This CD-ROM presentation will provide manuscripts of the exercises to encourage a basic level of music reading related to recognition of melodic shapes, assessment of pitch differences, and an understanding of rhythm patterns and note-length. Identification of 'letter-names' of notes and keyboard skills will not be required. All exercises are supported both by demonstration tracks and by backing tracks to cover the whole vocal range.These are accessed from the music-page as MP3 files. The format of the exercises is: [Introduction-Exercise-Modulation-Exercise( in new key)-Modulation - Exercise etc] In this way the voice is steadily trained to move smoothly into both higher and lower ranges.

The Preparatory Calisthenics provide a simple introduction and rehearsal system to gain fluency in the principal syllabic and vowel patterns used in the main calisthenics. The ten basic Calisthenic Exercises are then introduced with explanatory notes as to their use in range extension and voice register smoothing.The Advanced Calisthenics build on this by introducing minor key variations of the basic exercises as well as long-note and descending and ascending interval studies.Futher studies will illustrate how the calisthenic ideas and techniques are applied to the learning and presentation of songs and to the development of a voice with the flexibility to sing successfully in different styles. For a definition of the notation convention and a description of the various pitch ranges covered in these studies click here.

NB: Please either ensure that your default media player is one with a small window (eg VLC media player - available here ( )( < http://vlc-media-player.en.softonic.com/ >) or else follow the instructions in the System Notes so that you can see the manuscript after clicking the play links.