In Session III, you will turn your attention to style and storytelling in commercial and musical theatre genres. We begin by exploring the characteristic traits commonly associated with early styles of commercial music and how those sounds have shaped what we hear today. You will then learn how to guide students in examining their own life experiences and musical influences so they can make intentional artistic choices, drawing from artists of the past and present.

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From there, we move into practical strategies for helping singers embody stylistic sounds without falling into common technical traps, with a focus on building stamina and navigating performance demands. You will also learn tools to support phrasing and text-driven choices so that singers can bring their lyrics to life in authentic and compelling ways. Throughout the session, we address how to work with students who may experience trauma responses, offering approaches that support their individual needs while maintaining healthy, functional technique.

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Finally, you will work in small groups with Institute faculty to deepen your understanding of the pedagogy behind these styles. In these sessions, participants step into the role of both teacher and singer, refining their ability to apply these techniques in practical, collaborative settings.

 

Approaches to technical fine-tuning including: 

• Training artists to listen and analyze CCM styles at the micro-level

• Using self-reflection to help students define their artistic identity

• The differences in the needs of musical theater and commercial artists

• Adapting performances for amplified and unamplified settings

• Coordinating development of vocal style alongside technical growth

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In-Person

Musical Theatre Styles (MUPP-506-F2F CCM Styles I: Musical Theatre)

July 14-16, 2026 

Taught by Edrie Means-Weekly  (including Robert Edwin's Keynote address)

An engaging comprehensive course that covers the rich and ever-changing world of musical theatre singing styles. Authentic singing in musical theatre is more than singing the notes and lyrics in the written score; expression and style cannot be left out of the voice.  Authenticity is achieved by the blending of storytelling, style, emotion and vocal expression, with the voice reflecting genres such as country, jazz, pop, rap, R&B, and rock, along with variations in resonance, vocal quality, and vocal stylisms effects.

This course includes valuable resources and information on musical theatre while providing practical vocal training for the commercial styles found in musical theatre—all while maintaining healthy vocal function. Topics include an overview of the history of musical theatre, the Pre-Golden Age, Golden Age, Contemporary Era, and the Pop and Rock eras on Broadway. The course also includes “White Way” to Inclusive Stage: The Evolving History of Diversity on Broadway,” along with discussions of jukebox musicals, the first Broadway star, concept musicals, pastiche, and torch songs.

Participants will learn exercises to cross-train the vocal production muscles, creating laryngeal flexibility to switch seamlessly between registers and styles. Techniques involve shaping the larynx, soft palate, tongue, jaw, and lips to adjust resonance, supporting genres like blues, country, jazz, pop, R&B, rock, gospel, belt/character, and legit singing. Students will also learn to use onsets, releases, vocal stylisms/effects/distortions—cry, dip/bend, fry, growls, screams, and slides—while maintaining vocal health. 

Perfect for theatre fans, performers, and educators, this course offers a broad overview of Broadway’s defining eras, styles, and essential vocal tools—equipping singers and teachers to perform with authenticity, versatility, and confidence.

Course Highlights

• Overview of musical theatre history, vocal styles, and how they shape authentic performance

• Essential resources for performers and educators, including Broadway song info, audition tips, audition book guidance, and repertoire-building (“Chase the Carrot”)

• The vocal ingredients behind diverse musical theatre styles (Pop/Rock, Jazz/Blues, Country, R&B, Gospel, Belt/Character, Legit)

• Targeted vocal exercises and singing activities for vocal tract shaping, belting, riffing, and cross-training to strengthen versatility

• Techniques for singing and teaching onsets, releases, and vocal stylisms/effects/distortions (cry, dip/bend, fry, growls, screams, slides, and more) while maintaining healthy vocal function

• Tools to navigate transitions between styles without compromising vocal health

• Blending vocal expression with character interpretation to bring songs to life on stage

• Insider info on standbys, swings, and understudies

• Acting approaches to enhance storytelling and song performance

• Additional online learning with lectures, videos, listening and discussion boards

• Masterclasses Work on individual song styles and receive personalized feedback from Edrie to elevate your performance skills.