You are here:
- Home
- Arts/Humanities
- Performing Arts
- Acting in Plays, Singing
- 24 year old bass
Acting in Plays, Singing/24 year old bass
Advertisement
Question
I just started taking lessons at 24 years old from an opera singer about 3 months ago. I thought I was a baritone but my teacher seems to think I'm a bass.
When I first started singing I could barely sing above middle B. C# sometimes D would be my top note. He has worked me up to a really strained F# above middle C. My falsetto range is pretty good. I can sing down to F and E under low C and vocalize even lower if my voice isn't strained at all. But sometimes I can barely sing low F or G if I'm tired. So I can't tell if I'm a bass and it's just because I have never really used my voice before now or am I a baritone with horrible range and a low passaggio?? (I break around C#) Thank you
-Adam
Hi, Adam –
Thank you for the question.
All my basses exercise from Low C to High G, i.e., a range of two octaves plus a major 5th. Some sing higher and lower. None of them break into falsetto. The bass-baritones sing to Low E and up to High A, some go higher and lower. The standard baritone range is Low G to High A-flat. To have that two-octave stretch available in performance, the smart baritone practices from at least Low F to High B-flat.
Ultimately, the vocal category is proven by the repertoire written for it. Many factors influence the sound including the singer’s musicianship and artistic sensibilities, physical strength, health and endurance, and – as with an Olympian competitor – a heightened sense of daring and determination.
My job as a professional vocal coach is to show you how to practice according to your vocal category. That must happen in person. It’s not unusual for a hefty dramatic baritone to be mistaken for a bass-baritone. The same is true for some bass-baritones and basses. In the role of “Boris Godunov”, Samuel Ramey is a very good example.
Along with your studies, what will help you is to listen to the best of Classical baritones and basses. Let’s say you are a baritone who needs help in both your upper and lower register. My favorite baritones include: Thomas Hampson, Leo Nucci, Robert Merrill, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and Gerard Souzay. Each includes some of the same operatic roles and classical songs in their recorded repertoire. Each has a distinct sound and artistic persona. Even if you are not interested in Classical literature, it helps to know the capabilities of those who perform it.
Work hard, work smart. Become the most informed musician you know. Get yourself into Olympic physical condition. Again, it’s all about the practice.
I am a professional singing teacher and vocal coach in San Francisco. When you are in the Bay Area and want to book an appointment, contact me through Craig's List. This week’s connection is: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/lss/1628963062.html
You may also contact me through my website: http://www.thebeltersmethod.com/The_Belters_Method/Welcome.html
I am the Editor and Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com. All my articles and interviews about the Performing Arts provide a link to my personal e-mail.
Take a look at my You Tubes:
Lorena Feijóo - A Look at "Giselle" with Seán Martinfield
”As Time Goes By” – aboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria
”Embraceable You” – Gershwin and Rodin at the Legion of Honor
SAMSON & DELILAH – Meet Seán Martinfield
Below are links to my recent interviews and articles about what's happening on San Francisco's cultural scene:
ALICE IN WONDERLAND – A Lot of Tempest in a Pot of Tea
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=62921
PROGRAM 4 – Tonight at San Francisco Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=62796
MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS – Awarded the National Medal of Arts
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=62060
CAUCASIAN CHALK CIRCLE – A.C.T.’s Very Best
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=61963
MIRRORS IN EVERY CORNER – A World Premier at Intersection For The Arts
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=62377
ROMAN POLANSKI – “The Ghost Writer”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=61731
CARLOS SANTANA – Winner of 2010 Mayor’s Art Award
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=61515
ZAHI HAWASS – Comes to San Francisco March 8th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=61026
SHANGHAI – Now At the Asian Art Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=60643
PIANIST MISHA DICHTER – A Conversation
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=59695
DOUBT – At New Conservatory Theatre Centre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=60246
JOSHUA ROMAN – Hot young cellist debuts this week at SF Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=60102
PROGRAM 3 – San Francisco Ballet Presents Three Balanchine Masterworks
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=59912
OEDIPUS EL REY – A World Premiere At Magic Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=59283
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – Some Fancy Fiddling By Harvey Fierstein
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=59193
SHAKESPEARE GARDEN BUST TO RECEIVE FULL CONSERVATION TREATMENT
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=58886
ZUILL BAILEY – A Conversation
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=58241
CREATION – A Challenging Film Biography on Charles Darwin
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=57307
SAN FRANCISCO OPERA – Announces Repertory and Casting for 2010/11
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=57087
SF BALLET – 2010 Repertory Season Opens Saturday, January 23rd
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=56811
DAVID PERRY – On the “Dos and Don’ts of Social Media”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=56487
NATHAN GUNN – A Hit At The Herbst
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=56056
CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM – Our Struggle: Responding to Mein Kampf
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=55889
HELGI TOMASSON’S 25th ANNIVERSARY – SF Ballet Gala, January 20th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=55822
100th ANNIVERSARY – A Landmark Celebration for the American Conservatory Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=55040
CRITIC’S CHOICE: CD – MICHAEL MANIACI: Mozart Arias For Male Soprano
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=54523
ROBERT DOWNEY Jr. – Not Holmes For Christmas
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=53947
CARTIER AND AMERICA – Exclusive Exhibit at the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=53619
TOM ORR – “Jingle Bell Jock!”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=53061
THE 39 STEPS – Hitchcock To Stage Is Too Fabulous
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=52598
CAMINOS FLAMENCOS – A Conversation with Yaelisa
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=51761
A CONVERSATION WITH LUCIE ARNAZ – This Week At The Rrazz Room
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=51605
ON THE ORGAN – At the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=49615
GAUTIER CAPUÇON, Cellist – Debut with San Francisco Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48337
JANE MONHEIT – This Sunday At The Empire Ballroom
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48083
JOHAN BOTHA – South African Tenor Makes SF Opera Debut As “Otello”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=47706
EXOTIC EROTIC BALL – 30th Anniversary, Friday and Saturday At The Cow Palace
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46654
DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT – A Hit for San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=46210
FLEETWEEK – Weekend Bash at Pier 39
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=45837
FLEET WEEK – A Conversation with Airshow Pilot Tim Weber
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=45460
CD – THE PLANETS, A Mind-Blowing Meditation
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=44236
SF OPERA’S “Abduction From The Seraglio” – The Trills and Frills of Captivity
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43985
IL TRITTICO – Patricia Racette Debuts In Puccini’s Trio of One-Act Operas
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=43109
IL TROVATORE – Opening Night A Stunning Success For San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=42392
CD – ZUILL BAILEY and SIMONE DINNERSTEIN, Beethoven’sComplete Works for Piano and Cello
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=39415
NORMA SHEARER – Hollywood Dreams Made Real
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=38082
THE EGYPTIAN (1954) – A Swords & Sandals Cultural Encounter at the de Young Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=37554
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
DIANE BAKER – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=32007
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
A Conversation with Ruben Martin, Principal Dancer with SF Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=22107
Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
Related Articles
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
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.