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Singer Job Description, Career as a Singer, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job


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Education and Training: Varies—see profile

Salary: Varies—see profile

Employment Outlook: Good

Definition and Nature of the Work

Singers use their skills to entertain. Some perform on stage in front of live audiences; others record their voices for television, films, and CDs. They interpret music by using their knowledge of voice production, melody, harmony, and rhythm. Many singers teach voice either through private lessons or in school programs.

There are as many fields for singers as there are kinds of entertainment. Classical singers are categorized by their voice range, usually as soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, or bass. Most often, they perform in operas or musicals and may be part of a choral group. Classical singers sometimes perform in concerts or nightclub acts, movies, television, and radio.

Popular singers perform different types of music such as jazz, rock, blues, folk, ethnic, or country and western. Some are lead singers or members of a group. They may accompany themselves on an instrument such as a guitar or piano or sing with a band or orchestra. Popular singers perform on stage, in musicals, on television, in nightclubs, and in television commercials. Most singers of sacred music sing in religious institutions, either solo or in a choral group. They may also perform on television or radio or in concert. Besides performing, singers spend much of their time taking lessons, practicing, and rehearsing.

Education and Training Requirements

A good voice and a strong musical sense are the most important requirements for a singer. Although some singers have naturally good voices, most are trained Singers commonly start out by singing in a church or with a small band. Although the field is competitive, those with a good voice and musical sense can often find work. (© Martha Tabor/Working Images Photographs. Reproduced by permission.) in professional schools or with private teachers. Singers generally start training when their voices mature. High school students interested in a singing career should have good voices and a flair for performance. They should follow the academic program for voice and study drama and the arts as well. Participation in school recitals, plays, choirs, or choruses is good preparation for prospective singers.

Although voice training is an asset for singers, it is possible to have a singing career without formal training. Training requirements depend on the field of music. Many rock and folk singers rely on on-the-job training.

Musical comedy singers generally need some stage training and dancing or acting experience to get a job. Music teachers need a bachelor's degree in music and a state teaching certificate. Courses of study in a college music program include foreign languages, drama, music history, music theory, and composition. Those who teach in colleges or conservatories should have either a master's or a doctoral degree in music and several years of private training.

Getting the Job

There are several ways to become a singer. Some people begin by singing in a church or with a small band. They perform wherever they can for the experience. Sometimes they are paid, other times they receive no monetary compensation. An important step in gaining exposure involves making voice recordings known as "demos" that singers can send out to record producers.

Opera singers and those involved in theater must audition, or try out, for roles. Sometimes voice teachers arrange auditions for their students. Agents, who are paid a percentage of singers' earnings, help them locate jobs and auditions. Voice teachers can apply directly to schools, colleges, music conservatories, or private music schools for faculty positions.

Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook

Singers may advance from unknown amateurs to highly paid professionals, but advancement requires talent, hard work, and good career management. Publicity and promotion are very important for a successful singing career. Advancement is most difficult for opera and concert singers and easiest for music teachers. Opera singers must have extremely good voices and training. There are very few jobs in opera, whereas many more positions are open to teachers. The job outlook for singing teachers is very good, as job growth is expected to grow faster than the average through 2014. Teachers usually advance by seniority as well as by the success of their students.

Employment for singers is expected to increase about as fast as the average through the year 2014, but competition will be keen. There will be a faster than average rate of growth in religious music, and a slower than average rate of growth for self-employed musicians.

Working Conditions

Singers generally work at night or on weekends and often practice and record on weekdays. They seldom have holidays free, because this is when they get more job offers. Some singers go on tour and have little money for hotels and food. Many work more than forty hours a week.

Since singers often perform only part time and work irregularly, some need other jobs to supplement their income. Singing is both demanding and rewarding work. It requires physical stamina, good health, and patience. Singers work in a wide variety of places: indoors from church halls to concert stages and nightclubs and outdoors from domed stadiums to makeshift stages.

Earnings and Benefits

Earnings for singers vary widely. According to the Occupational Employment Statistics survey of 2004, the median salary for singers is $17.85 per hour. Popular singers can make more than $53.59 per hour, and a few wildly successful artists make much more than that.

Where to Go for More Information

American Guild of Musical Artists
1430 Broadway, 14th Fl.
New York, NY 10018
(212) 265-3687
http://www.musicalartists.org/

National Association of Schools of Music
11250 Roger Bacon Dr., Ste. 21
Reston, VA 20190
(703) 437-0700
http://www.arts-accredit.org/

National Association of Teachers of Singing
4745 Sutton Park Ct., Ste. 201
Jacksonville, FL 32224
(904) 992-9101
http://www.nats.org/

Teachers' salaries vary by school and region and with the amount of education the teacher has had. The median hourly salary for a singing teacher is $14.85, with the more experienced credentialed teachers making a salary of $28.85 per hour or more. High school and college teachers usually receive health insurance and pension plans. Private teachers must provide their own benefits.

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User Comments Add a comment…

20 days ago

i like singing but i dont know how to become a singer?

3 months ago

welll stage fright is a common issue breathe count to ten and sing

5 months ago

Heyy. my friends think that my voice is really good and i kinda agree. i love to sing but i have stage fright. any ideas on how to get over it?

6 months ago

hey my singing teacher thinks i have a great voice... i love to sing but my parents wont let me even think about doing it professionally and they dont believe in me. They say it wont be worth it, but at the moment i want it more than anything!!! ANY ADVICE PLEASE???

8 months ago

DAVIDARCHULETAOBSESSED i wouldn't suggest going on AI. the only real singer that have ever bennifited from it are Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. all the other have either been dropped from their record deal or havn't gained anything.



i would just try to make it on your own.

10 months ago

Hello,

Lots of you want to be singers? So sing, I don't think singing as a profession is about wanting to be famous. It's about performing an art that you love and knowing people want hear you sing and also people want to pay you to do it because your that good. It doesn't matter if the whole of the world hears you? Even if only some people hear you as long as they leave with the impression that they enjoyed your singing is enough. Having fame isn't what the singing is all about, it's a career where you can make good money all year round famous (or not) as long as you are willing to put in the hard work, I'm not saying dont follow your dreams? I'm saying enjoy what you do and when you eventually get your pay check for doing what you love, I think you will all be ecstatic...it's the best feeling in the world!

Make wise choices, listen to other people in the profession, their experiences and what works for them to get their voices in the best shape possible...always be willing to learn and try new things with your voice. And know there are so many different techniques used, and someone may just have a better one that you know about.

I accidently became a professional singer at the age of 17, I have worked my butt off to do what I do and have NEVER been out of work. I have an excellent vocal coach, but be mindful of other singers you work with.... share vocal techniques, never be ashamed to enquire or ask about it. I have learned more from fellow professionals than my coach. Good luck, put yourself out there, you dont need to rely on american idol/x factor to make it...you can have an excellent comfortable living without fame!Enjoy whatever it is that makes you happy!

10 months ago

Those of you looking to be a singer it takes lots of work. It's not all fun and games. I know that somepeople say only sing in church. But if you enjoy singing let the world know go out there do what it takes to get to the top. Follow your dreams I did and I started doing karaoke in resterants and other places...now I sing everway hoping to go to the top. Do what YOU want with your life don't let anyone decide your future for you. If you love it go for it.

11 months ago

I love to sing. I want it more than anything. ive been told i have a really good voice and i think i do too. But i get scared because i think ill mess up so im afraid to try. all my friends encourage me too follow my dream but i dont know if i can.

11 months ago

I want to be a singer and actress, I just don't know where to start. I nerves because I'm scared i won't make and have no where to g.I'm 15 NEED HELP!!!!

11 months ago

i thing i have a great voice .I want my dreams to come true i practice every single day am 15 years old i want to be like Demi Lovato i sing Spanish and English

about 1 year ago

hey im only 16 but i have a beautiful voice and its not that im all cocky about it but people tell me all the time and i get shy.. My friends and family love when i sing in spanish. My boyfriend says i sing good also.. Well i have on problem and its that i get shy in front of people that i dont usualy sing in front of. But i was wondering a music artist benifits and ect.

about 1 year ago

i think i have a really good singing voice. i have sung in many concerts with Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and many more. Im only 15 years old. Right know i sing in a group that only consists of two people: me and my cousin:)

about 1 year ago

i was born with a blessed voice but all i need i a way to show it to everybody

singing is all that matters

trust i got the talent

about 1 year ago

I have a great voice but I want to become a singer.

about 1 year ago

i love to sing im so into it i wish i could get into this as a career

about 1 year ago

Hi! My name is Alexandra and I'm 15. I was wondering about how much money does a singer gain per month? I need it for a project that I'm doing. I want to be a singer and I need this for my Career Exploration project!

about 1 year ago

My name is Elizabeth.I am 16 years old and my mom is a music teacher. I hope to be a singer some day.I play the piano,recorder,and acouple other insterments.I also am taking voice lessons/piano lessons.I enjoy acting as well as singing.I have been playing speashals for church and have been in a larg performing play.I hope to move to calforina and finish school the go to a singing school wher I can ferther my dreams.

about 1 year ago

hey! i'm brionna... ive been writing songz for 3 years and ive done church performances and quior stuff and i began to have a producer a few months ago, but i didn't have the money for certain things. i want your advice on how i can make it big. i may just be 15, but i am stubborn and shoot for my dreams.

about 1 year ago

i want 2 be a signer and an actor. im awesome! lol

about 1 year ago

This website is a good way for passing reports on job. IF it wasent for this site I couldn't finished my project thats do in 8th period. In first period.

about 1 year ago

My name is will i am the best singer u will ever here but i cant wrape it all up and i am fom jonesboro louisiana.

about 1 year ago

hi i'm 13 turning 14 in may and i want to become an singer because I have a nice voice and I have some songs ready
well i have to go bye
write me back
how can I become an singer

about 1 year ago

ryt now, im 13, turning 14 in december and i know exactly what i wanna become when im older.............. A FAMOUS SINGER, i take singing lessons, and am in the choir.

about 1 year ago

My name as u can see is Alesha I have been singing since forever. I really haven't had any voice training, and its like a gift given to me by GOD i sing for my church highschool talent shows and more and I sing for holiday specials. I really want to become a singer and love performing i jus don't no where to start....????? I write and sing my own music and I even remix famous songs already

about 1 year ago

my band and i want to become famous we allready won tha battel of the bands and arer now looking for a producer/record company please help

about 1 year ago

i am obsessed with david archuleta lol. i am...well im below 16 and whhen i am 16 i want to audition for american idol. i need advice. if you can help me go to www.americanidol.com and make a username if you dont have one please. mine is archuletafan88 and just leace me a comment thanks.

about 1 year ago

Well here i am wanting to be a boy singer i love it AMEN

about 1 year ago

Hey, my name's [Anonymous]. I'm 15 years old. Been performing as long as I can remember in various places. Naturally amazing voice. I perform solo. Classical songs, folk songs, and the likes. I perform in three languages: Russian, Ukrainian, and English. So far I'm attending a high school in Thornhill, Vaughan, York Region, GTA, ON, CAN. After completion of school, and most likely University, I'm looking forward to a career as a singer. I write songs, but I would rather perform already-created pieces. I enjoy the sound of my voice and enjoy making historical masterpieces of any language into something greater. I would be looking for a producer or someone who would provide me with a job for the meantime. If you are such a person and you require someone like me, then email me at thealkanphel@gmail.com. You won't regret it.

about 1 year ago

well my name is jessica every1 sayz i sing really good n i hope to be a great singer n i hope my dreams would come true even if im 13 years old well dat dont mateer most of de time....=]

about 1 year ago

i am definitely going to be a singer/performer....

about 1 year ago

well i dont wish to giv my name and info......but i hav wanted to be a singer since the 2nd grade.........im 16 now.....i love singing....its my passion and devotion and my idol my god everything....i am doing a project and thus ended up here...felt like leaving a comment lol

about 1 year ago

i am so being a singer i play guitar and sing write music and i sometimes perform at flounders on pensocola beach :)

about 1 year ago

I want to be a famous singer when I grow up..! singing is my passion

Yeah...1

about 1 year ago

I wanna be a FAMOUS SINGER!

about 1 year ago

I am 16 years old. My life's mission is to become a singer and recording artist one day. I have been singing ever since i can remember. I know how to sing any genre of music and can write songs of my own. I am looking for a recording company that would allow me to record songs or a producer who can produce my songs for me. If this meets your requirements please feel free to contact me on cnthulane@yahoo.com

about 1 year ago

Hello, my name is Dafnee and I'm sixteen years old. I love to sing more than anyone coud ever imagine. I have attended Canadian Idol and I made it all the way to third round. It was a great experience.



I would love to become a singer more than anything. Do you know about any canadian singing contests or anything I could participate in?



This website was very useful for my career choice course. Thank you very much.



Dafnee.

about 1 year ago

hi i am lauyrn i live in columbia maryland and i love to sing and i am 13 i will be come a famous singer in 1 year from now maybe i hope.

about 1 year ago

whats up my names Helen and im 13 turning 14. well i wanna become a singer so bad,everyone says that i should enter american idol when im 16 but i dont wanna wait that long! Singing is my life actually, i do it every single day, i dont really care about the money but i just want everyone to know that im a really good singer!

about 1 year ago

hi my name is tenille jacos and i really want to be a famous or well known contemporary gospal singer!! i am 13 yars old and ive been in about three contest!!!!! on one of them i was runner up for singing i can only imagine. i just hope that one day i will be able to persue my dream!!!!

about 1 year ago

I am goimg to become a famouse singer but first i have to raise up my grades witch is going to be a little challanging

about 1 year ago

my name is lacey and singing is my passion. im 14 and dont know how to become a singer.

about 1 year ago

i am 14 years old and singing is my passion

about 1 year ago

hi im 16 and i love to SING i love to SING so much that i entered to SING on Americas Got Talent

about 1 year ago

hi im 15 and ive got a great voice do u know of any singers choirs in the La area.

about 1 year ago

My name is Yesenia Ureno i want to become a singer but i dont know what to do im 14 years old and i sing every day so everybody could hear me ... please e-mail me !!!

about 1 year ago

I love singing with a passion thats all I want to do I know I have the talent I just have to work at it and improve but when I sing or write music I express how I feel and I feel like Im in a whole other world where no one can tell me anything, I just want everybody out there to hear what I have to say and listen to my music and where Im coming from with my emotions and expressed throughout my lyrics and hopefully get that chill go down their spine when they listen to one of my songs and really enjoy it but have that little beat to it that you can bounce to lol.... I know becoming a singer is a lot of work but I can stay positive and do what I gotta do to pursue into the singing feild and I can take anything critisism, haters and people that dont like me Im just goin to do what I do regardless but if anyone reads this my name is Essence and you can send an email to my email adress if you want to and contact me and I live in Buffalo, NY and I hope to become a singer one day so I can let everyone around the world listen to my music and feel where I come from much love, Essence!

about 1 year ago

Hey my name is Jasmine since I was a little girl I loved to sing any kind of music didnt matter what it was.. I would love to get involved in the music industry. Rite now iam 16 years old and becoming a singer would make my dream come true.! Please email n help

about 1 year ago

I am an aspiring young singer in miami florida and i really want to do this for a living but don't see any current options..help!!

about 1 year ago

Hey..my name is Chelsea !!!I'm 15 years old. I really want to become a well known singer! It has always been my dream...i'm always in competitions and always winning them ...i have many people calling me to make arrangements for me to sing for all kinds of things such as: reunions, pageants, church engagements, opening of fairs, weddings, graduation party's, and the list goes on...i am going to make my new cd soon...i sing all diffrent kinds of music but my main source of music is country!!! so if you know of anybody who can help me become a star...plz do !!!...much appreciation..thanks

about 1 year ago

I'm graduating next year and moving to Dallas, hoping to get involved in the local rock scene and hook up with people to start my band. I know some people, so hopefully once my band gets going well, we can get in the studio and start recording. Send your support or just check me out at myspace.com/patrickstumphsfuturewife !!!

about 1 year ago

anyone that wants to be in a studio hit me up i do all genres im out bounce! KJ_Pimp_Star@hotmail.com

-Yung Typhoon

about 1 year ago

sinin is awesome

about 1 year ago

i suck at singing! even here me! but i really want to be a singer. i live in massachusetts, and im 10. email me soon!

about 1 year ago

Hi, My name is Jess Lowe, I'm 13, and I am like a baby Whitney Huston and want to share my singing talents with the world!I am very passionate about my singing, and I really want to be a singer.I want to let people hear my talents!!If there is anything that you can do to help me....please do.

Cheers. . . .

about 1 year ago

Im 16 and looking forward to being a singer, one day!

about 1 year ago

i've always wanted to be asinger! It's my dream.

about 1 year ago

I love too sing that is my thing hopefully 1 day i will make it in the music industry and become a famous singer!!! cause if i set my mind 2 anything i know i can do it! 4 sure

about 1 year ago

hi i'm katrina i love to sing it's my favourite thing to do in the whole world i am 14 years old have a beautiful voice i'm always inviolved in all kinds of singing activities like 2 church youth group choirs (there on diffrent days), karaokee nights,school choir and schooltalent shows/concerts. i've been singing since i was 3 years old i've also sung in a public performance a few times i'm into sad songs also fast moving happy songs i fell in love with music i have passion for it i practice hours a day sadly i have never ran into a singer or producer in my life i live in chatham i would love to sing a song for you any time i have never been stage fright

about 1 year ago

My name is Tina (aka) Dasia Marie!

Singing is my favorite thing to do in the hole world. I've been singing since i was 4 years old and i'm 17 now. I pray everynight that someone will discover me. You see, i don't want to be a singer because they make good money, although it would be nice. I just want to be heard because i know there are people out there that feel the same way i do deep down. I want to let them know they are not alone, the same way artist's today make me feel when i'm going through hard time's. There is nothing more healing and soothing than music. I write my own song's and i have great material. I know you can't hear my voice but if you could you would tell me that i would be like mariah carey, or beyonce! I would give my life for the hole world to just hear one of my songs. If there's anything you can do to help me pursue my dream i would even pay you everything i have!

about 1 year ago

Im 15 and im going to move to L.A. to become a singer! hear some of my music at myspace.com/supermayne187

about 1 year ago

I love singing its my passion. I love emo music. It makes me feel sicotic and loved.

about 1 year ago

hey my name is kayla and I am 16 years old. I have won many competions and I believe I am a very good singer. E-Mail me!

about 1 year ago

wassup people...my dream is also to become a famous singer..i dont really care about the salary but follow and achieve a dream is what really satisfies me....^^

about 1 year ago

What's up my name is Shanda I have been singing since I was around the age 6. During a variety of things like singing in church, at school in the choir, at school concerts and just on holidays chillin with my family. I am now at the age of 15 and I have been hoping and waitin for my big break. I plan to become a very famous singer one day. However, it would be in my best wishes if you could help me out. If you would like to help me just hit my e-mail at mizzsexy14caramel@yahoo.com

about 1 year ago

I've been singing ever since I could talk. I really hope that I will be able to get on American Idol when I'm 16. I've been taking lessons for about a year. If you know anybody in the music industry please e-mail me at kendall_rocks@hotmail.com, thankz.

about 1 year ago

I'm about to turn 16 in August and I am so happy because now I'll be able to be in this year's American Idol. I love to sing this is the only thing I've ever had a passion for of doing. Right now I get interested in small stuff like competitions but I wanna be out there in the world sharing the voice that God gave me to have. I've been singing since I was 2 yrs. old and hopefully one day my voice will be set free. Thanx for the overview!

about 1 year ago

hey. i'm tunring 17 years old in November. i have a wonderful voice. and i've been singing since i was 4 years old. Singing is my life, it's my passion. i love it to death. so if anyone can get me a gig. email me..

about 1 year ago

Hi my name is molly and I'm 15 years old! I have a beautiful voice, but can't seem to find anyone that can put me in the studio!! I need help please!! If you can help me you can send me an email at lilmama_2k11@yahoo.com!!! Thanks:)

about 1 year ago

At the age of 15 and looking for a singing career hopefully soon. I love singing its practically my life i write my own lyrics. I'm living only in a dream i want to make it real! and get out there my e-mail is cheroneyk@fvsd.ab.ca if u can pass on some advice on how i can get started

Thanks :)

about 1 year ago

thanks 2 u guyz i am now on the path to becoming a famous singer!!!!

about 1 year ago

I am attaining to be a famous singer one day. However I currently am jobless and hoping my singing career will pick up and flourish. I was just curious as to how much singers made and this has helped to give me a general overview. Thankyou