1st Edition
Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy An Integrative Approach to Training Vocal Artists
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
Part One: Understanding The Relationship
1 The Student-Teacher Relationship: A Historical Perspective
The Master-Apprentice Model: A Brief History
The Master-Apprentice Model and Singers
Historical Evidence Further Illuminating the Student-Teacher Relationship
Conclusion
2 Opportunities & Challenges Facing Today’s Students & Teachers
Advancements in Technology
Social Media
The Evolution of Student Learning
Advancements in Teaching Modalities
Student & Teacher Stress
Providing Context in an Ever-Changing Industry
Conclusion
3 Four Essential Pillars of Holistic Teaching
Curiosity
Vulnerability
Mindfulness
Self-Care
Conclusion
4 Creating Healthy Boundaries and Developing Clear Communication
The Joys and Challenges of Private Instruction
Developing Healthy Relationships with Students
Navigating Student Conflict
Navigating Conflict Regarding Issues of Equity and Inclusion
When a Student Leaves the Studio
Conclusion
Part Two: Developing The Singing Artist
5 Selecting Repertoire with the Student
The Basics
Varied Challenges and New Considerations
An Equitable, Student-Centered Approach
Growing Our Repertoire Knowledge
Conclusion
6 Fostering Curiosity and Resilience Through Practice
The Fundamentals of Motor Skill Learning
Defining Practice
The Challenges
Teaching Practice
Developing Mental Toughness
Conclusion
7 Helping Students Access Final Performance Artistry
What is Artistry?
Challenges for Today’s Singers
Prerequisites for Exploring Artistry
Investigating the Music: Three Examples
Melding Technique & Artistry
Coping with Performance Anxiety
Conclusion
8 Objectively Assessing Student Growth
The Initial Assessment
The Challenge of Assessment in Higher Education
Developing an Equitable and Objective Rubric
Assessment in the Independent Studio
Student Success: Nature vs. Nurture
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
Index by Subject
Biography
David Sisco (he/him) is Adjunct Voice Faculty at NYU Steinhardt, USA, and regularly lectures nationally and internationally. He is the co-author of Mastering College Musical Theatre Audition (3rd edn) and Performing in Contemporary Musicals (Routledge) with Laura Josepher. In addition, David is an award-winning composer whose work has been performed at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.
Voice teaching is changing…it has changed. As the voice teaching profession moves into the mid-21st century, the toxicity of the master-apprentice model has been revealed, found out, and must be replaced with wholistic, mindful, and student-centric models. David Sisco’s Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy is a necessary contribution to the field, that is a must-read for experienced pedagogues with many decades of studio experience and for those teaching their first clients.
Nicholas Perna, Associate Professor and Director of Vocal Pedagogy, University of Colorado Boulder
Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy is an inspiring guide for those who seek to teach in full recognition of the inherent worthiness of both teacher and student. In the ever-changing social landscape of one-to-one singing lessons, Sisco brings us a timely and insightful discussion of pedagogical practices, both old and new. He gently challenges us to enter into authentic, informed, and profoundly rewarding collaboration with our students. Sisco persuasively argues that wholehearted voice pedagogy can transform our practices, our students, and ourselves.
Elizabeth Ann Benson, Author, Training Contemporary Commercial Singers
Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy is a transformative guide for vocal educators, blending historical insights with student-centered strategies to foster artistry, equity, and meaningful connections. Sisco offers invaluable tools to create inclusive and empowering learning environments that nurture growth and curiosity. This is essential reading for anyone passionate about vocal pedagogy and performance.
Isaí Jess Muñoz, DMA, Dean of Music, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
David Sisco’s Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy is a timely and much-needed arrival on the vocal pedagogy scene. As the title implies, this book delivers practical advice on studio teaching, grounded in a holistic paradigm whose aim is to create pro-social learning environments and caring, productive student-teacher relationships. This is a resource that all studio voice teachers will benefit from, and I strongly endorse its contents.
Linda Barcan, Lecturer in Music (Voice), Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne
The voice studio is a unique teaching space. In Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy, David Sisco explores dynamics that emerge between student and teacher. With heart and a commitment to technique and artistry, Sisco offers a holistic teaching approach, balancing contemporary influences such as social media and industry changes, with age-old values including curiosity and joy.
Harriet L. Schwartz, PhD, Author, Connected Teaching: Relationship, Power, and Mattering in Higher Education
Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy offers an insightful and compassionate approach to vocal pedagogy, blending evidence-based research with the nuances of interpersonal communication between teacher and student. By integrating science and empathy, this book provides valuable tools for creating supportive and empowering learning environments for aspiring vocal artists.
Brian Kremer, Associate Professor of Musical Theatre & Musical Theatre Program Coordinator, Elon University
David’s text provides an intentional and practical invitation for voice teachers to lead with curiosity rather than assumption. By centering dignity in every interaction—particularly the inevitable discomfort of conflict—his approach continually calls us back into relationship with our students, our colleagues, and ourselves. A must-read for the contemporary pedagogue.
Megan Durham, MM, SVS, Contributing Author: Trauma and the Voice
