Acting in Plays, Singing/opera contests

Advertisement

Expert: - 2/14/2009


Question
Hello,

I'm a dramatic coloratura soprano with not much formal training or stage experience. This coming June I'm taking the LTCL examination. I have a great easiness with very high notes. I'm currently singing "Popoli di Tessaglia" in a concert.  I can easily reach a counter #G or even a counter A.

I'm a Junior High School teacher by profession.  I would like, however, to do something more with my voice, such as taking part into a contest or something.

Are you familiar with any contests for coloratura sopranos (preferably in Europe, but not necessarily)? I turn 32 next month, so I have to act fast! :-)  Maybe, I have more chances with lesser contests rather than with the most famous ones. So, if you know of any that would suit my profile, please let me know. I have tried to google but I mostly get singers' biographies.

Thanks in advance for your answer.
Constantina

Answer
Hello, Constantina –

Thank you for the question.  I have a particular fondness for the coloratura soprano voice.

My expertise is not in vocal contests.  But, at 32 and without an established career behind you – I believe you are too old to enter those you might track down.

Given your present situation and the skills you have to demonstrate the repertoire of Mozart, my best advice is to investigate the community opera companies in or around where you live.  Here in the San Francisco Bay Area there are a number of well-respected such companies.  There are also academic opportunities within the community colleges.  Beyond that are a myriad of choral societies that hold annual auditions for singers who are dedicated and willing to show up for weekly rehearsals and regular performances.  We are also blest with the best opera and symphony choruses who perform under the baton of world class conductors.

As a professional vocal coach, it is my experience that once you start putting yourself out there with well-prepared material appropriate to your voice-type and personal passions and, obviously, suitable to the opportunity at hand – the word gets out and the work starts coming.  Not every opportunity is a life-fulfilling dream.  But, as a singer, I know that having a reliable and daily vocal workout is everything.  And then it's about applying those skills to what you want to sing and building up your repertoire so that you will always be ready when the unexpected comes your way.

I wish you the absolute best in your pursuits.  If you are willing to run off to Europe to participate in some vocal contest – then why not consider re-locating to San Francisco and make yourself available for real and on-going work?

I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco.  When you finally come to town and want to book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List – http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/1030053071.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:
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19503

STAGE BRIEFS – WICKED, SF FOLLIES, TENNESSEE IN THE SUMMER
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19386

TELARC AND HEADS UP WIN 3 GRAMMY® AWARDS
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19352

WICKED – Now at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19280

SAN FRANCISCO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL – Presents A Valentine’s All-Day Event
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19208

SF FOLLIES THE PERFECT ROAST OF SAN FRANCISCO PERSONALITIES, SAN FRANCISCO’S PAST AND PRESENT
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19152

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA – 87th Season Opens Friday, September 11th with Verdi’s IL TROVATORE
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19133

SAN FRANCISCO BALLET OPENS TONIGHT – Casting Announced For Programs 1
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19079

ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS – DMITRI HVOROSTOVSKY, FALSETTOS, and ZANNA, DON’T!
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19068

THE DEAD SYMPHONY – West Coast premiere of symphonic tribute to the Grateful Dead
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=19022

ZUILL BAILEY – Dynamic Cellist Makes Telarc Debut
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18898

TCHAIKOVSKY’S SYMPHONY NO. 5 – This week at Davies Symphony Hall and Flint Center
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18757

SAN FRANCISCO BALLET – Opening Night Gala, Wednesday, January 21st
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18716

A.C.T. PRESENTS – RICH AND FAMOUS
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18725

CD – THE FOUR SEASONS – Telarc Introduces Violinist Christina Day Martinson
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18684

FALSETTOS – Begins Thursday January 8th At Theatre Rhinoceros
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18550

SF BOYS CHORUS AT INAUGURATION – An Interview with Ian Robertson
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18330

NEW YEAR’S EVE – MARIN MAZZIE & JASON DANIELEY At the SF Symphony Concert
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18338

SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY – The Results of Fiscal Year 2008
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18276

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA – The Audited Financial Results, 2007–08
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18211

DAVID CONTE’S GIFT OF THE MAGI – Receives West Coast Premiere
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=18047

BRIAN PATTERSON – Local Hunk In Bay Area Premiere of ZANNA, DON’T
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17927

MICHAEL BISHOP, Sound Engineer – Grammy Nomination for LA BOHÈME
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17846

CD – LA BOHÈME, Grammy Nomination for Sound Engineer Michael Bishop
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17846

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – What Becomes A Legend Most
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17798

AUSTRALIA – For Baz Luhrmann, There’s No Place Like Home
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17716

MILK – A Magnificent Film
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17658

LA BOHÈME – Now at SAN FRANCISCO OPERA through December 7th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17542

TONY CURTIS – LIVE! At The Castro Theatre, Tuesday Night
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17474

CHRISTINE ANDREAS – A Conversation with Beautiful Broadway and Cabaret Star
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17442

CD Review – REVOLUTIONARY, Cameron Carpenter, Organist
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17408

AFGHANISTAN – HIDDEN TREASURES FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, KABUL, Now at the Asian Art Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17320

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE – It’s Happy Hour At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17279

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – Lon Chaney Silences SF Symphony For Halloween Night, Friday at 8:00
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17181

CARNEGIE HALL OPENING NIGHT – Tonight on PBS’ GREAT PERFORMANCES
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17164

SAMUEL RAMEY IS BORIS GODUNOV
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17140

CD – BRAHMS: Ein Deutsches Requiem
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=17012

IDOMENEO – Star Treatment For Mozart Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65

CD – DAS LIED VON DER ERDE: Superb Live Recording by Stuart Skelton and Thomas Hampson
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16897

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Ray of Light Theatre Begins New Season October 17th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16805

DIE TOTE STADT - A BAD HAIR DAY IN THE DEAD CITY
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16512

BONESETTER’S DAUGHTER – New Opera Stands Alone
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16321

THE WOMEN – NOT WHO YOU ARE EXPECTING
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16231

SIMON BOCCANEGRA – WASHES ASHORE FOR OPENING NIGHT AT SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=16116

TOM ORR – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15981

BERNADETTE PETERS – A Triumph In San Francisco
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15150

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE – Detours Ahead
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=15107

JENNIFER SIEBEL – A Conversation with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=6361

ERIK BATZ – A Conversation With “The Scarecrow” At The Mountain Play
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=12892

NORMA SHEARER in “MARIE ANTOINETTE” – At the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=8783

Best regards,
Seán Martinfield

Acting in Plays, Singing

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.