Expertise I am a professional vocal coach in San Francisco. In addition to answers from a previous web site (Askme.com - where my "tag" was "VocalCoach") I have published over 2000 responses related to vocal training - particularly as it relates to Musical Theatre and Opera. I have 24 years of experience as Personal Trainer to singers and actors in the San Francisco Bay Area. I sang professionally for 20 years and know what it means to live the life of a musician. I can determine your voice category, i.e., Tenor, Baritone, Bass, Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Alto Belter, etc., and how to broaden and strengthen your range. Need an audition song for a Broadway Musical? I will give you suggestions that are appropriate to your vocal category and to requirements specified in the audition notice. I have also created a vocal methodology, "The Belter`s Method". It will enable those in Musical Theatre to practice more efficiently because it focuses on the demands of professional performers as well as to those auditioning for school and community productions, and as University and Conservatory performing arts majors. If what you want is a better voice and more control over your career moves and choices, contact me. Also, as the Fine Arts Critic for SanFranciscoSentinel.com, it is my privilege to review productions at the San Francisco Opera, Ballet and Symphony, as well as Broadway National Tours booked into San Francisco's Orpheum, Golden Gate and Curran Theatres. I also review works by A.C.T (the American Conservatory Theatre) and Magic Theatre. I cover select films, tributes and retrospects, and various international film festivals – particulary those booked into The City's opulent Castro Theatre – including both the San Francisco International and Silent Film Festivals. For private vocal instruction, I can be contacted through craigslist.com. Look under Musicians, then keyword: Martinfield.
Experience Distinctive celebrity voices and how they are used and promoted by the Entertainment Industry have always fascinated me. Drawing from all eras of film and animation, television, radio, Broadway plays and musicals, opera and a few politicians ? a huge bounty of actors and singers have had a profound effect upon my life, influencing all the choices I made with respect to my education and my dual careers as a professional singer and vocal coach. I am curious about what is promoted and, consequently, the competitive aspects of the Performing Arts.
I am a Theatre Arts Graduate from San Francisco State University. During the years of my attendance, the school enjoyed the reputation for having the best Theatre Department on the West Coast. My academic training equipped me as an actor, enabling me to prepare for professional auditions and to compete successfully. I learned how to take direction and to apply my skills during the rehearsal process. Along the way I learned to identify my assets as a performer, to market my particular abilities and to find the audiences interested in my particular product.
During my freshman year, I also began studying opera. For the next eight years, I trained as a baritone, learning the classical vocal methodology known as "Bel Canto" with well-respected coaches including Mr. James Schwabacher, then head of the San Francisco Opera's Marla Training Program. Because mastering the technique of Bel Canto is absolutely dependent upon its application to Italian opera and, consequently, perfect pronunciation of the language, I studied Italian as well as French and German with private coaches. I have performed the roles of ?Guglielmo" (COSI FAN TUTTE), "Marcello" (LA BOHEME), "Valentin" (FAUST), "Enrico" (LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR), "Dr. Miracle", (THE TALES OF HOFFMANN), "Top" (THE TENDER LAND), " Mr. Gedge, the Vicar" (ALBERT HERRING) and "Dr. Caius" (THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR). During these ten years, I also appeared in many classical recitals singing the standard classical Baritone repertoire. It was Mr. Schwabacher's training that expanded my upper range, turning me into a working tenor. My last appearances as a classical tenor were with conductor and pianist Robin Kay, performing Schubert's DIE SCHÖNE MULLERIN.
I then re-trained my voice, dropped the Bel Canto methodology, and went on to sustain another 10 years doing standard American repertoire including Broadway, Jazz, Blues and Standards. Throughout this period I appeared regularly on the San Francisco cabaret circuit and was a featured soloist with Bay Area bands, orchestras and choruses. I continued producing my own solo concerts, the last being at the New Conservatory Theatre.
As a vocal coach, I work primarily with singers and actors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. My clientele ranges from absolute beginners to working professionals, from pre-schoolers to retired Senior Citizens. The vast majority of them come to me through recommendation. I know how to identify any singer's vocal category, i.e., soprano, tenor, alto, baritone, etc. I know how to muscle-up every singer's vocal range and to expand it beyond conventional definitions. I have developed a vocal methodology for those who want to know how to belt, THE BELTER'S METHOD. As a singer who spent half of his career doing Bel Canto, I know for certain that classical or Italian methodologies do not work in Standard American music. Bel Canto cannot be "adapted" to meet the needs of contemporary American music, including the demands of the Musical Theatre.
There are two major components to my job. The first is to teach basic musical skills such as reading music, counting, breathing techniques, development and expansion of the vocal range, phonetics and diction ? specifically as it applies to Standard American English. The second is about presentation ? that is, everything involved with the client's audition and/or actual performance. In short, for any person relying upon their vocal endurance and performance skills to earn a living, my job is to enable them to compete for a job and, when hired, to maintain that job.
Over the years my clients have appeared in all of the available Broadway musicals produced in virtually every theater throughout the Bay Area. Some have worked in New York and gone on National Tours. Most recently, my clients have been praised for their work in AIDA and WICKED.
So, if you want to prepare for "American Idol" or the Broadway stage, contact me through http://www.geocities.com/broadwaybelters
Q: I used to have a rather limited range, of about an E3 to a Dflat5. I've been trying to expand it ... A: Jasmine...And thanks for writing. I'm thinking that your breathing may be what is causing your ...
Q: I was wondering if I could get a few suggestions from you for a great audition song for my community ... A: Kyle – Thank you for the question. The role of “Don Quixote” in MAN OF LA MANCHA needs the bright ...
Q: I have a two-part question for you. I have auditions for a show and for college theater programs. ... A: Heather....And thanks for writing. Would you mind telling me how you find me on the list? What ...
Q: I will soon be auditioning for some top notch musical theatre colleges and I am FREAKING OUT. They ... A: Anthony – Thank you for the question. Based on your song list, I’m going to assume you are a ...
Q: My daughter is 10 and has been invited to audition for the San Diego production of La Boheme. She is ... A: Denise – Thank you for the question. Be wary of latching onto a vocal classification of “mezzo ...
Q: I am a new drama sponsor for high poverty high school. While I have been in musicals, plays, and 1 ... A: Lindsy – Thank you for the question. It’s always about how many guys show up to do whatever. So, ...
Q: I am a light tenor wishing to become a countertenor. I have managed to extend my upper notes to ... A: Stephen – Thank you for the question. It is very common for men exploring the countertenor range ...
Q: I am preparing for college auditions. Can you tell me what to expect with the music theory ... A: Lala – Thank you for the question. I appreciate your sense of urgency. I think you would be ...
Q: My high school is putting on the play Back to the 80s as our spring musical and I need help picking ... A: Maggie – Thank you for the question. I’m glad the producers are asking for a pop Rock song for the ...
Q: i have always wanted to know that why the sound i recorced sound different from the voice i heard ... A: Jackie – Great question, thank you. Recordings lie in our favor and lie against us. Some people ...
Q: Martinfield. Auditions for my school's production of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is quickly ... A: Erin – Thank you for the quesion. Christine in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is a very fun role. She is ...
Q: I'm writing because I have a question. I've actually asked this of a few people and I always get ... A: Gillian – Thank you for the question. Anytime you think a song is “too safe” – it probably is. ...
Q: I want to be on Broadway when I grow up. I take hour voice lessons, I'm in choir at school, I take ... A: H – Thank you for the question. As a professional singer and vocal coach I know that a reliable ...
Q: I am currently getting ready for an audition for Floyd Collins. I am a high tenor and looking for a ... A: Scott – Thank you for the question. I think the songs you have suggested are fine. You may also ...
Q: I'm auditioning for Leader of the Pack and I was just wondering how much of a role young ellie has ... A: Steph – Thank you for the question. I have not seen LEADER OF THE PACK, so I’m not sure if “Ellie” ...
Q: Martinfield! Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read this... I am ... A: Teddy – Thank you for the question. Let’s say you are either interested in or are considered for ...
Q: I am auditioning for the musical "gypsy" in two weeks. I am auditioning specifically for "dainty ... A: Trish – Thank you for the question. Throw “Couldn’t be happier” into the shredder and don’t look ...
Q: I am 26 years old and after being a single mom for two years I have began to pursue many of the ... A: Tracy – Thank you for the question. I appreciate all the details. The role of Eliza Doolittle in ...
Q: In a couple of weeks i am auditioning for the school production of Les Miserables we are not ... A: Nikila – Thank you for the question. I’m going to assume that your rendition of “On My Own” ...
Q: My name's Nicole. I'm a junior in high school and auditioning for Into the Woods. I've been ... A: Nicole – Thank you for the question. You want to consider the role of “The Baker’s Wife”. It ...
Q: I am a 22 year old performer who has been singing for about 5 years. I would consider myself a ... A: Brad – Thank you for the question. There are a number of roles available for baritones in RAGTIME. ...
Q: Here is another question for audition pieces: I am soon going to be auditioning for out school ... A: Linni – Thank you for the question. I am so glad the audition panel has requested scales at the ...
Q: I am a 22 year old female and I am about to graduate with a BA in social work and a minor in music ... A: Emma – Thank you for the question and all the background information. The answer is simple. You ...
Q: I have been training vocally for musical theater for two years now and I know that I am definitely a ... A: Ryan – Thank you for the clarification. Same answer. It’s all about placement. The quality or ...
Q: How can someone notice good acting from bad acting? What do you or an experienced actor look for ... A: This is a tough question to answer. Everyone looks for different things, and is affected by ...
Q: I have been training vocally for musical theater for two years now and I know that I am definitely a ... A: Ryan – Thank you for the question. All my tenors sing to a fully-voiced High C, some go higher. My ...
Q: Mr. Martinfield. I am a high school sophomore doing a research project specifically on ... A: Kelly - Thank you for the question. Sure! Let's keep it simple, OK? I am a professional singing ...
Q: i was wondering if there has ever been a african american Christine on broadway. I plan to audition ... A: Tyler – Thank you for the question. I don’t keep track of the vast amount of singers who have ...
Q: It is my honor to ask you some questions because of your experience! I am 14 right now and I have ... A: Nathan – Thank you for contacting me. Let’s do one question at a time, OK? At 14, you are at the ...
Q: I'm thinking of auditioning for Little Women the musical, I have a few questions. FirstDoes the ... A: Grace – Thank you for the question. “Little Women” is a totally American Classic. Watch any of the ...
Q: ! My name is Amber Iman. Im a 23 year old, auditioning for the role of "The Girl with a Date" in ... A: Amber – Thank you for the question. Listen to on-line samples of the Original Cast recording of ...
Q: My friend's daughter, age 13, wants to find an agent to help her establish a singing career. I told ... A: Joann – Thank you for the question. Tell her to contact me. In the meantime, tell her that Mr. ...
Q: I have an audition for the national tour of Cabaret in a few days. I know that I'm right for the ... A: Garrett – Thank you for the question. Consider any of the following: Stairway to Paradise, (I'll ...
Q: martinfield! my friend and i want to do a funny duet for a concert coming up soon. i'm not really ... A: Jennie – Thank you for the question. Consider “You’re Just In Love” from Irving Berlin’s CALL ME ...
Q: I have been singing for a while, but I've never learned how to site read music. I've always sang by ... A: Carlos – Thank you for the question. Assuming you mean sight reading – Check out this workbook. ...
Q: I'm in dire need of some good mezzo-soprano songs for my vocal lessons. I used to have loads of ... A: Nick – Thank you for the question. Assuming you are talking about the Broadway repertoire, then I ...
Q: I have been with my current singing teacher for about a year now and he has classed me as a ... A: Nick – Thank you for the question. Not every vocal coach is capable of correctly identifying the ...
Q: Unfortunately, this year a local theater will be producing High School Musical; I don't know much ... A: Jessica – Thank you for the question. I have already heard about students banding together to ...
Q: I (43 yrs) have a light tenor voice extending from bottom A flat to the G (max) above middle C. ... A: Stephen – Thank you for the question. There is always hope of expanding your range. That’s my job ...
Q: I'm a 15 year old girl who loves singing. I'm currently in my schools choir, but i really wanted to ... A: Heather – Thank you for the question. As you know, school choirs are all about blending. You have ...
