Acting in Plays, Singing/Finding a vocal teacher

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Expert: - 11/26/2009


Question
Hello Sean, let me just start off by saying you have a very impressive bio and "experience" section. Anyway I have been on the hunt for a vocal teacher and I want to make sure to I find a good one. I'm a total beginner  so I was just wanted to know what are some important things I should do and look for when picking a vocal teacher. I'm 18 and would like to lean towards musical theater singing if that helps at all.  

Answer
Hey, Christopher –

Thank you for the question.

The vast majority of my clients come to me through recommendation. I teach in San Francisco, my clients appear throughout the Bay Area. I found the coaches I needed by hearing one of their clients in performance. I asked for the contact information. That’s how my clients come to me. In other words, you need to get out more.

I know what you mean by “musical theater singing”. There are all kinds of examples within that category. No matter the era, musical theatre reflects the world of popular music and all its varieties. Essentially, it’s about doing material that millions of others already have and will perform. You’ve got to be just as good and just as marketable – no matter where you live or what you are auditioning for.

Your first responsibility is to cram repertoire. The more you know, the better you will understand what you need from a vocal coach. The coach you need may not always be really convenient to where you live.

No matter what kind of music you want to sing or in what variety of performance venue, you still have to know how to maximize the range of your vocal category, i.e., tenor, baritone, etc., and to take care of your voice during and in-between engagements.

My musical theatre clients can sustain weekly performances. My job is to build your vocal chops and then apply the technique to the material and job at hand.  I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco.  When you are in San Francisco and want to book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List. This week’s connection is:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/1482861402.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:


”Embraceable You” – Gershwin and Rodin at the Legion of Honor
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:
HOB NOB ON THE HILL – Annual Gala at the Fairmont Hotel
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=50108

TOY TRAINS – An Interactive Holiday Tradition at the Main Library
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=49954

BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO – This Week at San Francisco Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=49864

CARTIER – Exclusive Exhibit at the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=49806

ON THE ORGAN – At the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=49615

CHANEL ON MAIDEN LANE – San Francisco Boutique Opens 11/20
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=49378

AMISH ABSTRACTIONS – Fabulous Quilt Exhibit Now at the de Young Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=49241

A.C.T. – A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Opens Thursday, December 3rd
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=49155

LOWER 24th STREET IN THE MISSION – Gets The Artistic Touch
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=49036

SF BALLET’S NUTCRACKER – Opens Tuesday, December 8th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48894

STRAVINSKY’S SOLDIER’S TALE – At the San Francisco Conservatory of Music
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48470

GAUTIER CAPUÇON, Cellist – Debut with San Francisco Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48337

MEDIEVAL MOURNERS – Coming to SF City Hall
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48259

VERY POST MORTEM: Mummies and Medicine
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=47785

JANE MONHEIT – This Sunday At The Empire Ballroom
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48083

NUTCRACKER VIDEO CONTEST – Enter Now!
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=47906

JOHAN BOTHA – South African Tenor Makes SF Opera Debut As “Otello”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=47706

DIA DE LOS MYERTOS – Celebrate with the SF Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=47491

HALLOWEEN IN SAN FRANCISCO – Treats & Tricks In The Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=47253

DAVID 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOHN BALDESSARI: A Print Retrospective – Now at the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=35799

PATTY DUKE – Gala Appearance and Tribute at the Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=35016

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

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

Best regards,
Seán Martinfield

Acting in Plays, Singing

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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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