Singer

Singers specialise in either classical or popular music. They work in opera or as part of a choir, or sing one or more different popular styles, such as pop, rock or hip hop.

Also known as:

Pop star (singer)
Rock star (singer)

Work activities

Classical singers work in opera or as part of a choir, for example. Popular singers usually focus on a particular style, such as pop, rock or hip hop. All singers spend time practising; some attend singing lessons. They usually start by singing in their spare time until they have enough material to put an act together. Until they have had enough success to employ a manager or agent, most singers have to organise their own bookings, negotiate fees and contracts, and organise and plan performances.

As well as giving live performances, some singers spend time in studios, making recordings for CDs/downloads/streaming services, radio, film and television. As they become more successful, they are likely to spend time touring, promoting their music and doing concerts. Successful pop singers also appear in videos.

Some singers combine their work with teaching, giving personal tuition or writing music. Singers on tour stay in temporary accommodation and can spend weeks away from home.

Personal qualities and skills

As a singer, you need:

A good singing voice.
Self-confidence.
A love of music.
Commitment and patience.
Determination and discipline.
The ability to deal with criticism and rejection.
Good business-related and time-management skills.
Good communication and people skills.
An ability to find creative ways of attracting the attention needed to be successful.

Singers involved in pantomimes and stage musicals usually need to be able to act and dance as well as sing. Operatic singers usually need to be able to sing in more than one language.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries for singers vary widely. Most singers are self-employed. The Musicians’ Union recommends minimum wage levels for performers. However, this doesn’t mean you will be paid at this rate.

Hours of work vary according to the event; however, many scheduled performances are in the evening and at weekends. You may need to spend a lot of time travelling.

Competition for all singing jobs is strong. Talent and experience help, but do not guarantee success. The industry has changed as a result of the internet. Social media and YouTube have made it possible for singers to promote their own music, both to record companies and to the general public.

Singers perform at a variety of venues including clubs, pubs, parties, charity balls, theatres, festivals and cruise ships and recording studios. Opportunities occur for singers to work in other countries, usually on tour or at festivals.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised:

On The Stage web site.
On the StarNow website.
On the Government’s Find a Job service.
In newspapers and on their web sites.

However, new entrants normally have to promote themselves by contacting promoters, agents, music clubs and concert organisers.

Entry routes and training

Popular music

Singing in the field of popular music doesn’t require formal training, although some people have singing lessons as a preparation. Many singers begin as lead vocalists with a band; some develop a career as a solo singer at a later stage. Some begin as songwriters and later perform their own material.

Classical music

People who want to be singers usually concentrate on developing all-round musicianship. For instance, they may combine the study of singing with playing at least one musical instrument. Singing lessons may not start until the mid-teens or later. Singers are less likely than instrumentalists to take graded exams while at school.

Choir schools take pupils from about the age of seven to be choristers. Several choir schools also take children as ordinary pupils and offer general education combined with musical training.

Many singers take a specialist course at a music college or a music degree at a university or college of higher education. Degrees in music are mainly academic but allow students to develop singing skills in choirs or solo parts. It is also possible to follow up a music degree with postgraduate study at a music college. In exceptional circumstances, non-music graduates may be considered for advanced singing courses. As the voice doesn’t normally mature until the mid-to-late 20s, intensive performance training often doesn’t start until around 22 on a postgraduate/advanced course. Most music colleges offer such courses, including specialist training in opera and lieder. As many students do not reach the exceptional standard needed to pursue a singing career, music colleges also provide training for teaching and other work in music-related areas.

The late maturing of the voice means that continued study at college or through private tuition is especially important for singers. It also makes early career development more difficult. Most singers will need to support themselves, by teaching or other work, while they build up contacts and gain experience in choirs or opera choruses and taking work as a soloist where possible.

Qualifications

Entry qualifications vary between music colleges. Check college prospectuses/ websites for details.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Useful skills and abilities can be gained in choir and chorus work, including church music.

Many music schools and colleges relax entrance requirements for applicants with relevant paid or unpaid performing/acting experience.

Financial support for singing training may be available from Help Musicians (The Musicians Benevolent Fund).

Related careers

Actor
Dancer
Music teacher
Music therapist
Musician