Fundamentals of Singing: Choral Student Workbook

Swift strips away jargon and teaches vocal technique through accessible explanations grounded in physiology and common sense rather than mystique. For directors working with students who need foundational voice work before tackling challenging repertoire, this workbook offers a straightforward path to building healthy singing habits. The brevity and clarity make it ideal for independent study or as a supplement to rehearsal.

Straightforward and grounded. This is not flowery or prescriptive; it reads like a trusted director sitting down with honest advice about how voices actually work. The tone invites singers to think critically about their own instrument rather than simply following rules.

Choral students in middle school through early high school who are developing their vocal technique, as well as singers new to ensemble singing who benefit from explicit instruction in fundamentals. Directors can use this with full choirs, sectionals, or as homework for students who need targeted voice culture work.

• Use this as a daily warm-up reference; assign specific exercises matched to your rehearsal goals
• Have singers work through one concept per week and bring questions to the next rehearsal
• Keep copies in your music library so singers can review between rehearsals

Assign this workbook during the first weeks of the school year to establish a shared vocabulary around breathing, posture, and tone production before diving into repertoire. The 48-page length makes it manageable for students to complete one section per week alongside regular rehearsals, reinforcing good technique as the choir prepares concert material.

• Understanding posture and alignment for healthy phonation
• Breath control and support
• Vowel formation and resonance
• Tone production basics
• Foundational vocal technique vocabulary