Expert: Sean Martinfield - 2/17/2011

Question
Hi,
um yes sorry forgot to put that in i am a metro soprano in my head voice and like a low alto or something in my chest voice,
thank you for getting back to me

Answer
Hi, Demi –

Thank you for getting back to me with your vocal category. The term is: mezzo-soprano.

I want you to get the anthologies listed below.  They are filled with Broadway repertoire written exclusive for mezzo-soprano voices, including the lower voiced variety (aka, the contralto), and those who can belt.  The listed songs are published in the same keys as the original score.  The volumes do not contain every song or ensemble piece performed by the character.  To learn more about that, research and sample the Original Cast recordings.  Click on or paste any of the URLs into your browser.

Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology - Volume 1 Revised - Mezzo-Soprano/Belter
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?cart=32001285122&lc=recs:det...

Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology - Volume 2 Revised - Mezzo-Soprano/Belter
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?cart=32001285122&lc=recs:det...

Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology - Volume 3 - Mezzo-Soprano/Belter
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?cart=32001285122&type=rec&it...

Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology - Volume 4 - Mezzo-Soprano/Belter
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/store/smp_detail.html?cart=32001285122&item=671824...

Singer’s Musical Theatre Anthology – Volume 5 – Mezzo Soprano
http://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/The-Singer-s-Musical-Theatre-Anthology-Volum...

As you peruse the titles there may be a large number that you have heard of or are familiar with. Sample the titles on-line. Generally speaking, "Age appropriate" goes out the window with the vast majority of songs, especially at auditions and particularly in school situations. It's just common sense. Even if you want an Ensemble position in the Alto section, you still have to prove your vocal chops with material by the composer of that show or another composer writing in a similar style. Your job as a vocal student aiming to work in musical theatre is to research and know the repertoire written for your voice type, even though YOU may not be the right "type" for the role simply because of your present age.

My job as a professional vocal coach is to determine your true vocal category, i.e., soprano, mezzo-soprano, contralto, etc. Then it's about developing and expanding your range according to that category and to get you beyond the idea that you are one kind of voice in your upper range and another in your lower range.


I am a vocal coach to working singers in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm also the Editor and Publisher of SanFranciscoSentinel.com All my articles and interviews provide a link to my personal e-mail.
Below are links to my articles and youtubes on San Francisco's entertainment and cultural scene:

"Would You Like A Souvenir?" – Sean Martinfield and Janet Roitz explore a song from Film Noir classic NORA PRENTISS (1947)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOiqTp0tjvg

"My Silver Dollar Man" – from MARKED WOMAN (starring Bette Davis, 1937)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJMuY8aKFV8

AVENUE Q – A Totally Fabulous Place To Be
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108981

ZUBIN MEHTA & THE ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC – At Davies Symphony Hall
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108853

ROTHKO CHAPEL and MOZART’S REQUIEM – SF Symphony and Chorus, 2/23—2/26
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108820

ORPHÉE – Ensemble Parallèle Presents SF Premiere of Opera by Philip Glass
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108569

SCHWABACHER DEBUT RECITALS – Begins February 20th at Temple Emanu-El
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108484

CATS — Returns to San Francisco, May 5th – 15th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108256

CONSTANTINE MAROULIS – Comes to the Curran Theatre in “Rock of Ages”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108426

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT – Best Picture Nominee Cast Donates To On-line Charity Auction
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108226

DMITRI HVOROSTOVSKY – This Sunday at Davies Symphony Hall
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=108093

MARC HUESTIS PRESENTS – Lesley Ann Warren, Valentine's Day At The Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=107913

EDITORIAL – A confession about ballerina Lorena Feijóo
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=107690

PULP FASHION: The Art of Isabelle de Borchgrave at the Legion of Honor
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=107453

YURI POSSOKHOV'S RAkU — Stunning World Premiere At San Francisco Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=107256

PROGRAM 2 – Opens Tonight At San Francisco Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=106942

CLYBOURNE PARK – A Bright Debut for Director Jonathan Moscone at A.C.T.
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=106753

THE RITE – Right into the trash
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=106465

NOIR CITY 9 — Festival closes today at the Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=106265

GISELLE – And the Legend of the Wilis
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=105461

COMPANY C CONTEMPORARY BALLET – Opens 9th Season
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=104823

GISELLE – Opens SF Ballet's 78th Season, 1/29/11
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=99745

“NUREMBURG: It’s Lesson For Today” – Rare Documentary Restored
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=104677

SAN FRANCISCO OPERA – Opens September 9th with with Iréne Theorin as “Turandot”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=104443

PEARLS OVER SHANGHAI – Thrillpeddlers Extends Hit Show Through April 9th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=104310

BUDRUS – A Documentary on uniting Palestinians and Israelis
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=104134

NADJA SALERNO-SONNENBERG – and New Century Chamber Orchestra Announce February 2011 Tour
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=103892

LANG LANG – Tonight At Davies Symphony Hall
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=103997

VOICES OF MUSIC – In Concert, “Concerto Barocco”, January 28th–30th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=103636

AVNER DORMAN, Composer – SF Symphony Presents World Premiere of “Uriah: The Man the King Wanted Dead”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=103402

LORRAINE HUNT LIEBERSON – Featured Artist On Philharmonia Baroque's New Recording Label
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=103202

CAMERON CARPENTER – Organist signs with CAMI Music and Konzertdirektion Schmid
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=102415

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE FOR FAMILIES (The Movie) – Free Screenings At The Herbst
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=103120

BEETHOVEN – A Two-Week Gig At San Francisco Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=102789

ASIAN ART MUSEUM – Proposed financial agreement provides long term stable financing
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=102738

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ – Yoshi’s SF presents Tony Award-winning Broadway musical
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=102543

2ND ANNUAL GERMAN GEMS – Comes to the Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=102599

PIANIST HÉLÈNE GRIMAUD – This Week with the SF Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=102180

FILM NOIR FESTIVAL – At the Castro Theatre, 1/21–30
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=101857

THE PALACE OF FINE ARTS – Opening Celebration, January 14th
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=101597

OF THE EARTH – New Year’s Eve with the Shotgun Players
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=101452

THIS WEEK ON STAGE – Leanne Borghesi, Tom Orr, Teatro ZinZanni, New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball with SF Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=101334

WOMEN ON THE WAY FESTIVAL – “The Dark Season”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=101077

JENNIFER EWING: Artist-in-Residence, at the de Young Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=101006

GISELLE – Opens SF Ballet’s 78th Season
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=99745

A Conversation with Elza van den Heever
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=99268

Greg Weber – Appointed Director of Production by SF Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=99472

A.C.T.’S RENÉ AUGESEN – to Participate in Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship Program
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=98897

HEART OF A SOLDIER – SF Opera Commissions New Work
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=98518

ARTHUR SZYK: Miniature Paintings and Modern Illuminations
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=97709

SF SYMPHONY – Announces 2011/12 Centennial Celebration
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=97495

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS – What were they smoking?
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=97281

SHREK THE MUSICAL – Ogres and Freaks and Spells, “Oh, my!”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=96975

THE BLACK SWAN – Don’t Save The Drippings
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=96580

CD: MAHLER’S “Songs With Orchestra” – SF Symphony Completes Mahler Recording Project
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=95840

YIGIT PURA – Local Pastry Chef Wins Bravo’s “Top Chef Just Desserts”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=95774

GENIUS WITHIN: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=95683

AUDITIONS: Wanted – Beefcake For San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=95413

KARITA MATTILA – “Viva To The Diva!”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=95163

THE MAKROPULOS CASE – Opens Tonight At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=95016

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT – Program changes for this week’s concerts with SF Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=94998

CLUB FOOT ORCHESTRA – A Conversation with Richard Marriot
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=94863

ELZA VAN DEN HEEVER – Performs Strauss’ Four Last Songs with SF Symphony
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=94646

TIMOTHY SEELIG – Takes His Baton To SF Gay Men’s Chorus
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=94577

RECLAIMED: Paintings From The Collection of Jacques Goudstikker
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=94007

WEST SIDE STORY – Most of it, anyway
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=93786

PLÁCIDO DOMINGO – An Interview with the Tenor turned Baritone for “Cyrano”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=93275

JAPANESQUE – At the Legion of Honor, Japanese Prints in the Era of Impressionism
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=92923

BEYOND GOLDEN CLOUDS – At the Asian Art Museum
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=92699

SCHEHERAZADE – A Spectacular Opening Night for Alonzo King Lines Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=92361

FLEET WEEK – Souvenirs From the Party At Pier 39
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=92106

MADAMA BUTTERFLY – A Beautiful Ensemble At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=91730

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT – World Premiere of Five Shakespeare Sonnets, November 11–13
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=91632

Dr. ELISA STEPHENS – My Visit with the President
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=90791

TALES OF THE CITY – Casting for A.C.T. Workshop Announced
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=90166

MARIA CALLAS EXHIBIT – A Rare Collection At the Italian Cultural Institute
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=89563

PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA – 30th Anniversary Gala, 9/24
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=88961

TENOR RAMÓN VARGAS – A Worthy “Werther” At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=88856

AÏDA – Spectacular Opening Night At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=88247

JERRY SPRINGER THE OPERA – Now At The Victoria Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=88014

OPENING NIGHT AT SF SYMPHONY – A Mixed Bag
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=87772

WERTHER – French Classic At San Francisco Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=86829

DREAMGIRLS – High Gloss and Not Much Soul
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=86316

CUBAN BALLET – An Interview with Octavio Roca
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=86049

A Look At "Giselle" with Ballerina Lorena Feijóo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33-a6Oa-0j4

DOLORA ZAJICK – Internationally Acclaimed Mezzo To Receive Merola Distinguished Alumni Award
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=85363

BLACK SABBATH – The Secret Musical History of Black-Jewish Relations
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=85115

CD: SONIDOS LATINOS – Guitarist, David Russell
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=84374

EAT PRAY LOVE – Julia Roberts Is Gorgeous
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=84196

JAMES LEVINE – Celebrating 40 Years at the Metropoitan Opera
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=84017

“L’ELISIR D’AMORE” – Members of the Merola Opera Program, this week at Fort Mason
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=82920

DIVALICIOUS – Leanne Borghesi Raises The Roof At New Conservatory Theatre Center
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=82831

NORMA TALMADGE & GILBERT ROLAND – “A Woman Disputed” At The Castro Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=81297

BACH & FRIENDS – West Coast Premiere At The Kabuki, 7/14
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=80577

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN – "Puttin' On The Ritz" At the Golden Gate Theatre
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=79580

FROM BEGINNING TO END – At the Castro Theatre, FRAMELINE34
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=78854

SABINA ALLEMANN – Former SF Ballet Ballerina Returns In A.C.T.'s "The Tosca Project"
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=76516

CD/DVD Release: CAMERON LIVE! – Organist Cameron Carpenter
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=76093

THE RUFFATTI ORGAN & CAMERON CARPENTER at DAVIES HALL
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=76169

JEANETTE MacDONALD – Hollywood Diva Remembered at the War Memorial Opera House
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=75637

IN THE HEIGHTS – Hits the heights in San Francisco
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=72988

AMANDA McBROOM – A rose for new CD, "CHANSON"
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=68879

CAMERON CARPENTER – Stellar Organist Returns to San Francisco
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=68311

HANDEL'S "ORLANDO" – An Interview with Conductor Nicholas McGagen
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=67774

CAMERON CARPENTER – At Davies Symphony Hall
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=64126

PEARLS OVER SHANGHAI – An Interview with Russell Blackwood
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=63625

PIANIST MISHA DICHTER – A Conversation
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=59695

ZUILL BAILEY – A Conversation
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=58241

DAVID PERRY – On the “Dos and Don’ts of Social Media”
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=56487

NATHAN GUNN – Sings Schubert's Die Schöne Müllerin
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=56056

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

JANE MONHEIT – This Sunday At The Empire Ballroom
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=48083

NORMA SHEARER – Hollywood Dreams Made Real
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=38082

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 Cintas, Principal Dancer with SF Ballet
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?p=22107

Best regards,
Seán Martinfield
http://www.sanfranciscosentinel.com/?cat=65