Welcoming singers of all backgrounds, this book explores the folk-song roots of spirituals and their transformation into choral and solo vocal concert repertoire. Featuring key composers and pioneers of the genre, it also discusses the use of dialect and other controversial performance considerations. Contributed chapters address elements of studio teaching, choral arrangement, voice science, and vocal health. Produced in partnership with the National Association of Teachers of Singing, all books in the So You Want to Sing series feature online supplemental materials available on their website.