You also need to figure out what kind of performing works best for you; do you work better singing solo, as a lead singer, or as a backup singer? Do you prefer performing in front of small, intimate crowds, or louder, more rambunctious crowds? Figuring out the answers to these questions can further develop your act, image, and set of skills as a singer. Some other questions you might want to address about yourself are: How good is your ear for music? This means: are you able to sing in tune? Can you recognize and feel rhythm in songs? Can you hear a melody once and sing it back correctly?[1] X Research source
If you can’t find a vocal coach that you feel comfortable with, consider taking online signing classes. [4] X Research source Although online classes don’t provide a person to person learning experience, they can introduce you to foundational singing techniques. Just be wary of online webpages that advertise themselves as singing review sites. These sites are usually scams and peddle products to unsuspecting customers. You should be very suspicious of sites like these. [5] X Research source
All in all, figure out the materials you need to pull off a live performance. This will solidify your presence on stage, help create your image, establish your individual sound, and draw in your unique audience following.
It could also be helpful to research your favorite singers and musicians and see how they got to where they are today. What training did they do before they made it big? Who influenced their decision to follow their dream? What obstacles did they face, and how did they conquer them? Doing some research can provide you with background knowledge about how other people in your position have found success in your anticipated field.
Starting out with small performances is a good place to begin before moving onto bigger gigs, but there are other ways that you can perform too.
If someone agrees to let you sing on their demo, see if they will allow you to use their song (which you sang backup on) as a project for your personal portfolio. [8] X Research source
That way, you can get experience working and performing on stage as well as getting into a network of performers.
You want your demo to include a manageable amount of songs, perhaps between 4 and 10. [11] X Research source This means you want your demo to have enough songs to showcase the range of your talents, but also give your listener a small and convenient amount of music to listen to quickly. If you can’t record your demo in a professional studio, you can easily get the required materials to do it yourself. All you need to do purchase some music to sing over and record yourself. [12] X Research source
The more you surround yourself with people who are in your field, the more exposure and opportunities you’ll find to show off your talent and get recognized.
Eventually, your gigs could become bigger and bigger, leading to more opportunities of a producer or agent hearing your sound.
Publicity in your local papers can build up a sizable reputation before your career moves you somewhere bigger like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. [15] X Research source Be sure to save positive reviews and articles from publications so you can include those reviews on your personal website and quote them in interviews. [16] X Research source
Usually, smaller record labels are more open to receiving a variety of musical material. Don’t limit yourself to only sending your music to big record labels. You might have a better chance of getting your foot in the door by sending your demo to all kinds of record labels. Try to make good impressions on everyone you meet. It doesn’t matter if it’s the secretary at an agency you visit to meet a manager, or a fellow musician you have played with; a lot of music professionals get noticed by word of mouth recommendations by other professionals. Gaining a good reputation as dedicated, and a pleasant musician to work with can get you far.
Because of this aspect, consider having a professional help you with developing your press kit. Don’t forget to include a link to your portfolio or personal website.
Be sure to include information about your background as a singer, contact information, positive reviews, and samples of your work (your demo).
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If you show drive, commitment, and confidence in yourself and your work, you may win over a reputable and bustling agent.
Always voice your concerns and ask questions if you are ever confused about any aspect in the contract. If you don’t like something in the contract, try to negotiate and find common ground. This shows that you are responsible and passionate about making a good deal and coming to a mutual agreement. Only sign the contract when you are completely satisfied with the features arranged.
The directions to enter these big competitions can be found on their websites. You can send in your audition tape, and go there in person and perform a live audition. [17] X Research source
TuneCore. com allows you to publish your song or album on their website for a price, but then you get to keep all the rights and royalties to the music you distributed. [18] X Research source This is an easy way to bypass problems that musicians often have with dealing with record labels. You have to put in some promotional effort, but once your material gets noticed, it could serve as a good springboard to starting your singing career. WeeklyIndie. com allows musicians to upload their music, and then the best 10 songs of the week get sent to the website’s paying subscribers. This is a really competitive website, but if your music is chosen, it could launch your singing career into something bigger and better. [19] X Research source
