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Steps to Become a Singer

A career in singing requires more than simply having a good singing voice. There are plenty of arguably poor singers who have made successful careers as professional vocalists. To succeed as a singer, you need the ability to function in situations where the competition is fierce, excellent promotional skills, and the ability to capture the attention of your audience. You need to be willing to put your singing career high on your list of priorities as well. Here are some strategies you can use to bring yourself closer to your goal of a successful career as a professional singer.

  1. Perform Regularly

    • Your singing voice and your ability to engage and entertain an audience are important to the success of your career, so perform whenever and wherever you can. Keep your skills at top level. There are numerous ways you can keep your performance skills sharp. Sing at church events, weddings and with a band if you have the opportunity. Keep a regular practice schedule that helps you keep your voice at peak performance level.

    Build a Multimedia Portfolio

    • Build a portfolio that includes a variety of media elements. Record a demo featuring five or six songs that demonstrate your vocal talents. Record it in a professional studio if you can afford to. If you can't afford a professional studio, look for a friend who has a home recording setup. Consider approaching a band at a local club to see if one of the members can record your demo for you. You can also take advantage of the online studios available to help you record your demo (see resources). You need a demo that features a CD recording of your singing. A live performance DVD is also a good addition to your portfolio. Also include a written biography that lists any contests you've won and other experience as a singer. This multimedia portfolio will be your calling card in the music business.

    Secure a Manager

    • You may not think you need a manager to take care of your affairs, but having a manager or a music producer can be one of the most important steps you take in the music business. Skilled managers and producers can open doors that might otherwise remain closed to you. A skilled manager or producer can set up auditions for you in commercials and musicals. They can get your demo to record labels. You will have to pay a percentage of what you earn to your manager, but the money is worth the work they can bring you. You can find managers or producers by checking the labels of your favorite CDs and submitting your portfolio and demo to those companies. You can also consult a directory such as the "Music Producers Phonebook" for music industry contact information.

    Promote Yourself

    • Make business cards. Check the labels of your favorite CDs and send demos to record labels that distribute the type of music you sing. Self promotion and hard work are the keys to success if you want to become a professional singer.

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Singing

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