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Ken Bozman's Kinesthetic Voice Pedagogy, together with its companion precursor Practical Vocal Acoustics is as important a book in the voice literature as there is. I encourage reading Practical Vocal Acoustics first for the sake of thoroughly understanding Ken's vocabulary and pedagogy. In Kinesthetic Voice Pedagogy, Ken reveals why he may be the "mode of turning" (see his book for the metaphoric correlation) for today's voice teacher. While battles over superiority of language choice, tradition, style, and merit rage across the voice community, Ken demonstrates with sage wisdom that with clear, patient language and practice, all perspectives can coexist and thrive within the same house. He lovingly refurbishes old world terminology for a new era, bolstering the ever-present need to build on well-established tradition. In addition, he welcomes the ever-changing world of voice practice. The short chapter that he writes on CCM singing elevates the CCM discussion significantly.
There is no defensiveness in his posture, only enthusiasm for communicating the wonders of vocal acoustics into measured practice, and determination to see others succeed. Throughout the book, the reader regularly feels as if Ken's primary focus is the well-being of the singer. The tools that he translates from across the vocal literature provide concise, meaningful opportunities for teachers and students to access some of the most intimate and elusive elements in voice training. In a single effort, Ken nurtures understanding of tradition, acknowledges the expertise of people across the voice world today, welcomes all readers into a curated but non-proprietary experience with complex material, and opens wide a new opportunity for vocalists from all backgrounds. I challenge anyone to do that in 80 or fewer pages. ~David |
