Head First ─ The Language of the Head Voice: A Concise Study of Learning to Sing in the Head Voice

Denes Striny's international singing career brought him to the major opera houses of the world in leading roles. At the same time, he was evolving his vocal technique in a quest to find his full vocal potential. This book documents his struggles and successes with himself, teachers, coaches, and other singers. Striny, while maintaining his singing career, also had a full studio of singers studying with him in New York City.

In this his first book, Striny confronts and explains the universal problem in singing today. This problem is at the center of an important dilemma in the world of opera today-namely, where have all the great operatic voices gone? Striny dissects the problem and offers the solution, which is a return to singing in the "Head Voice," the only true operatic sound. For the past sixty years, the knowledge that there are thirty-two muscles, bones, ligaments, and sinewy masses of tissue located around the larynx led teachers and students to chase this anatomical knowledge in search of answers to vocal theories. However, they have not learned the basic fundamental truth-those who sing in the head voice are the only true operatic voices.

The late Birgit Nilsson, international opera legend and long-time friend, mentor, and teacher to Striny, shares her insights with Striny and the reader throughout the book. Head First is a must for teachers, students, professional singers, and opera lovers who will gain valuable insight into the "voice of opera."

Denes Striny is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Shaker Mountain Opera. He has sung leading tenor roles in many of the major opera houses in the United States, Europe, Australia, and Japan. His vocal studio is producing some of America's most exciting young singers. His students frequently capture major roles at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, and other major opera houses throughout the world. For additional information and to order the companion CD to Head First, please visit Denes Striny's website at www.denesstriny.com.