Book review
The Singing Book
by Meribeth Bunch Dayme & Cynthia Vaughn · 2014 (3rd ed.) · ~400+ pages
Hardcover / paperback textbook
A comprehensive college-level singing text covering technique, musicianship, anatomy, and repertoire across styles. It is denser than pop-focused coaches’ books but excellent as a reference when you study with a teacher or structured program.
Editorial verdict
The standard “big textbook” choice for vocal students. Hobby singers should not buy it unless they are committed to structured study—our blog and tutorials cover 80% of what casual singers need at no cost. Students in lessons should consider it if their teacher assigns it or allows self-study units.
Scope: what is inside 400+ pages
The Singing Book spans technique units, musicianship (rhythm, intervals, sight-singing), basic anatomy, vowel pedagogy, and repertoire lists across classical and some contemporary styles. Think of it as a semester syllabus in one volume.
Unlike single-author coach books, it cites pedagogical traditions and offers multiple exercise options per concept—useful when your teacher prefers one approach over another.
Using it with digital tools (without replacing a teacher)
Log vocal range at the start and end of each semester with the same microphone setup—textbook progress is slow, so you need objective markers. Transpose assigned repertoire with the song key finder once you know your tessitura from the range test.
For musicianship chapters, use the tone generator for interval drills when a piano is not available. The pitch detector helps verify sight-singing attempts before lesson day.
Value vs. cost
New copies are a serious investment. Buy used or rent if you are taking a one-term course. If you are self-studying, borrow from a library first—then purchase only if you complete at least one full technique unit with a teacher or tutor checking your technique.
Key takeaways by section
- Technique units: Explains *why* exercises exist—good for curious students.
- Musicianship: Pairs with ear-training tutorial and tone generator.
- Anatomy overview: Supplement our vocal health article; not medical advice.
- Repertoire lists: Use song key finder to place pieces in your range.
Why we recommend it
When you need one shelf reference that answers “why does this exercise exist?” the pedagogy notes are valuable. Use it as a supplement to daily tool practice, not a replacement for singing.
Honest limits
Heavy, expensive, and notation-heavy. Anatomy sections are introductory, not medical. Does not replace a live teacher for passaggio and mix development.
Best for
Serious students, classroom learners, or singers who want breadth (technique + repertoire + theory)
Not ideal for
Casual hobbyists who only want a quick “how to sing better” guide
Read this book if…
You are in lessons or a course and want a primary textbook.
4-week practice plan with SingMeter
- Week 1: Baseline range + assigned warm-up unitOpen tool →
- Week 2: Breath unit + breath tutorial alignmentOpen tool →
- Week 3: Musicianship drills with tone generatorOpen tool →
- Week 4: Repertoire in comfortable key; journal tessituraOpen tool →
Pair with SingMeter
Books explain ideas; tools give feedback. A simple weekly loop:
- Log range each semester — Compare growth over months.
- Breath unit → our drill — 20-minute exercise block.
- Repertoire keys — Assign songs from the book in your key.
Pros
- • Very comprehensive
- • Strong for classroom use
- • Repertoire and theory integrated
- • Multiple exercise options per topic
Cons
- • Heavy and expensive
- • Overkill for hobby singers
- • Requires teacher context for advanced technique
Alternatives
- The Contemporary Singer — Lighter workbook with audio.
- Vocal range chart article — Free reference for voice types.
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