Let me begin by saying that I have know "Professor Samuelsen" since 1991 when I first came to study voice at Indiana University. I had Professor Samuelsen for two vocal pedagogy classes during my time at IU and used to chat with him in the halls frequently. Throughout the years, we've bumped into each other at various events, which was also the case on a recent trip to Bloomington. After chatting about each of our recent histories, Roy informed me this time that he had finally written down his life story and told me I should pick up a copy.The book is divided up into short, bite size chapters which he calls "Acts," very appropriate for someone who has had a lifelong connection to Opera. These include: Early Life, Indiana University, Teaching Profession, My Teachers, Teaching Techniques, My Approach, Performance, Preparation, Readiness, Balance, Marketing, The Star Spangled Banner, Love of Singing, Repertoire and Retirement. There is also a Postlude and two codas where he lists Professional Reviews and Opera Roles performed. In each act, he lays down his ideas thoughts and life experiences in a very candid and personal way.I think what I enjoyed most about the book is his life story, beginning with his childhood growing up in Nazi occupied Norway, his family's coming to America and how he ended up teaching at IU. I also enjoyed reading the stories about his years as a student at IU, which reminded me of my own years there. If you are a IU grad in voice, you will surely enjoy some of the fun stories he relates about fellow teachers and Indiana University. You will also enjoy reading about the things you didn't know about our beloved professor.In a profession where we often complicate things, his philosophies on teaching and singing are refreshing and clear. I remember some of his ideas, such as "performing makes one a better teacher and teaching makes one a better performer." Professor Samuelsen's vocal pedagogy teacher was Ralph Appelman, the author of "The Science of Vocal Pedagogy." As he eventually succeeded Appelman, it will be nice to have a book to refer to when I want to review some of his ideas.I thoroughly enjoyed reading Roy Samuelsen's book, "With a Song In My Heart." I would go as far as to say that it should be required reading for students as there is a lot of straightforward information one can glean on vocal technique, teaching and balancing one's career with one's personal life. It was delight to sit back and read his story.