First time poster here. I'm 48 years old and a regional level actor who has about 30 years of experience at musical theatre. I had formal training about 25ish years ago, and have a fairly high tenor voice.

Quite recently, I've decided to switch gears and do some work with music composition and performing live with a band. My preferred style is R&B and Funk. I've made some forays into this area and made some of the changes I need to in order to sing with a band and with a microphone.

I've recently become attached to a band that wants to do some classic rock type stuff (think Bon Jovi, Van Halen, etc.) They like my vocal range, but tell me that I sound too "theatre". They can't articulate what they mean, but I get the feeling that it is the equivalent of over-exaggerating my actions. (A growl becomes too over the top.) Probably the equivalent of a stage actor not adjusting properly for film work.

There are plenty of vocal forums and websites out there to help train your voice, but practically nothing about how to consciously be able to move from style to style. Does anyone have any ideas here or a way to point me in the right direction?

Also, I live in Houston, TX. I would welcome a really good vocal coach who could work with me on a rock and roll style, as opposed to a musical theatre style.

Another side. As I've started doing this stuff, I've found that my vocal range is changing drastically. My upper range has expanded by almost an octave, but instead of being that edgy rock sound, it is kind of sweet and clean...

Thanks for any advice in advance.

Sincerely,

Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy helps with exactly what you're needing. He does online lessons and appraisals as well.