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A Singer 😁

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44,567,000-70,000,000

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How to Become a Singer & Start a Singing Career

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Where is the best place to live to do this job?

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Where is the best place to live to do this job?

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L.A

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which condo building and amenities. real estate on singer island

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Great singing voice

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Singers read and interpret musical compositions and apply their voice and style to create a song. Singers use one or more vocal ranges, such as alto, baritone, or bass in certain music styles, including folk, rock, country, gospel, jazz, or rap. Those working as singers might find employment as back-up performers for bands, commercial jingle singers, cruise ship singers, nightclub entertainers, or even vocal teachers.

Most singers are self-employed or freelance artists who work contractually with recording labels, nightclubs, or concert tour venues. Singers work in recording studios creating albums.

Field of Study
Music and/or Vocal Performance

Career Skills
Ability to sing; communication and interpersonal skills

Median Wage (2015)
$24.20 per hour (for all musicians and singers)

Career Outlook (2014-2024)
3% (for all musicians and singers)

Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Required Education

A bachelor's degree in music with a specialization in vocal performance is offered at many colleges, universities, and performing and visual arts colleges. Core courses might include music theory, music composition, and music history. Some singers may choose to continue their education and seek a master's degree in music. If no formal degree is pursued, those interested in becoming singers might take private singing lessons from professional vocal coaches.

Practice makes perfect and many singers participate in open mic nights at local nightclubs or in talent competitions to develop their vocal range and style.

Skills Required for Singers

Singers need more than a great singing voice and a distinct style to succeed in singing professions. Determination, perseverance, self-discipline, self-confidence, and the ability to face rejection are all traits that singers must develop. Communication and interpersonal skills are also important, as singers work with many different people, including managers, agents, recording label executives, and recording studio personnel.

Career and Economic Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), job opportunities for singers are expected to increase about 3% from 2014-2024, which is notably slower than the national average of 7%. Those singers who are able to perform in a variety of ranges and styles are usually most successful in obtaining work.

Singers might find the best opportunities in large cities such as Los Angeles or New York, though the Internet has opened a wide range of possibilities for singers to distribute their songs. The salary range for singers varies greatly, as singers who perform commercial jingles earn far less than popular singers who draw audiences to large venues. However, the median wages for singers and musicians were $24.20 per hour, stated the BLS in May 2015.

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singers: job description & career requirements

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Singers: Job Description & Career Requirements

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If you've ever dreamed of taking your singing voice out of the shower and joining the world of professional singers, you should be prepared for what it takes to succeed in the field. In most cases, more than practice and perseverance are needed.

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What are the best colleges that will help you prepare for this job?

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What are the best colleges that will help you prepare for this job?

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Berklee

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A BERKLEE EDUCATION

Berklee's nonprofit education outreach program provides contemporary music training for students in underserved communities across North America.

Our network of partners around the world provide access to a range of Berklee opportunities, from events and workshops to transfer credits.

Berklee's first outpost in the Middle East offers world-class educational experiences through workshops, master classes, courses, ensembles, and labs.

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A BERKLEE EDUCATION Berklee's nonprofit education outreach program provides contemporary music training for students in underserved communities across North America. Our network of partners around the world provide access to a range of Berklee opportunities, from events and workshops to transfer credits.

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What computer or technological skills do you need for this?

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What computer or technological skills do you need for this?

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Music Courses Overview

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Though talent and passion are both absolutely necessary to working as a singer, these two attributes alone are not enough to assure you a successful career. There is stiff competition for singing jobs and many singers are forced to take other jobs to make ends meet.

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What are the positive aspects of this job?

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What are the positive aspects of this job?

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Traveling the world

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What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Professional Musician?

Like many creative professions, the life of a professional musician has both its advantages and disadvantages. As such, some musicians opt to work part-time gigs rather than make music their full-time job, simply because of the sporadic nature of employment in an artistic industry where competition is high. While it's true that some professional musicians can become multi-millionaires, the average musician earns about $27 per hour for performing.

Advantages of Being a Professional Musician

The primary "pro" of being a professional musician is that you get to enjoy your art and earn an income while following your passion and doing what you love. You have the opportunity to collaborate with other artists, travel and have a variety of new experiences, often while courting an admiring fan base. The highest level of professional musicians can earn a healthy salary, either as solo artists, session players or as part of a group or band. Other benefits include:

Perfecting your craft

Making a contribution to the artistic community

Making industry contacts that can help advance your career in other performance areas

Disadvantages of Being a Professional Musician

The lack of a steady schedule or a stable income is perhaps one of the greatest disadvantages of being a professional musician. While travel appeals to many, others may find being on the road has drawbacks, such as a nontraditional family life. Additionally, musicians don't enjoy the benefits that come with a steadier job, such as health insurance and retirement income. It can be a struggle to make ends meet, particularly when you're composing, performing, traveling and continually trying to market yourself for the next gig. Other downsides to this career path include:

Unpredictable scheduling

Performing in smoky clubs, which can harm vocal cords

Exposure to a party atmosphere that may not appeal to all musicians

Things to Consider

Before launching a career as a professional musician, have a game plan in mind. Take into consideration costs associated with your work, including equipment, studio space, production costs and the need to hire help like sound techs, roadies and publicists. Also factor in travel expenses, promotional expenses, how far out you need to book shows or gigs and what you'd need to earn to be successful.

Warning

The music scene is changing due to the popularity of digital music platforms. While these can gain you a larger audience and more exposure, it can also potentially limit earnings.

Playing it Smart

Having a background or education in business, finance or marketing can help you increase your odds of success as a professional musician. Many musicians have side professions or education or training in other areas they can fall back on in between gigs. This might include being a music or band teacher or tutor, or an entirely unrelated field of work. Some professional musicians find it beneficial to have a flexible secondary line of work that allows them to prioritize their music career while still having a financial safety net.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Being a Professional Musician?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Like many creative professions, the life of a professional musician has both its advantages and disadvantages. As such, some musicians opt to work part-time gigs rather than make music their full-time job, simply because of the sporadic nature of employment in an artistic industry where competition is high.

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What are the negative aspects of this job?

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What are the negative aspects of this job?

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I have to overcome my fear of being with a crowd

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You're not going to start out as the very best singer so you'll have to be prepared to face stretches of time where you may not get paid, or not get paid well, for your singing. Singers must...