Wholehearted Voice Pedagogy

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 BoulderWholehearted 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 BerkleeDavid 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 MelbourneThe 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 UniversityDavid’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