Acting in Plays, Singing/Lead singer in a band

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Expert: - 4/22/2010


Question
Me and two other girls tried out for the role of lead singer in a band that we formed with some friends.  At the tryout, a bunch of people told me I was really good and one of the two girls judging said I had an amazing voice.  One person said I was the best, and not to brag, but I'm pretty sure I was...the other two girls arent nearly as good at singing as I am.  I found out today that the other two girls are going to alternate backup and lead, and I got cut.  They said I wouldn't be able to do it because I'm a competitive figure skater, and it would be "too big of a commitment."  Out band practices are on Sundays, and I don't even skate those days!  Plus, the other two girls are in dance and soccer...and out lead guitarist plays varsity lacrosse.  I'm so upset!  I don't know what to do...any advice on impressing them and earning my rightful role as lead singer?

Answer
Hello, Allie –

Thank you for the question.

I'm a huge fan of competitive ice skating. If you are a serious competitor, then you know all about the daily practice sessions and other related exercise and maintenance activities involved. As a professional musician, I know all about the daily practice sessions and other related exercise and maintenance activities involved in keeping up my vocal chops, my competitive edge at auditions, building repertoire, delivering the goods at a performance, etc.

Every band is defined by its lead singer. That person is the first among Equals. In many bands, the lead singer is also the composer/writer. Perhaps the band you auditioned for already has a certain amount of material ready to go. For sure, everyone wants just the right person to be in the spotlight in order to sell it. That is a huge commitment.

Perhaps you do have an amazing voice. If so, then get out there and sing! No one has the corner on creating a band. Start making plans to produce a demo CD – about five samples of your best material. If your heart is leaning toward becoming a professional singer, then it's time to hang up the skates and become the best musician you know and be ready to compete against every other female lead band singer for gigs and all the free publicity you can get. That is a full-time job – no matter who you sing with and especially if you want to pursue a solo career. Along the way, you will also learn that fellow band members come and go and can be replaced.

Rejection is a fact of life in the Performing Arts. Get used to it. There are no guarantees and the line is wrapped around the block with those eager to compete against you.

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/1697631397.html I am also the Editor and Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com.  All my articles and interviews provide a link to my personal e-mail.

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Acting in Plays, Singing

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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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