Acting in Plays, Singing/Beginning Vocal Exercises

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Expert: - 6/23/2009


Question
QUESTION: Hello Sean,

I have been around music playing guitar, sax, and other
instruments.  I sing from time to time, but have had no
formal training.  I'm wondering what sort of
methods/exercises I can practice to improve my vocal
abilities.  I mainly listen to rock music and would want to
sing that style of music.  I find myself not being able to
sing the higher notes in some songs, unless resorting to
falsetto, which the vocalists aren't using in the actual
songs.

Thanks,
Hans

ANSWER: Hello, Hans –

Thank you for your question.  Why private?  Many performers have concerns similar to yours.  Let's share our exchange.

Please re-submit your question openly and I will respond.

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/1223869393.html
I am also the Editor and Publisher of www.SanFranciscoSentinel.com.  All my articles and interviews about the Performing Arts provide a link to my personal e-mail.

Download Carmen Milagro’s BlogTalkRadio interview with Seán Martinfield and jazz composer/pianist Terry Disley: Women and Legends Who Really Rock, 6/12/2009

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 my recent interviews and articles about what's happening on San Francisco's cultural scene:

MAKING THE BOYS – Frameline 33 Presents Documentary On the Making of THE BOYS IN THE BAND (1970)
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32258

DIANE BAKER –   Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32007

SF INTERNATIONAL LGBT FILM FESTIVAL – OPENS AT THE CASTRO THEATRE
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31767

TOSCA - At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31546

SF BALLET TO TOUR CHINA – Programs Include Tomasson’s Swan Lake
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31166

LINDA BLAIR – With Peaches Christ, A Debut At Midnight Mass
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31038

LORDS OF THE SAMURAI – Now At The Asian Art Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30916

MEKLIT HADERO and TODD BROWN – At the de Young Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30714

JONATHAN VINOCOUR – San Francisco Symphony Appoints New Principal Violist
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30560

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

WESLA WHITFIELD – At The Rrazz Room
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29588

SPAMALOT – THE “MONTY PYTHON” MUSICAL THAT GOES LIKE THIS
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29401

UP – IS UP UP UP AND AWAY!
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29132

Best regards,
Seán Martinfield

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Sean,

I have been around music playing guitar, sax, and other
instruments.  I sing from time to time, but have had no
formal training.  I'm wondering what sort of
methods/exercises I can practice to improve my vocal
abilities.  I mainly listen to rock music and would want to
sing that style of music.  I find myself not being able to
sing the higher notes in some songs, unless resorting to
falsetto, which the vocalists aren't using in the actual
songs.

Thanks,
Hans

Answer
Hello, Hans –

Thank you for the question.

You know how to play chords on a guitar and sax. You must learn how to sing them with your voice. Your voice is one instrument that is both wind and string. You have to learn how to work it as a musician.

The best way to develop vocal strength is through scale work.

No matter what you sing or what vocal type you may be, i.e., tenor, baritone, bass, etc., you must know how to work-out your voice to keep it in performance-ready condition.

My job as a professional vocal coach is to show you how to develop your vocal chops. It starts with your vocal category. If you want to be a Lead Rock singer, then you have to absolutely know how to stay in shape – vocally and physically.  If you leave it to chance, then you invite all kinds of damage. Some of it can be permanent.

Between now and your next gig, start running five-tone scales throughout your register. Spend no less than 15 minutes everyday doing that.  Dividing that time up throughout the day will lessen the monotony. Do it before you rehearse or learn any of your material.

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/1238689288.htm
I am also the Editor and Publisher of www.SanFranciscoSentinel.com.  All my articles and interviews about the Performing Arts provide a link to my personal e-mail.

Download Carmen Milagro’s BlogTalkRadio interview with Seán Martinfield and jazz composer/pianist Terry Disley: Women and Legends Who Really Rock, 6/12/2009

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 my recent interviews and articles about what's happening on San Francisco's cultural scene:

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

FRAMELINE 33 – Friday Features, June 26th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32658

GAY PRIDE 2009 – Theatre and Music This Weekend In San Francisco
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32535

TURANDOT – Soprano Othalie Graham stars in Festival Opera’s Season Premiere
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32523

LA TRAVIATA – Now At San Francisco Opera With Anna Netrebko
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32308

MAKING THE BOYS – Frameline 33 Presents Documentary On the Making of THE BOYS IN THE BAND (1970)
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32258

DIANE BAKER –   Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32007

SF INTERNATIONAL LGBT FILM FESTIVAL – OPENS AT THE CASTRO THEATRE
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31767

TOSCA - At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31546

SF BALLET TO TOUR CHINA – Programs Include Tomasson’s Swan Lake
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31166

LINDA BLAIR – With Peaches Christ, A Debut At Midnight Mass
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31038

LORDS OF THE SAMURAI – Now At The Asian Art Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30916

MEKLIT HADERO and TODD BROWN – At the de Young Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30714

JONATHAN VINOCOUR – San Francisco Symphony Appoints New Principal Violist
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30560

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

WESLA WHITFIELD – At The Rrazz Room
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29588

SPAMALOT – THE “MONTY PYTHON” MUSICAL THAT GOES LIKE THIS
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29401

UP – IS UP UP UP AND AWAY!
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29132

VERDI REQUIEM – HEIDI MELTON REPLACES PATRICIA RACETTE, TONIGHT AT SF OPERA
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=29101

EXIT Theatre Expanding – Additional 1,700 sq. ft. to Eddy Street Theatreplex
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=28656

CHERYL BURKE DANCE – Presents “Dancing With The Drag Queen Stars”, June 6th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=28316

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

ONE NIGHT ONLY CABARET – A Cabaret Night with the Cast Members of WICKED and SPAMALOT
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=28471

ANGELS AND DEMONS – A LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=27338

IOLANTHE – SF Symphony Presents Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta, June 18th – 21st
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=28176

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMLOT – OPENS AT THE GOLDEN GATE THEATRE MAY 22ND
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=25339

DANCING WITH THE DRAG QUEEN STARS – June 6th At CHERYL BURKE DANCE
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=26357

YUJA WANG – BRILLIANT YOUNG PIANIST JOINS SF SYMPHONY, MAY 20TH–23RD
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=26536

DONALD RUNNICLES and CHRISTINE BREWER – CD, "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=26114

INTERHARMONY INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL – June 30th to July 12th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=26256

5X5 PLURALISM – At The Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=25902

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA – Summer Season Opens June 2nd
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=25616

TOSCA – SF Giants and SF Opera Present OPERA AT THE BALLPARK
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=25565

2830 PACIFIC STREET – Site of 2009 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=25454

CHAGALL AND THE ARTISTS OF THE RUSSIAN JEWISH THEATER, 1919-1949 – Now AT San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=22321

JEWELS AND RUSSIAN SEASONS – Exquisite Endings to SF Ballet season
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=25202

CELEBRATE THE 1906 EARTHQUAKE – “SAN FRANCISCO” – AT THE CASTRO THEATRE
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=23289

PAUL JACOBS, ORGANIST – At Davies Symphony Hall
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=23207

SF LYRIC OPERA PRESENTS – RIGOLETTO
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=23090

Best regards,
Seán Martinfield

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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