A beneficiary of the pioneering incorporation of sound and synchronicity into cinema, the Hollywood musical became the most popular film genre in America’s thirties and forties. Its eastward migration resulted in a barrage of Polish screen musicals that relied on the country’s famous cabaret stars, while in the Soviet Union it inspired the audience-pleasing kolkhoz musicals of Ivan Pyr’ev and their urban counterpart, directed by Grigorii Aleksandrov. Like Stalin, Slavic moviegoers delectated tuneful melodies, mobile bodies in choreographed dance numbers, colorful costumes, and the notion that “all’s well that ends well.” Yet Slavic versions of the musical elaborated scenarios that differed from the Hollywood model. This volume examines the vagaries of this genre in both countries, from its early instantiations to its contemporary variations almost a century after its dramatic birth.

A complete how-to guide for "non-singers" or beginning singers who wish they could sing, or fearful singers who long to bring singingback into their lives. Includes Audio Tracks and Videos on Companion Website! Singing is a skill that can be learned, just like any other skill. However, because singing is so primal and meaningful to us as human beings, when we are discouraged, we are discouraged to the core. Our confidence and self-esteem are affected. Most would-be singers stop singing completely, no questions asked. But many who "can't sing," on some level wish they could.... Singing is your birthright. It's never too late to get started! With the Fear of Singing Breakthrough Program You'll: Discover the power of the body-voice connection Learn simple ways to use your breath to support your voice Harness a variety of singing techniques that work with your learning style Demystify basic music theory for singing Start learning how to sing in tune and understand rhythm Learn how to blend in so you can sing with friends and in groups You'll Find: Powerful fear-busting exercises Ice-breakers to get you singing right away Exercises for learning to listen better and match pitch Step-by-step lessons on how to approach any song Real-world suggestions for starting to sing with other people Inspirational ideas about art, courage and self-expression Even if your goals are modest (you're not planning to perform on Broadway or become a professional), feeling comfortable about singing the Happy Birthday Song, or singing around the campfire or at church can make all the difference in the world. In this fun, supportive program you will be guided through techniques to get past your fear, and be taught the foundations of learning how to sing. Tap into the transformative power of singing to experience more confidence, self-expression and joy. Don't let the outdated idea that you are a "non-singer" stop you from joining in one of the healthiest, most expressive and rewarding activities life has to offer. Visit www.FearOfSinging.com What People Are Saying... "For those just beginning to step bravely into the world of singing this book provides a clear, comprehensive and supportive guide toward getting over internal doubt and fear and making the journey into the transformative possibilities of the human voice." - Mary Knysh, Founder of Rhythmic Connections Teacher/Trainer for Music for People "With kindness, playfulness, and heart, Nancy will help you explore your voice and reclaim the joy and courage we all had singing as children." - Shendl Diamond, LikeMinds Press "Salwen's writing is from the heart, and her knowledge is experiential; her range of teaching and singing experience shines through in this approachable and interactive book. Those who love to read a book from cover to cover will find lots of useful information, and those who prefer to jump right in and try things will find handy lists, exercises and tips. Salwen breaks down the skills of singing and helps readers recognize the skills they already have." - Dr. Irene M. Feher, D.Mus. Professor of Voice, Concordia University

The imaginative and effective activities in this book invite children to discover the sounds they can make with their voices. Not only are the activities fun, they also serve as excellent vocal warm-ups for singing. Children are taught that just as an athlete warms up various muscles before competing, singers must warm up their vocal muscles in order to be able to sing with flexibility. Young singers learn to understand the range of sounds their own voices can make, how they can more effectively control those sounds, and ultimately sing in tune and with feeling.

As seen on public television stations nationwide, a revolutionary new approach to playing non-classical music on the piano. Have you ever wished you could play the piano Well, now you can! Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston teaches you to play the way the pros play, in a style enormously simpler than traditional classical piano and with an absolute minimum of note-reading. By focusing on playing the melody with the right hand (one note at a time) and simple chords with the left hand, Houston gives you the tools you need for a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Best of all, your tour guide to this adventure forces you to have fun along the way!

A survey of film musicals incorporates interviews with directors and screenwriters, an overview of the genre from the 1920s to the 1990s, and discusses fourteen film musicals from 1996 to 2004, along with musicals on TV.

Profound reflections on the cross that help you to meditate on and marvel at the sacrificial love of Jesus. This book can be used as a devotional, especially during Lent and Easter. These profound reflections on the cross from David Mathis, author of The Christmas We Didn’t Expect, will help you to meditate on and marvel at Jesus’ life, sacrificial death, and spectacular resurrection-enabling you to treasure anew who Jesus is and what he has done. Many of us are so familiar with the Easter story that it becomes easy to miss subtle details and difficult to really enjoy its meaning. This book will help you to pause and marvel at Jesus, whose now-glorified wounds are a sign of his unfailing love and the decisive victory that he has won: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5) This book can be used as a devotional. The chapters on Holy Week make it especially helpful during the Lent season and at Easter.

Do you love to sing but struggle with your voice? Are you straining for high notes? Would you like to improve your tone? Not sure where to begin? Beginning Singing will give you the essential knowledge and techniques to discover and develop your true voice. Easy-to-understand concepts and practical exercises will help remove vocal limitations and allow your voice to soar! You will learn: How to extend your range Breath control basics The keys to building vocal power How to eliminate cracks and breaks The secrets to improving your tone How your voice really works Effective practice routines And MUCH more! Whether you want a career in music or simply wish to dazzle family and friends at karaoke night, Beginning Singing is for you. Includes bonus online videos and vocal exercises.

Lyrics and guitar chords for traditional and modern folk songs.

A bright and beautiful alphabet book featuring Eric Carle's wonderful creatures. Explore the amazing animal alphabet with The Very Hungry Caterpillar in this delightful board book. Featuring Eric Carle's bright, distinctive artwork, each letter introduces beloved animals, big and small.

Complete Vocal Fitness: A Singer’s Guide to Physical Training, Anatomy, and Biomechanics is a primer on sport-specific training for vocal athletes. Elite athletes apply cutting-edge research in movement and physiology to customize fitness regimens that ensure peak performance. The principles of sports science that enable them to fine-tune strength, flexibility and dynamic stabilization to meet the requirements of a given sport are invaluable for preparing the body to meet the physical demands of singing. This book will teach you to: Optimize alignment by identifying and resolving postural distortions Balance strength and flexibility throughout your torso to facilitate full breathing and promote coordinated breath management Improve oxygen consumption to enhance your stamina and ability to sustain long phrases Stabilize your spine and major joints in order to continue performing with solid technique while meeting the demands of stage movement Musicians of all kinds benefit from understanding the basics of how their instruments work. This book is also a guide to how the vocal instrument functions. You will find accessible descriptions of the fundamental components of vocal anatomy – laryngeal function, articulation and resonance – explaining their movements, their interaction with one another, their integration with the anatomy of breathing and alignment, and relating them to common non-anatomical terminology often used in the voice studio.