Acting in Plays, Singing/Vocal range and audition

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Expert: - 4/14/2009


Question
I took voice lessons from a retired member of the San Francisco Opera company when I was younger (9-14), but I think I was too immature (vocally and personally) to really appreciate what I was getting.  I don't remember us ever identifying my actual range.  We worked on everything from Italian arias to folk songs to gospel to Three Coins in a Fountain.  I'm now almost 30.  My current range goes comfortably from a low E to a high B-flat.  I sing primarily in Church choir (in whatever section is underrepresented from 1st soprano, even down to tenor in a pinch).  I also sing solos.  I realize that all that doesn't really tell you much without hearing me actually sing.  I have several recordings I could send if you have some time to spare.

The second half of my question is regarding an audition for an amateur-written musical.  They haven't released the material or part descriptions, so I can't really tailor my audition to a specific role.  They are requesting a rock song, "any kind of rock - punk, metal, alternate, indie, soft."  My natural inclination is to go for Karen Carpenter or Roberta Flack, but I'm not sure those songs would show off my full range.  Would something fresher go over better?

Thank you so much for your service in volunteering your time to help musicians of all levels.

Answer
Hello, Shannon –

Thank you for your question and for your support.  I apologize for the delay in getting back to you.

When it comes to choosing Pop material – you will be your own best adviser.  As opposed to musical theatre and the Classical repertoire, Pop/Rock material is all about Image and then the particular genre of music.  The vast majority of women in this field are altos of one stripe or another, so range is not the issue. Moreover, for any of their material, the key can always be changed to your best advantage.

The ticket is to sing what you love the most and to present it as that kind of singer who appeals to Pop/Rock audiences.  Simple.

Are you that person?  If so, then you already know the "cover tunes" you would perform at one of the local Clubs and who would accompany you.  If you were to record a demo of those songs, then you know which one of them would be the runaway Best Single.

Sing that for your musical theatre audition.  Practice it in front of your best friend first.

I am happy to listen to any material you want to send me. Re-post it on to another question (not privately) and I will offer you some feedback.

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 – http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/1123151017.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.

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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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