From Farinelli to Frank Sinatra, the influence of Bel Canto is widespread and long-lived. It is a singing style which has relevance and merit for all singers – not just classical.

In this clear, and concise book, Michelle Nova and Patricia Collins examine the origins and history of Bel Canto – taking into account the subtle changes in terminology and phrasing over the generations – and explain vocal anatomy and show how to apply Bel Canto technique. Thereafter, they give practical information on word sounds, how to sing a song, methods of preparation, and learning techniques. Also included are valuable appendices covering vocal exercises and examples of singers who themselves use Bel Canto technique.

To order 'Singing Bel Canto' please click here:

(for non-UK purchases please contact Michelle direct here)

SINGING BEL CANTO - ART & SCIENCE ~ Michelle Nova & Patricia Collins

Reviewed by Maria Rivington ~ British Voice Association

Aiming for clarity, singing teacher Michelle Nova and Professor of Anatomy, Patricia Collins, fuse chapters of detailed explanations of the vocal anatomy - interspersed with practical, observational exercises and plenty of illustrations - with chapters outlining the key elements of Bel Canto principles; the “Imposto” (placing in the sinuses) the “Appogio” (breath/resonance in the head), the open, Italian vowels etc.

The structure of the anatomical chapters following the airflow through the body from inhalation to singing is well conceived. Practical exercises are detailed and further along, sections on pronunciation using songs as examples and a Glossary, are excellent.  As a semi-independent teaching tool, this is a very useful volume.

Julia Dewhurst FTCL ARCM PGCA CertEd FISM FRSA

Bel Canto has, unlike many other 'methods' of training singers, stood the test of time and I identify so closely with its ease, effortlessness and poise allowing the breath to work efficiently and naturally.

As I turned the pages I found myself completely in agreement with and in touch with everything you write with such clarity.

Amazon Books

I found the book to be informative, current, practical, and empirical just as the bel canto vocal technique it described. I needed a current source on bel canto for my master's thesis, and to establish the longevity of the bel canto tradition my earliest source was a 1967 reprint of the 1743 edition of a book first printed in 1723 in Bologna, Italy as well as other 18th, 19th, and 20th century sources. My professor was unimpressed-she wanted current sources, within three years. Imagine my glee when Amazon.com offered this book, published in 2014. I know Michelle Nova has been instructed in Italian Bel Canto by her imagery and usage of Italian terminology, which I recall from my lessons in Bel Canto from my teacher, and I highly recommend Dr. Collins' anatomical illustrations and clarification of the process of voice production for anyone who is unfamiliar with this aspect of singing.

Singing Bel Canto – Art & Science

By Michelle Nova

Anatomy and illustrations by Patricia Collins

This is now available on Amazon as an ebook.

For paperback copies contact Michelle Nova directly.

My children's book  'Azara and the Unicorns' is available on Amazon as an ebook and paperback or signed copies directly from me. Beautifully illustrated by Janett Bonnet.

Suitable for ages 6yrs – 10yrs, is an enchanting story of magical fairies, pixies, Mother Earth, unicorns and of course, Azara who has her very own guardian angel, Angelina.  The unfolding story shows children the importance of looking after our beautiful world and how we can be kind to all nature and one another.

Do you believe? Believe in what? In magical things of course!   Well, Azara does, and she has a secret.

It is her 8th birthday party. All her friends arrive, and each give her a birthday present. She excitedly opens them, but as she opens the last present, she has tears in her eyes. The room is silent. Whatever is the matter? Azara decides to tell her friends the sad story of the unicorns and why they disappeared. In the glade at the bottom of her garden, Mother Earth and her fairy helpers ask Azara and her birthday friends, to promise to help them make the world a happier place once more. They all agreed, but Azara wondered how on earth they were going to do this. Her elder sister, Elisabeth, is always telling her how silly she is, and there are no such things as fairies, because she can't see them. Will they keep their promise? Will Elisabeth ever be able to see the fairies and will the unicorns return?

original music by F Naftel

£15.00 plus £3.50 p&p

£9.50 plus £3.50 p&p