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When I first saw Suzann Kale's book, "Vocal Vibrance: The Complete Technique for Singers and Speakers." I had to pick it up and give it a look. As a professional singer and musician for the better part of my life, as well as a public speaker and corporate trainer, I've read countless books on the subject of singing and speaking. This one was different.

As I flipped through, I noticed humor, easy to understand language, a layout that was very easy to follow, and a very refreshing philosophy on the art of singing. There were also a few things that any serious, self-respecting, classically trained singer would not dare to mention....reason enough for me to check it out.

It just so happened that an opportunity arose where I could put "Vocal Vibrance" to the test. A friend of mine, interested in joining her church choir, approached me for some pointers around the same time I came across Suzann's book. She had not sung formally, lacked experience and skill, and had very little confidence so I lent her my copy to check out. About a week later, she called to return the book and had some very positive things to say. She really enjoyed and appreciated Suzann's approach, was able to put some exercises and techniques into use right away, and was very pleased with her early results. Of course she still has to work at it and practice with regularity and diligence, but when an author makes it fun and encouraging, that can make all the difference. I couldn't agree more.

I must confess that there were a few things in "Vocal Vibrance" that I either wasn't aware of, or suppressed or forgotten long ago. I decided to try some of the techniques and exercises for myself, some in place of my regular routines before a show. It may be the way the book is written and the concepts presented, but I got quite a bit out of it as well. I'm a wee bit older than I used to be, and don't really take as good care of my voice as I used to, so "Vocal Vibrance" was a good kick in the shin for me.

Mr. Speaker...where do you fit in? We use our speaking voices much the same way a singer does, and our voices need to stay in top condition. No more sore throats after a day of training. No more hoping that a participant will give a long-winded response to give you a speaking break. Of course, you will probably not get much from the sight reading or scatting sections (although a scatting public speaker would be pretty cool) but you do need to know about breathing, dynamics, presence, body posture, and language, stage fright and vocal health. Just skip the stuff you don't need, or try it anyway. Maybe you are a singer and never knew it.

Although Suzann uses tried and proven methods, she uses a holistic approach with knowledge garnered from years of experience as a performer and teacher. It is because of her experience and love for the human instrument that makes her book feel so personal, stressing self-awareness and growth as a singer and individual as being an integral part of an ongoing process.

The topics are covered in a manner that is easy to understand, and a bit of humor and light-heartedness make it a fun and easy read. The exercises are practical and easy to do, and are thoroughly explained as to why they are important and what they actually do to help you.

That said, this isn't a sophomoric book. It is well written and drives the practices and principles home in an Alfa Romeo: Serious, brilliantly engineered, but kind of quirky and fun. Many other books I've read on the subject drive them home in a Bentley: Impressive and serious, and...that's about it. Full of substance, not a whole lot of fun, and certainly not accessible to most of us (I've always wanted to use car analogies in a review. Yay.)

I think what I like most about Suzann Kale and "Vocal Vibrance" is that she doesn't try to turn you into something that you're not. Music is a very personal thing, and instruction should be approached in a way that suits you and what you wish to accomplish. Your voice is the voice you were born with. Learn to love it, learn to use it, learn to take care of it and don't worry about what anyone else thinks.

Suzann adds other nice touches which include advice on ear training, ensemble singing, proper eye contact while performing, auditioning or public speaking. She also adds pointers on how to find the perfect voice teacher, overcoming stage fright, and other helpful things many books seem to miss.

I don't come across books like this very often, but I do know that this is one I will use myself, and refer to regularly. It it also the book that I will recommend to anyone thinking of becoming a singer or speaker. It is written by a person who is very passionate about what she does, and does well, and who wishes to share some of that passion with others. It really is that simple, and the book really is that good.

To find out more about Suzann's book, go to: http://www.VocalVibrance.com. The book is published and is available from http://www.lulu.com, ISBN#978-14357-0814-3, or order it from your favorite local bookstore.

Matt McKay is a songwriter, musician and author from New England.
http://www.mattmckay.net

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