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Vocal Pedagogy: Introduction

Resources relevant to the teaching of voice.

Introduction

Vocal Pedagogy (MUST 319, MUST 519)

This guide will help you identify appropriate resources for your research in vocal pedagogy. Included here are suggested subject headings to search in OneSearch to find books in the library; subject-specific bibliographies and histories, and books on instruction, performance practice, and voice care; online databases for finding journal articles and other materials; and relevant Web sites. Use the tabs above to choose the type of resource you want to use.

Keyword or Subject Searching: which option to choose and why

Keyword searching vs. subject searching:  In the search box on the library's homepage, type any search term(s) and you have a keyword search. But you may get results that surprise you!  The keyword search "vocal health" will bring up several helpful resources, including the article, "Medicine Goes to the Opera: Vocal Health and Remedies for Professional Singers of the Belle Epoque". But also a book that mentions a vocal alliance of health professionals. A subject search for Voice -- Care and hygiene can help ensure more accurate search results. You can specify a subject search in an Advanced Search. Or click on the subject heading in a record to launch a new search on that subject.  

Smooth Operators: getting the most from search engines

Use of "AND" and "OR":  Use of AND combines important concepts.  OR brings up items containing any of the search terms.

Note:  If you put more than 1 word in the search box, the catalog assumes the AND and will look for items that include all your terms.  Also, in our catalog, operators must be capitalized.

Examples:

  1. To find fewer: narrow the search with AND - opera AND "19th century"
  2. To find more: broaden the search with OR - vocal (technique OR pedagogy) 

Using " " (Quotation marks)

Putting quotation marks around words tells the system you are looking for that phrase, not the individual words.  A search for "vocal technique" will find that phrase, whereas a search for the words vocal music will include, for example, an article on a technique for bilateral vocal fold immobility. It's a way of narrowing your search and getting more relevant results.

The Meaning of * (Wildcard)

* picks up any characters after the end of the typed-in term.  Very useful for words with many variants.  For example, music* brings up music, musical, musicology, and any other variant.     

Questions?

Library Chat:
You can start a chat with a librarian by clicking the chat bubble icon at the bottom right side of any library page or by clicking here

Phone:
803-323-4501

Email:
refdesk@winthrop.edu

Music Liaison

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Martha Smith
Contact:
803-323-2274
Subjects: History, Law