The use of imagery in voice pedagogy in relation to Dvorak's 'Biblical Songs', Op. 99

Chapter 1, "The Art of Singing," examines singing as a skilled art as well as a branch of science. Selected methods of teaching are reviewed as an important historical framework for teaching singing as artistry. The use of imagery and illustrated memory aids such as an effective Gestalt methodology to teach the art of singing is introduced.;Chapter 2, "The Coordination of Singing," analyzes the "mind-body" principles governing coordination. Learning how to sing is not just a matter of developing technique and a responsive instrument. There are four important areas of vocal coordination: musical, intellectual, emotional, and physical. All are fully related and mutually dependent in artistic singing. Imagery as a productive methodology for teaching this skill is applied to these four elements of voice pedagogy.;Chapter 3, "The Art of Teaching Private Voice," focuses on the purposes and benefits of vocal training. Since it is an art, the teacher's role and influence over the student are discussed because of their significant importance. Two basic aspects of the skilled educator's qualifications are examined: innate and acquired. These skills are not addressed in the majority of vocal pedagogical resources; therefore, they need to be contemplated. In addition to addressing these important teaching matters, this document supports the application of imagery as an important, effective tool for teaching voice technique. This empirical approach has proven to bring immediate and lasting results in the teaching process. Implementing this method can enhance the teacher's effectiveness.;Chapter 4, "Vocal Technique and Imagery," focuses on the significance of using imagery as an important method of teaching voice. As an approach, it is defined and substantiated. The role of imagination and association is viewed as a vital component in applying imageries for proper voice technique. Figures of speech or concise precepts pertaining to pedagogical voice principles are studied and applied regarding the following components of voice technique: posture, breathing and support, resonation, and tone quality.;Chapter 5, "Dvorak's Biblical Songs," includes a general overview of the life and substantial works of Dvorak. Primary focus is given to each of the ten songs of Op. 99: key, meter, tempo, formal design, and biblical text. In addition, teaching principles of vocal technique are applied and referenced to illustrated memory aids in the Appendix for teaching the art of singing through the use of imagery.;The Appendix, "Illustrated Imagery Memory Aids," includes ten illustrations used to explain the application of imagery vocal technique for learning Dvorak's Biblical Songs, Op. 99, as referenced in Chapter 5.