1) I think it's a great tool for any modern vocalist. I really appreciate everything that he's done so far (TMV, TVS, and I was amazed when I first discovered Voice Council), but I believe that Robert himself said that he doesn't agree with some stuff in Four Pillars book. Mind you, that was years ago, and I'm sure that Pillars 2.0 will fix that (can't wait to check that one out).

I really wish that book was thicker, I'm such a geek, haha. The demonstrations could be a bit better, he's shifting weight a lot, breaking etc., but the most important thing is what he can teach you, and I'm sure that he can teach you a LOT.

2) I don't have his program yet (downloads are much more convenient for us internationals), and I'm in no rush to do so as I have RYV-Pillars-CVT to study and master, each in its own respective time.

Your workout:

I really like it, as long as you've mastered all the exercises. Isolation is always a toughie, and believe me, Jamie put "only" three exercises there for a reason (actually it's more like 15 if you include the variations, that fact always helps if you get a bit bored.)

What do you do for the warm up, lip bubbles/thrills/humming? I don't see if you included VSR, but it could be a great idea. I'm big on non-vocal exercises too, especially the bullfrog - you'll strain yourself a lot less during the other exercises.

The thing I will suggest (with you being a power metal singer) are some grit exercises, especially for that Brent Smith (that guy from Shinedown :D) sound. Reread the RYV section, or just play with the grit for the scales you use.

Thanks for the comment Filip!

1) What things he doesn't agree with? haha yeah the book was relatively short but i think it covered everything pretty well :)

2) I understand. What's CVT?

My workout:

About the warmups, i do Jaime's warmup that i got when i bought the VAM, and when i use rob's stuff i just do his warmup from the CD.

Thanks for the tip!

This is the power metal i'm talking about:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Er9BRFRb93E

About Isolation, i had pretty easy time with it, if i remember correctly i got the hang of it the first time i tried it, i'm not saying it was pretty but, it was something! :D

I'm still with the VSR/non-vocal/grit suggestion then :D

The thing about isolation exercises, is that there are tons of subtle things to look out for. Take falsetto slide, for example. Nudge that soft palate, micro breath on open yawn, inhalation sensation but not breathy, sliding as slow as possible, bla bla. Perfect practice makes perfect.

CVT stands for Complete Vocal Technique, another great vocal program (apart from the terminology confusion, some might say - everything is translated into "modes", so when you hear about neutral/curbing/overdrive, it's CVT) and it's quite a common topic in any vocal forum.

I'll quote Robert about the things that he'd like to change:

"In regards to the whole "vocal folds" zipping up thing... I know that needs to be updated. Im aware of it and frankly, I hate that this is still in my book... YOU are totally correct in the conclusion that this is very much an SLS idea... I am so far away from that idea these days, that I forgot that was even in my book when I was replying to you. Like I said, I hate it, because I know its wrong and needs to be updated. The bottom line here is... the BOOK needs to be updated... its been four years and that is exactly what is happening now... wont be long and pillars will have all that stuff fixed... including the typos."

Vowel modification for other languages other than English is also said to be in the works for Pillars 2.0, so I'm excited (for example, Americans/Italians/Brits are great at that "twang" sound, but it might take a while for Germans to discover it).