Lynn Helding serves as associate professor of vocal pedagogy and studio voice teacher at Thornton School of Music. Ms. Helding is a thought-leader within the dynamic field of contemporary voice science, or vocology, and thus was elected to head the founding of the first non-profit vocology association, PAVA. She is an associate editor of the Journal of Singing and creator/author of the journal's Mindful Voice column, which illuminates current research in the cognitive, neuro- and social sciences as they relate to music teaching, learning and performance. She is in demand as a master teacher and popular lecturer on cognitive topics at universities, conferences and workshops across the United States and Canada.
The Musician's Mind is an exceptional contribution to vocal pedagogy. Helding has conscientiously collected some of the most relevant research, which she has adeptly translated and expertly applied to voice training. Her work is tremendously important for voice educators. If heeded, it stands to have a transformational impact on the field.--Classical Singer Magazine Knowledge is of the mind; wisdom is of the soul. In a paradigmatic illustration of this truism, singer, voice pedagogue, and researcher Lynn Helding draws from wellsprings of personal artistry, knowledge of the vocal instrument, deep insights into the cognitive sciences, and academic experience, qualities bolstered by a probing intellect, to contribute a study of deep significance to the broader community of musicians.--Richard D. Sjoerdsma, Editor in Chief, Journal of Singing This is the first book to address how music-making changes our brains, and how to do it better. Lynn Helding covers the latest discoveries in cognitive neuroscience with priceless information to help teachers impart knowledge to their students, and how musicians at all levels, from novice to professional, may practice effectively and optimize their performances. The final chapter is a clarion call for musicians to confront the pitfalls of the multitasking Digital Age: decreased ability to concentrate, decreased productivity, and a disturbing decrease in human empathy.--Rod Gilfry, Associate Professor of Vocal Arts, USC Thornton School of Music, baritone A well-written and accessible introduction, Lynn Helding takes us on a journey through recent theoretical and empirical works, with direct implications for music teaching and learning. This book offers many insights for anyone interested in music learning, performing, and teaching.--Beatriz Ilari, associate professor of music education, University of Southern California Helding debunks common myths and highlights findings that can enhance your experience both in the practice room and on stage. It's an owner's manual for the mind specifically for musicians.--Noa Kageyama, performance psychologist, bulletproofmusician.com