The Contemporary Singer - 2nd Edition Elements of Vocal Technique Book/Online Audio

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.

The book is informative, clear, concise, and well designed. The vocal exercise CD is excellent. I've been using it everyday for two months and have noticed a vast improvement in my voice. It's challenging, interesting, and very well-produced. I can't say enough good things about it. I'm very grateful to the author.

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.

Anne Peckham's text on vocal technique fills a much needed gap in the literature on vocal technique and vocal function....it is accessible and readable by the vocal student. It is clear, concise and, above all, practical for the learning singer, both classical and contemporary. The exercises on the accompanying CD are both traditional and contemporary in style...a great benefit, especially for those teachers who are wondering how to present some of the pop techniques to their students. In addition to the technical aspects of singing, Ms. Peckham also gives practical suggestions for the performing contemporary singer. For a text that your students can use without wading through a lot of technical and confusing jargon...this is it.

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.