Diva
The term ‘Diva’ is used to describe a great female singer or prima donna whose voice and style are considered to be unique. Many singers aspire to be like their favourite ‘Diva’ and whilst the term was originally used for for temperamental opera singers it is now used to describe female singers of any style that fit the criteria.
To become a ‘Diva’ takes dedication and hard work which may never produce the recognition required…….. the term is granted by their peers and public opinion and not by the singer themselves (as much as they would wish otherwise!!).
Folk Singer
Folk singers have been around for centuries and were probably the first ‘Bards’ who travelled the country translating events into stories which would be sung in return for lodging and food. Old folk songs like ‘Greensleeves’ are still in use today.
There was a big revival during the 60’s which provided a platform for artists like ‘Bob Dylan’ who continues to influence artists of today. Folk singers can find performance opportunities at folk clubs and festivals worldwide although like ‘Blues Singers’ the gigs may be scattered and wages low, folk music is generous in its acceptance of beginners who are encouraged to practice their art regardless of age/ability.
Gospel Singer
Gospel is a form of music used by certain religious establishments to praise God and encourage positive feelings in their parishoners. Many singers who perfected their art performing in gospel choirs have since become successful recording artists like Aretha Franklin and niece Whitney Houston but the majority of singers are unpaid volunteers from the local community.
Holiday Camp Singers
Working as a redcoat for holiday camps are a great way to learn about the entertainment business and get paid! The hours are very long as staff are expected to do pretty much everything including learning dance, comedy, dj’ing, comparing and singing to entertain the holidaymakers, organising games for the children and taking care of the clients.
The amount of experience required depends on the job applied for as holiday camps also employ resident bands, entertainers, solo singers, tribute artists and named bands during the course of the season.
Jazz Singer
Jazz has developed considerably from the traditional form with musicians and singers incorporating ethnic rhythms and modern sounds to produce offshoots like ‘progressive’, ‘modern’ and ‘acid’ jazz. Extreme competance and control are required from a jazz singer who is expected to vocalise with and around the music whilst restraining power and energy, it is rare to hear a loud jazz band who unlike rock bands prefer intricate syncopation and understated technical expertise to volume.
Jazz clubs, festivals, radio, record companies and televised events worldwide provide vocalists with performance and recording opportunities.
KARAOKE HOST
Karaoke nights produce a host of amateur singers of varying standards and are a good introduction to performing in front of a live audience. The host is responsible for encouraging participation, comparing, co-ordinating tracks to singers and filling in whilst the locals are getting up the nerve to have a go.
If you love singing but recognise that your voice is not going to make you a living then this is an ideal job! Popular karaoke hosts are usually those whose voices are less than perfect but have great fun personalities. This encourages the audience to participate far more than an excellent singer whose voice is likely to make the listeners feel uncomfortable at participating.
Lead Singer
Frontman (person) or Lead singer is the term used to describe a vocalist who sings the lead melody in front of a band regardless of the type, style or standard of music played.
Any vocalist competant in their field of music can become a lead singer although wages will depend on the ability of all the musicians. A good covers band can work practically anywhere from local pubs, clubs, festivals and sight readers could find themselves employed as resident bands or session artists.
Bands performing original material can expect little or no initial pay unless they can build and retain a following, produce their own album or get signed by a record company.
Music Librarian
Working in a library music department requires a sound knowledge of music and organisation. Singing may not be part of the job description but the advantage of being able to browse a roomful of sheet music, music books and records is a bonus of the job!
There are also opportunities to perform as many local councils recreation departments organise acoustic and semi acoustic live music evenings.
Opera Singer
Opera is considered to be one of the most demanding forms of singing as the standard is exceptionally high and pupils are expected to have extensive vocal training. A popular form of classical singing which many vocalists aspire to achieve proficiency in, singers are expected to pass examinations which are graded by presentation as well as performance technique.
The scene is highly competative and many excellent singers never receive the recognition they deserve, however there are a myriad of competitions, venues, educational establishments and grant funded groups to encourage, employ and promote all standards and the possibility of worldwide recognition for successful artists.
Pop Singer
Pop is an abbreviation of Popular. The term describes music having wide general public appeal, usually with easy to sing melodies and repetative choruses so any age and standard can sing along.
The majority of songs performed by pop acts are ‘covers’ of songs that were made famous by other artists. Most pop singers are required to include dance routines into the performance. The standard varies considerably from the local pop pub singer to famous pop idols.
Karaoke