How to become A Singer

Singers give life to music, and while doing so, they create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.

• Vocalist
• Artist

What do Singers do?

A Singer would typically need to:

• Perform music for live audiences at concerts, festivals, theatres, and other music venues; participate in recording sessions
• Practice playing multiple instruments or singing regularly to improve technique; attend rehearsals and plan performances
• Look after their instrument and/or voice; set up/tune their instrument and other equipment, arranging for its transportation if required
• Prepare for and participate in auditions for positions in orchestras, choruses, bands, and other types of music groups
• Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts
• Promote their careers by maintaining a website or social media presence, contacting agents and record companies, and doing photoshoots and interviews
• Compose new songs and music; promote their act and career by recording and creating demos of their songs, using social media
• Go on a tour, sometimes to performance venues in far-away places, with their band or independently to promote their music
• Handle the administration of business activities such as accounts, negotiating fees, and organizing the distribution of their recordings both offline and online
• Seek out new venues in which to perform; arrange gigs and tours either themselves or through a manager or agent
• Deliver educational work in schools, businesses, and the wider community; give voice lessons to students interested in learning the art of singing
• Be a creative individual who loves collaborating with different types of people and always is open to discovering various styles of music
• Research roles; work with producers to fine-tune songs or albums; collaborate with creative directors to improve their sound and style
• Have a strong physical presence to help solidify a good performance and ensure future success

Where Singers work depends on the type of music that they specialize in and the level of success they achieve. If they choose classical genres, such as opera, performances are typically in concert halls or auditoriums. Singers of popular music may perform in clubs, parks, or bars, particularly when establishing a career, moving on to larger venues as they gather success.

Background vocalists, supporting a lead Singer, work wherever the lead needs them - in a recording studio or on stage at live performances. Usually, Singers who specialize in broadcast media work in recording studios. Choral groups may give indoor or outdoor concerts or work in recording studios.

Some Singers find work at theme parks, aboard cruise ships, or as entertainers at wedding receptions and private parties. Those who give recitals or perform in nightclubs travel frequently and may tour nationally or internationally.

What you wear on different occasions will depend on numerous factors, including the nature of the event, the venue, the audience, your music style, budget, your group, and your personal choice. Your attire should be clean, professional, appropriate, and reflective of your music in all cases.

While you can choose to dress down for an audio recording, you will need to abide by the director’s choices or costume designer’s designs for an opera performance. You may choose to go with daily wear clothes, adding some accessories for the occasion, or have a personalized costume for performances. If you are part of a band, coordinating with other members would be a good idea. While meeting fans or attending press conferences, you would do well to appear professional.

You will not have a regular Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. work pattern. Rehearsals usually take place during business hours in the daytime and performances in the evenings/nights and on weekends, though this can vary. Studio recordings can happen late into the evening, while private practice can occur any time of the day or night.

Many Singers find only part-time or intermittent work and may have long periods of unemployment between jobs.

Professional singers are generally self-employed in all genres, except those who are occasionally employed as a full or part-time member of a specific orchestra. As a famous Singer, you could form part of a band, a backing group, or be a solo performer. You will generally need to work part-time in another role until you become successful. You could even teach adults or children at their homes or a music school or join a regular school as a music teacher or conduct a local choir. Recording sessions and outdoor performances may offer part-time jobs.

Although some jobs and auditions are advertised in the music and entertainment press, a common way to learn about vacancies is via word of mouth and networking. Look for job vacancies in theater and the entertainment and performing arts industry, and search individual orchestral and opera company websites. You could also find work through an agent or manager. Producing a demo CD, DVD, or MP3 of your music to send to record companies is a popular option.

Singers are generally employed by:

• The Performing Arts Industry
• The Spectator Sports Industry
• Corps of Army Music
• Holiday Camps
• Cruise Ships
• Theater Companies
• Large Choral Societies
• Religious Organizations
• Opera Companies
• Public & Private Schools

Professional associations and organizations like the International Society for Performing Arts (ISPA) and the Recording Industry Association of America are crucial for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications as a Singer.

• It takes time, skill, practice, and dedication to develop a reputation as a Singer; you will be expected to learn in your own time
• The need to diversify and branch out into other styles of music to enhance your employability or enhance your income as a performer
• The stress of always looking for work, which leads many to accept permanent full-time jobs in other occupations while working part-time as a Singer
• Spending time away from home, sometimes for long periods while on domestic/international tours with touring companies or with your band
• Very few professional choirs, which means opportunities can be limited

Competition is tough in the music industry. Entry to full-time posts in orchestras is exceptionally competitive. You will usually need to build a musical career incorporating performance work in several different settings and groups, teaching and arranging music.

Whatever your favored genre of music, you will need to get practical experience. Develop familiarity with the different styles of music. Consider both popular and classical styles because employment opportunities exist in each. Take any opportunity to gain experience - this will build your confidence and professional network and extend your repertoire.

Get involved with relevant orchestras, choirs, music societies, bands, and solo musicians in your local area. Play for amateur orchestras, attend auditions, enter talent competitions, play at festivals, and play gigs. If possible, keep a record of when different organizations audition by following them online or calling them in person. Some orchestras and opera houses may hold regular auditions, while others do so when a spot falls vacant.

Networking is vital as opportunities are often discovered via word of mouth, and personal recommendations can sometimes lead to auditions. Introduce yourself to as many musicians as possible, use any professional contacts you make, and keep up with social media to promote yourself and showcase your work.

Most Singers start singing and learning an instrument from an early age. Singers, especially those specializing in classical music and opera, take graded music exams, including theory, before applying to a conservatoire (music college) or university. Applicants need to submit recordings or audition in person and sometimes do both.

Conservatoires focus on performance-led diplomas or bachelor’s degrees, emphasizing practical skills gained through workshops and dedicated practice. Courses offered at universities may focus more on the academic side of music, so do your research to make sure the course matches your professional goals.

The programs usually take three to four years to complete. Besides music history and styles, they teach methods for improving instrumental and vocal techniques and musical expression. Voice programs that teach courses in diction help students perform opera in foreign languages.

Certification demonstrates competency in a skill or set of skills, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three. Voluntary certification in vocal music from an objective, credible and reputed organization can help you gain the professional credibility and stand out in this highly competitive industry.

Performance, experience, and acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Establishing a singing career can be difficult because of the intense competition; you will need talent, determination, and perseverance to succeed. Fame, more work, and money follow suit. Solo Singers often start their career from day one as solo performers with a balanced mixture of freelance solo work and teaching.

Singers with significant experience in an orchestra may be able to progress to Principal Player or Section Leader. You may be asked to take on additional duties such as organizing a section of the orchestra, editing the music, and participating in discussions with conductors. Where career bottlenecks seem impossible to work around, transfer to another orchestra may be the only way to achieve career advancement.

Alternatively, Singers with significant experience in the popular music industry may choose to further their career along the business side by taking on roles such as those of a Producer or Manager. You could also work for a record company.

It is also possible to develop your career as a Composer or Conductor, start your ensemble or move into related work areas such as music education, administration, or community artwork. Some Singers advance to leading musical groups or to writing complex music such as symphonies.

 Many Singers experience periods of unemployment, and there will likely be fierce competition for full-time positions. Singers with exceptional musical talent and dedication should have the best opportunities.

There are no postsecondary education requirements for those interested in performing popular music, although some Singers choose to continue their education by pursuing a master’s degree in fine arts or music. Continuing professional development is the holistic commitment of Singers to enhance personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning or self-directed learning.

Further training and support are available from various organizations and professional bodies related to your genre of music. They provide a range of professional development opportunities such as training courses, qualifications, seminars, and access to advice, awards, and bursaries. Nationally recognized organizations provide members with access to careers and business advice on issues such as fees and contracts, as well as networking and professional development opportunities.

Funding and grants may be available to help further develop your skills. It is also worth reading the specialist press for your chosen genre to keep up to date with what is happening in the industry.

A Singer reads, interprets, and sings based on their education in music or by natural talent. They typically memorize songs written by others, but some write and compose their works to record and perform. Performances Singers may perform solo or in bands. Some work as part of a choir, whose members work and practice together. Others provide background vocals to harmonize with or support solo artists and lead Singers, or they may record commercials used in broadcasting. Those in bands may perform at weddings, private parties, clubs, or bars while they try to build enough fans to get a recording contract or representation by an agent.

Styles

Singers may be strictly vocalists, or they may play a musical instrument and accompany themselves when they perform. Singers are also classified according to the style of music they sing or by their vocal range. Some specialize in a particular vocal technique, such as opera or jazz; others perform in various musical genres. Singers, particularly those who specialize in opera or classical music, may perform in different languages, such as French or Italian. Opera and musical theater Singers act out a story by singing instead of speaking the dialogue.

Giving Music Lessons

Some Singers give private music lessons to children and adults. Others with a background in music may teach music in public and private schools, but they typically need a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license.

You use over 100 muscles in your body to sing.

A song can be more than words and music. A soulful Singer seeks to give wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.

All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.