Singing Career Facts

Many children grow up dreaming to be singers. Fewer adults actually pursue becoming singers. Even fewer adults actually succeed in a singing career. A career as a singer brings a hard life that requires dedication, confidence and competition. Becoming a singer is like a long journey that never seems to end. Singing careers are tough, but they can be accomplished.

Training for a singer usually involves voice lessons at a young age. Though it would be beneficial to start young, voice lessons can benefit your chances of becoming a singer at any age. Singers are often categorized according to vocal range such as soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone or bass. If you are serious about becoming a singer, learn what range your voice categorizes under. Though you can extend your voice range through extensive training, it is best to stick with songs that fit in your natural range. Those interested in becoming singers can also attend college and get a music or theatre degree. Either one will complement the career nicely.

Talent is the most important qualification for becoming a singer. It does not matter whether this talent is natural or was acquired through training. Either way, the talent has to be there. The second most important qualification for becoming a singer is experience. If you are serious about becoming a singer, work your way up by performing first on a volunteer basis at venues such as churches, school plays, school recitals, community theatres, coffee shops and parties. After you obtain enough experience through volunteer performance, you will be able to work your way up to singing jobs. Though college degrees are not required, they would be beneficial to you. Since the world of singing careers is a competitive one, as much experience and training you can get will help.

Singers perform in various types of jobs and venues. Stage singers will usually perform for theatrical performances such as musicals or operas onstage or possibly television and films. Popular singers will usually be a part of a band or will be able to play an instrument accompanying their voice. Popular singers will perform concerts on tour, perform at nightclubs, bars, coffee shops and parties or special events. Singers can perform in front of a live audience or in a recording studio. Singers work long hours that include holidays, weekends and late nights. Singers are often not employed between jobs, unless they support themselves with a different career.

Singers often stick to one genre such as rock, pop, country, folk, musicals, opera, blues, jazz or rap.

The wage or salary of a singer is widely dispersed and constantly changing. Singers often are employed temporarily by several different employers and thus are paid different wages on a regular basis. According to State University.com, a study conducted in 2004 called the Occupational Employment Statistics survey resulted with the median hourly rate for a singer as $17.85, but a popular singer can earn an hourly rate greater than $53.59. According to Career Overview, a singer's salary can be as low as $13,040 and as high as $96,250.