Kinesthetic Voice Pedagogy

In the voice teaching and voice science communities, the gulf between what is true and what is helpful often appears impossible to bridge. Kenneth Bozeman is that rare teacher who can distill complex material into a usable framework for voice teachers. Taking nothing away from centuries of tradition, Bozeman uses his holistic knowledge of acoustics, resonance, and (false) kinesthesia to help us notice important patterns of behavior in the singing voice. His work doesn’t just stimulate the mind, it will make you a better teacher in a remarkably short period of time.

Ian Howell, voice faculty, director of vocal pedagogy
New England Conservatory

Kenneth Bozeman does a remarkable job of making voice science understandable and accessible to every student and voice teacher. In Kinesthetic Voice Pedagogy, Mr. Bozeman makes clear that the innate response of the body to express is the foundation for ideal Western classical singing, and uses today’s technology to back his argument. No longer do voice scientists and the masters of Italian bel canto have to fight over how to teach. Kenneth Bozeman has married the two beautifully.

Carol Mastrodomenico, voice faculty
Longy School of Music

In Kinesthetic Voice Pedagogy, Kenneth Bozeman masterfully connects science and tradition. His detailed discussions on vocal tract mapping combined with the latest science behind harmonics, formant tuning, and vowel perception theory are significant contributions to the literature on fact based pedagogy. Most importantly, Bozeman details how to teach these concepts using physiological, kinesthetic, and visual approaches. This book is a must read for the 21st century teacher!

Matthew Edwards
Associate Professor and Coordinator of Musical Theatre Voice
Artistic Director of the CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute

Ken Bozman's Kinesthetic Voice Pedagogy, together with its companion precursor Practical Vocal Acoustics is as important a book in the voice literature as there is. I encourage reading Practical Vocal Acoustics first for the sake of thoroughly understanding Ken's vocabulary and pedagogy. In Kinesthetic Voice Pedagogy, Ken reveals why he may be the "mode of turning" (see his book for the metaphoric correlation) for today's voice teacher. While battles over superiority of language choice, tradition, style, and merit rage across the voice community, Ken demonstrates with sage wisdom that with clear, patient language and practice, all perspectives can coexist and thrive within the same house. He lovingly refurbishes old world terminology for a new era, bolstering the ever-present need to build on well-established tradition. In addition, he welcomes the ever-changing world of voice practice. The short chapter that he writes on CCM singing elevates the CCM discussion significantly.

There is no defensiveness in his posture, only enthusiasm for communicating the wonders of vocal acoustics into measured practice, and determination to see others succeed. Throughout the book, the reader regularly feels as if Ken's primary focus is the well-being of the singer. The tools that he translates from across the vocal literature provide concise, meaningful opportunities for teachers and students to access some of the most intimate and elusive elements in voice training. In a single effort, Ken nurtures understanding of tradition, acknowledges the expertise of people across the voice world today, welcomes all readers into a curated but non-proprietary experience with complex material, and opens wide a new opportunity for vocalists from all backgrounds. I challenge anyone to do that in 80 or fewer pages.

~David, Voice Science Works.org