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Acting in Plays, Singing/Various Questions
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Question
Hi Mr. Martinfield,
I am in my 3rd year study in classical singing.
Since I started my singing lessons rather late, I felt like I am "behind" than most young girls in my year. I was wondering if you could recommend some good method/training books so I would be able to practice more efficiently in the practice room.
Here's another question:
I am trying to find art songs that would train me on melismatic 16th notes phrases and legato line. Would you recommend starting off by singing Baroque music and work through Classical and Romantic music? (...but I really don't feel like singing more Purcell, Handel and Mozart....) Could you recommend me some good songs you have your students done in the past? (My range is about F3 to D6 and I would say my voice is strongest and fullest over E5.)
Thank you very very much.
Anna
Hello, Anna –
Thank you for the question.
I’m not certain what you mean by your 3rd year of study in classical singing. Are you attending an accredited music conservatory such as the one we have here in San Francisco? From my experience as a young singer-in-training I know that workbooks and coaches go hand-in-hand.
Consider the exercises and musical suggestions offered by Estelle Liebling. Click on or paste the following URL into your browser to sample and order on line:
BOOK OF COLORATURA CADENZAS
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/The-Estelle-Liebling-Book-of-Coloratura-Cade...
I cannot choose repertoire for a voice I don’t know. The coloratura soprano repertoire is packed with arias from the 18th and 19th Century that are not only distinctive to their time – but are at their most commercially successful when sung by a certain variety and temperament of coloratura soprano. Sometimes it’s about the drama and the flash. Most often, it’s about flawless musicianship.
If you are over the works of Purcell, Handel and Mozart (and let’s throw in Haydn and Scarlatti for fuel), then apply your coloratura know-how to a wider variety of literature and just have fun. Along the way – and it all takes time! – you will discover what “type” of Soprano Personality you are and what particular works from whatever era show you to your best advantage. The variety of phrase you are referring to occurs somewhere throughout the entire repertoire.
Consider these favorites of mine. Liebling offers tips about them in her book.
“Shadow Song” – Dinorah, by Meyerbeer
"O luce di quest'anima" – Linda du Chamounix, by Donizetti
"Je suis Titania" – Mignon, by Thomas
"Ah, Vous Dirai-Je, Maman" (Bravura Variations) – by Adam
“Voci di Primavera” – by Johann Strauss
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/1471167586.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:
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
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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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