An Honest Assessment (aka one of those "Can I sing?" threads)

[Merman's Swear Jar2]

Posted: 9/29/13 at 8:35pm

Hi everybody,

I'm currently a sophomore in college and am in the midsts of a quandary as to what to do with my future. The theatre department at my current school is not what I thought it would be. The core classes of the theatre major here are focused more on behind-the-scenes technical work rather than performance. While I think having a general technical knowledge is very beneficial to an actor, I do not see myself having a career in the theatre strictly as a stage manager or lighting designer. It's simply not what I want to do.

What I've been thinking of doing instead is auditioning for some of the larger, more well-known theatre schools (i.e. NYU, Carnegie Mellon, SUNY Purchase, etc.). It's also crossed my mind once or twice to simply drop out of school and start pounding the pavement, looking for jobs. My question is do you think I have any shot at being professionally successful in this business of show? Or, more importantly, is there anyone I should go to (agents, vocal teachers, acting directors) who can give me an honest assessment of my strengths and weaknesses as a performer? I really want to get started with a career, but I honestly have no idea where (or how) to start. Thank you all so much for your time!

I've provided a link to my SoundCloud page. I've only recorded two songs so far ("She Touched Me" and "A Sleepin' Bee"), both a capella. Thanks for listening!
Sound Cloud Profile

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/29/13 at 8:36pm

There's a Merman's Swear Jar1?

[Merman's Swear Jar2]

Posted: 9/29/13 at 8:40pm

I know! And I thought I was being really clever...

[N2N Nate.]

Posted: 9/29/13 at 8:53pm

You have a very strong voice and I see no reason why you shouldn't try out for a few Musical Theatre schools if that is what you really want to do. However, make sure you are auditioning for these "top" MT schools because you think they are right for you. Don't just do it because these are the most well known. Good Luck!

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 9/29/13 at 9:45pm

You have a nice voice but you need to work on your vibrato. It's a bit heavy and distracting. I would suggest finding a voice teacher and hone your technique but no reason not to pursue the business.

[latitudex1]

Posted: 9/29/13 at 9:57pm

Or, more importantly, is there anyone I should go to (agents, vocal teachers, acting directors) who can give me an honest assessment of my strengths and weaknesses as a performer? I really want to get started with a career, but I honestly have no idea where (or how) to start.

As to this question, there's a place online, http://stagelighter.com/, that'll provide that service if you've got about $30-$60. Cheaper than a class.





Updated On: 9/29/13 at 09:57 PM

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 9/29/13 at 10:41pm

First of all, congratulations for joining our happy little clique...I mean group. What a wonderful first post! I don't have the technical expertise to evaluate your singing, but I did enjoy both of your selections. I've heard the 2nd song on Sirius XM on Broadway. Best of luck in your studies...P.S. DON'T quit school. I'm a teacher. from RC in Austin, Texas

[Merman's Swear Jar2]

Posted: 9/29/13 at 11:25pm

Wow! Thank you all so much. I've actually been a long time lurker on these boards, so naturally I was rather terrified of what you all would have to say. Fortunately for me, my fears were unnecessary because you all gave me some great, well-reasoned advice. And thank you, latitudex1 for that wonderful website! It was just what I was looking for! I think that regardless of what I do, I won't quit on my college education two years in. It's only a couple more years, right? What's the worst that could happen?

Just as a quick question, how irritating was my vibrato? I have always found that it gets in the way of how I want to sing, but I'm not sure how to control it. Is it just a matter of better breathing or is it something I'm stuck with? Also, for the two selected songs, I used the same arrangements Streisand used. I really feel silly for doing so because her interpretations of both of those songs are so resolutely etched in my mind. Did it ever sound at all like I was trying to sound like her/copy her nuances? I'm really trying to be more conscious about singing songs my own way and not trying to phrase things like other artists.

[phantomvegas2]

Posted: 9/30/13 at 12:04am

Shoot for the best. Get into a school with pedigree. Get your degree at this age; make contacts and build your product... This answer is different from anyone you're going to ask, unfortunately... But strive for your degree until something better (worthy) comes along.

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 9/30/13 at 2:12am

Healthy vibrato is not something that should really impede vocal production...what about it exactly inhibits your singing? If it's a control thing, going to a voice teacher and learning better breath control will most likely be helpful.