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Hi i am currently in the navy and have one year left and i'm trying to figure out what i want to do when i get out. I dont' want to stay in, what i've always wanted to do is pursue acting, singing, and dancing. i have always wanted to go to New York too since i was 13. But I also want to get a college degree. But I also want intensive acting, singing and dancing training. I am 25 now, i joined the Military to help me pay for college. Before I joined i got accepted to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy but couldn't afford it. I thought about going there but I haven't heard very good things about it. I am currently stationed in Norfolk, Va and i like it and have thought about staying. Do i have to be in somewhere like New York or California in order to get good quality training? My question is what is the best route for me? I'm 25. I haven't been perfecting my craft but I have this enormous talent and unrealized potential, and an enormous desire to pursue my dreams I just also try to tell myself to be realistic at the same time. I want to sing, act and dance and get an education and I would like to be on Broadway and in movies. And a recording artist. I believe I can do it. I just need a little guidance. What city(ies) and what school(s) would be my best bet? Thank you.
Hello, Marie –
Thank you for the question.
I prefer to not recommend schools – but strongly urge you to listen to what you have heard.
A few things to consider –
You are aware of the huge amount of shows that have just closed on Broadway – right? Where do you think those performers – artists that many admire, envy, or hope to replace – are going to find employment? A large percentage of those now (or again) unemployed performers hold some variety of Performing Arts Degree. In the larger scheme of things, they are all similarly qualified. Now what?
Those who have reserve amounts of determination will keep studying with their private vocal coaches, go on with their dance and acting classes, and keep themselves in Olympic centerfold condition. It sounds like that's where you are.
Congratulations on your military service. Did you ever consider exploring the music opportunities afforded to some? Every major State Occasion (especially those broadcast nationally) do I see uniformed personnel in the orchestra or band and singing solos in the SATB ensemble. How does that happen? Is it an option at this time for you?
Assuming your military service entitles you to college funding, then I would take whatever is offered and apply it towards getting into the very best University possible. If you are bent on the performing arts – then balance your studies with International Relations, Protocol, Political Science, and the foreign language of your choice. By all means – use the knowledge of Music and Theatre to inform your natural inclination to communicate and to heal.
By the time the current Economic Crisis has abated – you may be holding the hottest Degree in town. In the meantime, you have to prepare your audition to the universities or conservatories of your choice. That's where I come in as a private vocal coach.
Come to the west coast! 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/982092138.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:
FALSETTOS – Begins Thursday January 8th At Theatre Rhinoceros
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18550
SAN FRANCISCO BOYS CHORUS – WILL SING AT THE INAUGURATION OF BARACK OBAMA
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18330
NEW YEAR’S EVE – MARIN MAZZIE & JASON DANIELEY At the SF Symphony Concert
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18437
FREE ADMISSION ON DECEMBER 25th – At The Contemporary Jewish Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18193
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18078
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18047
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BRIAN PATTERSON – Local Hunk In Bay Area Premiere of ZANNA, DON’T
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17887
MICHAEL BISHOP, Sound Engineer – Grammy Nomination for LA BOHÈME
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CD – LA BOHÈME, Grammy Nomination for Sound Engineer Michael Bishop
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TONY CURTIS – LIVE! At The Castro Theatre, Tuesday Night
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LA BOHÈME – Opens Sunday Afternoon, November 16th
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CARNEGIE HALL OPENING NIGHT – Tonight on PBS’ GREAT PERFORMANCES
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CD – BRAHMS: Ein Deutsches Requiem
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THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Ray of Light Theatre Begins New Season October 17th
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EMANUEL AX – Renowned Pianist Appears with San Francisco Symphony October 9th – 11th
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A BRONX TALE – At the Golden Gate Theatre through October 19th
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DIE TOTE STADT - A BAD HAIR DAY IN THE DEAD CITY
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SPRING AWAKENING – A Breath Of Fresh Air, Now At The Curran
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STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS – More Lucas-Cloned Crap
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15557
TOM ORR – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15981
AT THE LEGION OF HONOR - The State Museums Of Berlin And The Legacy Of James Simon
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THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE – at Broadway By The Bay
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JENNIFER SIEBEL – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=6361
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NORMA SHEARER in “MARIE ANTOINETTE” – At the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=8783
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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