Cross-train your choir: a clear and common language for training vocal production in diverse styles

A broad spectrum of publications and resources on choral techniques affirms a classical-appoggio vocal production as the only sustainable and healthy practice, which limits equal representation within choral repertoire and reveals the need for new language.This document identifies lacunae in current choral vocal pedagogy and advocates for new language for discussing vocal production across diverse styles, with the aim of developing simple and specific terminology in relation to the vocal mechanism.This terminology is defined, discussed, and applied through the lens of seven selected choral pieces that are representative of common styles encountered by academic choral ensembles. For each style, techniques and performance practice sources are presented, directly followed by vocalises designed to apply these techniques. For those interested in an in-depth discussion of other sub-types within each style, this document points to sources that may provide this, in the hope that choral conductors will seek out and perform music of a greater variety of styles.