How to Sing: Vocal Textbook

Lehmann wrote this from the perspective of a working soprano who had to solve vocal problems in real time, not as a theorist removed from the stage. The exercises and explanations reflect what she discovered through decades of performing and teaching, making it invaluable for singers who want to understand the mechanics behind healthy technique rather than simply following rules. Few pedagogical texts offer this combination of authority and practicality.

Sitting across from a master teacher who speaks directly from her own experience. Lehmann writes with the clarity of someone who has solved the problems she describes, offering solutions tested in real rehearsals and performances. The tone is authoritative but not condescending; she respects her readers' intelligence and dedication.

This textbook serves serious vocal students and voice teachers seeking a systematic approach to technique grounded in 19th-century professional practice. Singers preparing for art song, opera, or formal recital work will find Lehmann's focus on breath management and resonance particularly relevant to their goals.

• Use the illustrations as reference tools when working with students on posture and breath management; Lehmann's visual demonstrations clarify what efficient vocal mechanics look like
• Pair specific passages with repertoire assignments to show students how theoretical principles manifest in real music
• Return to this text throughout the year rather than assigning it all at once; a chapter every few weeks keeps concepts fresh and applicable

Use this as a core text in voice lessons or as supplementary material in a vocal methods course for music education majors. The 28 illustrations and structured exercises make it a reference singers can return to throughout their training, especially when refining fundamentals or troubleshooting technique issues that emerge during repertoire study.

• Breath support and diaphragmatic control
• Resonance placement and tone production
• Vowel formation and articulation clarity
• Register transitions and blending
• Sustaining vocal health across extended practice and performance