The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique (Berklee Guide)
by Anne Peckham
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Book Summary Information
Author: Anne PeckhamBrand: Berklee Press Publications
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2000-08-01
ISBN: 0634007971
Number of pages: 176
Publisher: Berklee Press Publications
Product features:
- Published by Berklee Press Publications 176 Pages
- Book/CD Pack by Anne Peckham
- Author: Anne Peckham
Book Reviews of The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique (Berklee Guide)
Book Review: From a vocal instructor: Simply a great book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I know this review is long, but I hope you will find it worth every word.
This is a great book for both beginning and intermediate vocalists. I read all the reviews, and to be honest, I am dumbfounded by the bad ones - but that is just me.
This book is exactly what it says - a book of "elements" of vocal technique for the contemporary singer. It is not "Diagnosis and Correction of Vocal Faults" by McKinney nor any other very detailed instruction book for the advanced singer or instructor.
As a vocal instructor, this was a breath of fresh air and filled a huge need - the need for a book that introduced both the physical and mental aspects of singing at a level that the average beginning to intermediate student could comprehend. It does that and does it well! It introduces and explains fairly complex topics in a very easy to follow, easy to understand, and easy to apply way. I have used this in my studio for the last year and a half (since I came across it) with tremendous results. Understand, it is not for every student, but it hits the mark for most, especially in a private studio setting. If you or your students are studying at the college level, it is probably not for you unless you are just starting out.
The CD is GREAT, but I do understand why some don't like it. If you can come to understand that track 2 through 6 are where the money is at, you will love it as well. I respectfully disagree with the reviewers who complained about it lacking real lower and upper range workouts or that it doesn't have any sense of order to it. I found it to be just the opposite. This is the first vocal workout CD I have found that anyone can put in and it will take you through a very solid and well laid out workout. The warm ups are logical and progressive and work with the natural physiology of the vocal mechanism to give a well rounded and reasonably complete workout.
Warm ups start with track two which is a general workout for all voices, and it does what it is designed to do very, very well. The following workouts are beginning and advanced workouts for high and low voices respectively. Do they take you to the extremes of the professional voice? In most cases no. But then again, they're not supposed to. This book is intended to hit a broader market. As a first tenor that usually vocalizes up to a high Eb, these don't take me all the way to my top note. HOWEVER, by the time I finish the general, beginning for high, and advanced for high voices, I assure you I am well warmed up.
I know everyone has their own opinion, but for me, the CD alone is worth the price of admission. In fact, I have commented that I wish I could buy just the CD - I'd put one in every vehicle I own. I have seen it literally transform one of my students voices in one week. I'll admit that was an anomaly, but it happened. And I have noticed a big difference in every student that has used it on a regular basis, without exception.
As for the rest of the tracks after track 6, I completely concur with those that say that find them useless without a piano near by. You basically get one example of the exercise and then you're on your own.
REVIEWER BIO: Everyone giving a review of this book brings some background to the table. Some of them I am sure are phenomenal. Mine is this: studied voice from some of the best in the business over the last 30 years, B.A. in vocal performance and nearly finished with my Masters with a vocal and conducting emphasis, studio vocalist for 16 years, choral and vocal clinician, and vocal instructor in private practice as well as occasionally in a university setting (when I have time) for the last 10 years. This is not about credits, I just wanted to let you know that I what experience I bring to this review.
Summary of The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique (Berklee Guide)
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!Instruments & Performers Books
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