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how can i become a singer?
i'm a 14 years old girl that leaves in LA i'd love to become a singer, but i need a specific path with specific day to day plans and what singing comp should i do etc...
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9 answers
Updated
Maribel’s Answer
Hi Lillie,
Kept it short and brief for you. You should try to make yourself known locally. School plays with singing parts and solos in your school or church choir are a great, free way to try to seek the spotlight that contribute to your community. Have someone record your performance to distribute it online to family, friends, and social media followers later to get an audience for feedback that can help with growth. Good Luck.
Kept it short and brief for you. You should try to make yourself known locally. School plays with singing parts and solos in your school or church choir are a great, free way to try to seek the spotlight that contribute to your community. Have someone record your performance to distribute it online to family, friends, and social media followers later to get an audience for feedback that can help with growth. Good Luck.
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Lilly-Rose,
There are some good advice bits in the other answers so I'll attempt to add some further insight. The music industry is vast and complex. I suggest if you want to go pro study the music industry.
First of all always practice. Learn from other singers how to use your voice in all the singing situations you can imagine live and in studio. In the industry it has been said that it is 20% talent and 80% marketing. It is still like that to a point but the internet has opened up opportunities where your talent is basically all you need. Of course you have to get published on the internet. That is easy. Simply make a video of yourself singing and post it. Age restrictions might be a problem I don't know about that. And don't expect it to get many views. This will introduce you to the real world of the music industry. This is a good place to begin to learn the industry.
You will also find a lot of advice on what to do. You won't be able to everything so you have to decide which activities could be beneficial that you can do. For example I've never provided an Electronic Press Release Kit. And I've been on radio for over a decade and my band is going to Nashville to look into record deals by invitation. In the beginning I was told that I need an Electronic Press Release Kit. Even though I got this far without it it doesn't mean that you don't need to. It is beneficial to have. I focused on other parts or activities.
The reality of the music industry is not so pretty. Most people don't know that many artists you hear on the radio are broke and are in debt to the record label. So you have to learn how to market your music and keep watch on your artist finances.
As you can see the industry is quite complex and the learning never stops. The variables are endless.
Learn music. A good singer can read, write & understand music. The more you know about music the better artist you can be. The more you learn about marketing music will help you in your earnings. Just like anything else you have to learn your craft and how the industry works and how to market it.
All the other answers here are good advice and we learned from experience as well.
God bless you I wish you the best
There are some good advice bits in the other answers so I'll attempt to add some further insight. The music industry is vast and complex. I suggest if you want to go pro study the music industry.
First of all always practice. Learn from other singers how to use your voice in all the singing situations you can imagine live and in studio. In the industry it has been said that it is 20% talent and 80% marketing. It is still like that to a point but the internet has opened up opportunities where your talent is basically all you need. Of course you have to get published on the internet. That is easy. Simply make a video of yourself singing and post it. Age restrictions might be a problem I don't know about that. And don't expect it to get many views. This will introduce you to the real world of the music industry. This is a good place to begin to learn the industry.
You will also find a lot of advice on what to do. You won't be able to everything so you have to decide which activities could be beneficial that you can do. For example I've never provided an Electronic Press Release Kit. And I've been on radio for over a decade and my band is going to Nashville to look into record deals by invitation. In the beginning I was told that I need an Electronic Press Release Kit. Even though I got this far without it it doesn't mean that you don't need to. It is beneficial to have. I focused on other parts or activities.
The reality of the music industry is not so pretty. Most people don't know that many artists you hear on the radio are broke and are in debt to the record label. So you have to learn how to market your music and keep watch on your artist finances.
As you can see the industry is quite complex and the learning never stops. The variables are endless.
Learn music. A good singer can read, write & understand music. The more you know about music the better artist you can be. The more you learn about marketing music will help you in your earnings. Just like anything else you have to learn your craft and how the industry works and how to market it.
All the other answers here are good advice and we learned from experience as well.
God bless you I wish you the best
Updated
Icyy’s Answer
Hello Lily-Rose!
Congrats on choosing your journey as a singer! I may not be a singer, but as a music composer, I've gained some insights (from my higher and lower profile buddies) and my experience that might be beneficial to you:
- Consider gaining a fundamental understanding of music, both classical and modern. You'll be surprised by how much you can learn and grow from this knowledge.
- Begin your exploration into music production as soon as possible. Acquire a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), familiarize yourself with it, and start recording your own music. GarageBand is a great option if you're an Apple user, and it's free! You can start with a budget-friendly microphone or even use your computer's built-in mic. This will be your first step into the world of music production.
- Seek out experiences through workshops, choirs, and even volunteering at various shows. The more experience you gain, the more comfortable you'll become on stage, and your performance skills will naturally improve.
- It may sound obvious, but practice is key! Talent is wonderful, but without consistent practice, your skills won't improve and may even deteriorate.
- Strive to connect with as many people as possible. Begin building your network early on, as you never know when someone might need a singer for their project and you could be the perfect fit.
- In addition to singing, consider adding "songwriter" to your repertoire. Many singers write their own songs to gain more visibility. Carry a notebook with you and try writing something every day. It doesn't have to be about a specific event; you can write about anything, like today's weather or a squirrel you just saw.
- Lastly, I highly recommend a book titled 'The Artist's Way'. This self-help book is a fantastic resource to nurture your creativity. Many successful singers, actors, and musicians have found it beneficial.
Best of luck on your singing journey! Embrace your youth, let your creativity soar, and venture into the unknown! The path of a musician or artist can be challenging, with more rejections than most other careers. But don't let that discourage you. Keep pushing forward, and success will come your way. Go out there and make your mark on the world!
Congrats on choosing your journey as a singer! I may not be a singer, but as a music composer, I've gained some insights (from my higher and lower profile buddies) and my experience that might be beneficial to you:
- Consider gaining a fundamental understanding of music, both classical and modern. You'll be surprised by how much you can learn and grow from this knowledge.
- Begin your exploration into music production as soon as possible. Acquire a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), familiarize yourself with it, and start recording your own music. GarageBand is a great option if you're an Apple user, and it's free! You can start with a budget-friendly microphone or even use your computer's built-in mic. This will be your first step into the world of music production.
- Seek out experiences through workshops, choirs, and even volunteering at various shows. The more experience you gain, the more comfortable you'll become on stage, and your performance skills will naturally improve.
- It may sound obvious, but practice is key! Talent is wonderful, but without consistent practice, your skills won't improve and may even deteriorate.
- Strive to connect with as many people as possible. Begin building your network early on, as you never know when someone might need a singer for their project and you could be the perfect fit.
- In addition to singing, consider adding "songwriter" to your repertoire. Many singers write their own songs to gain more visibility. Carry a notebook with you and try writing something every day. It doesn't have to be about a specific event; you can write about anything, like today's weather or a squirrel you just saw.
- Lastly, I highly recommend a book titled 'The Artist's Way'. This self-help book is a fantastic resource to nurture your creativity. Many successful singers, actors, and musicians have found it beneficial.
Best of luck on your singing journey! Embrace your youth, let your creativity soar, and venture into the unknown! The path of a musician or artist can be challenging, with more rejections than most other careers. But don't let that discourage you. Keep pushing forward, and success will come your way. Go out there and make your mark on the world!
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Embarking on the path to becoming a singer at a young age demands commitment, tenacity, and a well-thought-out strategy to nurture your talent and seize opportunities in the music world. Residing in Los Angeles, a vibrant center for entertainment and music, presents exceptional benefits such as access to resources, educational programs, and industry connections. To set sail on your singing journey, it's crucial to devise a detailed plan that aligns with your ambitions and dreams.
Primarily, concentrate on refining your vocal abilities through regular practice and instruction. Think about signing up for vocal classes with a competent teacher who can offer direction, feedback, and tailored lessons to aid you in mastering correct techniques, range, control, and performance skills. Additionally, seek chances to join vocal workshops, masterclasses, and summer programs that provide rigorous training and performance opportunities.
Alongside vocal training, it's vital to cultivate your musicality and comprehension of music theory. Dedicate time to learning how to read sheet music, understand musical notation, and hone your ear for pitch, rhythm, and harmony. This core knowledge will not only amplify your singing skills but also equip you to collaborate effectively with musicians, producers, and songwriters in the future.
As you advance on your musical path, think about becoming part of a choir, vocal group, or community theater ensemble to acquire performance experience and boost your confidence on stage. Engaging in local talent shows, open mic nights, and singing contests can also offer valuable chances to display your talent, receive feedback, and connect with industry experts.
Regarding specific singing contests, investigate and pinpoint reputable competitions that match your musical style, genre preferences, and age group. Some well-known singing contests for budding young singers include "The Voice Kids," "America's Got Talent: The Champions," "American Idol," and "The X Factor." Remember that taking part in contests can be a beneficial learning experience, no matter the result, as they offer exposure, feedback, and the chance to network with industry insiders.
Beyond contests, harness online platforms and social media to exhibit your talent and reach a wider audience. Develop a professional website or social media accounts dedicated to your music, where you can post videos of your performances, cover songs, original music, and updates on your musical journey. Engage with your followers, team up with other musicians, and seek opportunities to perform at local venues, festivals, and events.
Finally, bear in mind that achieving success in the music field often demands resilience, patience, and tenacity. Be ready to confront rejection, obstacles, and challenges along the way, but stay focused on your love for singing and your long-term objectives. Remain receptive to learning, growth, and new opportunities, and never stop having faith in yourself and your potential as a singer. With devotion, diligence, and a strategic approach to your musical development, you can chase your dream of becoming a singer and carve out a fulfilling career in the music industry.
Primarily, concentrate on refining your vocal abilities through regular practice and instruction. Think about signing up for vocal classes with a competent teacher who can offer direction, feedback, and tailored lessons to aid you in mastering correct techniques, range, control, and performance skills. Additionally, seek chances to join vocal workshops, masterclasses, and summer programs that provide rigorous training and performance opportunities.
Alongside vocal training, it's vital to cultivate your musicality and comprehension of music theory. Dedicate time to learning how to read sheet music, understand musical notation, and hone your ear for pitch, rhythm, and harmony. This core knowledge will not only amplify your singing skills but also equip you to collaborate effectively with musicians, producers, and songwriters in the future.
As you advance on your musical path, think about becoming part of a choir, vocal group, or community theater ensemble to acquire performance experience and boost your confidence on stage. Engaging in local talent shows, open mic nights, and singing contests can also offer valuable chances to display your talent, receive feedback, and connect with industry experts.
Regarding specific singing contests, investigate and pinpoint reputable competitions that match your musical style, genre preferences, and age group. Some well-known singing contests for budding young singers include "The Voice Kids," "America's Got Talent: The Champions," "American Idol," and "The X Factor." Remember that taking part in contests can be a beneficial learning experience, no matter the result, as they offer exposure, feedback, and the chance to network with industry insiders.
Beyond contests, harness online platforms and social media to exhibit your talent and reach a wider audience. Develop a professional website or social media accounts dedicated to your music, where you can post videos of your performances, cover songs, original music, and updates on your musical journey. Engage with your followers, team up with other musicians, and seek opportunities to perform at local venues, festivals, and events.
Finally, bear in mind that achieving success in the music field often demands resilience, patience, and tenacity. Be ready to confront rejection, obstacles, and challenges along the way, but stay focused on your love for singing and your long-term objectives. Remain receptive to learning, growth, and new opportunities, and never stop having faith in yourself and your potential as a singer. With devotion, diligence, and a strategic approach to your musical development, you can chase your dream of becoming a singer and carve out a fulfilling career in the music industry.
Updated
Maribel’s Answer
Hi Lilly,
Kept it short and brief for you. You should try to make yourself known locally. School plays with singing parts and solos in your school or church choir are a great, free way to try to seek the spotlight that contribute to your community. Have someone record your performance to distribute it online to family, friends, and social media followers later to get an audience for feedback that can help with growth. Good Luck.
Kept it short and brief for you. You should try to make yourself known locally. School plays with singing parts and solos in your school or church choir are a great, free way to try to seek the spotlight that contribute to your community. Have someone record your performance to distribute it online to family, friends, and social media followers later to get an audience for feedback that can help with growth. Good Luck.
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
Hey Lily,
You got some great advice here already! I started studying music and noticing I wanted to be a musician around your age so I'll throw in some things I did, and some I wish I had done. It's hard to give you specific advice about singing without hearing you sing, however, I can recommend you look up beginner vocal warmup exercises on YouTube and practice every week to always evolve gaining more control over your voice. I definitely recommend looking for a vocal coach or a choir, but if that's not an option right now, the internet has a lot of great resources. If you do choose to learn on your own, never keep doing a vocal exercise if it hurts or doesn't feel right. Go on your own pace, and have fun.
This may seem unrelated, but learn an instrument. I totally ignored that advice early on, and today I love learning new instruments - every time I do, I feel more comfortable singing and it all feels more natural. Theory can come later or little by little, but pick an instrument and learn some songs you like for fun. Have discipline to play and sing every day, but do your best to never lose the fun of it. Part of that is just being curious. If you can join a band in school, as a singer and/or an instrumentalist, that's super great too! I'd steer away from competition and focus on collaboration.
Being curious about other kinds of art is also part of being a musician for a lot of people, so if you wanna explore that - go for it.
So, short answer for a general start - practice songs every day. One new song, one song you're trying to perfect. Do a warm up before you start singing, cool down after you sing. If you pick the piano, practice your scales and some chord changes on it every day, then pick a song you like. If you have extra time, watch interviews with musicians, look for tutorials for vocal/instrument techniques. Have fun!
You got some great advice here already! I started studying music and noticing I wanted to be a musician around your age so I'll throw in some things I did, and some I wish I had done. It's hard to give you specific advice about singing without hearing you sing, however, I can recommend you look up beginner vocal warmup exercises on YouTube and practice every week to always evolve gaining more control over your voice. I definitely recommend looking for a vocal coach or a choir, but if that's not an option right now, the internet has a lot of great resources. If you do choose to learn on your own, never keep doing a vocal exercise if it hurts or doesn't feel right. Go on your own pace, and have fun.
This may seem unrelated, but learn an instrument. I totally ignored that advice early on, and today I love learning new instruments - every time I do, I feel more comfortable singing and it all feels more natural. Theory can come later or little by little, but pick an instrument and learn some songs you like for fun. Have discipline to play and sing every day, but do your best to never lose the fun of it. Part of that is just being curious. If you can join a band in school, as a singer and/or an instrumentalist, that's super great too! I'd steer away from competition and focus on collaboration.
Being curious about other kinds of art is also part of being a musician for a lot of people, so if you wanna explore that - go for it.
So, short answer for a general start - practice songs every day. One new song, one song you're trying to perfect. Do a warm up before you start singing, cool down after you sing. If you pick the piano, practice your scales and some chord changes on it every day, then pick a song you like. If you have extra time, watch interviews with musicians, look for tutorials for vocal/instrument techniques. Have fun!
4
Questions
Updated
Riley’s Answer
Hi Lilly-Rose!
Start gaining as much experience on stage in front of an audience as possible, it won't be easy but it's best to have that foundation. Next, if you're considering going to college, seek as singing/acapella clubs as possible, it's important to understand how to work with other musicians and find where your strengths lie, it helps others as well! Lastly, take more and more lessons: there will always be room for improvement, and you need to take care of your voice just like you would a muscle.
Start gaining as much experience on stage in front of an audience as possible, it won't be easy but it's best to have that foundation. Next, if you're considering going to college, seek as singing/acapella clubs as possible, it's important to understand how to work with other musicians and find where your strengths lie, it helps others as well! Lastly, take more and more lessons: there will always be room for improvement, and you need to take care of your voice just like you would a muscle.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lily-Rose !
It is such a rewarding and fun career to be a singer. There are so many different types of singing, too, and you are in one of the best regions for being an entertainer or performing artist. It's great that you are starting young and I encourage you to continue to ask questions and seek advice here at Career Village.
While you are in high school, be involved with as many singing related experiences that your school offers: voice class, chorus, musical theatre, etc. As well, you can create a channel on You Tube or any other platform of you singing, sort of an electronic portfolio of your talent. No matter what type of singing you do or like, it's always good to get strong basic instruction. I would suggest attending a community college and getting an Associates Degree in Music. This would be the more inexpensive way to obtain formal training after you graduate high school. You should take courses in Voice (Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced), Musical Theatre, Acting, Public Speaking, Modern Dance, Music Composition and any other courses at college that will support your professional singing career.
Keep in mind that you are already a singer if you've been singing in productions or making appearances already. To start as a professional, which means that you get paid for your singing, will take some time. You should use your high school years to gain versatility, develop a stronger voice, obtain experience for a resume and learn about the different opportunities, many of which will be during your college days.
I can't give you a day to day routine, but something you may consider would be to do exercises that singers use to keep them in shape vocally. There are a lot of videos for this on You Tube, such as this one https://youtu.be/1H1DyqzJkDE?si=tXV66PEJs5SByLQx I would suggest that you look through the ones on You Tube and pick some that you'd like to do everyday or three or four times a week.
Start reading the trade papers/websites. Some of these are: Musical America Worldwide, Billboard, Music Week. Also open a My Space account on which you can showcase your videos. Collaborate with your peers at high school for now and develop your experience and skill. Once you get to college, you will have increased networking and experience opportunities. Try not to rush things, take it slow, enjoy your high school years but remain open minded to different genres.
I don't know what you mean by "singing comp" but if you can ask that as a separate question with more detail, that would help. I don't want to assume that you mean "composition". The rule of thumb is to be versatile because you never know what job you will be chosen for. The more talent range you have, the more opportunities you will have. If you can act and dance, too, that will be in your favor. If you can write lyrics and music, that will be a plus, also.
So, do everything you can in high school, maintaining good grades and once you are 18 and have a drivers license, you may be ready for auditions. Enjoy each project that you work on in high school and than advance to college.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best on your future career !
It is such a rewarding and fun career to be a singer. There are so many different types of singing, too, and you are in one of the best regions for being an entertainer or performing artist. It's great that you are starting young and I encourage you to continue to ask questions and seek advice here at Career Village.
While you are in high school, be involved with as many singing related experiences that your school offers: voice class, chorus, musical theatre, etc. As well, you can create a channel on You Tube or any other platform of you singing, sort of an electronic portfolio of your talent. No matter what type of singing you do or like, it's always good to get strong basic instruction. I would suggest attending a community college and getting an Associates Degree in Music. This would be the more inexpensive way to obtain formal training after you graduate high school. You should take courses in Voice (Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced), Musical Theatre, Acting, Public Speaking, Modern Dance, Music Composition and any other courses at college that will support your professional singing career.
Keep in mind that you are already a singer if you've been singing in productions or making appearances already. To start as a professional, which means that you get paid for your singing, will take some time. You should use your high school years to gain versatility, develop a stronger voice, obtain experience for a resume and learn about the different opportunities, many of which will be during your college days.
I can't give you a day to day routine, but something you may consider would be to do exercises that singers use to keep them in shape vocally. There are a lot of videos for this on You Tube, such as this one https://youtu.be/1H1DyqzJkDE?si=tXV66PEJs5SByLQx I would suggest that you look through the ones on You Tube and pick some that you'd like to do everyday or three or four times a week.
Start reading the trade papers/websites. Some of these are: Musical America Worldwide, Billboard, Music Week. Also open a My Space account on which you can showcase your videos. Collaborate with your peers at high school for now and develop your experience and skill. Once you get to college, you will have increased networking and experience opportunities. Try not to rush things, take it slow, enjoy your high school years but remain open minded to different genres.
I don't know what you mean by "singing comp" but if you can ask that as a separate question with more detail, that would help. I don't want to assume that you mean "composition". The rule of thumb is to be versatile because you never know what job you will be chosen for. The more talent range you have, the more opportunities you will have. If you can act and dance, too, that will be in your favor. If you can write lyrics and music, that will be a plus, also.
So, do everything you can in high school, maintaining good grades and once you are 18 and have a drivers license, you may be ready for auditions. Enjoy each project that you work on in high school and than advance to college.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best on your future career !
Updated
Gazi’s Answer
Greetings, I would say that for to have the best chance of your abilities as a singer to shine; To write songs! Because writing and sharing songs connects you to an inner calling of expressing what you have to say and who you are and within that exploration you will find your path and many opportunities for your voice and tone to grow and mature.