The Contemporary Singer Second Edition by Anne Peckham is a practical vocal tutor shaped by the Berklee approach to contemporary voice training. Written for singers of popular and modern styles, it explores core elements of vocal technique while encouraging healthy, expressive singing. The book suits a wide range of learners, from students starting formal voice study to developing performers who want to improve stamina, tone, range, and control.
This structured guide covers posture, breathing, diction, tone production, range development, belting, microphone technique, vocal health, and performance anxiety. Anne Peckham combines clear technical explanation with exercises that help singers better understand their voice and build a dependable, expressive sound for practice and performance.
The second edition includes expanded vocal workouts and online audio accessed through Hal Leonard’s MyLibrary system. Singers can practise with demonstrations and exercises, while useful playback tools allow tempo changes without altering pitch, looped practice, key adjustment, and stereo panning for more flexible study.
Musical examples and lead sheets help singers apply technique in a real musical setting, making the book suitable for individual learning, classroom use, and vocal courses for students from junior level to college and beyond.
Song List
Yesterday * I Heard It Through The Grapevine * I'm Beginning To See The Light
Combining vocal science, practical exercises, and musical application, this Berklee guide offers singers a well rounded pathway for developing confidence, vocal strength, and expressive performance in contemporary singing styles. It is a valuable companion for lessons, rehearsals, and daily vocal practice.