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QUESTION: Ever since I heard josh groban I've wanted a higher range. I know he's doesn't have very good technique etc, but nevertheless he inpired me. I am probably a bass/baritone. My range is probalby a low "G" (2 g's below middle c) and to an "E" above middle "C". I've tried for a year or more to raise it, but its' not really working. I've done scales, but don't have a voice teacher. I just dont'
know if it's me, or that I am doing wrong scales or doing scales incorrectly. Could you give me advise of how to raise my range, and scales to do so...also
could you give me an idea of the tiem it takes to raise range, because other wise I probably will think I am doing somethign wrong. I'm hoping ot get to a
"G". thanks..(oh..I am 17 if that helps)
ANSWER: Hello, Greg –
Thank you for the question.
It's a combination of all your considerations. All my bass-baritones sing to High G, some go higher.
My job as a professional vocal coach is to show you HOW to do your scales throughout your entire range. It's what happens as you approach your upper register, i.e., prior to and including the E that is the problem. The term is "placement". Once you get past the E, then you have to negotiate your way back down, i.e., to the E an octave below – and then to the E the next octave below.
I am now receiving links to singers' vocal samples. Is it possible for you to arrange that? I really need to hear what you are doing with your scales in order to provide the answers you need.
Keep practicing. Keep advancing your knowledge in Music Theory. In the meantime, study the repertoire and listen to the classical recordings of bass-baritones such as John Relyea and Bryn Terfel.
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/719291466.html
Take a look at my You Tubes:
Lorena Feijóo - A Look at "Giselle" with Seán Martinfield
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33-a6Oa-0j4
SAMSON & DELILAH – Meet Seán Martinfield
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Sean+Martinfield&search=Search
I am also the fine arts critc for the San Francisco Sentinel. Below are some links to recent articles and reviews:
TIMOTHY HORN – BITTER SUITE – A Sweet Tribute To Alma Spreckels
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14049
‘TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE – At A.C.T through July 6th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13840
60TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT – San Francisco Boys Chorus celebrates this Sunday Night at the War Memorial Opera House
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13747
FREE OPERA AT AT&T BALLPARK – Lucia di Lammermoor, June 20th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13640
CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM – A Grand Opening!
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13685
DAS RHEINGOLD – Opens Summer Season 2008 at San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13525
JAMES JUDD’S 7 SINS – Devilish Hilarity At the Exit Theatre Until June 21st
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13478
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA – Summer Season Opens Tuesday, June 3rd
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13396
BACH'S MASS IN B MINOR, Saturday, May 31st – At Mission Dolores Basilica
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13335
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN – Just say “NO!”
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IT’S MURDER, MARY! – A Killer World Premiere at The New Conservatory Theatre
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ERIK BATZ – A Conversation With “The Scarecrow” At The Mountain Play
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=12892
SAN FRANCISCO BALLET’S 2009 SEASON – Includes World Premiere of All-New Swan Lake by Helgi Tomasson
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CHERYL BURKE DANCE – Dancing with Gavin and Jennifer
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DALE CHIHULY – Lighting-Up At The de Young
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SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY – 14th Season with Michael Tilson Thomas
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MELISSA MANCHESTER – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
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ANNIE LEIBOVITZ – On her show at the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=10764
LORENA FEIJÓO – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/index.php?s=Lorena
SWEENEY TODD – PRIME CUTS FROM DIRECTOR TIM BURTON
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=8434
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=8007
NORMA SHEARER in “MARIE ANTOINETTE” – At the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=8783
JENNIFER SIEBEL – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=6361
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: So I should basically record myself doing scales, and send it in?
Hi, Greg –
Yes. And 16-measure excerpts from two songs of your choice. Pick something that includes at least the E in your higher register.
You can contact me through: www.sanfranciscosentinel.com
Use any of the urls on the articles below. My e-mail is included in the bio at the bottom of the articles.
AUDITION NOTICE – Hillbarn Theatre – Saturday and Sunday, June 28th & 29th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14149
ARIODANTE – Cross-Dressing Goes Baroque – at SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14127
WOMEN IMPRESSIONISTS – At San Francisco’s Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14106
TIMOTHY HORN – BITTER SUITE – A Sweet Tribute To Alma Spreckels
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=14049
‘TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE – At A.C.T through July 6th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13840
60TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT – San Francisco Boys Chorus celebrates this Sunday Night at the War Memorial Opera House
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=13747
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
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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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