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About 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 Fine Arts Critic for 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 both the San Francisco International and Silent Film Festivals. For private vocal instruction, I can be contacted through craigslist.com. Look under Musicians, then keyword: Martinfield.
Experience
Distinctive celebrity voices and how they are used and promoted by the Entertainment Industry have always fascinated me. Drawing from all eras of film and animation, television, radio, Broadway plays and musicals, opera and a few politicians ? a huge bounty of actors and singers have had a profound effect upon my life, influencing all the choices I made with respect to my education and my dual careers as a professional singer and vocal coach. I am curious about what is promoted and, consequently, the competitive aspects of the Performing Arts.
I am a Theatre Arts Graduate from San Francisco State University. During the years of my attendance, the school enjoyed the reputation for having the best Theatre Department on the West Coast. My academic training equipped me as an actor, enabling me to prepare for professional auditions and to compete successfully. I learned how to take direction and to apply my skills during the rehearsal process. Along the way I learned to identify my assets as a performer, to market my particular abilities and to find the audiences interested in my particular product.
During my freshman year, I also began studying opera. For the next eight years, I trained as a baritone, learning the classical vocal methodology known as "Bel Canto" with well-respected coaches including Mr. James Schwabacher, then head of the San Francisco Opera's Marla Training Program. Because mastering the technique of Bel Canto is absolutely dependent upon its application to Italian opera and, consequently, perfect pronunciation of the language, I studied Italian as well as French and German with private coaches. I have performed the roles of ?Guglielmo" (COSI FAN TUTTE), "Marcello" (LA BOHEME), "Valentin" (FAUST), "Enrico" (LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR), "Dr. Miracle", (THE TALES OF HOFFMANN), "Top" (THE TENDER LAND), " Mr. Gedge, the Vicar" (ALBERT HERRING) and "Dr. Caius" (THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR). During these ten years, I also appeared in many classical recitals singing the standard classical Baritone repertoire. It was Mr. Schwabacher's training that expanded my upper range, turning me into a working tenor. My last appearances as a classical tenor were with conductor and pianist Robin Kay, performing Schubert's DIE SCHÖNE MULLERIN.
I then re-trained my voice, dropped the Bel Canto methodology, and went on to sustain another 10 years doing standard American repertoire including Broadway, Jazz, Blues and Standards. Throughout this period I appeared regularly on the San Francisco cabaret circuit and was a featured soloist with Bay Area bands, orchestras and choruses. I continued producing my own solo concerts, the last being at the New Conservatory Theatre.
As a vocal coach, I work primarily with singers and actors throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. My clientele ranges from absolute beginners to working professionals, from pre-schoolers to retired Senior Citizens. The vast majority of them 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 for certain 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 two major components to my job. The first is to teach basic musical skills such as reading music, counting, breathing techniques, development and expansion of the vocal range, phonetics and diction ? specifically as it applies to Standard American English. The second is about presentation ? that is, everything involved with the client's audition and/or actual performance. In short, for any person relying upon their vocal endurance and performance skills to earn a living, my job is to enable them to compete for a job and, when hired, to maintain that job.
Over the years my clients have appeared in all of the available Broadway musicals produced in virtually every theater throughout the Bay Area. Some have worked in New York and gone on National Tours. Most recently, my clients have been praised for their work in AIDA and WICKED.
So, if you want to prepare for "American Idol" or the Broadway stage, contact me through http://www.geocities.com/broadwaybelters
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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Performing Arts > Acting in Plays, Singing > Audition Songs for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Expert: Sean Martinfield - 10/23/2009
Question
Hi Mr. Martinfield.
Auditions for my school's production of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" is quickly approaching and I cannot decide on a song choice. I am a soprano (but I can also sing alto) looking to get the part of Christine Colgate. I need to start preparing for this audition... but like I said, I have NO idea what song to sing to give me a chance to sing as Christine. So I thought I'd turn to the expert... do you have any good song choices? It's deeply appreciated.
Answer
Hi, Erin –
Thank you for the quesion.
Christine in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is a very fun role. She is a standard Broadway mezzo, with typical requirements of a comic romantic lead who flits in and around monied society.
Consider:
I Can Cook Too – ON THE TOWN
Mein Herr – CABARET
Someone Else’s Story – CHESS
Show Off – DROWSY CHAPERONE
Whatever you sing, be sure to know the score before going to the audition. Listen to the Original Broadway cast CD so you can absorb the style of the show and bring it to your presentation.
I want you to invest in Volume 5 of The Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology for Alto, Alto Belter, Mezzo Soprano. It contains “Show Off” from DROWSY CHAPERONE and other titles you may recognize. Just click on or paste the URL below into your browser. It will take you to a site where you can peruse the titles and order on-line. Once there, you can locate the other four volumes.
Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology – Volume 5
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/The-Singer-s-Musical-Theatre-Anthology-Volum...
I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco. When you want to book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List. This week’s connection is: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/1433884852.html
I am also the Editor and Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com. All my articles and interviews about the Performing Arts provide a link to my personal e-mail.
Download Carmen Milagro’s BlogTalkRadio and her recent interview with Seán Martinfield. It’s all about singing and the 2009/10 San Francisco Opera Season:
Women and Legends Who Really Rock, 9/11/2009
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 my recent interviews and articles about what's happening on San Francisco's cultural scene:
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=4699DAVID MAMET’S NOVEMBER – West Coast Premiere At A.C.T.
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46998
MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT – Live From The Nokia Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=47063
DAVID MAMET’S “NOVEMBER” – West Coast Premiere At A.C.T.
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46998
PORTRAIT MINIATURES – Author Elle Shushan, At the de Young Museum, October 27th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46724
EXOTIC EROTIC BALL – 30th Anniversary, Friday and Saturday At The Cow Palace
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46654
SALOME – Now at SF Opera Through November 1st
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46542
JAN WAHL – Action! Monday Night at New Conservatory Theatre Center
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46393
DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT – A Hit for San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46210
FLEETWEEK – Weekend Bash at Pier 39
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=45837
FLEET WEEK – A Conversation with Airshow Pilot Tim Weber
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=45460
HALLOWEEN AT DAVIES SYMPHONY HALL – Nosferatu, The Vampire Film Classic of 1922
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=45154
VICTORIAN ALLIANCE OF SAN FRANCISCO – Annual House Tour, October 18th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=44900
JUAN DIEG FLÓREZ – To Sing “Tonio” in San Francisco Opera’s Daughter of the Regiment
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=44753
RENT – Jonathan Larson’s Popular Musical Returns to San Francisco October 6th – 18th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=44670
“Pulp Scripture”, Hélène Renaut, and teenage YouTube vocalist Jesaiah Baer
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=44489
CD – THE PLANETS, A Mind-Blowing Meditation
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=44236
SF ARTS COMMISSION – Catalogue of Posters from the 2008 Art On Market Street Public Art Program
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=44122
SF OPERA’S “Abduction From The Seraglio” – The Trills and Frills of Captivity
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43985
SOUTH PACIFIC – A Total Winner In San Francisco
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43862
ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO – Now At SF Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43611
SOUTH PACIFIC – Now At San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43415
MACY’S PASSPORT 2009 – Glamour and Giving Galore in San Francisco
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43233
MAYA LIN – Artist Debuts “What Is Missing?” at CA Academy of Sciences
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43178
IL TRITTICO – Patricia Racette Debuts In Puccini’s Trio of One-Act Operas
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43109
IL TROVATORE – Opening Night A Stunning Success For San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=42392
SF SYMPHONY OPENING NIGHT – Fabulous Start to 2009/10 Season
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=42228
ROMEO AND JULIEN – A New Set of Lovers At Boxcar Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=41746
NOEL COWARD’S BRIEF ENCOUNTER – Opens September 16th At A.C.T.
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=41449
VICTOR ARIMONDI – A Compassionate Eye
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=41078
CARMEN MILAGRO – Popular Latin Favorite Takes the Stage At SFFD Annual Chili Cook-Off, September 19th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=41006
IL TRITTICO – Puccini’s Complete Set of Three One-Act Operas Opens Tuesday, September 15th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=40640
THE PALACE HOTEL – Ten-Tier Chocolate Cake For 100th Anniversary
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=40462
TOM ORR – in “A Crass Act”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=40313
FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK – Opens Saturday Night At The Presidio
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=40199
IL TROVATORE – Opens SF Opera’s 87th Season, September 11th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=39892
FILM NOIR – 22 Newly Restored Classics Coming To The Roxie
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=39755
CD – ZUILL BAILEY and SIMONE DINNERSTEIN, Beethoven’sComplete Works for Piano and Cello
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=39415
MAURICE SENDAK – At the Contemporary Jewish Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=39005
NICOLA LUISOTTI – Begins Inaugural Season As Music Director of SF Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=38821
AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY – Opens Tonight At The Curran Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=38348
NORMA SHEARER – Hollywood Dreams Made Real
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=38082
JULIE & JULIA – Pleasing To The Palate
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=37855
THE EGYPTIAN (1954) – A Swords & Sandals Cultural Encounter at the de Young Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=37554
JAMES JUDD – Whoop Click! Now At The Dark Room
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=37175
NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER – Pride Season 2009/10
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=36938
DANCING WITH THE DRAG QUEEN STARS – Who will be crowned Champion
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=36249
SAN FRANCISCO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL – Saturday and Sunday At The Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=35970
JOHN BALDESSARI: A Print Retrospective – Now at the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=35799
JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL – 29th Anniversary Opens July 23rd at the Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=35558
PATTY DUKE – Gala Appearance and Tribute at the Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=35016
MONT ALTO MOTION PICURE ORCHESTRA – Accompanies Opening Night of the 14th Annual San Francisco Silent Film Festival
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=34306
SALLY KELLERMAN – Hot Lips for Hot Hits at The Rrazz Room
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=33009
TUTANKHAMUN – And The Golden Age Of Pharaohs
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32878
DIANE BAKER – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32007
AMANDA KING – AT THE RRAZZ ROOM, THIS SATURDAY NIGHT
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30037
RENT: THE BROADWAY TOUR – Returns To The Curran Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29872
WESLA WHITFIELD – At The Rrazz Room
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29588
SPAMALOT – THE “MONTY PYTHON” MUSICAL THAT GOES LIKE THIS
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29401
CAMERON CARPENTER – An Interview with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=24462
AT LAST! – ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY – An Interview with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=27122
CHAGALL AND THE ARTISTS OF THE RUSSIAN JEWISH THEATER, 1919-1949 – Now AT San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=22321
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
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