Expert: Sean Martinfield - 5/7/2008

Question
I am a junior in high school and I have been taking voice lessons/performing in musical theater productions since around 7th grade, aka 5 years. I am a mezzo/alto (at least for now), but I was wondering how developed a female voice really is at this age. I have some friends that have extremely developed voices (both range and technique) and I am always worried that I'm not quite "up to par".

I know I have a good voice, but it is very inconsistant. Somedays it feels perfectly natural to sing and others I have a lot of trouble maintaining an open quality and bright tone, just sustaining my breath, or even keeping myself from screeching. I know that voice teachers are always saying how "everyone's voice is different" and that what works for one person might not work for another, but I feel like I haven't improved as much as I should have. To be honest, I do not practice for voice as much as I should (I'd say I do about 4-5 times a month), but I still find it so discouraging when there are incredible people who have perfect technique, yet have never taken voice lessons.

I've been called back for leads in school plays (e.g. Eponine in Les Mis) and had various solos, but after five years of voice lessons, I'm not sure how much more I will improve. I am absolutely in love with singing, but I'm worried that I'm just not good enough...

Answer
Dear S –

Thank you for the question.

I would sure like to hear these friends of yours who have "extremely developed voices".  Send me their clippings from the local critics.

You are much too young to be throwing in the towel.  In fact, professional "adult-variety" training usually starts right about your age.  The little girl you were in 7th grade with her little girl voice has nothing to do with who you are now.  And who you are now will be a far cry from who and what you will become on the day you graduate.  Check the yearly photos, OK?!

I have no clue as to what your vocal lessons are about nor do I know what you actually do when you "practice" 4 to 5 times a month.  All I know is – that ain't it, kid.  Not for anything!  Same discussion if you wanted to be a dancer.  Nevertheless, if you were my client – I would be the first to know you were not doing what I demand from someone who claims to study with me.  In short – I wouldn't have been taking your money for five long years.  I would have fired you after the first month.

Anyone can sing "Eponine".  That's why every high school in every country around the world is doing LES MISÉRABLES.  So ordinary.  So boring.

It is also true that not every wannabe singer connects with the same vocal coach that their friends employ.  I know I didn't!  As a young student, I encountered many a professor and private coach who didn't know as much as I did.  But I was also a trained musician and an experienced actor before that first private lesson or required university class.  I learned how to close my check book and become more discriminating.  I also knew which field of music I wanted to pursue and The Business of that field.  You must know the same.

You have very little time left to be deciding on your college major and to be earning scholarship consideration in the best school possible.  Before you waste any more time on silly dreams related to Broadway musicals, use the rest of this semester and summer vacation to study music theory, dance, and the keyboard.  Even for those friends you recognize as being better than you at the moment – everyone of you is going to have to compete against a much larger crowd come those university auditions.

After graduation from that conservatory or university, the competition for an actual role – all of them non-paying until you earn your Equity Card – becomes even more difficult and ruthless.

At this point, you are able to recognize your lack of interest in practicing.  Perhaps you are with the wrong teacher – one who has not imparted to you a reliable and stimulating work-out program.  As a professional singer and vocal coach I know that it is impossible to succeed – in anything – unless you have a reliable method of study and an extremely disciplined work ethic.

I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco.  If you are in the Bay Area, contact me through Craig's List –
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/669655592.html

Take a look at my You Tubes:
Lorena Feijóo - A Look at "Giselle" with Seán Martinfield
SAMSON & DELILAH – Meet Seán Martinfield

I am also the fine arts critc for the San Francisco Sentinel.  Below are some links to recent articles and reviews:
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – Now at The Curran Theatre
A CONVERSATION WITH MAESTRO HELMUTH RILLING
BLUE BEAR LIVE III – Friday, May 9th at Great American Music Hall
RICHARD C. BARKER – Named Chair of San Francisco Ballet’s Board of Trustees
SAN FRANCISCO CONCERT CHORALE PRESENTS – THE BACH EXPERIENCE
7 SINS – EXTENDED AT THEATRE RHINO THROUGH MAY 17th
ANTIQUE ROADSTERS RACE FROM NOB HILL – THE 2008 SAN FRANCISCO MILLE
LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN – Restored Film Noir Classic at SF International Film Festival
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL – At the Orpheum, San Francisco
CHERYL BURKE DANCE – Dancing with Gavin and Jennifer
DALE CHIHULY – Lighting-Up At The de Young
At the Asian Art Museum – DRAMA AND DESIRE
LORENA FEIJÓO – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
ANNIE LEIBOVITZ – On her show at the Legion of Honor
JENNIFER SIEBEL – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
SWEENEY TODD – PRIME CUTS FROM DIRECTOR TIM BURTON
SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY – 14th Season with Michael Tilson Thomas
ANITA COCKTAIL and LEANNE BORGHESI – A 3-Way Dialogue
GILBERT & GEORGE – A Debut, at the de Young February 16th – May 18th
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA Announces 86th Season – 11 Operas, 78 Performances