Singing and Imagination: A Human Approach to a Great Musical Tradition Book

Hemsley believes that the basic and essential steps for good singing are not as many as it may seem, they are quite simple, but to be able to apply them one needs concentration and experimentation, it is also quite different from person to person. The book does not dwell in the scientific and medical approach of singing, yet, it does not belittle the value of appropriate scientific investigation, but Hemsley does believe that modern methods of training have gone too far in the direction of the materialistic approach.

What truly stimulates the voice to action is the urge to express something (give expression to thoughts and feelings through music).

Since he was a teacher himself, he writes that the process of becoming a good singer is long and requires patience and dedication, a teacher can help a lot during this process, but a bad one can do tremendous damage.

It stroke me very true this phrase: "It is essential for singers to be able to distinguish between the singing impulse and a state of personal excitement." I mention it also to bring another wonderful thing about this book; what I found very useful with this is that the problems that many singers have are mentioned in it, and I actually found myself in them in many, since he also explains why these things happen in the first place it gives me tools to correct them.

It also offers few exercises here and there so one can try it by themselves, in general the book puts emphasis on experimentation, it is essential to discover oneself.
Throughout the book there are many quotes from other singing experts that he uses to either prove a point or further develop some of his arguments, of course they are teachers we have read about already, like Lamperti, Averino, Manén and many others, I found this very good, because it takes very good extracts from these author's books, which also make you curious to read their books, thus enhancing your knowledge of your instrument and your profession.

The author himself says more than once that imagination is not enough to be able to sing well, there are many other factors within this; like posture, impulse, intention, preparation of what will come, breath, colour etc. However, singing in all its aspects and at all times should be guided by the imagination, the feelings, and the intuition.

Hensley's thoughts can be resumed in this phrase: Your mind is the key to start off the process of singing.