Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Chapter 1: Why Study English Diction?
Chapter 2: Communication Through Appropriate Stress
Chapter 3: Preparation for Vowel Production
Chapter 4: The Front Vowels
Chapter 5: The Backing Vowels
Chapter 6: The Mixed Vowels
Chapter 7: The Diphthongs & Triphthongs
Chapter 8: The Three Semi-Vowel Glides
Chapter 9: Introduction to Consonants
Chapter 10: The Plosives
Chapter 11: The Fricatives
Chapter 12: Nasal Consonants Plus Lyrical L
Chapter 13: The Owner's Manual: Connecting the Dots
Chapter 14: Singing in the British Dialect: "The Rain in Spain"
Chapter 15: The Mid-Atlantic Dialect
Afterword
Appendices:
I: IPA Alphabet for the English Language
II: Three-Dialect Overview
III: Regional Dialects
Glossary
Bibliography
Index of Texts and Music Examples
CD Guide

About the Author

Kathryn LaBouff teaches English Diction and English Vocal Literature at the Juilliard School of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Curtis Institute of Music. Diction Coach for the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Washington Opera, she has coached and prepared more than 300 professional opera productions in English.

Reviews

"Singing in English clearly and expressively is no mean feat. Kathryn LaBouff's methodical and vocally healthy approach to singing in English empowers and frees the singer/actor to deeply communicate while singing in English. She has revolutionized singing in English, and no student or coach should be without this book. This book is a must for all who wish to master the art of singing in English."--Allison Voth, Principal Coach, Opera Institute,
Boston University
"In the rehearsal process Kathryn LaBouff is my secret weapon. She has an uncanny ability to take dramatic ideas and unify them with her own technical and diction work for the performer. The result of her collaboration is that the performer can activate and communicate the text like no one else. The diction techniques that she developed are easily accessible in this book, and will help clean up English text delivery in productions around the world. This is a
must-have for all directors, coaches, teachers, performers and anyone who champions opera in English." --Francesca Zambello, Director, Artistic Advisor to San Francisco Opera
"Staggeringly high standard of diction. The surest method of converting people to Opera." --Opera Now
"Singing in English can be one of the most satisfying experiences for a singer. Whilst singers realize considerable skills in a range of European languages, English remains sidelined, expected to look after itself. This book offers guidance to singers for 'singing and communicating,' which then leads to comprehension -- for artist and audience alike. In exploring this rich and varied language, Kathryn LaBouff deals fully with some obvious, and
other much less obvious aspects of singing in English. Her book deserves a special place in every singer's library." --Sir Thomas Allen CBE, Kammersänger of the Bayerische Staatsoper Munich
"Offers clear, concise explanations with pertinent examples. The author's vast experience as a diction coach is evident on every page. The linked website augments the text's usefulness. Singers, voice teachers, and coaches will find Singing and Communicating in English an excellent resource." --Journal of Singing