Job Description

Singers make their living from performing professionally, either accompanying their own music, or working with and interpreting music authored by a song writer.

Singers can work solo or in small or very large groups depending on the project in question and their own skill-set and preferred genre.

They use different vocal ranges such as alto, baritone or bass and mostly specialise in different styles such as jazz, rock, rap, country, grunge etc. They can be employed to sing the songs required in a productions such as a live theatre performance or in a film or TV show, or they could perform in clubs, bars and pubs, music venues, as entertainment on cruise ships or they could have their own solo, group or band career in the commercial music industry.

Salaries vary widely depending on whether you work freelance or are employed. Hours can be unsociable - often working long daytime hours.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications are not seen as essential.

Much more is down to personal skill and experience demonstrated at auditions/interviews and in your previous gigs and works.

The following University or College courses may help but you can also get singing/drama lessons and achieve grades to demonstrate you skills.

University

You could take a degree course which will help improve your skills and develop your talents.

Relevant courses include

Music Performance
Songwriting
Music (songwriting and performance)
Musical Theatre

You will usually need:

2 or 3 A levels or equivalent for your degree course

University Course Search

College

There are a number of college courses you could take which will give you experience and help you to get into the industry.

Music Performance Business and Enterprise - Level 4 diploma
Music Performance & Production Level 3 diploma
Music & Performance Diploma Level 2

You will usually need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) or equivalent for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent for a level 3 course
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent plus an A Level for a level 4 course

The following colleges may offer a relevant course:

Specific requirements will vary based on whether you want to perform in the arts, the entertainment or the commercial music industries but for all you will need commitment and dedication to improving and promoting your work.

You'll often need a good level of musical ability on your chosen instrument or as a singer. It can help if you can read music but it’s not always essential.

The BBC Introducing Programme could be a way to get your music heard on the radio.

Required Skills

a good singing voice
confidence
perseverance
Ambitious with a desire to succeed
willingness to practice for long periods of time
resilience
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure

Salary Range

Salary can vary enormously depending on your experience and where you are working

Singer