Following on from the enormous popularity of the first two editions of Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults, this exciting new edition takes a different direction.

Firstly, I have invited eight different specialists to come in and co-author some of the chapters with me, This gives you, the reader, the opportunity to learn from international experts in each of these specific areas.

There are some totally new chapters: three new interludes on musicianship - how to work imaginatively with singers of any age. There is no mention of Music Theory, it's all about student-led exploration (Alex Aitken). The chapter on Performance Anxiety, Confidence and Identity comprises totally new material (Amelia Carr), as does the chapter on The Learning and Feeling Brain (Heidi Moss Erickson). There is a new interlude on Creating a Safer Space (Stephen King), and an interlude on Repertoire Choices (Frith Trezevant). Chapters that have had significant updates are the Adolescent Voice (Liz Jackson Hearns) and Children with Specific Individual Needs (Emily Tully). The interlude on Vocal Tract Acoustics has also had expert input (John Nix).

The general flavour of the book has shifted as my teaching philosophy has changed to something more flexible. I'm less keen to advocate 'correct' technique and body use, and more interested in exploring with the student what feels most effective for them. Linked into this way of thinking, I have also embraced a more inclusive language throughout the book.

All of this essential new knowledge is illustrated with even more delightful cartoons from Harry Venning and some helpful graphics from Milton Mermikides. The new third edition is significantly longer than previous versions - if you already have a copy, I recommend upgrading to this new edition.

Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults is an exciting new book which I am certain will become a really useful and comprehensive reference guide for all those wishing to lead singing. Howard Goodall CBE, Composer and Broadcaster

The indispensable bible for the many singing teachers who work with ‘children and young adults’… it is difficult to over-emphasise the significance which I think this book has for the future of our young singers. The combination of long and thoughtful practical experience with an enquiring mind and formidable research knowledge has resulted in a remarkable treatise on the subject” SINGING .  Voice of the Association of Teachers of Singing

You have done something spectacularly good and I heartily congratulate you.  Not only do you write such palpable sense throughout, but your style is eminently readable, and clear as crystal.  Singing teacher, Royal College of Music, London

What a great book! So much of this text resonates with all the other areas of my musical life, and I find myself almost exclaiming out loud with agreement. The book is so beautifully and clearly written and I love the illustrations, it is, in essence, invaluable. Music Teacher I can’t believe I’ve survived this long without it, it should be compulsory for every Cathedral organist in the land! Director of Music, Magdalen College, Oxford

Practical, concise and easy to read, Teaching Singing to Children and Young Adults is a hands-on guide for singing teachers, choral directors and voice students. It explains both the abilities and limitations of young singers through the various stages of their lives, outlines appropriate technique – including approaches suitable for different musical styles, adolescence and gender – and provides anatomical descriptions and sample exercises throughout.

Packed with explanatory case studies and brimming over with original and entertaining illustrations, the book also addresses topics such as the teaching of children with special educational needs, performance anxiety, vocal health, and the structuring of lessons, warm-ups and individual practice times.

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Available separately on DVD, or as a download, are demonstrations of all the vocal exercises in the book.
“Whilst I’ve found your book very interesting and helpful I’ve now found the DVDs to be the icing on the cake with so much helpful practical information included in such a short space of time and at exactly the right pace.  Everyone involved with training singers either individually or in choirs should have copies!” Choral Conductor, Brighton UK