As a young student, I was trained in the classical style in my vocal education, and I loved it. Today, I am really more of a contemporary singer, swaying more towards folk and rock music. My students are very attracted to this, because it’s the same music they love to listen to. When I first began teaching voice, I struggled with how to incorporate the very important classical singing techniques with the contemporary pop music that so many students prefer to sing. Here are some things I’ve learned over the years:
1. Keep the Italian vowel sounds at the core of the training. AH, EH, EE, OH, and OO are what make the words sound more professional. Have the student identify which vowel sound is central to each English word they are singing, and teach them to make their mouth into that vowell shape. Since it is contemporary music, it’s important that they are a little looser with their vowell shapes, however. There is nothing worse that a pop song that sounds like an Aria!
2. Teach a simple Italian song, such as “Caro Mio Ben” as an excercise in addition to their pop repetoir. Explain that by learning a song in a foreign language, they are forced to shaped the vowels exactly as you teach it. Once they are comfortable with the song, they will understand a little better how to form the vowels and to incorporate the same feeling into their contemporary songs.
3. Find good examples of contemporary singers and have students identify when that singer transitions into head voice. Singers such as Whitney Houston and Dolly Parton (love her!) are good to start with, but it would also be fun for your student to bring in a CD of one of their favorites to study. If they bring in someone like Britany Spears, you can also explain what not to do! 
The biggest difference, in my humble opinion, between classical and contemporary singing is the shape of the mouth. Students still need to learn breathing techniques, head voice/chest voice, so that isn’t different at all. In contemporary singing, it is important to retain the proper mouth formations, while still remaining relaxed. No english accent is required, and students should just try to use good technique while still singing in the English language.
About the Author
When I was just a college Junior, I started teaching private guitar lessons in order to support myself. I was in a rock band, writing songs and performing on a regular basis, and I certainly did not plan on becoming a teacher. My plan was to graduate, get a job in social work, and just continue writing songs. Teaching surprised me. I ended up falling in love with the act of guiding a student from point a to point b. To watch someone go from knowing nothing about a subject, to simply performing in a recital, is such an awesome thing. I ended up scrapping that social work idea. I was doing more good as a teacher, minus the intense stress that most social workers go home with. I currently have a busy program that teaches private guitar, piano, and voice lessons in Los Angeles homes. I am also the creator of the music and service blog 38 Ways to Change the World Through Music.
by Robert Lunte — Sun Apr 6, 2008 @ 7:13 pm
by Michelle P — Mon Apr 7, 2008 @ 10:45 am
by Candy H — Wed Apr 16, 2008 @ 9:18 am
We have to say something to her, but I’m struggling with how to have tact and also with the potential this situation has to hit a wall of pride. I can’t tell whether she really can’t hear the difference or if she knows she’s singing classically to contemporary music and just disagrees musically with contemporary vocal style. (the rules for singing contemporary are almost the opposite for how one sings classically).
I remember when a worship leader first told me I was singing with too much vibrato. It really hurt me, because in my heart, I was worshiping God truly with my voice. After getting over my hurt, I realized that God was giving me an opportunity to learn again and I embraced it. On the other side of it, I am glad to have had and to continue to have the opportunity to learn.
I’m hoping to share my experiences with her. But I can’t assume that dropping subtle hints will fix this issue. I really care about this woman and don't want to hurt her feelings, but people aren't worhipping and are turning away. Her whole family runs all of the music and arts at the church. Others don't feel like there is any room.
Could you post something with the differences technically between classical and contemporary singing on a deeper level. I'd really like to not just present a problem to her, but to have some solutions or recommendations on how she can improve if she wants to.
Thanks so much,
God Bless,
by abide_in_Him — Tue May 20, 2008 @ 2:49 pm
"I can’t tell whether she really can’t hear the difference or if she knows she’s singing classically to contemporary music and just disagrees musically with contemporary vocal style. "
I'm willing to bet that she does know and that she disagrees with contemporary singing style. Please tell us later if I am right. When I was in school we would sing folk songs, spirituals, and other "contemporary" peices and we were always expected to sing in a classical style because that was the mark of a trained singer.
"I remember when a worship leader first told me I was singing with too much vibrato."
I've been in a choir before when the conductor looked at the sopranos, but straight at me, and said "less vibrato!" It stung for a second, but I got over it and just followed the instruction. You could probably say it in a nicer tone too ;)
"Could you post something with the differences technically between classical and contemporary singing on a deeper level."
When you discuss ideas with her, ask her to try and loosen up on the annunciation. This will be very difficult for her, but she could at least try. Also, suggest easing up on the british accent that I'm guessing she sings with. Ask her to try sliding up to some notes and breath in the places you think are more appropriate. If she tries to argue that that is not the correct way to sing, patiently explain that contemporary singing breaks a few classical "rules" and that lots of people love to listen to it!
It could take her awhile to transition. I know it took me a long time to "lose my accent". Good luck. This is a very sticky situation indeed.
by Michelle Payne — Wed May 21, 2008 @ 12:05 am
by L — Sun Mar 29, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
By the grace of God, I began singing in a choir right after college that used frontal placement technique. I was given a few exercise that I have held onto all of my life, and began to realize that if I wanted to sound like the singers that I truly admired, (and more of who I truly am) I needed to know how to place my sound toward the front of my face and deal with my pronunciation. Maybe she just doesn't know how??? I had had certain things so unconsciously drilled into my head over 4 years of college that I would not have been able to change without the right guidance. I now teach voice and sing using more pop techniques, but I still use some of the breathing exercised I learned in college, but I can sing classically if I want to . Bring her on. I'll speak to her if you'd like.
Blessings,
Suzanne Clark
by Suzanne Clark — Fri Apr 24, 2009 @ 9:26 am
by Susan — Sun Jun 7, 2009 @ 3:00 am