See, I told you there are so many possible careers you can take in the music business. To finish off the list, here’s the last part of the series of careers in the singing business. I hope after you have read all of them, you’re able to get plenty of ideas and choices to take for your singing endeavors. Good luck!!!
Professor of Voice and Vocal Pedagogy
Those with a love of teaching and interest in vocal pedagogy can further their education to become qualified as a professor of voice.
Professors are contracted by educational establishments or work as freelancers hosting lectures and demonstrations to vocal students and teachers. Vocal pedagogy specialists research the science of teaching.
Pub Singer
Throughout the ages public houses have used live music to entertain their customers. The type of material performed and equipment used may have changed with the times but the role remains the same. A wide variety of material in a range of genres is required with the most popular singers being those who are versatile in several styles of music.
Punk Singer
Punk music was introduced in the mid 70’s by bands like the Sex Pistols, The Jam and The Damned whose songs of rebellion were loud and full of energy.
Punk bands still find work and attract record companies and although the music’s popularity has waned it continues to influence todays new artists.
Rap Singer
Rap singing is a rhythmic form of speech that the artist performs with or without musical backing. The musical accompaniament can be of any style although hip hop, house, reggae, soul and rock music tend to be favoured.
DJ’s and singers perform at night clubs to promote themselves but most successful rap artists record their tracks then distribute them through the underground and dj networks.
Recording Artist
Recording a single or album used to be the sole province of artists signed to a record company or with the finances to afford professional recording studios. With todays technology a professional sounding recording can be achieved by anyone who is prepared to learn how to use the equipment effectively.
This has led to the rise in small independant record labels who are often owned by singer/songwriters and bands who frustrated with major labels produce and distribute their own records. Signed artists are expected to produce several recordings for release and there are many singers who make a career of providing backing and guide vocals for producers and songwriters.
Rock Singer
The term Rock Music covers a wide section of musical styles including Gothic, Heavy Metal, Punk, Progressive and Rock n Roll with a variety of ‘flavors’ in between! Rock is a popular form of music and whilst venues for heavier stuff is more limited there are still plenty of performance opportunities in bands at festivals and on radio and television.
Most rock acts like pop artists aim for a publishing or record company to promote their music but rock singers can also make a living by working the pub and club circuits to suppliment their income.
Session Singer
A session singer is a vocalist who is hired for a contractual period, usually one track, one performance etc., of any style of music. Sight reading and the ability to work well with other musicians without rehearsal is essential although some session singers work by ‘ear’.
Many singers start their professional careers through deputising for bands and providing backing/harmony/guide vocals for studios and songwriters. This can also open the door to a solo career as shown by artists like ‘Sam Brown’ whose no 1 hit ‘Stop’ is still performed by female rock covers artists in pubs & clubs nationwide.
Singer Songwriter
Writing and performing your own material is a satisfying career that many vocalist aspire to achieve. Whilst many write original material there are few who manage to make a career from their efforts. Competition is fierce and most record companies are wary of using material that does not follow established formats, however, successful singer/songwriters like ‘Carol Bayer Sager’ and ‘Paul McCartney’ can continue their careers indefinately by writing songs for other singers.
The introduction of the internet has allowed all styles, ages and abilities to record their masterpieces for downloading by surfers worldwide. The limitations in musical style imposed by the vagaries of the music industry no longer apply making a far wider range of styles and artists accessable to anyone who possesses a computer and internet connection.
New venues, acoustic and showcase nights have increased providing new acts with a platform where they can perform to a mixture of general public and music industry personel. Wages are usually non-existant unless the artist is signed to a publishing contract or record deal or chooses to promote themselves and their work by producing and marketing their own CD’s.
Singing Teacher
A vocal coach or singing teachers job is to provide voice training and encouragement to clients who want to learn how to sing. There are many types of teacher, some of whom are professionally qualified, others who do not possess educational qualifications but have gained their experience through working as a semi-professional or professional singer.
A good teacher should be competant in communicating and demonstrating correct techniques, in the areas of breathing, posture, vocal and microphone techniques, music theory, timing, phrasing and pronounciation.
Solo Singer
Soloists are singers of any style who perform as individuals, either with their own equipment or as a session singer. Opportunities are only limited to the competance and determination of the singer who can find work in pubs, clubs, cabaret, nightclubs, radio, television or as a recording artist.
Non-writing solo singers often team up with songwriters and producers who share their aim for a deal. Other popular and lucrative avenues for solo singers include live performance of covers and production of a Tribute Act.
Soul Singer
The term ‘Soul Singer’ can be used to describe any vocalist who sings from their soul. Typical examples are Tina Turner who has more of a rock voice and the godfather of soul ‘James Brown’.
Opportunities for performance are available in pubs, clubs, cabaret, radio, recording and television.
Theatrical Singer
A combination of acting, dance and singing is required of vocalists wishing to pursue a career in theatre. Plays with songs range from classical to modern with songwriters like Andrew Lloyd Webber providing musicals for all ages.
Successful shows can run for years with showtunes becoming chart hits like ‘Memory’ from ‘Cats’ performed by Elaine Paige, who has since recorded several albums.
Tribute Artist
Tribute acts have become very popular with everyone from Elvis Presley to Kiss being copied by singers of all standards in talent competitions to corporate functions.
The ability to look and sound like the artist/band you are portraying is essential…….. go on….. swivel those hips like Elvis!!
Voice Doctor
Probably not the correct terminology but ‘voice doctor’ will have to do until some nice medical person tells me otherwise. There are doctors who specialize in treating ailments common to singers and other voice orientated professions.
So if your seeking an alternative voice related career do please consider this as an option………(:
Voice Over Artist
The voice over artist is similar to a session singer providing their vocal talents to backing track producers, jingles producers, advertising agencies, radio stations and television stations.
A wide variety of voices are required for all sorts of projects both spoken and sung. Various short courses for the spoken voice are available. Both In-House and Freelance voice over artists are employed for different projects and a demo cd showing your full vocal and spoken versatility will be required by potential employers. Community radio stations offer a good way to gain experience and provide an essential service at the same time.
Voice Therapist
There are different types of therapists that specialise in aspects of vocal therapy. Some are also qualified singing teachers and combine their skills to aid people in regaining their voice after throat and vocal chord operations.
There are also voice therapists who concentrate on using music and voice as a means to communicate and encourage mentally and physically handicapped people. Whilst some medical knowledge is required, vocal therapists are not always qualified doctors.
Wedding Singer
Appearing at weddings throughout the world……… well, maybe not!! If you want to gain some insight then zap down to your local video store and hire the film ‘The Wedding Singer’.
A varied repertoire is required that appeals to all the family, so many wedding singers team up with a friendly dj to provide a full evenings entertainment.
World Singer
World music is a general term that covers bangra, african, oriental and other forms of music. Popular in their country of origin, ethnic rhythms, sounds and styles have been successfully combined with pop, rock, dance and other genres.
The crossover into western charts has opened up possibilities for singers worldwide in live performance, radio, recording and television.