Expand mobile version menu

Singer

salary graphic

AVG. SALARY

$69,514

education graphic

EDUCATION

No standard requirement

job outlook graphic

JOB OUTLOOK

Stable

What They Do

Musicians and Singers Career Video

Insider Info

Singers are everywhere. We see them performing on stage, hear them singing songs on the radio or for movies, in jingles on TV, and singing in choirs or for plays. For the large part, they use their vocal and musical talent to entertain audiences.

They spend years training and developing their voice through vocal lessons, rehearsing, and practicing, often beginning at a very early age. Singers can be classified according to the type of music they sing or their vocal range. The vocal range includes soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone and bass.

Steve Dawson is a solo artist as well as a vocalist for the group Dolly Varde. He says that professional singers can find work in numerous places, depending on the kind of music they specialize in and the type of voice they have. Music specialty can include anything from rock or pop to gospel or opera.

"There's everything from singing in clubs, to singing in theatrical performances, to singing on jingles for TV and radio advertisements, and lots more," he says.

Often those who want to perform on stage will typically start out doing small shows for places such as coffee shops and local bars. This could later lead to larger venues such as festivals, community shows and charity events.

Being a singer is more than a full-time job. Professional singers are constantly perfecting their craft and looking for new opportunities to perform. Singers tend to work irregular hours, and in a wide range of locations.

"The hardest part is you work all the time. There are no set hours," says Sarah Morrison. She is a professional singer.

Days can be spent working in an office setting, booking and searching for shows, contacting clients, responding to e-mails, filing, accounting and doing various other office duties.

"Then other days are gig days where I may be off to the studio for a recording session, off to a live event, on set for a TV show or out meeting clients," says Morrison.

Time must also be set aside for rehearsing for these shows or events, and taking voice lessons. While shows will often be in different venues, they may also be in different cities or countries, so you may have to travel.

Just the Facts

Want a quick overview of what this career is about?Check out Just the Facts for simple lists of characteristics.

At a Glance

Give music a voice

  • You need talent and lots of practice
  • Be prepared to scramble for work
  • Experience is the best education, but music school and voice lessons can help

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support