Singers

Career summary

#No alternate titles

Singers interpret music using their knowledge of melody and harmony. They may sing character parts or develop their own individual style. Classical, opera, pop, and R&B singers are classified by their voice range. They are soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, or bass.

Most other singers are classified by the type of music they perform. For example, they may sing:

• Country
• Folk
• Gospel
• Rap
• Reggae
• Rock

Singers spend a lot of time practicing their music. They may rehearse alone or with their band or group. Most singers memorize their songs or routines. Classical singers often perform using a text or sheet music.

Singers perform in a variety of settings and styles. They perform before live audiences as soloists, or as part of a band or group. Singers who perform in a group must be able to observe and follow a leader or prompter. Most singers perform accompanied by music, but some sing a cappella (without music). Singers also perform their music in recording studios. They may record for radio, or make their own albums. Singers also perform for television and movies.

Few singers are well known and earn a lot of money. Singers often spend a great deal of time seeking singing engagements. Many hire agents to help them find jobs, negotiate contracts, and develop their careers. Many singers hold other types of jobs to help support themselves. They may also study acting or dance to widen their skills.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Actors
• Announcers
• Choreographers
• Dancers
• Models
• Music Composers, Directors, and Arrangers
• Musicians
• Producers and Directors

Military careers

• Musicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to singers.

• Practice and rehearse songs and music to improve vocal skills.
• Interpret music using knowledge of harmony, melody, and voice production.
• Memorize musical selections, or sing following text or sheet music.
• Perform before audience as soloist or in a group.
• Sing with musical accompaniment or a cappella (without music).
• Observe choral leader or prompter for cues or direction.
• Record songs in recording studios, or in radio, television, or movie productions.
• Look for jobs or engagements. May use an agent.
• May study acting, dancing, and other skills.

Common work activities

Singers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Think creatively
• Perform for or work with the public
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Process information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Develop and build teams
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, singers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They must talk to people in person or over the phone to find jobs.
• Sometimes work with a singing group.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but may on rare occasions perform outdoors.
• May stand or sit physically near others, especially during rehearsals and performances.
• May be exposed to loud noises and bright lights during certain performances.

Work performance

• Must be very exact when performing.
• Work in a moderately stressful atmosphere in which performance deadlines must be met.
• Repeat the same vocal activities.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time, but are more likely to work part time.
• Often perform at night and on weekends.
• Often travel to performances.

Physical demands

Singers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for singers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for singers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.

Skills and abilities

Singers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Music, General
• Voice and Opera Performance

Other programs of study to consider

• Dramatic Arts
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Jazz Studies
• Keyboard Instruments
• Music Business and Management
• Music Composition and Theory
• Music History
• Musicology and Ethnomusicology
• Sacred Music
• Stringed Instruments
• Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion Music Performance

Training

To work as a singer, you typically need to:

• complete long-term, on-the-job training; and
• be talented.

Education after high school

Singers do not need to meet educational requirements. A proven ability to sing is the most important requirement. However, a high school diploma or equivalent is recommended as the minimum level of education.

Singers need years of extensive training. You can get training through private study with a voice coach or through practice with a group. You can also get training in a college or university music program or a music conservatory. You usually must audition for spots in formal programs.

Many colleges, universities, and music conservatories grant degrees in music. An advanced degree is often required to teach music courses at the college level. A degree in music education qualifies you for a state certificate to teach music in grade school or high school.

Work experience

Singers begin studying voice at an early age. You can gain valuable experience by singing in a school or community choir. Many singers take voice lessons with private teachers when they are young.

On-the-job training

Singers train in music for many years. On-the-job training is not common, except in as much as you learn by doing and getting feedback from other singers. Singers are self-employed and responsible for their own training. You gain skill through practice and work in different musical styles. You normally spend several hours each day in rehearsal, preparing for performances.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be musicians and singers. You must pass auditions to enter this military occupation. Training lasts 11 to 24 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Chorus
• Music History and Appreciation
• Music Theory

Many singers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers seek particular types or styles of performers. Employers often look for performers who are talented and known. Successful singers often rely on agents or managers to find them jobs and develop their careers.

Many singers prepare recordings for employers. Employers may also require auditions before hiring. Employers look for singers who are relaxed and professional in front of an audience.

Tips

Serious training for a career in singing traditionally begins at an early age. Maturity and a broad educational background are important. Training in a college music program is highly recommended. Dramatic training is sometimes helpful. It's also helpful to participate in as many public performances as possible.

Costs to workers

Professional singers are sometimes required to become members of one of the unions affiliated with the Associated Actors and Artistes of America. This is an umbrella organization which links performing arts unions with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). Initiation fees and annual dues vary.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Singers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Singers may be paid by the show, week, day, or hour. Singers usually do not work full time. In addition, they may face long periods of unemployment. Because pay can be low and work intermittent, many singers work a second job to support themselves.

Only hourly and monthly wages are displayed. This is because there is wide variation in the number of hours singers work. It is rare for singers to have a guaranteed job for longer than three to six months.

Earnings vary widely by the type of employer and area of the country. Earnings also depend on a singer's reputation and the number of hours worked. The most successful singers can earn far more than the median earnings.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time singers who are not self-employed may earn benefits. Typical benefits include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Self-employed singers are responsible for their own insurance.

National wage information is not available specifically for singers. However, they are part of the larger group of "musicians and singers."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 38% of singers are self-employed.

Many jobs for singers are located in cities where entertainment and recording are concentrated. These include New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville.

Major employers:

• Religious organizations
• Performing arts companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is expected to show little to no change. New online music platforms provide more opportunities for singers. Many bands tour and need singers as backup artists. Opportunities are slowing for opera singers. As funding slows, budgets are cut for operas and other non-profit musical groups.

Job prospects are best for the most talented singers.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for singers. However, they are part of the larger group of "musicians and singers."

Other resources

Actors' Equity Association 
165 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036
212.869.8530

American Academy of Teachers of Singing 

American Federation of Musicians 
1501 Broadway, Ninth Floor
New York, NY 10036
212.869.1330

American Guild of Musical Artists 
1430 Broadway, 14th Floor
New York, NY 10018
212.265.3687

American Musicological Society 
20 Cooper Square floor 2
New York, NY 10003

American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers 

Artist Trust 
1835 - 12th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
866.218.7878
206.467.8734

College Music Society 
312 East Pine Street
Missoula MT 59802

International Modeling and Talent Association 

Music Publishers Association 

National Alliance for Musical Theater 
520 Eighth Avenue Suite 301
New York, NY 10018

National Endowment for the Arts 
400 - 7th Street SW
Washington, DC 20506
202.682.5400

SAG-AFTRA 
5757 Wilshire Boulevard, 7th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036
855.724.2387

Showbizjobs.com 

Voice and Speech Trainers Association, Inc. 

Washington Filmworks 
1411 4th Avenue, Suite 1000
Seattle, WA 98101
206.264.0667

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Singers (27-2042.01) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Singer (152.047-022) 
• Singing Messenger (230.647-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Enterprising/Social

COPSystem

• Arts Professional