This 50th anniversary edition of Cornelius L. Reid's The Free Voice approaches the teaching of singing in a functional, as opposed to mechanistic, way. Through exercises based on an understanding of the vocal registers and how specific patterns of pitch, intensity, and vowel affect the vocal folds, the singer can develop a well-balanced and coordinated voice and sing without force. Cornelius Reid's advocacy of vocal health is based on a simple but solid foundation: the play of opposing forces within the vocal mechanism. The Free Voice abounds in probing insights and constructive advice of use to all enterprising singers. A joy to read and re-read!