How to Start Your Singing Career [Easy Step-by-Step Guide]

(Last Updated On: June 28, 2023)
How to Start Your Singing Career

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If you’re looking to start a successful singing career, look no further! We will show you the way to musical success with the help of this step-by-step guide that’ll help you develop your own voice and captivate listeners all over the world. Let’s dive in!

How to Prepare For Launching Your Singing Career

Success does not come overnight. It usually involves sacrifices, long hours of practice, and long hours of building your confidence. Here are some tips and steps to help you succeed in your music industry:

Step 1) Develop the Right Mindset

Few people have the good fortune to make a living using their talents. Similar to other professions, not all talented singers are given the opportunity to become successful performers. Therefore, you should first clear your head and keep in mind that success can’t be achieved quickly. So, to succeed, you must work hard and put in the hours to sharpen your skills and voice.

The Beatles, for instance, had to perform as a cover band in Germany before they gained international recognition. They didn’t get their break until they returned to England and began performing regularly at a club there.

If you want to make it as a singer, you’d better be serious about practicing and taking singing lessons. Therefore, you must have an iron will to win despite the many obstacles you may face. To put it simply, you need to be relentless. You must have a thick skin and make the most out of every chance that comes your way.

Even I attempted to pursue a profession in the music industry. I wrote hundreds of original songs with my band. The lead guitarist wanted success as much as I did, and the two of us were absolutely committed to making it. Unfortunately, we were unable to find the right bassist and drummer, but we did accomplish our main goal, which was the release of our album by a big record label.

Step 2) Develop Strong Singing Skill

You can forget about being famous if you lack strong vocal skills. To get started, you need to learn how to sing professionally and ace auditions.

The best way to improve your singing skills is to put them into practice. It’s a cliché that “practice makes perfect,” but it’s true. And singing isn’t exempt from this rule.

You need to put in the time to perfect your technique, which necessitates things like performing vocal warmups, having the motivation to get things done, and a strong need for individuality. To launch your singing career, you need to hone your singing skills and boost your confidence so you can perform comfortably and confidently on stage.

To stand out in the industry, singers need to have powerful voices and strong personalities.

How to develop your singing skills

There are a couple of things you can do to improve your singing, considerably. Here are some important recommendations.

  • Learn to listen

Many vocalists struggle with active listening. They can’t tell, for instance, whether their singing is out of tune. Listen to your favorite songs and try to identify the flaws in your singing by comparing them to those of your favorite artists.

  • Gradually Expand Your Voice Range

If you wish to reach notes you currently can’t, you’ll need to take things slowly. There is room to grow in everyone’s voice. Try to perform exercises that require you to hit a semitone higher than you normally do in each set. You can add another semitone after you’ve reached your goal.

  • Learn To Breathe Properly

How you breathe is a crucial part of singing. Singing from the diaphragm requires practice if you’re not used to doing so. To sing and hold long notes well, you must also learn to control your breath.

  • Relax Your Muscles

The ability to remain calm under pressure is a skill that must be honed. When singing challenging material, it’s common for people to tense up in the neck region, which should be avoided at all costs. This requires time and effort to master.

  • Get Help From a Pro

Whether you were born with a golden voice or you’ve never been able to hit a note in your life, singing lessons from a skilled teacher are priceless. Taking singing classes and studying music theory are great ways to hone your skills and, more significantly, get a fresh viewpoint on your weak points.

Step 3) Learn How to Read Music

First and foremost, you should get good at reading music notation. Next, put your newly acquired musical expertise to use by working on your own compositions. No matter how talented a singer-songwriter is, a young musician will never be able to advance in the music industry without first learning to read music. To develop their vocal abilities, they often take on vocal classes, during which they perform a selection of great songs to improve a singer’s voice.

Second, you should rehearse songs that you haven’t heard before. That way, your singing will have more of a personal touch and you won’t just parrot what you’ve already heard.

Practicing songs that you haven’t heard. That way, you will be able to add your own distinct flavor to your singing.  You need to avoid copying what you’ve already heard exactly.

You could also opt to engage in songwriting to learn how to compose your own tunes.

Step 4) Choose a Suitable Genre of Music/Songs To Start With

Selecting the right songs to showcase your skills is crucial. Most singers often perform a song cover of another artist. Singing someone else’s song is OK, as long as it’s right for you.

While picking the right music can seem straightforward, it isn’t always a walk in the park. Know your vocal abilities, range, and technique. Your vocal range determines the songs you should pick. Unless your vocal range matches that of Al Green, you should not feel bad about yourself. Every performer is unique and contributes something special to the table. Just be confident in your abilities.

Naturally, everyone wishes they could sing their preferred genres. However, just because something is your favorite thing to listen to doesn’t imply you’ll be good at it.

Take a look at these different musical genres and what they stand for in terms of vocalists:

  • Pop 

Pop is a broad genre that encompasses a wide variety of musical styles, which can be challenging for performers. Some of the best vocalists of all time were classified as pop artists, but that has everything to do with talent. Singers like Adele and Taylor Swift are good examples.

  • Rock

Similar to pop, rock is a diverse genre that includes a wide range of musical styles. Distorted guitars are a trademark of rock music, as is a robust vocal presence among the band’s frontmen. The finest rock singers, though, didn’t always have rough vocals. Musicians like Elvis Presley and Freddie Mercury are prime examples.

  • Opera

Mastering this music genre is extremely difficult and requires extensive practice as it calls for more volume than any other musical style. Luciano Pavarotti, one of the most well-known vocalists ever, specialized in opera.

  • Jazz

Swing, Dixie, and Bebop are all examples of traditional jazz forms that use a wide range of brass instruments and vocalists with extensive improvisational abilities.

  • Hip-hop

Although vocal strength is not as essential in hip-hop and its related genres, a great deal of technique is still required. Rapping was coined specifically to distinguish this style of singing from others. It helps to have a good sense of rhythm and a quick tongue.

  • Heavy Metal

Some metal singers’ vocals are deep and resonant, while others are forceful and high-pitched. Some subgenres also need mastery of guttural vocal techniques.

  • Country

The themes of country music include heartbreak, love, and pride. These range from twangy artists like Alan Jackson to more pop-oriented performers like Taylor Swift. If you enjoy a wide variety of vocal styles, country music might be a good fit for you.

  • Blues

Singers with soul and passion are essential to the success of blues bands. This may be seen in the work of numerous musicians, such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Billie Holiday, to name just a few. The ability to “feel” the blues is often cited as a necessary quality in a blues performer.

Step 5) Find A Mentor / Vocal Coach (Optional)

One effective strategy for preparation is to work with a professional vocal coach. Having a mentor is crucial because they can point out your flaws and help you focus on your strengths. The vocal coach you choose is crucial, so make sure you find a vocal coach with a proven track record in the field. If you have any questions about your singing career, a qualified teacher will gladly answer them.

You may also count on the support of those closest to you to offer helpful advice. Your loved ones may not be familiar enough with the music business to provide objective feedback on your performances. Even if that’s the case, though, they’ll still be able to give you feedback from the target audience’s perspective.

As a result, if you want to improve as a singer, hiring a professional instructor is crucial. Of course, this doesn’t imply that social support from loved ones is meaningless. Support from family members and friends can go a long way toward boosting your confidence.

Keep this advice in mind as you work on improving your singing and stage presence, and use these tips to liven up your vocal performance. After all, you should try every possible method to become a better singer.

Step 6) Identify & Strengthen Your Singing “X Factor”

You might be wondering what it is that record labels often look for. Most of the time, they want someone who can attract an audience with their talent and charisma. This is sometimes referred to as the “X Factor,” which is not innate in everyone.

Every renowned singer had a humble beginning. The majority started by singing some of their favorite tunes. Consider the success of bands that perform cover versions of famous songs on shows like American Idol. They perfected their “X Factor” by working tirelessly and consistently, which ultimately caught the attention of record labels.

Step 7) Writing Your Own Songs

There are clear benefits to writing your own music or own songs, such as keeping things as unique and original as possible. Many well-known artists are writing and performing their own material even if they haven’t signed with a record label.

What Are Singing Career Options You Can Start With?

You don’t need to be the main vocals, for there are other singing profession options of which you may not be aware of. Professional singers are generally called “vocalists.” As vocalists, you may be performing live, recording tracks, or doing both. You may also be a backup singer, and it is still a startup career for a singer. So, here are the possible singing career options that you may not have thought about before:

1) Vocals for a Band

There are literally hundreds of bands on the prowl for singers. Joining one of these bands is a great way to get noticed even if it is a backup vocals. There are bands known as “cover bands” that mostly cover renditions of songs originally written by other artists. They can be seen performing in bars, clubs, festivals, and other entertainment hotspots. If you want to develop your vocal range and stage presence, singing cover songs is a great way to do it.

2) Backup Singers

Many of the vocalists that started out as the group’s backup singers went on to become the lead singers or even the opening act. Starting out as a backup singer can be a great stepping stone to becoming the lead singer. After gaining experience and confidence, you can take the main vocal role in a band or perform alone. Of course, many professional singers find that they do well in the role of backup vocalist.

You can read our article on How To Become A Backup Singer.

3) Studio Professionals

Singing jingles in the studio for advertising firms is another wonderful method to make money as a singer. It’s possible that this path isn’t what you had in mind for yourself and that it doesn’t have the same glitz and glamour as, say, becoming a lead singer in a band or an opera. It’s possible to make a nice living doing it, though.

If you’re looking to make a career out of singing, this might be an opportunity that opens many doors for you.

Check out our article on How To Become A Session Singer by Become Singers.

4) Singer At Live Shows

You might also pursue a career as a show singer. Any live event or occasion, from private gatherings to weddings and bar mitzvahs, can hire a show singer to do a combination of DJing, hosting, and singing. If you want to sing better and have more confidence on stage, this can be an excellent option.

Fastest Ways To Kickstart Your Career As A Singer From Zero To Superstar

1) Get a Talent Agent

It’s certain that if you have talent, you’ll be given chances to show it out. In most cases, however, working in the wrong field occurs because of poor advice. It’s crucial to have helpful direction in determining what matters most.

You can get expert advice on the best path forward from a talent agent. Even if you have incredible skill and are destined for stardom, if you’re just performing at dive bars, you’ll probably never make it big, which is why building the right relationships is crucial.

An accomplished talent agent will know how to get you in touch with the right people. This talent manager can also have your profile posted on relevant websites for record labels to find. You can improve your chances of getting a job or internship if you introduce yourself to potential employers online. 

You can only do so much on your own to make it as a musician, so signing with an agency is crucial. Find a specialist that can help you network and secure contracts as soon as possible.

What to Look For in a Talent Agent?

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for an agency: 

  • Check their reputation: Avoid doing business with sketchy people, and keep in mind that top agents are unlikely to do business with newcomers. Look into internet reviews and other artists’ opinions.
  • Pay Nothing: An agent often receives a portion of the money you make as an artist and doesn’t ask for regular payments or even an upfront fee. Ask why money is needed if someone requests it upfront.
  • Find an agent according to your style/scene: The best opera agent in the world won’t be able to help your heavy metal career. You must collaborate with experts who are thoroughly familiar with your scene.
  • Look at some of their previous work: Learn as much as you can about the agent’s successes and failures. You can learn a lot about the agent and whether or not they are a good fit for you from this.
  • Make sure they respond quickly: It would be fantastic if some agents would just do their jobs. Instead, they ignore your calls and emails almost entirely. Look for an agent that cares about you and is eager to collaborate.

2) Join Singing Competitions

Singing contests can be found virtually anywhere nowadays, and the best way to get recognized is to audition for several of them. Participating in one of these events is a certain way to gain attention if you possess a remarkable singing ability.

Of course, you can test the waters at your local singing competitions or enter major singing competitions like American Idol, America’s Got Talent, and X-Factor after you’ve already had success on a local level.

3) Audition as Often as You Could!

Even if you have a natural gift for singing, you still need to practice getting comfortable in front of an audience. And regularly participating in auditions is one of the best ways to build your confidence on stage. Auditions are a great way to hone your singing skills and gain the “know-how” and assurance you need to perform in front of a live audience. In addition, it can be a platform upon which you can exhibit exceptional vocal prowess.

Additionally, if you’re looking to make contacts in the entertainment industry, musical theater auditions, and other venues are a great place to start.

Auditioning not only provides you with something to look forward to but also offers you first-hand knowledge of the standards others have set for you. This will help you improve the way you present yourself in the future.

How to choose the right song for auditions

Choosing the ideal song to showcase your skills during auditions can be nerve-wracking. It’s simpler to land an audition if you prepare a set list of songs to perform. Many, though, leave the choice up to the performer, which can be stressful given that you only have one shot at making a good impression.

Selecting a tune because it happens to be your favorite is a terrible idea. Of course, that’s crucial since you won’t feel good if you’re pushing yourself to sing something you don’t enjoy. However, liking a song isn’t the only factor you should consider when picking one.

When deciding on a song, think about which ones best highlight your abilities. If you have mastered the falsetto range, for instance, you can choose songs that feature that range. Don’t, on the other hand, pick tunes that have nothing to do with your skills, regardless of how much you enjoy them.

It’s important not to go overboard. Don’t pick a song that’s a 10 out of 10 in terms of difficulty. Pick the ones with a difficulty level of 8 out of 10 or less since you will have more breathing room and come across as more confident.

Additionally, make an effort to get information about the judge. How would you describe their taste in music? What kinds of songs do they like? If you do come across such details and want to satisfy the judge, you should know that you will need to provide a performance that will leave them in awe. After all, you’ll be competing with their favorite artist!

In the end, the greatest song to sing during an audition is the one that showcases a variety of your vocal abilities. Find a song that highlights your many strengths if you’re a performer with a wide range of skills.

4) Harness the Far-reaching Effect of Social Networking!

One positive aspect of modern life is the prevalence of online social networks like YouTube, Facebook, and others. Any social media platform is fair game for self-promotion. And if you master it, your following will grow exponentially overnight.

Create a channel on YouTube and upload some videos of yourself performing your favorite songs to share with the world. Feel free to upload both your own original songs and covers of other artists.

Increasing your site’s visibility to its intended audience is a top priority. If you have what it takes to make it big in the music industry, talent scouts and managers will notice you sooner or later. Many of the best baritone singers (including Justin Bieber, Greyson Chance, Tori Kelly, and many more) were discovered by talent scouts on the video-sharing website YouTube and signed to major record labels as a result. Many popular musicians nowadays got their start on social media.

Justin Bieber vocal range became popular by hist very first song on social media.

You should put in the time and effort to become a great vocalist if you feel you have the talent for it. Then you need to be creative about how you spread the word about what you’ve done.

All you have to do is create a YouTube account and start posting your videos. Uploading your singing videos on Facebook is another great way to get the word out about your work.

Here are some important websites that can help you gain followers and connections:

YouTube

YouTube has seen significant changes since Justin Bieber’s rise to fame. Because there are so many others with the same goal, it might be difficult to be heard. But it doesn’t imply it can’t happen at all.

The most effective strategy is to join the YouTube community. Look for channels that are similar to yours, and interact with them by liking and commenting. Share your videos’ YouTube URLs everywhere possible so people can watch them even if they don’t have a YouTube channel.

Facebook

A strong online presence is essential, and Facebook remains the industry standard. You should create your own artist page that you regularly update with your latest news. You can also send friend requests and hunt for like-minded people. You can build a strong network of agents, managers, and fellow artists by establishing personal relationships with them.

One option to think about is running advertisements on Facebook, where you can zero in on a certain demographic and reach the individuals most likely to appreciate your song or style.

TikTok

If you want to reach a wide audience, you must be present on TikTok. When you initially look at it, the requirement to regularly produce video content may seem overwhelming.

However, due to the nature of TikTok, many of the best and most popular videos are actually rather simple and amateurish, and a video of you singing acapella posted online might become viral if you use the right hashtags.

Instagram

TikTok is to video what Instagram is to photos, despite Instagram having a fairly extensive video component of its own. Instagram’s most appealing feature is that it allows you to showcase your personal brand via the use of your own distinctive photographic aesthetic, color scheme, and so on.

For this to work, interaction is essential. You should actively seek out other creators and show your support for them. Most people will show their appreciation by leaving comments and liking your posts. You can also use hashtags to easily identify folks who share your musical interests and taste.

Kompoz

If you want to work with other musicians, this is a terrific option. With Kompoz, you can connect with musicians from all around the world and create music together. The site allows users to search for tunes looking for vocalists, contact the producer, and start working on the project. Users are also free to submit their own projects.

In addition, if you happen to be a talented musician and compose a great song, Kompoz is connected to SoundBlend, a marketplace where you can sell your tracks and make some money on the side.

ReverbNation

ReverbNation is one of the oldest and most well-known social networks for artists, so if you’re serious about singing and have some music already made, you should definitely check it out. This is due to its abundance of user-friendly features, such as an intuitive website builder, that facilitate communicating with your audience.

Through ReverbNation, musicians can get gigs, promote their music on various social media platforms, and get feedback from their fans. Keep in mind that certain functions require payment, although many can be used without spending a dime.

SoundCloud

If you’re looking to start something special with music, go no further than SoundCloud. SoundCloud users, in contrast to those of other social networks, tend to be serious music fans. The service provides an easy way to upload your music to the web.

Since SoundCloud is one of the most popular sites for this, it is essential that any professional singer who wants to showcase their work do so by uploading their music there. You can also comment on other artists’ pages and communicate with other musicians and music lovers.

FAQs

Here are some common questions on how to start your singing career.

What is the best age to start a singing career?

There is no right age to start singing. Of course, starting early in life will allow you to become an expert sooner. Bear in mind that your voice will change after your teenage years, and you really don’t know how your voice will develop.

Is singing a hard career?

Singing is a very difficult career to make a living from. This is because there aren’t so many opportunities in singing as in other professions like accounting or retail. It’s also tricky because you need to invest a lot of time and effort to become a professional singer.

Can singing be self-taught, or should I take music lessons?

You can self-teach anything, including singing. However, hiring a professional coach will help you improve a lot faster. Additionally, when you are self-taught, you may have developed bad singing habits that would’ve been addressed earlier with a good coach.

What age is too late to start singing?

There is no such thing as "too late" to start singing. If you have the will and determination, singing is something you can start doing at any time in your life. It's never too late to follow your musical passion; many famous singers began their careers in their 30s or 40s.

At what age do singers stop singing?

Singers stop when they don’t have the physical endurance for it anymore. This can happen at any age. 

Can we earn money by singing? How do singers get their money?

You can earn money in many different ways. You can sing in a band and perform live shows for a ticket price or for a fee. You can record vocals for studio projects and charge for them. You can also teach how to sing. Opportunities are limitless.

How much money does it cost to become a singer?

The good thing is that singing, unlike learning musical instruments, doesn’t require any equipment to get started. However, it's impossible to determine how much it can cost since you need to consider lesson prices, if you purchase equipment such as microphones, etc.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of working independently as opposed to signing with a record label?

Freelancing provides more room for expression, autonomy in the creative process, and a larger slice of the profits. However, you'll have to do a lot of self-promotion, manage your own finances, and figure out how to succeed in the music industry on your own.

What steps do you take to develop your singing skills?

Learning how to sing well takes time and effort. To improve your vocal skills, you should perform exercises related to range, pitch, breathing, and control. Take classes or seek vocal coaching. Listen to a variety of music styles and genres. And perform regularly to build your confidence and on-stage presence.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve already accomplished the first major step in launching your singing career. You now have the resources to discover your own voice, hone your abilities, and pursue your goals, all thanks to our easy step-by-step guide.

Keep in mind that there are no shortcuts to success. You have to be committed, resilient, and persistent to achieve your goals.

Look for ways to showcase your talents in public, make connections with another professional singer, and cooperate with other artists. Don’t be timid about trying new things and taking chances. Singers that have a lot of heart, stick with it, and don’t give up tend to succeed.

So take a big breath, step into the limelight, and watch as your singing career soars to heights you never thought possible. All you have to do is follow our advice, work hard, and put in the time and effort required. And most importantly, have fun on your journey!

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16 thoughts on “How to Start Your Singing Career [Easy Step-by-Step Guide]”

  1. I’ve been singing since I was 3 and I still do now i’ve been looking for ways to put myself out there for the music industry i have a huge passion for singing and I will pursue a singing career. These tips were helpful thank you!.

    Reply
  2. This makes me want to be a singer but my mom doesn’t think that I can’t make it. I’m just want to do the thing that I love. I have been trying to write songs but actually really hard this website just makes it really easy.

    Reply
  3. Thanks for this. I think these tips are very useful for all those people who want to become the best singer. I also want to become a singer but my family and my luck don’t support me. But these tips are very useful.

    Reply
  4. I think these tips might work. I’ve loved singing but i don’t think i need a teacher or anything. Maybe i’ll be the next best thing, maybe. Hehe. My dream is to be a famous singer one day.

    Reply
    • you really should get a teacher or instructor, no matter how good you are. Even famous celebrities like Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendez, and Lady Gaga have voice coaches. You’d be surprised how much they help improve your range and singing quality as well as many other benefits

      Reply
  5. I Like sing a song but i don’t deserve any professional singer hired.this my Week point. How to improve vocal. And her vocies can you guide me. Please reply sir.

    Reply

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