8 Practical Steps to Kickstart Your Singing Career

Published on 21 June 2023 7 min read

6. Network with Industry Professionals

Embarking on a journey to learn how to become a singer can be both exciting and challenging. This blog post will guide you through eight practical steps to help kickstart your singing career and make your dream a reality. Let's dive in!

1. Find Your Voice

Discovering your unique singing voice is the first step in learning how to become a singer. Here are some tips to help you find your vocal style:

Listen to various genres: Explore different types of music and singers to identify what resonates with you. This will help you understand your musical preferences and influences.
Experiment with your range: Try singing various notes and scales to identify your comfortable vocal range. Knowing your range will help you choose songs that suit your voice.
Embrace your uniqueness: Every singer has a distinct voice, so don't be afraid to showcase your individuality. Emphasize the qualities that make your voice stand out.
Record yourself: Listening to recordings of your singing can help you recognize your vocal strengths and weaknesses. Use this feedback to improve your technique and style.

Remember, finding your voice is an ongoing process that evolves as you grow as a singer. Stay open to change and continue refining your sound as you learn how to become a singer.

2. Set Realistic Goals

Having a clear vision of what you want to achieve is essential in learning how to become a singer. Setting realistic goals helps you stay focused and motivated. Here are some tips on how to set achievable goals:

Start small: Begin with short-term goals that are easier to accomplish. For example, aim to learn a new song every week or practice for a specific amount of time each day.
Be specific: Instead of a vague goal like "become a better singer," set precise objectives, such as improving your breath control or expanding your vocal range.
Stay flexible: Understand that your goals may change as you progress in your singing journey. Be open to adjusting your targets as you learn more about your voice and aspirations.
Keep track of your progress: Regularly evaluate your achievements and celebrate your successes. This will boost your confidence and encourage you to continue working towards your singing goals.

Setting realistic goals is a crucial step in learning how to become a singer. With a clear plan of action, you'll be better equipped to navigate your path to success.

3. Invest in Vocal Lessons

Just like any other skill, learning how to become a singer requires guidance from experienced professionals. Vocal lessons can help you develop your voice and technique, ensuring you're on the right track. Here's why investing in vocal lessons is important:

Personalized feedback: A vocal teacher can identify your strengths and weaknesses, providing tailored advice to help you improve.
Proper technique: Learning the correct way to sing from the start can prevent bad habits and potential strain on your voice.
Accountability: Regular lessons keep you committed to practicing and progressing in your singing journey.
Support and encouragement: A good vocal teacher can be a valuable mentor, offering guidance and motivation as you work towards your goals.

You don't need to break the bank to benefit from vocal lessons. Look for affordable options like group classes or online tutorials. Remember, the goal is to invest in your growth as a singer, so choose a teacher or resource that aligns with your needs and aspirations.

4. Build Your Repertoire

As you learn how to become a singer, it's essential to develop a collection of songs you can confidently perform. Building your repertoire not only showcases your versatility but also helps you identify your unique style. Here are some tips for creating a diverse and engaging repertoire:

Select songs that suit your voice: Choose pieces that highlight your vocal range and showcase your strengths. It's great to challenge yourself, but make sure you feel comfortable and confident performing the songs.
Explore different genres and styles: Don't limit yourself to one type of music. Experiment with various genres, such as pop, rock, jazz, or classical, to find your niche and expand your skill set.
Include crowd-pleasers and lesser-known gems: Balance your repertoire with popular hits and lesser-known songs that allow you to stand out from the crowd.
Learn songs in different languages: If you're multilingual, consider incorporating songs in other languages to showcase your versatility and broaden your audience.
Update your repertoire regularly: Keep your song list fresh and relevant by adding new pieces and retiring ones that no longer resonate with you or your audience.

Remember, your repertoire is your musical calling card. It should reflect who you are as a singer and give your audience a taste of what you have to offer. As you continue to grow and develop, so should your song collection.

5. Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is key to improving your singing skills and becoming a successful singer. It's not enough to know how to become a singer; you must put in the time and effort to hone your craft. Here are some tips on how to establish a productive practice routine:

Set a schedule: Determine how many hours a week you can dedicate to practicing and stick to it. Consistency is crucial for steady progress.
Warm up: Start each practice session with vocal warm-ups to protect your voice and prepare it for the work ahead.
Focus on technique: Allocate time to work on specific technical aspects of singing, such as breath control, pitch accuracy, or diction.
Record yourself: Use a recording device to capture your practice sessions. Listening to yourself can help you identify areas that need improvement.
Set goals: Establish short-term and long-term goals for your practice sessions. This will give you a sense of direction and motivation.
Take breaks: Give your voice and body a rest when needed. Overworking can lead to strain and injury.
Have fun: While it's essential to take practice seriously, don't forget to enjoy the process. Sing songs that you love and experiment with new styles to keep things interesting.

By practicing regularly and staying committed to your goals, you'll be well on your way to refining your skills and becoming the singer you aspire to be.

6. Network with Industry Professionals

Building relationships with people in the music industry can be instrumental in advancing your singing career. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable advice from seasoned professionals. Here are some practical tips on how to connect with people in the music world:

Attend events: Go to music conferences, concerts, and open mics to meet other musicians, producers, and industry insiders.
Volunteer or intern: Offer your time and skills to help out at a local recording studio, radio station, or music venue. This can give you hands-on experience and access to industry professionals.
Join online forums: Participate in online discussions related to singing, songwriting, and the music business. This can help you learn from others and make connections in the industry.
Collaborate with other artists: Working with other musicians can lead to new creative opportunities and expand your network.
Be professional: When networking, always present yourself in a professional manner. Be polite, respectful, and listen to others' ideas and experiences.
Follow up: After meeting someone in the industry, send a follow-up message to thank them for their time and express your interest in staying connected.

Remember, networking is about building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts. By being approachable, engaging, and sincere, you'll increase your chances of forging valuable connections that can help you on your journey to become a singer.

7. Create an Online Presence

In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is vital for anyone looking to become a singer. Your online presence can showcase your talent, help you connect with fans, and catch the attention of industry professionals. Here are some steps to help you establish and maintain a successful online presence:

Build a website: Create a professional-looking website that includes your music, biography, photos, and contact information. This can serve as a digital portfolio for your singing career.
Utilize social media: Set up profiles on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share updates, engage with fans, and connect with other artists. Be consistent with posting and interacting to keep your audience interested.
Upload your music: Share your music on popular streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud to make it accessible to a wider audience.
Create a YouTube channel: Record and upload videos of your performances, cover songs, or even behind-the-scenes footage. This can help showcase your talent and personality to potential fans.
Engage with your audience: Respond to comments, answer questions, and show appreciation for your fans. Building a loyal fanbase can help propel your singing career forward.
Monitor your progress: Keep track of your online growth using analytics tools available on most platforms. This can help you identify what is working and make improvements as needed.

By investing time and effort into building a strong online presence, you'll be well on your way to achieving your dream of becoming a singer.

8. Perform Locally

Performing live is a crucial aspect of learning how to become a singer. It allows you to gain valuable experience, build your confidence, and connect with potential fans. Here are some tips to help you get started with performing locally:

Research local venues: Look for open mic nights, coffee shops, bars, and other venues in your area that host live music. Make a list of places where you could potentially perform.
Prepare a setlist: Choose a selection of songs that showcase your vocal abilities and suit the venue's atmosphere. Be sure to rehearse your set thoroughly before performing.
Promote your shows: Use your online presence and word of mouth to let people know about your upcoming performances. The more people who come to see you perform, the better your chances of building a fanbase.
Network with other musicians: Attend local shows and music events to meet other artists and industry professionals. Building connections within your local music scene can open up new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Record your performances: Capture video or audio of your live shows to share on your website and social media platforms. This can help attract new fans and potentially catch the attention of music industry professionals.
Learn from each experience: After every performance, take the time to reflect on what went well and what areas you can improve upon. Use this feedback to continually grow as a singer and performer.

By actively seeking out opportunities to perform locally and honing your live performance skills, you'll be well on your way to turning your dream of becoming a singer into a reality.

If you enjoyed this blog post and are looking to kickstart your music career, don't miss the workshop titled 'Industry Insights: Starting Your Music Career' by Aria Jay. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights, tips, and advice on how to get started and succeed in the music industry.