The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique (Berklee Guide) [Paperback]

Anne Peckham (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0634007971 | ISBN-13: 978-0634007972 | Publication Date: August 1, 2000

This comprehensive guide based on the curriculum of the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music is a must-have for every vocalist! Covers all the essentials, including: an overview of the singing process, treating voice as an instrument, tips for getting started and overcoming stage fright, proper posture and breathing, tone, discovering resonance, belting, diction, maintaining vocal health, mic techniques, and exercises for all voice ranges and types on the accompanying CD. Includes lead sheets for such standard vocal repertoire pieces as: Yesterday * I'm Beginning to See the Light * and I Heard it Through the Grapevine. Maximize your vocal potential with this outstanding guide!

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Berklee Press Publications (August 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0634007971
• ISBN-13: 978-0634007972
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #517,646 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Anne Peckham is a singer, voice teacher, and author. A professor in the Voice Department at Berklee College of Music, her work as a teacher and her publications have influenced popular singing pedagogy worldwide. Her approach embraces the foundations of good vocal technique, while building singers' skills in jazz, pop, and rock music.

Anne is the author of four publications for Berklee Press: The Contemporary Singer, a book/CD set due to release in its second edition in 2010, its companion, Vocal Workouts for the Contemporary Singer, both released in Japanese translations, The Singer's Handbook from the Berklee in the Pocket series, and Vocal Technique: Developing Your Voice for Performance, an instructional DVD released in 2004.

Recently, Anne developed an online voice course for berkleemusic.com. The 12-week course, Voice 101, focuses on vocal development through a series of exercises, recorded examples, demonstrations, and weekly assignments. Check out the course via this link:

http://www.berkleemusic.com/school/course?course_item_id=11180724&program=voice&usca_p=t

Anne has recently appeared as a voice coach on both the PBS children's show Fetch, and on the TV reality series Trial by Choir.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Berklee College of Music Resource, November 1, 2000

By 

Joanne Whitaker (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique (Berklee Guide) (Paperback)

I am a classical singer and have been an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music for 12 years and I have been extremely impressed with this book. Even though the book is called "The Contemporary Singer", it is a valuable resource for any singer. It covers specific technical areas in a clear, direct manner but also includes wonderful guidelines for topics like practicing, vocal health and performance skills. In the CD that accompanies the book, a variety of warm-up exercises are covered which are very thorough and progresses naturally. I would recommend this book to the beginning student as well as someone who just needs to reinforce their vocal technique.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent For All Singers!, February 26, 2001

By 

Daniel L. Curry (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique (Berklee Guide) (Paperback)

I bought this book because my voice teacher only teaches classical and I want to branch out into other styles as well. I am very impressed with this book. It covers so many areas that I never thought of. From breath control to proper mic usage to performance anxiety. A portion of the book is dedicated to explaining how the voice works and how it should be taken care of. There are also several breathing and warm-up exercises in the book that go from beginner to advanced. What I like best about the book is that it is easy to understand, the writer gives examples of things described and there is a cd to teach you the exercises talked about. I would recommend this book to anyone who considers themselves a professional singer or just a beginner.

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-read for all Singers, December 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique (Berklee Guide) (Paperback)

The Contemporary Singer is a must-read for all singers - beginning and advanced. It clearly and precisely details all aspects of vocal technique - physical mechanics of the vocal instrument and a complete explanation of all that is required to master the skills (practicing, vocal health, performing & auditioning). Ms. Peckham has also added in some very helpful information that applies to a singer of contemporary music - from belting to proper microphone usage. The accompanying cd of beginner and advanced warm-ups (for low and high voice) is extremely useful and helpful. As a professional singer with nearly 20 years experience, I found this book to be the perfect brushup. In addition, I learned some very helpful information that will undoubtedly improve my singing. How I wish this book had existed when I was first learning to sing! The detail and clarity surely would've made it an easier and certainly less frustrating experience.