Contemporary a cappella is a genre in which contemporary popular music is sung a cappella, or without accompaniment by instruments. The songs may be original works in a popular style, or may be covers of popular songs, arranged for a cappella voices. While there are professional groups, contemporary a cappella is most often found on college campuses. See collegiate a cappella.

Contemporary a cappella is similar to (and overlaps somewhat with) the older barbershop and doo-wop styles.

Contemporary a cappella can include a number of elements not commonly found in these older styles. The most prominent is probably the use of vocal percussion, in which one or more group members use their mouths to imitate drums and other percussion instruments. These vocal percussionists usually fill the role a drum set or drum machine plays in a more traditional popular music group.

Professional groups that are noted for performances in the contemporary a cappella style include The Bobs, Boyz Nite Out, The EDLOS, Da Vinci's Notebook, and Rockapella.

External links

• www.collegiate-acappella.com - directory of college a cappella groups.