Voice: The Universal Instrument

Aimed toward teenagers, this is a fine overview of the voice, or singing instrument: how the voice works, how to develop the singing voice for various styles of singing, and what the opportunities are for jobs in the field. Opening with a clip of the phenomenal singer Bobby McFerrin (whose only instruments are his voice and body), the program introduces Debbi and Jim, siblings who attend singing class together, where they talk with instructor Jane Kennedy, and, together with other students, demonstrate several different singing styles (an African folk song, a Mozart aria, a lullaby from the Philippines, and Native American chanting, among others. In addition, viewers learn about voice range, from bass to soprano; and different styles of interpretation (staccato, legato, falsetto, etc.). This is a good introduction to the subject, and one which will have appeal for secondary school music courses. Recommended. (Available from: EAV, Inc., 17 Marble Ave., Pleasantville, NY 10570.)