How to Be a Professional Singer

Last Updated: March 3, 2023 References Approved

While becoming a professional singer is no small task, there’s no reason you can’t achieve your dream if you’re willing to put the work in. There are plenty of ways that you can work towards your goal, and we’re here to show you what you’ll need to do. From changing your perspective to practical steps you can take to improve your voice, we’ll walk you through the process.

1

Meditate on why you want this.

Make sure that this is actually something you want to do. Not for the fame, but because you have a true, and strong passion for music! It's going to take a lot of hard work. Don't just do it for money or to show off.

2

Take singing lessons.

A formal education in singing will help you improve dramatically. It does not matter how naturally talented or terrible you might be; lessons will teach you a lot and help you improve your voice.^{[1]
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3

Collaborate with others.

Look for other artists to work with. If you want to be in a band or group, you’ll need to look for other dedicated trustworthy musicians that have the same creative vision that you do and will feel comfortable creatively collaborating with. If you choose the wrong band mates that can lead to serious issues down the road.^{[2]
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4

Practice in front of an audience.

This will get you comfortable performing and get you feedback. Once you feel a comfortable with your voice, you need to get use to singing in front of others, start singing around people you are already somewhat familiar with and comfortably around like at a school choir, or church.^{[3]
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5

Get some exposure.

Sign up for some public singing events or competitions. Now you need to start getting comfortable around strangers: (1) Go to your local fair and ask them if they have open slots for you to perform. (2) If there are any business near by that have open mic nights, go for that. (3) If your lucky and live in a bigger city you can just perform on the street, or maybe a concert venue.

6

Network.

Make connections to get your foot in the door. This might not really work as well if you live in a smaller town. Become friends with people at concert venues, you might end up opening for another 'bigger' band, and could make even more connections.^{[4]
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7

Record a demo.

A demo tape will help you share your work with others. Start recording demos. You can even use a program called Garage-band on a MAC.

8

Promote yourself.

Get the word out in your hometown and on social media. Start promoting yourself like there's no tomorrow.^{[5]
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9

Send your work to record labels.

The more ears on your music, the more likely you’ll get signed. Don't get discouraged if/when you are rejected, keep trying! And remember record labels DO NOT want to hear something that's already been done, be original.^{[6]
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10

Stay persistent.

Keep on going! Keep playing shows (tour if possible), promoting yourself, sending out demos, and making your fan base grow! Labels like to see that you are taking the initiative.

11

Be true to yourself.

Stick to your path and don’t compromise for others. Do not let your label control who you are after you have signed a recording contract. Fight for your creative vision because if you don't, well that's just not good..

Community Q&A

Question

How can I overcome my stage fright?

Community Answer

Try to not worry about what others might think of you or your singing. Instead of focusing on the future or their reactions to your performance, simply focus on the present--that is, your singing. Also, pretend that the audience is not there; if you can't do this, then pretend that they are all close friends. Check out How to Overcome Stage Fright for more tips and ideas.
Question

What risks are associated with becoming a professional singer?

Community Answer

You always have the risk of ending up on drugs or something due to stress, but if you really want to be famous, you need to have control and know when and what to do and how to respond to everything in a calm and responsible manner.
Question

Do I need to know how to play musical instruments in order to become an artist?

Community Answer

No, but knowing how to play a musical instrument will help you write and practice songs. Consider learning how to play the piano; you can use it to practice melodies.

Warnings

Actually read the contract before you sign on to a record label.

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Helpful 27 Not Helpful 0
If you do not stand up for yourself your label will control you.

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Helpful 126 Not Helpful 14
Get a good voice teacher, if not they can mess up your voice.

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Helpful 124 Not Helpful 17
Don't get your hopes up too high but work hard!

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Helpful 123 Not Helpful 17
Watch out for scams! You should not have to pay a penny to anyone until you start making money!

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Helpful 22 Not Helpful 2