Example Career: Singers

Career Description

Sing songs on stage, radio, television, or motion pictures.

What Job Titles Singers Might Have

• Gospel Singer
• Singer
• Singing Telegram Performer
• Vocalist

What Singers Do

• Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.
• Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
• Perform before live audiences, or in television, radio, or movie productions.
• Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
• Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.
• Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
• Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
• Make or participate in recordings.
• Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording.
• Compose songs or create vocal arrangements.
• Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts.
• Learn acting, dancing, and other skills required for dramatic singing roles.
• Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set.

What Singers Should Be Good At

• Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

What Singers Need to Learn

• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
• Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.