at the tones of the vocal scale
require, for their correct emission, subtly corresponding changes of
adjustment in the vocal organs, utterly rejects anything like a
deliberate or conscious attempt on the singer's part to bring about
these adjustments. He holds that they should occur automatically (or
subconsciously) as the result, in very rare instances, of supreme
natural gifts, in others as a spontaneous sequence to properly developed
artistry.

In fact, while based on accurate scientific knowledge, Dr. Miller's book
also is the outcome of long observation and experience, so that it might
well be entitled "The Common Sense of Singing."

GUSTAV KOBBE.

CONTENTS

PAGE

NOTE v

CHAPTER I. A RATIONAL VOCAL METHOD 1

CHAPTER II. THE CHOICE OF A TEACHER 15

CHAPTER III. ON BREATHING: INSPIRATION 27

CHAPTER IV. ON BREATHING: EXPIRATION 49

CHAPTER V. THE PHYSIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY
OF VOICE-PRODUCTION 67

CHAPTER VI. PITCH AND SYMPATHETIC VIBRATION 89

CHAPTER VII. REGISTERS OF THE VOICE 103

CHAPTER VIII. SUBDIVISIONS OF THE VOICE 117

CHAPTER IX. THE STROKE OF THE GLOTTIS 132

CHAPTER X. HYGIENE OF THE VOICE 147

CHAPTER XI. MORE VOCAL HYGIENE 169

CHAPTER XII. NODES AND THEIR CURE 182

[Illustration: FIG. 1. THE THROAT AND ADJOINING STRUCTURES

1, Larynx. 2, Epiglottis. 3, Lower Pharynx. 4, Lips. 5, Teeth. 6,
Tongue. 7, Mouth (Oral Cavity). 8, Uvula and Soft Palate. 9, Hard
Palate. 10, Upper Pharynx. 11, Nasal Cavities. 12, Nose.

A, Arytenoid Cartilage. C, Cricoid Cartilage. T, Thyroid Cartilage.
W, Windpipe. X, Adam's Apple.]

CHAPTER I

A RATIONAL VOCAL METHOD

Song, so far as voice-production is concerned, is the result of
physiological action, and as voice-production is the basis of all song,
it follows that a singing method, to be correct, must be based on the
correct physiological use of the vocal organs. The physiology of
voice-production lies, therefore, at the very foundation of artistic
singing.

The proper physiological basis for a singing method having been laid,
something else