Singer

Professional singers perform in front of an audience or make recordings for broadcast, CD or download. They might do session work for backing tracks, adverts and films.

They may sing alone as a soloist, work with a group of musicians or sing with others in a choir. They may sing classical music, pop, ballads or in musical shows.

A solo artist may work with an orchestra, an accompanist or his or her own equipment, such as backing tracks or a musical instrument. Pop singers may pay session musicians to play the music, or perform at venues that have a house band.

Singers usually work long and irregular hours, practising, rehearsing and performing. Evening and weekend work is normal, and there can be a considerable amount of travel. They may work in a variety of environments, from indoor concert halls, nightclubs, hotels and pubs, to outdoor venues such as parks or the gardens of stately homes.

Singers rarely receive a fixed salary and are usually paid on a concert or gig basis. Payment depends on the venue and experience of the singer and can range from £70 per session for a chorus singer on radio to £880 per concert for a solo singer.

A singer should have:

• outstanding musical talent
• the ability to work with musicians, conductors or other singers
• commitment and be prepared to work long hours
• passion and enjoy performing.

Singing is highly competitive and few people work as full-time singers. There is no standard training programme and no fixed career path for singers. They may have to gain qualifications to demonstrate the necessary expertise, but these will not automatically bring work.

It is important for aspiring singers to build up confidence by singing, eg in a school or church choir or by entering talent contests. Festival competitions are important entry routes for classical singers.

There are many courses and qualifications available, although experience of singing in choirs or amateur groups is often regarded as more important. Qualifications range from GCSEs and A levels in music to degrees in popular music.

Classical singers need to go through extensive formal musical education and training, often to postgraduate level. Classical singing is generally taught as a specialist subject at institutions such as universities, music conservatoires and colleges of further education.

Most singers continue to develop their voices and their repertoires with practice, voice training, workshops or lessons.

Some singers may perform in the theatre, on cruise ships, or as support acts for other musicians. They may also move into other areas of the industry, such as teaching.

Further details