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Question
Hi SEAN,
I'm a 16 year old male singer. I sing musical theatre, some classical, and pop and r&b. I want to major in vocal performance/musical theatre/commercial music, or something to that affect. I am having trouble with my mixed voice. There aren't many sources or teachers that emphasize the development of the male mix. I have discovered it, but I would love some tips on how to develop it and make it strong. I know of the bel canto and speech level singing techniques, but unfortunately there aren't any teachers in my area that I could train with. I have studied classical technique, but it wasn't really for me, seeing that "using more air" isn't the answer to everything including glorious high notes or vocal longevity. It also sees that when I'm playing around I can get up to sometimes an Ab or Bb above middle C, but I can't seem to get those to come out to seriously implement in a song, and it also seems that I can really only make them on an "O" vowel. I sing baritone (more specifically in a type of lyric baritone), but I'm thinking that my voice might settle in lower to mid tenor range...? I would love if you could elaborate more on the mix and ways that I could develop and use it...I am very serious about my voice and making it the best it can be! Thanks!!!!
-Ronald
Hello, Ronald –
Thank you for the question.
My job as a vocal coach is to determine your true vocal category and to then train you accordingly. Though tenors and baritones have notes in common in their upper registers, there is an absolute difference in their sound and the placement of those notes. At 16 and working without a qualified coach, I can well understand your frustrations. It is also important to understand that Classical training – as it pertains to opera, etc. – and a career in Pop music, including Broadway, have little in common.
The voice is all one thing. It is one long column. It is not divided into separate hemispheres like an hour glass marked “head” and “chest” with some bottleneck in-between called “the mix”. This is a relatively new term – but one that singers around your age take for granted, obsess over, and look for someone to fix. My job is to teach you how to balance your entire vocal range and, again, according to your true vocal category. That happens through a daily vocal workout that includes a large number of very complex scales. Your responsibility, eventually, is to determine the field of music that holds the most interest for you and where you might succeed.
Most people can access two octaves though they may not know it or have never tried. You have – and you have discovered a variety of qualities and traits. By the time you are 18 your body and your voice will evidence a great deal of change. All my baritones sing to High B-flat. All my tenors sing to High D. Each demonstrates that flexibility through scales that stretch over a 2+ octave range. It is around High F that one voice can be distinguished from the other. Here is where the term “placement” comes in. And that is what you cannot learn by reading a book. Ultimately, the vocal category is proven through public performance of repertoire written specifically for it.
Until you are able to locate a coach, become the best musician you know. It is imperative that you work on musical theory and cram your head with repertoire and the notable singers who have performed it. You must also get yourself into Olympic condition. Strive for those abs of steel and incorporate into your physical workout an activity that is about developing and maintaining your cardio-vascular strength, i.e., running, swimming, bicycling. “Using more air” is a vague expression. But knowing how to channel the breath you take in and its successful application to any given phrase is totally clear – especially to an audition panel and the local critics.
If you have recorded something I can listen to on-line, I will be happy to offer you some feedback.
I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco. When you are in the Bay Area and want to book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List. This week’s connection is:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/1515393434.html
You may also contact me through my website: http://www.thebeltersmethod.com/The_Belters_Method/Welcome.html
I am 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:
CARTIER AND AMERICA – Exclusive Exhibit at the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=53619
DAMES AT SEA – Now At NCTC
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=53326
TOM ORR – “Jingle Bell Jock!”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=53061
THE 39 STEPS – Hitchcock To Stage Is Too Fabulous
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=52598
ME AND ORSON WELLES
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=52241
THE NUTCRACKER – SF Ballet Is In Grand Form
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=52127
CAMINOS FLAMENCOS – A Conversation with Yaelisa
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=51761
A CONVERSATION WITH LUCIE ARNAZ – This Week At The Rrazz Room
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=51605
9 Grammy Nominations To Telarc International and Heads Up International
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=51457
SF CONCERT CHORALE – At Mission Dolores Basilica
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=51300
SF SILENT FILM FESTIVAL – One Day Only, Saturday, December 12th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=51233
THREE GRAMMY® AWARD NOMINATIONS – SF Symphony Is The Best
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=51083
PETER, THE WOLF, THE AX, a 5th, and HOLIDAY PIPES
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=50376
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
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
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LOWER 24th STREET IN THE MISSION – Gets The Artistic Touch
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SF BALLET’S NUTCRACKER – Opens Tuesday, December 8th
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STRAVINSKY’S SOLDIER’S TALE – At the San Francisco Conservatory of Music
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GAUTIER CAPUÇON, Cellist – Debut with San Francisco Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48337
MEDIEVAL MOURNERS – Coming to SF City Hall
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VERY POST MORTEM: Mummies and Medicine
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JOHAN BOTHA – South African Tenor Makes SF Opera Debut As “Otello”
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MICHAEL JACKSON’S THIS IS IT – Live From The Nokia Theatre
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EXOTIC EROTIC BALL – 30th Anniversary, Friday and Saturday At The Cow Palace
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SALOME – Now at SF Opera Through November 1st
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46542
JAN WAHL – Action! Monday Night at New Conservatory Theatre Center
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DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT – A Hit for San Francisco Opera
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FLEETWEEK – Weekend Bash at Pier 39
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FLEET WEEK – A Conversation with Airshow Pilot Tim Weber
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CD – THE PLANETS, A Mind-Blowing Meditation
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SF OPERA’S “Abduction From The Seraglio” – The Trills and Frills of Captivity
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43985
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MACY’S PASSPORT 2009 – Glamour and Giving Galore in San Francisco
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43233
IL TRITTICO – Patricia Racette Debuts In Puccini’s Trio of One-Act Operas
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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
THE PALACE HOTEL – Ten-Tier Chocolate Cake For 100th Anniversary
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=40462
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
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NICOLA LUISOTTI – Begins Inaugural Season As Music Director of SF Opera
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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,
Séan 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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