If you are a great singer who wants to turn your passion into a profession, then you join a pretty long queue, as shown by the number of applicants for shows such as The Voice. The music industry is hugely competitive. However, it is possible to break through and it can be a hugely rewarding profession. If you are serious about it, today we share 7 steps that can help you on your way.
Perfect your voice
It seems to be pointing to the obvious, but to be a professional singer, you need to have a fantastic singing voice. Part of this is the ability to maintain vocal pitch and the ability to maintain a set vocal pattern. Investing in your instrument, your voice is key. Lessons and practice are all part of this. Doing a singing and songwriting course can be hugely worthwhile to learn best practices, perfect your craft and learn from others. There are well-respected singing courses in Brisbane, which are graduate qualifications as well as the option of a one-on-one vocal coach.
Become an industry expert
If you want to make it as a professional singer, you need to understand how the music industry works. The more you can learn, the better you will be navigating it. You need to learn how to reach out to publicists, how to find a music producer, where to send demo tapes, and how to communicate with record labels. It is pertinent that you become familiar with how to reach out to music publicists, how to find a great music producer, where to send a demo, and how to communicate with record labels. One great way to do this is to study a bachelor’s degree in music, singing, or performing arts as it can help introduce you to key contacts within the industry and others who know their way around it.
Record a demo
If you want to snag some paid singing work, whilst you build your career, it helps to have a demo. You can do this yourself but it pays to have it recorded professionally by a music producer. It will generally contain a small selection of songs that showcase your voice and your style. If you don’t record your own music, do a cover or have a mix of both on your demo.
Perform live at gigs, on shows, at events
Take any opportunity to showcase and practice your craft, gig, be a backing singer, be a wedding singer, sing at birthdays. Everyone has to start somewhere and they can be great ways to earn some cash, pick up some referrals, build a following, and get noticed. Go to “open mic nights” and perform as an opener for other artists in your city. Submit your music for showcases and just play live wherever you can – both locally, in your state/province, and around your country. All these things help build your skills and ability to overcome those stage fright nerves. Some professional singers started outperforming on the street!
Enter competitions and audition
People don’t remember the failures that professional singers have generally, they remember them for their successes – audition, audition, audition. Fall down, get back up again. Enter singing competitions wherever you can find them and if you are good, eventually you will be noticed! It all helps build up your professional singing career CV. It may be soul-destroying when you don’t win or don’t get the part you audition for but remember each one takes you a step closer to possible success!
Look after your voice
Even big stars like Adele have problems with their voice if they don’t look after it properly and need to cancel shows. It’s your key asset, treat it with care. Cut out the smoking and the shouting and practice vocal exercises. There are many ways you can look after and protect your voice, so invest time in learning these and putting them into practice.
Promote yourself online
The online world can be your biggest friend and foe at times. But it offers up a big opportunity for talented singers to promote themselves, build a following, and get noticed. Justin Beiber started out online and now is a household name with a professional singing career. With the use of video mediums like long-form, reels, and tick-tock short clips, you can make an impact. Invest in your knowledge of social media and content creation and you can grow your following and engagement and be your own publicist! Just be warned of trolls and build a thick skin!
It’s not a road easily traveled but if you are passionate, have a certain amount of natural talent to build on, you can have a rewarding career that you love, and going to work won’t feel like a job at all.
