Do you want to become a Singer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description -
Print Page
Bookmark or recommend this article:
Professional singers perform to an exceptionally high standard for the enjoyment of an audience. They fall into several groups, mainly determined by the style of music they perform:
• classical - including opera, light opera, oratorio and choral
• musical shows - mainly theatrical and staged
• ballads - middle-of-the-road music, jazz, folk music or country and western
• pop - ranging from rock to retro.
A solo artist may work with an orchestra, an accompanist or their own equipment, which may be a musical instrument. Pop singers may pay session musicians to support them.
Whatever style of music they perform, singers must be familiar with the equipment needed. Classical singers can often rely on their own voice for projection. Pop singers usually work with sound engineers, roadies or operators, or they are able to set up the equipment themselves.
Singers work long and irregular hours, practising, rehearsing and performing. They work in a variety of environments. They may sometimes work outdoors.
Salaries range from around £10,000 to £100,000, or more. Singers need to:
• have outstanding musical talent and a real love of music
• be self-disciplined, independent and very hard-working
• have energy, stamina, good health and self-confidence
• be totally dedicated to a very demanding profession
• enjoy performing to an audience.
It is a highly competitive field, and it is important for aspiring singers to build up confidence by singing at every opportunity, for example, by joining the school choir, singing in the church choir or entering talent contests. Taking voice lessons at an early stage is essential.
There is no standard training programme and no fixed career path. Singers may need to gain academic qualifications, but these will not automatically bring work. Experience and an established reputation are sometimes better guarantees of employment.
Classical singers need to undertake extensive formal musical education and training, often to postgraduate level. There is a range of options for school leavers wanting to study popular music, sound technology or a combination of the two.
A career as a singer is challenging and requires a combination of resilience, training and talent in order to succeed. Some singers may perform in the theatre or on cruise ships. Others may move into different areas of the industry, for example, teaching, or writing music for performers or the media.

Do you know of a useful and relevant website that would be helpful to our users? Tell us about it by emailing ![]()