Reframing Bel Canto in the Twenty-First Century: Dovetailing Tradition with Science-Informed Pedagogy

Abstract: Author Matthew Hoch explores the meaning, context, and viability of the term “bel canto” in the third decade of the twenty-first century, using James Stark’s seminal 1999 book Bel Canto: A History of Vocal Pedagogy as a starting point for reflection. Amplifying Stark’s desire to find common ground among various schools of historical pedagogy as well as the nexus between the master–pupil tradition and science-informed modern era, Hoch contemplates shifts that have occurred in the past quarter century while also highlighting some of bel canto’s timeless principles. Hoch suggests an expansion of Stark’s definition of bel canto adapted to the needs of the modern voice pedagogue.