“We use all kinds of expressions, terms, and words in our daily speech without thinking about what they mean literally. But the literal meaning does subliminally influence our response to them. If I’m feeling upset, for instance, I’m not going to get a lump on my calf. The lump is in my throat and I’m all choked up.”

“… many singers, even in the practice room or at a lesson, are beset by fear and anxiety—particularly of initial onsets— which can greatly inhibit resonant sound production, smooth entrances, flexible coloratura, and optimal dynamic range.”

“… But motor learning research has shown that frequent, brief periods of practice are much more valuable than infrequent, lengthy sessions. This is partly due to our inability to concentrate sufficiently after about 20 minutes, and partly because one needs many, many repetitions before something is truly embedded.”

“… Most of the attention to breathing involves the technical aspects of breath management; equally important, however, is that the character of the inhalation matches that of the music.”