Scoring for Voice: Book & Online Audio

This book cuts through the mystery of vocal scoring by giving you concrete models, not theory in a vacuum. The 50 recorded examples mean arrangers can hear exactly how the techniques work in practice, making the learning curve far shorter than trial-and-error.

Clear, methodical, grounded in real musical examples. You're not reading abstract rules about parallel fifths; you're hearing what good voice leading sounds like and understanding why it works. The progression builds confidence as you move from simple two-part writing to the richer textures of full four-part harmony.

Composers, arrangers, and conductors who write for vocal ensembles and need a practical foundation in voice leading, part writing, and the physical capabilities of different voice ranges. This resource works whether you're scoring for a small vocal group, building harmony around a featured soloist, or teaching students how to arrange for voices.

• Study the recorded examples while reading the corresponding text passages to lock in how voice-leading principles translate to actual sound.
• Work through the scoring exercises for 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part writing systematically before tackling more complex soloist arrangements.
• Use the rehearsal techniques section to anticipate balance and blend challenges in your own arrangements before you rehearse them with singers.

Use this as a reference guide when preparing arrangements for your choral ensembles, community vocal groups, or vocal jazz bands. Directors and arrangers often refer back to specific chapters when revising a score or troubleshooting balance problems in rehearsal. It's equally valuable in a composition course or as a self-study resource for anyone expanding their arranging skills.

• Part writing for 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part vocal textures
• Voice leading principles specific to the human voice
• Understanding and writing for different vocal ranges
• Scoring effectively behind a vocal soloist
• Practical rehearsal strategies for vocal ensembles
• Harmonic balance and blend in arranged music