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Acting in Plays, Singing/Upbeat MT song for coloratura soprano?

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Expert: - 1/11/2012


Question
I'm 14 years old and have been taking vocal lessons in both musical theatre and classical styles for several years. I have a strong lower range up from D3, a few weak spots from F4 to B4 in my break (which adequately warming up usually takes care of), and a full upper range comfortably up to E6, though I prefer to not go past D6 in auditions. I've been having trouble finding upbeat musical theatre songs that show off my upper range. On the other hand, I'd like to add more variety to my repertoire by presenting non-ingenue characters and emphasizing my lower range, especially for more contemporary musicals. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Answer
Hello, Anna –

Thank you for the question.

The Broadway repertoire does not favor a coloratura soprano's upper range. But, there's always the Chorus. If you plan on pursuing musical theatre, then you will have to find an enthusiasm in the standard repertoire. Along with that, you must be able to out-dance every other soprano standing in front of you hoping to land that one good Lead Soprano role that comes along every now and then – ingenue or otherwise.  In many professional situations, it starts with the dance audition. If you don't make the first cut with the Choreographer, you won't be singing for anybody.

Consider adding these up-tempo numbers to your audition portfolio:

Show Me – MY FAIR LADY
If I Were A Bell – GUYS AND DOLLS
Go Into Your Dance – 42nd STREET
It's A Most Unusual Day – A DATE WITH JUDY
On the steps of the palace – INTO THE WOODS
Nice work if you can get it – CRAZY FOR YOU
I've got my love to keep me warm – WHITE CHRISTMAS
Under Attack – MAMMA MIA

I am a vocal coach to working singers in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm also the Music and Theatre critic for SanFranciscoSentinel.com and Classical music reviewer for Examiner.com: http://www.examiner.com/user/4557381/articles

Check out my recent interview with popular TV host, David Perry, on "Ten Percent":
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SF Symphony elevates Debussy's Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian to ecstatic heights
http://www.examiner.com/classical-music-in-san-francisco/sf-symphony-elevates-de

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SanFranciscoSentinel.com
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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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