Acting in Plays, Singing/vocal, singing, critiscim

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Expert: - 4/7/2009


Question
Hi
I apologise in advance for rambling nature of tis question.

I am a 22 year old singer songwriter. I’ve been singing seriously for about two years. Recently I put some demos of my songs on a website where members of the public could review them, a couple of home recordings (very basic equipment, mics etc) and a professionally recorded track.

The home recorded tracks were obviously less well regarded than the professional one, and there was a wide range of feedback. Some of the negative comments have affected me quite a bit, and although a number of people liked my voice and my songs, I’m a bit worried that my singing on the two home demos has been picked on as been out of tune and bland my some people. I’m aware that the bad recordings are not great quality, but I don’t think the tuning is all bad, could it be that the quality of the recording is what people are noticing in reality? I guess it’s no coincidence that my vocal on the well recorded track has on the whole seemed to be really enjoyed and praised.

I guess this has all made me wonder if criticism of this sort is normal, if it affects everyone in this way, and if you have ever come across such a thing as a voice that everyone likes?

Thanks very much for your time,
Dave


Answer
Hello, Dave –

Thank you for a great question!  I very much appreciate your honesty and concerns.

So!  Welcome to the world of the Performing Arts.

When you put your product Out There – you must assume that people believe IT is exactly what you do and exactly what you've got.  It's no different than going to an audition for a Broadway musical.  The well-informed Producer watches and listens for about 15 to 30 seconds – and gets the whole picture.  As far a they are concerned, what you present is what you've got.  If your vocals and manner pushes their caution lights, it's – "Thank you! Next!"

Don't let criticism related to studio production values discourage you from becoming a better musician and a better performer.  My job as a professional vocal coach is to show you how to strengthen, expand, and maintain your vocal range.  It's all about being able to perform your material live!  You must be able to do your set in front of an audience at any time of day, any day of the week, month after month and year after year until you either retire or drop dead.  Your live presentation must reflect the "perfected" elements of your studio recording.  Those who purchase your recording prior to seeing your show will expect to hear nothing less, and perhaps more.  Those who purchase your recording after your show want to re-live the experience of You.

What you must brace yourself for are the local critics.

Keep your body and your voice in top physical condition.  Be the best musician you know.  Save your money for better home equipment and for the day you are ready to record in a professional studio.

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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Best regards,
Seán Martinfield

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Sean Martinfield

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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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