Jobs & Responsibilities for Singers
By Jeffrey Joyner
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job of singer is a highly competitive occupation, and most singers must supplement their income with other work. Securing a job as a singer takes both talent and preparation. Most singers begin their preparations in childhood. As their careers advance, many singers find that the occupation requires responsibilities beyond merely being able to deliver a song on key.
What Singers Do
Singers typically memorize songs written by others, but some singers compose their own works. They may sing alone, with a vocal group such as a choir, provide background vocals for solo artists or record commercials used in broadcasting. Singers may be strictly vocalists or they may play a musical instrument and accompany themselves when they perform.
Where Singers Work
Work locations depend on the type of music that singers specialize in and the level of success they achieve. If they choose classical genres, such as opera, performances are typically in concert halls or auditoriums. Singers of popular music may perform in clubs, parks or bars, particularly when first establishing a career, moving on to larger venues as they find more success. Background vocalists supporting a lead singer work wherever the lead needs them. This may be in a recording studio or onstage at live performances. Singers who specialize in broadcast media normally work in recording studios. Choral groups may give indoor or outdoor concerts or work in recording studios. Some singers find work at theme parks, aboard cruise ships or as entertainers at wedding receptions and private parties. Concerts are normally held on weekends or during evening hours, while recording sessions are typically scheduled during normal business hours.
Singers must be prepared to deliver a performance. They must memorize the songs they are to perform, which normally requires rehearsal sessions with others as well as individual practice. Singers must be punctual to avoid additional costs at recording studios or tardiness in taking the stage. Most singers must audition for jobs, whether they are seeking to join an opera company, a rock band or secure a club booking. If the services of an agent are desired, it is normally the responsibility of the singer to locate an agent and secure a contract. Singers representing themselves must secure their own bookings by either convincing a venue owner to hire them or finding and paying for a venue in which to perform and then selling tickets for her performances.
Becoming a Singer
The primary requirement for singers is to have talent, but talent alone cannot guarantee success. Singers must have the self-discipline to rehearse and practice to improve their performances. For singers desiring to become classical or opera singers, a formal education leading to a four-year degree in music is normally required. Because the field is highly competitive, singers also need perseverance or the ability to keep auditioning, networking and looking for jobs.
Earnings and Job Outlook
How much singers earn varies widely by the degree of success they achieve and the career path they choose. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, musicians and singers earned a median hourly rate of $22.99 in May 2011. Few singers worked full-time at the occupation, so annual salary data was irrelevant. However, the BLS also reported that 10 percent earned no more than $8.63 per hour. The BLS predicted a 10 percent growth rate overall for the occupation, with the employment of singers finding the greatest growth as backup singers and recording artists for commercials, television shows and movies.
Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Musicians and Singers Do
O*Net Online: Summary Report for Singers
CareerInfoNet.org: Occupation Profile — Musicians and Singers
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Musician
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Musicians and Singers — Work Environment
Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Musician or Singer
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Musicians and Singers — Job Outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2011 — Musicians and Singers
Jeffrey Joyner has had numerous articles published on the Internet covering a wide range of topics. He studied electrical engineering after a tour of duty in the military, then became a freelance computer programmer for several years before settling on a career as a writer.
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1 Singing Career Facts
2 Pay Scale for Professional Chorus Singers
3 How Much Do Guitarists Get Paid?
4 Music Composer Job Description