Draft:Contemporary vocal technique

Introduction

History and Development

Contemporary Vocal Technique refers to a range of vocal practices that have adapted to the needs of various music styles, particularly in contemporary commercial music (CCM). The roots of these techniques can be traced back to earlier genres like jazz and blues, which prioritized emotional expression and distinctive vocal effects. With the rise of contemporary genres such as rock and pop, it became clear that singers required versatile and resilient vocal techniques.

Historically, there has been a shift from traditional vocal training methods, like the bel canto approach, towards more diverse strategies that address the unique vocal demands of contemporary styles. Many choral directors encounter difficulties when trying to incorporate CCM into their teaching because they often lack specialized training in these methods. By connecting the foundational principles of bel canto with modern vocal science and techniques like the Estill Voice Training System, educators can better equip singers to handle the challenges of performing across different musical genres.

Key Principles of Contemporary Vocal Technique

The voice is made up of vocal cords, which need air to produce sound. Singers train to control breathing and play long, high and dynamic notes.

Breath Management

Posture

The diaphragm

Types of breathing

Anatomy

The Larynx

source:https://books.google.it/books?id=EZxUDwAAQBAJ&lpg=PP1&ots=1xSx2018fo&dq=contemporary%20vocal%20technique&lr&hl=es&pg=PP3#v=onepage&q=contemporary%20vocal%20technique&f=false

Technique Components

Different types of Contemporary Vocal Technique's:

• Heavy modal: The Heavy modal technique produces a robust, resonant tone in the middle frequencies.The sound characteristics of the Heavy Modal can be described as leading to a lively, expansive, full-bodied and warm overall quality when executed correctly.
• Twang
• Belting

source: https://singingcarrots.com/blog/contemporary-vocal-techniques-heavy-modal-twang-belting

Comparison with Classical Vocal Technique

Source: Gaps between classical and contemporary technique. Winnie, B. J. (2017). Bridging the gap between classical and contemporary vocal technique: implications for the choral rehearsal. Voice and Speech Review, 11(1), 55–71. https://doi.org/10.1080/23268263.2017.1370803

Training and Education in Contemporary Vocal Techniques

Contemporay vocal technique has been widely used internationally in a range of vocal pedagogy contexts, including the training and education of choirs and choral ensembles.

Criticisms and Controversies

Information from sources for in the article:

References

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