Singer

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Work Tasks

SINGERS perform solo or as part of a group. They entertain live audiences in nightclubs, concert halls, and theaters. Many perform exclusively for recording or production studios for radio, television, and movies. Some go on concert tours traveling throughout the country or the world. They may perform in operas or musicals on stage or in movies and television. A few singers may teach and direct choirs. Some give private voice lessons. Singers are often classified by their voice range, such as soprano, alto, contralto, tenor, baritone, or bass. They usually sing a certain kind of music, such as rock, popular, reggae, folk, opera, choral, gospel, or country and western.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $47,000 average per year ($22.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (43,400 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (0.8% per year)

Entry Requirements

SINGERS usually start training when their voices mature. Although voice training is an asset for singers of popular music, many with untrained voices have successful careers. They may take lessons with private teachers when young and seize every opportunity to make amateur or professional appearances. Singers may also train with groups or in colleges. Being in school musicals or in a choir provides good early training and experience. An audition is often needed to study in college. Singers need no license or certificate. To get an audition, singers often need to be union members.