Q&A for How to Start Your Singing Career

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  • Question
    Can I learn singing at home?
    Amy Chapman, MA
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Amy Chapman MA, CCC-SLP is a vocal therapist and singing voice specialist. Amy is a licensed and board certified speech & language pathologist who has dedicated her career to helping professionals improve and optimize their voice. Amy has lectured on voice optimization, speech, vocal health, and voice rehabilitation at universities across California, including UCLA, USC, Chapman University, Cal Poly Pomona, CSUF, CSULA. Amy is trained in Lee Silverman Voice Therapy, Estill, LMRVT, and is a part of the American Speech and Hearing Association.
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Expert Answer
    Yes! You should practice singing every day if you can. For instance, each day you might do vocal exercises and warm-ups, then practice your songs. That will help you improve your singing.
  • Question
    How often do I need to practice singing to make it my career?
    Amy Chapman, MA
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Amy Chapman MA, CCC-SLP is a vocal therapist and singing voice specialist. Amy is a licensed and board certified speech & language pathologist who has dedicated her career to helping professionals improve and optimize their voice. Amy has lectured on voice optimization, speech, vocal health, and voice rehabilitation at universities across California, including UCLA, USC, Chapman University, Cal Poly Pomona, CSUF, CSULA. Amy is trained in Lee Silverman Voice Therapy, Estill, LMRVT, and is a part of the American Speech and Hearing Association.
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Expert Answer
    I recommend you practice every day if you're able to. You don't want to push too hard, especially if your voice sounds a little hoarse, but you should exercise your voice every day.
  • Question
    How can I become a famous singer?
    Amy Chapman, MA
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Amy Chapman MA, CCC-SLP is a vocal therapist and singing voice specialist. Amy is a licensed and board certified speech & language pathologist who has dedicated her career to helping professionals improve and optimize their voice. Amy has lectured on voice optimization, speech, vocal health, and voice rehabilitation at universities across California, including UCLA, USC, Chapman University, Cal Poly Pomona, CSUF, CSULA. Amy is trained in Lee Silverman Voice Therapy, Estill, LMRVT, and is a part of the American Speech and Hearing Association.
    Voice & Speech Coach
    Expert Answer
    Figure out what kind of singer you are and what kind of career you'd like, such as a singer-songwriter, session singer, artist, or choral singer. Then, find someone who does something similar to what you want to do and ask to take them out to lunch so you can ask them about their career path.
  • Question
    What is the best age to start my singing career?
    Community Answer
    Start right now, no matter how old you are. The more experience you have the better, so if you start at a young age you will have a one-up on everyone else in the long run.
  • Question
    How do you overcome shyness if you want to be noticed without posting online?
    Community Answer
    Start out by performing for very small audiences like your family, friends, and even stuffed animals! As your confidence grows performing for these people frequently, you should feel that you can let your audiences a get bigger and bigger.
  • Question
    How can I write a song to sing myself?
    Community Answer
    Learn how to play an instrument, and decide what notes sound good to you. Watch YouTube videos on how to play a couple of songs. And check out this article: how to write a song .
  • Question
    How much do singers and songwriters make?
    Community Answer
    They can make no money (and even lose money!) or make millions. It totally depends on talent, luck, hard work and knowing the right people.
  • Question
    How do I become a popular singer?
    Community Answer
    You can really post your singing on YouTube and SoundCloud or make a website. You can also try out for singing competitions or talent shows to showcase your talent in person.
  • Question
    How do I start my singing career when I'm young?
    Community Answer
    One great way is to try out for big singing competition,s like The Voice, American Idol, America's Got Talent, Britain's Got Talent, etc. If you succeed in these, then often times you can even make money from this!
  • Question
    How can I get a manager?
    Community Answer
    You need exposure. Post music videos of yourself and try to sing publicly as much as possible. Be sure to add a note to your videos with your contact information, or add it to flyers at your gigs. Upon hearing you, a manager may contact you and say that they are interested in representing you.
  • Question
    How can someone discover me if I don't post videos on YouTube?
    Community Answer
    Participate in singing contests or perform at your school/college/university to get some exposure.
  • Question
    How do I find an agent?
    Community Answer
    Look in your local phone directory under entertainment, booking agents, etc. You can also look online.
  • Question
    How do I get a high-pitched singing voice?
    Community Answer
    You can get a high-pitched voice by singing nice and high, but before you do that you have to practice until you are comfortable with your voice. Consider taking singing lessons.
  • Question
    Do you have to change your personality to become a pop singer?
    Community Answer
    No, but if you really do not like large crowds, or meeting fans in public, it probably just isn't for you.
  • Question
    Is it possible for an Indian to send a demo to an American record label like RCA, A&R, etc?
    Community Answer
    Of course. Your nationality shouldn't come in the way of your talent. However, bigger record labels have a lot on their plates already, so if you're just starting out, it's better to approach smaller labels. That way you can build a fan base, get practice performing in front of crowds and experiment with different styles before you determine what fits your liking and what doesn't. Once you have a footing, it's a lot easier to get recognized by bigger labels.
  • Question
    What do I do if I want to be a singer but I'm really shy and afraid of singing in public?
    Community Answer
    Try taking singing lessons to improve your confidence. Don't let your shyness prevent you from pursuing your dream; believe in yourself and practice over and over again.
  • Question
    How do I locate a good vocal instructor?
    Community Answer
    Search online or ask friends who take voice lessons.
  • Question
    How do I get my songs out into the world if I only use YouTube?
    Community Answer
    Just be patient, and if your viewers like your voice, you will eventually gain many subscribers. YouTube sensations attract industry attention.
  • Question
    Where do I need to live in order to have a singing career?
    Community Answer
    A major city is going to have the most opportunities. Nashville is the place for country music, but New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Austin are all good options.
  • Question
    What subject must I study at school to be a singer?
    Community Answer
    Study music and work with a vocal coach.
  • Question
    How can I become a singer secretly without any musical instrument?
    Community Answer
    Some people sing without music at all. If you still want music, but don't want to play an instrument, you can get creative using random sounds, or use an app like GarageBand.
  • Question
    Can I be a singer in the U.S. if I am from India?
    Community Answer
    Definitely! From a logistical standpoint, it would probably be best to move to the U.S. first, though.
  • Question
    I'm 13, can I start my singing career?
    Community Answer
    You should start by posting singing videos on YouTube and/or preforming in school choir. I would also recommend you take singing lessons with a professional in order to hone your craft.
  • Question
    How do I understand my voice and what genre it fits into?
    Community Answer
    Try to sing different types of songs and see which one fits best with your voice. When you find one that works really well, check out different songs that belong to that same genre.
  • Question
    What happens if I can't use social media?
    Community Answer
    You should try to promote yourself in other ways, such as CDs or pamphlets.
  • Question
    How can I become famous at a young age?
    Community Answer
    I suppose the simplest way would be making it on a big talent/singing show.
  • Question
    How can a 12 year old become a singer?
    Community Answer
    You can practice really hard every day, and upload your singing to social media so that people can see it.
  • Question
    How do I get more viewers for my music videos?
    Community Answer
    You could get friends and family that you know to share your video with their friends and family. You can also promote it on social media.
  • Question
    What if I'm not in high school yet and I don't have these resources? Can I still have a singing career at this age?
    Community Answer
    You can start a singing career at any age. Being part of your school’s choir or theater productions help a lot. Additionally, you can consider performing at school events and talent shows, and when you are old enough, start a YouTube channel and spread your music through social media. Just remember to be confident in yourself, keep trying, and be passionate about singing. That can really take you a long way.
  • Question
    What degree do I need to become a singer?
    Community Answer
    You don't have to go to college to be a singer, but you might want to think about a degree in music or the arts.
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