Abstract
Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) is the umbrella term in vocal pedagogy for ‘nonclassical’ styles, the formulation of which has helped CCM styles to find legitimacy and respect in the academic world alongside classical pedagogy. Now, it is time to turn our attention to delineating the individual CCM styles and examine their intricacies. This study has focused on examining the stylistic vocal techniques in New Zealand’s prevalent CCM styles – musical theatre, jazz and pop. Techniques explored have been categorised under registration, onset, quality and effect. This autoethnographic research is exploratory with an inductive approach, utilising a threefold method to analyse the way these styles use different vocal techniques; pedagogical literature review, aural analysis and vocalization. Findings were presented in concert form in two stages: the first using imitation to evaluate how vocal techniques were being used in current popular repertoire; the second applying artistry and finding a personal sound using vocal techniques within each style. This study has provided a description of stylistic vocal techniques in musical theatre, jazz and pop; and insight into how a vocalist may engage in learning these styles. The findings of this research have highlighted the diversity within and between CCM styles, and the need to bring one’s own aesthetic into the performance of musical theatre, jazz or pop. This coincides with CCM literature and contributes to the support of CCM styles as individually rich and in need of further research.