Research the biographies of the singers and performers that you admire and look up to. Study their performance style and entertaining techniques. Learn about their strategies for becoming a singer. Make note of the obstacles they faced and what did not work.
Find a singing coach and take singing lessons. The strength of your singing ability is the backbone of your singing career. You may have talent naturally, but you will need to know how to sing in tune as well as recognize pitch and tune. You will also need to learn how to use your voice and not overwork your vocal cords. A singing coach can show you in which octaves you are best suited to sing.
Consider taking music lessons on guitar or keyboards. Many singers are also talented musicians. Learning to play an instrument will increase your marketability as singer.
Check out local colleges and universities in your community that might offer music and singing degree programs and courses. A variety of colleges offer programs specifically for those interested in becoming singers and can offer opportunities for getting in the music industry door.
Visit local karaoke bars to take advantage of free opportunities to practice your singing skills on a stage. Experiment with different types of songs to see which you enjoy performing. Performing at a karaoke bar can also provide an opportunity to meet others who are interested in becoming singers and to network.
Try out for a local theater musical production. Performing in a musical will expand your singing experience and create unique entertaining skills. You can also build on your experience as a cast member and use it to boost your singing resume when approaching possible venues and gigs.
Join your local church choir. Church choirs perform at lease once a week and often participate in regional competitions. Performing in a choir allows you to practice your singing skills regularly. You are also able to practice harmonizing with other singers and singing at various octave levels.
Search for singing competitions in your community and state. Talent agencies are constantly looking for fresh faces and new talent. Larger scale competitions such as "American Idol" are also an option to consider if you feel confident as a singer and performer.
Market yourself as a wedding singer. The wedding industry is constantly booming and often brides and grooms are in search of someone with vocal talent to sing their favorite songs at their ceremonies.
Find a manager with like-minded goals to represent you in the music industry. Managers often have connections with recording studios and venues. Managers can also deal with the headaches of scheduling gigs and promotions, leaving more time for you to focus on your singing talent.
Consider creating a band. Evaluate your marketability as a singer with a band versus your presence as a solo singer. If interested, work with your manager to hire band members and create its style.
Publicize your singing talent and band. Use free methods such as creating a MySpace music profile page that features your music, gig dates and biographical information about yourself and/or your band (see Resources below). You can also upload videos and photos of your performances.