How to become a singer

How to become a Singer

Becoming a successful singer involves a combination of talent, training, perseverance, and strategic career planning. Here are steps you can consider to pursue a career as a singer:

• Develop Your Vocal Skills: Invest time in honing your singing abilities. Consider taking voice lessons with a qualified vocal coach who can help you improve your technique, range, and overall vocal performance.
• Build a Diverse Repertoire: Expand your musical repertoire by exploring various genres. This versatility can make you more marketable and adaptable to different audiences and opportunities.
• Get Formal Education: While not mandatory, a formal education in music, visual and performing arts, theatre arts, or songwriting can provide valuable skills and knowledge. Consider enrolling in music programs, conservatories, or universities that offer degrees in vocal studies.
• Participate in Vocal Competitions: Showcase your talent by participating in local, regional, and national vocal competitions. Winning or even participating in such events can provide exposure and opportunities for networking.
• Create a Professional Demo: Record a professional demo showcasing your vocal range and style. This demo will serve as a key tool when reaching out to agents, managers, and record labels.
• Build Your Online Presence: Create a strong online presence by establishing social media profiles dedicated to your singing career. Share videos of your performances, engage with your audience, and use platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to reach a wider audience.
• Perform Live: Gain experience by performing at local venues, open mic nights, and community events. Building a stage presence and connecting with live audiences is essential for a singing career.
• Collaborate and Network: Collaborate with other musicians, songwriters, and producers. Networking within the music industry can open doors to new opportunities, including collaborations, gigs, and studio sessions.
• Seek Professional Representation: Consider seeking representation from a talent agent or manager who specializes in the music industry. They can help you navigate opportunities, negotiate contracts, and provide guidance in your career.
• Record and Release Music: Record and release your music independently or through a record label. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube can serve as outlets for sharing your original songs and covers.
• Stay Persistent and Resilient: The music industry can be competitive, and success often requires persistence and resilience. Stay committed to your craft, learn from setbacks, and continue evolving as an artist.

Associations
There are several associations for singers that can provide support, resources, and networking opportunities for aspiring and professional singers. Here are some of the most prominent associations for singers:

• National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS): NATS is an organization that promotes excellence in the art of singing through education, training, and performance. It provides resources, workshops, and conferences for teachers of singing and their students.
• American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA): AGMA is a labor union that represents opera singers, chorus singers, and dancers. It negotiates contracts, provides legal assistance, and advocates for the rights of performers.
• American Federation of Musicians (AFM): AFM is a labor union that represents musicians, including singers. It negotiates contracts, provides legal assistance, and advocates for the rights of performers.
• The Recording Academy: The Recording Academy is a professional membership organization for musicians, producers, engineers, and other industry professionals. It hosts the annual Grammy Awards and provides resources and networking opportunities for members.
• Songwriters Guild of America (SGA): SGA is a non-profit organization that represents songwriters and composers in the USA. It provides advocacy, education, and networking opportunities for its members.
• Music Teachers National Association (MTNA): MTNA is a professional association for music teachers, including voice teachers. It provides resources, workshops, and networking opportunities for its members.

Online Resources

Vocal Workouts:

• Singing Success 360 by Brett Manning: Singing Success 360 is an online vocal training program created by renowned vocal coach Brett Manning. The program includes a range of vocal exercises, warm-ups, and techniques designed to improve your singing.
• VOCALIZEU Daily Vocal Workout App: This is a mobile app that provides daily vocal exercises for singers. It includes a range of warm-ups, breathing exercises, and other techniques to help improve your voice.
• The Singer's Corner Vocal Warmup App: Another mobile app that provides daily vocal warm-ups and exercises for singers. It includes a range of exercises for breath control, tone, and pitch.
• Vocalize! App by Vocal Masterclassics: This is an app that provides vocal warm-ups and exercises for singers. It includes exercises for breathing, pitch, tone, and other important aspects of singing.

YouTube Channels:

• Felicia Ricci: Felicia Ricci is a singer, songwriter, and vocal coach who offers singing tips, tutorials, and performances on her YouTube channel. Her videos cover a range of topics, from breathing and posture to performance tips.
• New York Vocal Coaching: This YouTube channel features videos from vocal coach Justin Stoney, who offers vocal tips, technique exercises, and performance advice for singers.
• Eric Arceneaux: Eric Arceneaux is a vocal coach who offers singing lessons and tutorials on his YouTube channel. He covers a range of topics, including vocal range, control, and techniques for specific genres of music.
• Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy: Ken Tamplin is a vocal coach who offers singing lessons, tutorials, and performances on his YouTube channel. His videos cover a range of topics, including breathing, posture, and vocal exercises.

Online Singing Lessons:

• MasterClass Singing Lessons with Christina Aguilera: This is an online course offered by MasterClass, which features lessons from Grammy-winning artist Christina Aguilera. The course covers a range of topics, from warm-ups and breathing techniques to stage presence and performance.
• Singing Lessons by Mark Baxter: Mark Baxter is a vocal coach who offers online singing lessons, which can be tailored to your individual needs and goals as a singer.
• Singing Lessons with Madeleine Harvey: Madeleine Harvey is a vocal coach who offers online singing lessons, which include a range of vocal exercises and techniques to improve your singing.
• The Vocalist Studio Online Singing Lessons: The Vocalist Studio is a vocal training program created by renowned vocal coach Robert Lunte. The program includes online singing lessons, as well as a range of vocal exercises and techniques to improve your singing.