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Hi, Sean -
I've spent many years as a professional singer of classical music, but within the last few years have really caught the musical theater bug. In that time I've worked my way up to playing a couple of leading roles, ranging from low mezzo to high soprano. My problem is that I often find that I don't have the background or experience to know what audition songs to pick - I have a rather wide vocal range, which I'm finding to be a bit of a hindrance when selecting songs. An odd problem, but there you have it. For example, I'm about to audition for a production of "City of Angels," and I get conflicting advice as to whether it's (a) appropriate to sing something from the show; (b) better to sing something that encompases the vocal range of the part I want, specifically, and the feel of the show, but not *from* the show; (c) perferable to focus on character than sound, if a choice must be made; etc, etc. So for a show like "City," which has a film noir-type setting, would you recommend something "standard" as an audition song, or something that has a 40's feel?
Thanks for your help - I always seem to garner a lot from your answers!
Hello, Jude –
Thank you for the question.
Unless the audition notice says otherwise, it's generally a good rule to not sing from the show. Know the score before you go – you may be asked to sing something from it. Whenever possible choose another song by the same composer or one writing in the same vein.
You cannot be both a low mezzo and a high soprano. You know that from the Classical world – correct? You must settle on your vocal category and choose your material accordingly. The Broadway world does not have a lot of high sopranos, but there are roles a well-trained lighter mezzo can handle. Your audition material must reflect your stated vocal category and the requirements of the role. Presentation is everything.
Cy Coleman's CITY OF ANGELS is loaded with mezzos of all sorts. What role do you want? Whichever that is, push her agenda through your song. Consider Cy Coleman's "The Best Is Yet To Come". Place the song in the key that works best for you and deliver it with the character in mind.
I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco. To book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List – http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/937687538.html
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Best regards,
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Answers by Expert:
Sean Martinfield
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 Editor of 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 the LGBT Frameline Festival, International Film Festival, Silent Film Festival, Jewish Film Festival, etc. For private vocal instruction, I can be contacted through SanFranciscoSentinel.com. Look under: Seán Martinfield, Sentinel Editor and Publisher.
Experience
As a vocal coach, I work primarily with singers and actors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. My students range from absolute beginners to working professionals, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. The vast majority of my clients 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 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 a number of major components to my work as a vocal coach. The first is to identify the client's vocal category and to strengthen and maximize the vocal range accordingly. Then it's about teaching a reliable vocal workout that will enable the client to gain better control of their musicianship. That includes scale work to expand the vocal range and to improve placement, breath control, and diction. Then we work on material for the audition portfolio, the immediate job or assignment, a recording session, etc. My task to is to better equip singers and actors who are hoping to or relying upon their performance skills and vocal endurance to maintain a career in the Performing Arts. My clients regularly appear in cabarets and musical productions throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Some have worked in New York and gone on National Tours. For more information, Contact me at: Broadwaybelters@yahoo.com
Education/Credentials
San Francisco State University – BA in Theatre Arts; graduate work in Theatre, Philosophy, and Comparative Reiligion.
Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley – Graduate work in Ethics
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