You are here:

Acting in Plays, Singing/Questions on range and age

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/1/2008


Question
Dear Sean,

I have two questions about singing.

My first question is about my voice range.  I can hit the lowest note sung by Elphaba in Wicked (I believe an E3) with ease and I can also hit a high D (D6?) on pitch without strain, although its not pretty.  The quality of my high notes has been improving--my high A is much stronger and I now have vibrato on my high B, and when I'm really warmed up I can hit a high E, which would be my ultimate goal (mostly because of Phantom--what girl doesn't want to sing Christine's part nowadays?).  I'm most comfortable singing mezzo-soprano parts (unless they involve belting higher notes, such as in Defying Gravity), but I thought that high A (A6?) was the mezzo limit.  Am I technically a mezzo because I am most comfortable in that range, or could that be because I only starting singing recently? (I have also heard the term "mezzo with high notes," so I have no idea where to classify myself).

My other question is about my age.  I started singing two years ago when I was 18, although I have unfortunately not been able to keep an even level of musical education throughout those two years.  But is seems like everyone at my university (which has a very small music program) has had some sort of childhood singing experience, and so their voice is much less flawed than mine is even if they haven't taken lessons in adulthood.  Does starting singing when I'm already an adult hinder my ability to develop my voice?

Thank you so much,
Darcy

Answer
Hello, Darcy –

Thank you for the question.

It's never too late to start learning how to sing.

The last thing you need to be doing is trying to figure out your vocal category based on electronically enhanced Broadway recordings.  The National Tour of Phantom of the Opera is currently playing here in San Francisco.  See my review:
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – What Becomes A Legend Most
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17798

There is no way that you can have a legitimate range between Low E and High D.  You cannot simultaneously be some variety of Low Alto, Mezzo-Soprano, and High Soprano.  My job as a professional vocal coach is to correctly identify your vocal category.  Ideally, that must happen in person.  It is also possible to get a better idea through an un-enhanced sound sample you can send me or that I can listen to on-line.  Can you do that for me?  If so, I will be happy to listen and give you some feedback.

At 20 years old – if what you want to do is to sing professionally or be a dedicated participant in local theatre or choral organizations – then you need better information than you're getting now.  That is what is hindering you, not some collection of adolescent experiences.

As a professional singer I know that a reliable vocal workout is the answer to all of your concerns.  Again, it starts with your vocal category being correctly identified.  Professional training starts with that information.  Obviously, that has not happened for you nor is it happening at your school.

Until you make arrangements to come to San Francisco to study with me, consider contacting the accredited major Music Conservatory of major University with a recognized Vocal Department nearest you.  Very often the resident vocal coaches will consult with students outside the system.  Tell them your concern exactly as you have expressed it here.  Another alternative are the higher end choral groups such as we have here in San Francisco, i.e., the opera and symphony chorus, the San Francisco Concert Chorale, etc.  What is available within a 30-mile radius around where you live?  Such musical directors can help you clarify your vocal category.  Make sure you convey that your concerns are about being a legitimate Soloist.  And THAT means – one who does not rely on the wizardry of a sound engineer, no matter the musical genre.

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/949380672.html
I am also the fine arts critc for SanFranciscoSentinel.com.  All my articles and interviews provide a link to my personal e-mail.

Take a look at my You Tubes:

Lorena Feijóo - A Look at "Giselle" with Seán Martinfield
SAMSON & DELILAH – Meet Seán Martinfield
CA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES – A Preview Look with Seán Martinfield

Below are links to recent articles and reviews:
MICHAEL BISHOP, Sound Engineer – Grammy Nomination for LA BOHÈME
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17846

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – What Becomes A Legend Most
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17798

LEONARDO DA VINCI – Drawings on display at the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17772

AUSTRALIA – For Baz Luhrmann, There’s No Place Like Home
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17716

MILK – A Magnificent Film
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17658

HILARY HAHN – This week at the San Francisco Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17626

AS BEES IN HONEY DROWN – New Conservatory Theatre Center buzzing sweetly for the Holidays
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17580

LA BOHÈME – Now at SAN FRANCISCO OPERA through December 7th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17542

TONY CURTIS – LIVE! At The Castro Theatre, Tuesday Night
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17474

YVES SAINT LAURENT – Haute Couture Fashions Now at the de Young Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17349

CHRISTINE ANDREAS – A Conversation with Beautiful Broadway and Cabaret Star
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17442

CD Review – REVOLUTIONARY, Cameron Carpenter, Organist
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17408

LA BOHÈME – Opens Sunday Afternoon, November 16th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17390

AFGHANISTAN – HIDDEN TREASURES FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, KABUL, Now at the Asian Art Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17320

GRAND HOTEL – MGM’s 1932 Classic, Thursday at the Legion of Honor’s Berliner Film Fest
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17296

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE – It’s Happy Hour At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17279

THE STATE MUSEUMS OF BERLIN AND THE LEGACY OF JAMES SIMON
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17223

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – Lon Chaney Silences SF Symphony For Halloween Night, Friday at 8:00
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17181
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17181

CARNEGIE HALL OPENING NIGHT – Tonight on PBS’ GREAT PERFORMANCES
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17164

SAMUEL RAMEY IS BORIS GODUNOV – Now at San Francisco Opera through November 15th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17140

CD – BRAHMS: Ein Deutsches Requiem
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17012

BORIS GODUNOV – Opens tonight at the War Memorial Opera House
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65

IDOMENEO – Star Treatment For Mozart Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65

CD – DAS LIED VON DER ERDE: Superb Live Recording by Stuart Skelton and Thomas Hampson
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16897

WARHOL’S JEWS – Series of ten original paintings on display at The Contemporary Jewish Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16860

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Ray of Light Theatre Begins New Season October 17th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16805

JOSHUA BELL – At Davies Hall, October 23rd – 25th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16790

HISTORY BOYS – A Degree In Excellence at New Conservatory Theatre Centre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16716

EMANUEL AX – Renowned Pianist Appears with San Francisco Symphony October 9th – 11th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16700

ALONZO KING – RECEIVES 2nd ANNUAL MAYOR’S ART AWARD
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16683

A BRONX TALE – At the Golden Gate Theatre through October 19th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16594

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES – Opens this weekend in Golden Gate Park
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16534

DIE TOTE STADT - A BAD HAIR DAY IN THE DEAD CITY
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16512

BONESETTER’S DAUGHTER – New Opera Stands Alone
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16321

THE WOMEN – NOT WHO YOU ARE EXPECTING
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16231

SPRING AWAKENING – A Breath Of Fresh Air, Now At The Curran
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16219

STORYCORPS – Oral History Project Opens October 12th at the Contemporary Jewish Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16473

CORKY'S HOT ICE – Latest Bling In Gay Cinema
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16287

SIMON BOCCANEGRA – WASHES ASHORE FOR OPENING NIGHT AT SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16116

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS – More Lucas-Cloned Crap
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15557

SHOUTING OVATIONS FOR PIANIST YEFIM BRONFMAN – SF Symphony 2008-09 Season Opens In Fabulous Style
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16091

DMITRI HVOROSTOVSKY – Stars in Opening Night of San Francisco Opera, Friday, September 5th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16003

TOM ORR – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15981

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES – Opens Wednesday, September 27th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15685

AT THE LEGION OF HONOR - The State Museums Of Berlin And The Legacy Of James Simon
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15655

NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTRE – The Season Begins
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15450

THE MIKADO – Opens 56th Season of The Lamplighters Music Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15450

SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY’S 2008-09 SEASON
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15362

BERNADETTE PETERS – A Triumph In San Francisco
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15150

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE – Detours Ahead
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15107

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE – at Broadway By The Bay
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14777

JENNIFER SIEBEL – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=6361

A CHORUS LINE – at the Curran Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14702

A CONVERSATION WITH IAN ROBERTSON – Director of the San Francisco Boys Chorus
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13747

SAN FRANCISCO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL – At the Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14576

ERIK BATZ – A Conversation With “The Scarecrow” At The Mountain Play
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=12892

NORMA SHEARER in “MARIE ANTOINETTE” – At the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=8783

Best regards,
Seán Martinfield

Acting in Plays, Singing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.