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:	9781040382004
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/01/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	226
File size:	643 KB

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