Vocal Ease: Care And Exercise For The Singing Voice

Pamela Polland, who has recorded and performed with a host of musical stars across the spectrum (from John Denver to Joe Cocker), had her own songs recorded by talents as diverse as Vicki Carr and The Byrds, and has won numerous awards for her songwriting, brings 25 years of experience to bear on that group of muscles in the back of the throat commonly referred to as the vocal cords. The tape opens with some general do's and don't's for the serious would-be triller-avoid eating before singing, keep your throat warm, etc. This is followed by an excellent discussion of how the vocal cords actually work, as well as how the breathing apparatus functions in the singing process. The main part of the program is given over to singing exercises. Together with student Phillip Moss, Pamela runs through various scales which exercise different facial muscles, in ranges that run from baritone to second soprano. As she points out, the exercises don't exactly make you look like the most desirable creature on earth (they would most likely attract the attention of a number of social institutions if you tried them on the streets), but they get the necessary work done. This is an excellent instructional video, which always makes the viewer feel as if he or she is working with a serious professional, who is enthusiastic and widely knowledgeable about her art. Highly recommended. (Available from: Sound Advice, P.O. Box 2334, Mill Valley, CA 94942.)