Singer

What do Singers do?

Professional Singers or Vocalists perform live in front of an audience or make recordings for broadcast, CD or download. They interpret music by using their knowledge of voice production, melody, harmony, and rhythm. They might do session work for backing tracks, advertisements and films. They may sing alone as a soloist, work with a group of musicians or sing with others in a choir. They may sing classical music, pop, ballads or in musical shows.

Singers may specialize in one of many fields such as folk, opera, classical or rock. Classical Singers are categorized by their voice range, usually as soprano, contralto, tenor, baritone, or bass. They usually perform in operas or concerts and may be part of a choral group. Classical Singers may perform in concerts, theaters, clubs, films, television, and radio.

Popular Singers perform different types of music such as jazz, soul, rock, blues, or country and western. They may sing as lead Singers or band members. They may accompany themselves on an instrument such as a guitar or piano or sing with a band or orchestra. Some Singers are singer-songwriters and write songs, or they may compose music. Popular Singers perform on stage, in musicals, on television, in nightclubs, and in television commercials.

Singers of sacred music usually sing in churches and other religious institutions, either solo or in a choral group. They may also perform on television or radio or in concert.

A solo artist may work with an orchestra, an accompanist or their own equipment, such as backing tracks or a musical instrument. Pop Singers may pay session musicians to play the music, or perform at venues that have a house band.

Singers work long and irregular hours, practicing, rehearsing and performing. Evening and weekend work is normal, and there may be a considerable amount of travel. They may work in a variety of environments, from indoor concert halls and night clubs to outdoor venues such as parks or the gardens of stately homes. Singers rarely receive a fixed salary and are usually paid on a concert or gig basis. Payment depends on the venue and experience of the Singer.

A good voice and a strong musical sense are the most important requirements for a Singer. While some Singers have naturally good voices, most are trained. Singers often start out by singing in a church or with a small band. Although the field is competitive, those with a good voice and musical sense can often find work.

Singers generally start training when their voices mature, but although voice training is an asset for Singers, it is possible to have a singing career without formal training. Training requirements depend on the field of music. Many rock and folk Singers rely on on the job training.

Some Singers choose to work as teachers in schools or privately while at the same time developing their own singing career. Or they may follow a career path as a singing teacher. Teaching in colleges or conservatories usually requires a postgraduate degree in music and several years of training.

Singers, along with other musicians, are increasingly making use of technology and social networking sites on the internet to produce and promote their work and develop their careers.

There are 10110 music industry professionals with the job title Singer on Music Jobs

Singer jobs which have appeared on the Music Jobs jobs board:

Bass Soloist Danbury, CT	Today
Tenor Soloist Danbury, CT	Today
Soprano & Bass/Baritone Positions Manhattan, NY	05/23/13

Job description sources include (but are not limited to) imdb.com, skillset.org and wikipedia.