A Dictionary for the Modern Singer

Hoch offers a practical resource intended for singers, voice teachers, and lovers of the art of singing. It is truly comprehensive, encompassing not only classical genres and styles, but also musical theater, popular music, and folk and traditional music. Topics include vocal pedagogy, voice science, vocal health, styles, genres, performers, and diction. He also provides easily understandable definitions and explanations. A welcome bonus is the inclusion of five guest essays on important topics by distinguished pedagogues: comparison between classical and contemporary commercial music, choosing repertoire, practicing, performance anxiety, and audio technology. Also included are useful appendixes, among which are International Phonetic Alphabet charts, anatomy diagrams, the German Fach (vocal category) chart, and effects of medication on the voice. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through professionals/practitioners. * CHOICE *
Hoch provides us . . . with more of a vocalist’s field guide; his audience is the student in his classes. . . .As a reaction to Cornelius Reid’s A Dictionary of Vocal Terminology, Hoch’s entries lean toward tight definitions of general topics; the dictionary section of the text is just over 200 pages. Such economy allows for a large number of interesting entries, including various current programs, theories, and abbreviations encountered. We also find singers who are 'important figures in their field'; Aretha Franklin, Jacques Brel and Amy Grant find their way into is category. Some of the entries would be improved by including pronunciation guides, especially considering the audience. Hoch includes a substantial bibliography of the works consulted, which is a vital launching pad for the interested reader. The appendixes are worth their weight in gold—a timeline of the history of singing, 10 steps to singer’s wellness, and the effect of selected medications on the voice are but a few. For the student or practitioner, this is an essential volume to own. . . .This is essential for practitioners and undergraduates; it is also recommended for faculty. * American Reference Books Annual *
Three years in the making, Matthew Hoch's aptly-titled tome is now in print—and what a handsome book it is! From its elegant cover which features a singer sporting an asymmetrical dress, platinum ring and bob cut, to the well-written entries, articles and appendixes which deftly bridge the worlds of classical and contemporary vocal pedagogy, A Dictionary for the Modern Singer succeeds in giving singers and voice teachers a great deal of information, much of which will be new to those unaccustomed to the terminology of voice science. * VoiceTalk *
This book is an authoritative, well-researched and referenced work that will become an indispensable guide to student singers, giving them self-sufficiency to decipher their music, from tempo markings to languages and provide them with a resource from which they can start more a more in-depth study of their discipline. . . .[This book] is a very successful endeavor. The subject range is vast but appropriate given the range of the singing discipline In one volume lies much of the basic information a singer needs and a refresher for those of us who learned some of these terms a long time ago or perhaps need some more current information. As a reference book for the singer, student, teacher and enthusiast it is a fine starting place for more in-depth study. Recommended. * The Opera Journal *
A guide for vocal students and teachers, this work introduces terms that have influenced modern singing styles, covering topics such as vocal pedagogy, voice science and health, styles, genres, performers, and diction. Also included are an extensive bibliography and appendices on stage fright, tips for practicing, repertoire selection, audio technology and non-classical styles. * OPERA America *
We know that voices are unique and personal. There are deep bass voices, high-pitched cutting voices and melodious mellow voices. Each of us changes the volume, intensity and rhythm of our voice to suit the context or the people we are talking to. In short, our voice expresses who we are, what our thoughts and intentions are and how we feel. So, how do you get a beautiful voice? How do you wade through the many terms during your first singing lesson: head voice, chest voice, portamento, rounded voice and so on? Acquiring a correct vocal technique, both for singing and speaking, takes time and commitment, but having the appropriate theoretical knowledge makes the learning process much easier. How do you master the art of breathing, what does 'support' mean? Many of the answers to these questions can be found in Matthew Hoch's book, A Dictionary for the Modern Singer. * International Choral Bulletin *
Matthew Hoch’s A Dictionary for the Modern Singer is quite a useful tool. The entries are concise, clear, and its scope is appreciable. . . .It is a handy first place to go for information, and that is the author’s intention. Backed by appreciable scholarship and with plenty of bibliographic information, readers can strike out on their own to deepen research interests. Recommended. * The Journal of the Association of Anglican Musicians *
The lexicon is vast, encompassing anatomy, pedagogy, performers, teachers, terms, and vocal music of many genres. It offers general information about theory, history, and music literature, and includes singers of numerous styles, stage directors, collaborative pianists, choral conductors, and acting teachers. The subjects are eclectic (as evidenced by three successive entries: ‘Armenian chant,’ ‘Armstrong, Louis,’ and ‘ars antiqua’), and none of the explanations are long. Hoch explains each term in clear, articulate prose . . . [He] writes exceedingly well and the research is detailed . . .  A Dictionary for the Modern Singer is a helpful single-volume reference for any studio. * Journal of Singing *
A Dictionary for the Modern Singer is a valuable resource that singers in all styles and at all levels (and their teachers) quickly will count as a favorite. Highly recommended. * The Triangle of Mu Phi Epsilon *
I highly recommend A Dictionary for the Modern Singer. It is a must-have reference guide for any voice teacher, student, or performer. I am certainly going to use it in my studio teaching and suggest that it be made part of my school’s classical and musical theater curriculum. Bravo to Matthew Hoch for this invaluable addition to any serious singer’s library. * The Voice and Speech Review *
In our information explosion of the twenty-first century we can often match every singing question with an immediate answer, and explore with enthusiasm various helpful knowledge areas far beyond what we expected. Matthew Hoch’s A Dictionary for the Modern Singer enables this with trustworthy authority, and with an element of surprise. This one volume is more than a dictionary; it is a resource compendium for singers, singing enthusiasts, and voice teachers at any level of experience, and across several genres. * Canadian Music Educators Association *
A lot has happened in the world of voice since Cornelius Reid’s A Dictionary of Vocal Terminology of 1984. Hence A Dictionary of the Modern Singer, 2014, is a refreshing update of knowledge encompassing both the classical and the commercial contemporary singer’s art. . . .The cover of A Dictionary for the Modern Singer commends it as an indispensable voice guide for students, teachers, professionals, and amateurs. . . .[and] it will find favour with readers in all of those categories. The Dictionary itself is educative, and useful for checking into for a cursory view. The essays, appendices and reading lists provide valuable in-depth information for continuing education. Have it on the piano to refer to; read it; and re-read it! * Australian Society for Music Education *
Matthew Hoch’s A Dictionary for the Modern Singer is quite comprehensive and has much to recommend it. . . .This book...would be useful for the undergraduate, graduate, and serious student of voice and choral music. It is also handy to have on the shelf for quick information for the professional singer, voice pedagogue, and choral conductor. In A Dictionary for the Modern Singer, a lot of information is presented that is now in one location. * Choral Journal *
A specialist work, then, best used in a US context but good in its own right, above all for highlighting how distinct the singing experience and repertoire are from, and within, the wider range of musical activity and training. * s *
[A] highly recommendable comprehensive volume. It covers the many eras, genres and fields that converge where voice use and vocal music are involved. . . .In our information explosion of the twenty-first century we can often match every singing question with an immediate answer, and explore with enthusiasm various helpful knowledge areas far beyond what we expected. Matthew Hoch’s A Dictionary for the Modern Singer enables this with trustworthy authority, and with an element of surprise. This one volume is more than a dictionary; it is a resource compendium for singers, singing enthusiasts, and voice teachers at any level of experience, and across several genres. . . .The dictionary’s definitions are accessible and straightforward. They are also instructive to those unfamiliar with other present and historical singing styles and practices. . . .It is commendable that Hoch has wisely drawn together this powerful and useful collection. In his introduction he marvelously and thoroughly articulates what the book is, and what it is not. He compares it to its precursors, and places his own offering within the needs of contemporary knowledge and practice in general. The extensive biographical information provided at the close of the book indicates Hoch’s facility as an experienced and accomplished vocal soloist, professional chorister, teacher, research scholar, professor, music administrator and leader. . . .I am grateful for this inclusive yet enticing gateway book. To have such accessible , pertinent information at the ready is buoying, educational, and generously helpful to all of us in the field. I have my own copy, and I’ll be recommending that my students and colleagues keep their own copy within arm’s reach. * Canadian Music Educators Association *
In Matthew Hoch’s book, A Dictionary for the Modern Singer, he shares concise but meaningful definitions for the most pertinent terms and concepts needed by students of singing. Much more than a basic dictionary, its topical focus and the reliability of its content make it a worthwhile addition to a singer’s library. Though targeted to undergraduate voice students, studio teachers will also benefit from having this reference guide on hand as it describes genres and styles, offers brief bios of renowned singers and scholars, and defines terms related to music theory, musical expression, and vocal pedagogy.... Thorough without being pedantic, Hoch favors facts instead of opinions and reality over controversy. His multifaceted background as a performer, conductor, teacher, and scholar makes him more than qualified to write such an all-encompassing text.... Owning a go-to resource like A Dictionary for the Modern Singer that is this well researched and thoughtfully compiled is undoubtedly worth the investment. * Classical Singer Magazine *
Singers definitely need a compendium of the many words and terms they will encounter, one that goes beyond the definitions found in more general dictionaries of music.  And at least this reviewer enjoyed reading the book…. The bibliography, arranged by subject, should be extremely useful for singers needing or wanting information beyond that in the book…. Summing up, A Dictionary for the Modern Singer is a worthwhile book, including many items not included in more general dictionaries. * Ars Lyrica *
Dr. Matthew Hoch's new book, A Dictionary for the Modern Singer, is a unique addition to the libraries of teachers, singers, and singing enthusiasts. It reflects Dr. Hoch's wide interest and knowledge about essential information and available resources for further study. He covers a variety of singing styles with contributions by leading authorities. Teachers will want to keep the book close to where they teach. -- Marvin Keenze, Chairman, International Congress of Voice Teachers; Professor Emeritus, Westminster Choir College
A Dictionary for the Modern Singer is a welcome addition to the list of reference works every singer should own. Dr. Hoch does the field of singing a great service, providing singers and teachers with well written, accurate definitions of the "jargon" of our profession. For the first time under one cover we have a work that defines terms which represent the breadth of the art of singing. This work will serve to unite the profession! -- Allen Henderson, Executive Director, National Association of Teachers of Singing; Professor of Voice, Georgia Southern University
Author Matthew Hoch has compiled a tool that will be useful the first time it is opened. I believe it will become a standard reference tool for the training of singers. The more advanced singer will also find it valuable, offering a standard to measure individual perception and knowledge.… Growing the best of the art of singing is close to the heart of virtually every singer. Thanks to Dr. Hoch for taking a giant step in that direction with the publication of A Dictionary for the Modern Singer. -- Donald Simonson, Past President, National Association of Teachers of Singing; Professor and Chair of Voice, Iowa State University
A Dictionary for the Modern Singer is an incredibly valuable resource for singers of any genre. It is also satisfyingly useful to contemporary commercial singers in the Broadway and pop/rock fields. Too often these singers are excluded and left to "figure it out for themselves," leaving terrible gaps in their musical knowledge. This comprehensive collection levels the playing field and is a must-have in any young singer's library. Universities, take heed: This book is destined to become the gold standard in vocal terminology. -- David Sabella-Mills, President, New York Singing Teachers Association; Executive Director, Broadway Theatre Project
I highly recommend A Dictionary for the Modern Singer. Dr. Matthew Hoch's approach is valuable not just for the performer, but equally for the choral musician and conductor. His long association with prestigious choirs has made him sensitive to the issues choral artists encounter, and his experience as an accomplished and thoughtful singer allows him to speak clearly and distinctly as an emerging leader in the field of vocal pedagogy. Practical, concise information is a universal desire necessary for professional and student alike...