, practical, inclusive, and wildly helpful for anyone teaching or singing musical theatre. Between her playful vocalises, actionable descriptions of vocal development and function, and industry and style breakdowns, there’s something of value for all readers. 

Jared Trudeau

Amanda Flynn is a quickly rising star, leader in the voice world, and someone who is as comfortable in a research lab as she is in the studio. This book is the go-to-guide for musical theatre singing and equally valuable for veterans and beginners alike.

Chris York

With the updated and expanded edition of So You Want to Sing Musical Theatre, Amanda Flynn has provided as thorough, current, and useful a resource as exists on the topic of musical theatre performance and pedagogy. Singers and teachers at all levels of experience and expertise will benefit from this tremendous volume.

Classical Singer Magazine

Amanda Flynn has provided a wonderful resource for a performers and teachers of singing. The book includes historical information that is critical to understanding this genre, as well as practical guidance. The book is well referenced, clearly written, and is a tremendous resource in the genre.

Kari Ragan

Amanda Flynn is a master of her craft with a remarkable knowledge of the human voice and a true understanding of the world of musical theatre. I am overjoyed that her insight is now available in this book. For those who are currently working in musicals, trying to find their way in, or simply fans of the genre, I cannot think of a more useful, inspiring, or entertaining read.

Joe Iconis