Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy: An Integrative Approach to Training Vocal Artists

by David Sisco

Overview

Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy: An Integrative Approach to Training Vocal Artists investigates how to develop healthy, equitable, student–teacher relationships in both applied and independent voice lessons. Knitting together research from cognitive science, education, mindfulness, and sports psychology, the book promotes a student-centered approach to teaching that gives singers agency over their vocal expression and buoys teacher well-being.

Divided into two parts, the book begins by examining the student–teacher relationship. It explores the history of this relationship, analyses contemporary opportunities and challenges impacting students and teachers, reflects on four holistic pillars of teaching, and offers recommendations for developing healthy boundaries and clear communication with students. The second part focuses on fostering a singer’s artistry, covering such topics as selecting repertoire with the student, examining motor skill learning and various practice modalities, cultivating vibrant performances through artistic research, and creating an equitable rubric for assessment. Throughout the book, research is supported by anecdotes and insights from a diverse roster of Western classical, musical theatre, and CCM voice teachers.

Synthesized with reflective questions, recommendations for further reading, and a robust online companion, Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy presents an integrative approach to instruction that empowers singing artists and engenders connected, gratifying teaching. This book is a valuable resource for early-career and established voice teachers alike, and offers vibrant resources for vocal pedagogy courses.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032974200
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/27/2025
Pages:	226
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher