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Acting in Plays, Singing/Extending Belting Range
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QUESTION: Hi. I'm 17 and going into my senior year of high school. I am a triple threat, and I love to be involved in my school's music and theatre program. I've been in choir for the last 9 years, and I've been acting in school plays since middle school. This fall, my school is putting on the play Anything Goes, and I've been working very hard to improve my belting range in order to sing the songs of the character I plan on trying out for. I've pretty much been trying to push my range a little higher every day, and it is quite frustrating because I don't feel like I'm getting anywhere. Some insight and perhaps belting exercises would be much appreciated. Thanks!
ANSWER: Hi, Emily –
Thank you for the question.
Which character do you want? I’m going to assume it’s “Reno”.
All my mezzo-sopranos with belting chops exercise to at least High A-flat, most go higher. We do scale work down to Low F, i.e., a stretch of two octaves plus a minor third. Right in the middle of that – 2nd-line G to 4th-line D – is the standard belting range.
ANYTHING GOES by Cole Porter is a wonderful show and amazingly popular. Out in the Real World, the “triple threats” would be lined-up around the block. Between now and the day of the audition, run your 8-tone scales from one end of your range to the other. Work gradually toward the extreme ends, don’t hit it all at once.
Then, in that 5-note span between the G and D, drill 5-tone scales on the vowel sounds of ee, ay, and ah. Then go down a whole step to F and repeat. Gradually work the scales up to 4th-space E which means you’re starting on 2nd-space A. Be patient. No less than 20 minutes everyday. Then start rehearsing your material. If you run into a problem note along the way, drill it on the same vowels, repeat the scales. Then go back to the phrase.
The goal is to have your voice flexible and available before you start rehearsing whatever it is you will sing for your audition.
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:
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
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32007
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31767
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31546
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31166
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=31038
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30714
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30560
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=30037
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http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=24462
AT LAST! – ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY – An Interview with Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=27122
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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
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Sean,
Thank you for the advice.
I was also wondering if you have any recommendations on what kind of songs would be good audition material for a mezzo-sopranos with Reno's belting range.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Emily
Hi, Emily –
Consider these songs by Cole Porter:
From This Moment On – LEAVE IT TO ME
Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love – LEAVE IT TO ME
Cherry pies ought to be you – OUT OF THIS WORLD¶
Your goal is to prove your ability to sing Cole Porter. As with other composers, his music has a certain sound. My job as a professional vocal coach is to prepare you for the audition.
I’m in San Francisco. 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:
14th Annual San Francisco Silent Film Festival
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=33250
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
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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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