From the INTRODUCTORY.For some time regret has been expressed that the Art of Singing is dying out. There is no reason why it should; but it will die out if the system of teaching at present generally in vogue continues.There is only one system by which anything-art, science, or profession - can be learned!A housemaid can never become expert if she does not first learn to handle broom, brush, and duster; carpets will be worn to shreds, furniture scratched, ornaments defaced, long before they ought to show the least sign of "wear and tear."If such be the effect of imperfect education in the ordinary profession of keeping a house clean and orderly, what must be the necessity for acquiring first principles in order to attain perfection in the exercise of one, if not the most difficult of all arts!In the course of the remarks I intend to make, I wish it to be distinctly understood that I make them as adviser, not as dictator. They will be opinions formed on theoretical and practical experience extending over upwards of sixty years. As I have always minutely studied the results of the work of those artistes with whom I have been associated, as well as of my own, I believe I may justly hope that my remarks will prove useful to those who are desirous of studying singing with the object of adopting the vocal art as a profession.It is a mistake to suppose that because in modern compositions for the voice there is an absence, or nearly so, of "fioritura," the exercise of scales, solfeggi, etc., is unnecessary; as such exercises have other two objects of greater importance than that of acquiring even rapid execution, viz. of equalising the quality and power of the voice, and of preserving it intact until age destroys its charm.It is a general idea that florid music was introduced to "show off" the technical ability of the singer. It was not! The "fioritura" is a great assistance to declamation, whether in serious or comic (buffo) music. "Plain chant" is the most ancient vocal music, I believe, in use at the present day; I could quote innumerable examples of it from the Gradual and other music books used in the Roman Church, abounding in "fioriture." They surely could not have been written to "show off" the technical ability of the monks or priests whose office it was to sing them; but by holding the ear in suspense with attractive sound, to intensify materially the declamation of the text!There must have been a reason for wedding words to music and singing instead of reciting them. A sonorous singing voice is more sympathetic than a speaking voice, and consequently, when well trained, makes more, and a more lasting, impression on the generality of mankind; moreover, a singing voice properly trained is more distinctly audible in a large space than a speaking voice of equal power.