Singer

Also known as:

Pop Star (Singer)
Rock Star (Singer)

Introduction

Singers usually specialise in either classical or popular music. They may give recitals, work in opera or as part of a choir, perform in musicals or musical theatre or sing pop, rock, jazz, blues, country or easy-listening music. Singers must be extremely talented in order to be successful.

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Work Activities

Singers usually specialise in either classical or popular music. Classical singers may give recitals, work in opera or as part of a choir. Popular singers may perform in musicals or musical theatre or sing pop, rock, jazz, blues, country or easy-listening music. All singers spend a lot of time practising and they may attend singing lessons. They usually start singing in their spare time until they have enough material to put an act together.

Depending on the branch of music, singers may accompany themselves on an instrument or perform with an accompanist, backing band or orchestra.

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, singers may spend time rehearsing, and working in recording studios, making CDs, DVDs and recordings for radio, film and television and the internet. As they become more successful, they may spend time touring, promoting their records and giving concerts. Successful popular singers also have to appear in videos to accompany their songs.

Singers on tour stay in temporary accommodation and can spend weeks away from home.

Some singers may combine their work with teaching, giving tuition or music writing.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have musical talent and skill, whether you are formally trained or are self-taught. In many cases, you will need the ability to adapt to different styles of music.

You must be physically fit and healthy, and able to sing for several hours a day if necessary. You will need to discipline yourself to practise and have enough self-confidence to accept criticism and rejection. You will also need the confidence to perform in front of audiences, both large and small.

You should be conscious of your appearance and understand the importance of presentation as well as performance.

Singers involved in pantomimes and stage musicals usually need to be able to act and dance as well as sing. Operatic soloists have to be able to sing in several languages.

It is useful to have or develop good business and negotiating skills in order to make the most of the career opportunities available.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for singers vary widely.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

For example, a singer in the chorus of Royal Opera, with two years' service, earns around £660 a week. Opera guest artists earn a minimum fee of around £320 per performance. Elsewhere, singers in cabaret earn around £200 - £500 a week.

Many singers are self employed. Membership of Equity can be considered proof of professional experience. However, singers (from opera to pop) arrive in the industry via many different routes.

Competition for all singing jobs is incredibly fierce. Talent and experience help, but they do not guarantee success in what is an overcrowded profession.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now 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. Joining a concert touring company may be helpful.

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

Financial support for singing training is available from the William Cox Memorial Fund and the Musicians Benevolent Fund. See relevant websites for eligibility.

• 85% of people in occupations such as singing are self-employed.
• 44% work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 7% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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