Bachelor of Arts in Music Education-Choral: Voice
Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure
Singer Career Guide
Singer Career Guide
Overview
What Is a Singer?
A professional singer is a type of performing artist who may sing for live audiences and/or record music in a recording studio for the purpose of distributing and selling it. Some singers perform solo while others perform as members of a musical group, such as a band or choir. A singer may also play an instrument while singing or may focus solely on vocals.
Students interested in how to become a singer should note there are many different types of singing careers.(See disclaimer 1) A singer may specialize in performing at weddings or funerals, for example, or in clubs or on the stage, such as opera singers. Some singers are session musicians who specialize in providing vocals in a recording studio to support the projects of other musicians.(See disclaimer 1 )
Role
What Do Singers Do?
The specific job responsibilities of professional singers can vary, depending on the type of career specialization they’ve chosen. All singers, regardless of career choices, must continually practice to improve their vocal techniques. Singers may also pursue career opportunities through self-promotion and auditions.
When considering what do singers do on a daily basis, their top responsibilities include:
Rehearsing
Singers must practice often to refine their skills. If a singer is a member of a musical group, they may practice solo as well as participate in group rehearsals.
Performing
Many singers perform live in front of audiences. To book performances, singers must engage in self-promotion, such as curating a social media presence and speaking with the media.
Recording
Many singers are recording artists who may record songs they have written or contribute to recording sessions for other musicians’ projects.
Outlook
Is Singing a Good Career?
A career as a singer can be considered a calling. It may be an ideal career for those who are truly passionate about their art and about connecting with their audience. For aspiring performers, there are opportunities to contribute to a vibrant and established field.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 169,800 singers and musicians employed nationwide as of May 2024,(See disclaimer 2) highlighting the broad community of professionals who bring music to audiences in a variety of settings. Whether performing live, recording music or collaborating with other artists, singers can pursue a path that combines creativity, dedication and personal expression.
169,800
Total employment of singers and musicians as of May 2024(See disclaimer 2)
Settings
Where Do Singers Work?
Pursuing a singing career provides significant diversity of choice. Professional vocalists may work in a wide range of settings, from a stage on Broadway to small clubs and beyond.(See disclaimer 1) It’s common for singers to maintain irregular work schedules.(See disclaimer 3) They may rehearse or perform in the evenings, as well as on the weekends.(See disclaimer 3)
Understand what is a singer’s typical workplace like, with examples including:(See disclaimer 1,3)
Religious Settings
Singers and other musicians may perform in faith-based settings, such as churches. They may perform during worship services and at ceremonies, such as funerals.
Schools
Some professional singers work in educational settings, teaching vocal techniques to students.
Concert Venues
Singers may perform with a musical group or solo at concert halls and similar venues. They may schedule tours of multiple venues across the country.
Nightclubs
Club singers, also known as lounge singers, may sing jazz or pop music at clubs.
Broadway Stages
Singers, such as opera and other classical singers, may work on Broadway stages and other major stages.
Recording Studios
Backup singers, session musicians and voice-over artists primarily work in recording studios.
Career Path
How To Become a Singer
There are many paths a person can take to become a music artist, and there are no universal career requirements for pursuing a singing career.(See disclaimer 4) No matter which path you take, singing professionally requires significant training and ongoing practice. It’s common for musicians and singers to begin practicing their craft at an early age, although some may transition to performing arts later in life.(See disclaimer 4)
Aspiring singers may take these steps to pursue a professional career:(See disclaimer 5)
Practice Extensively
Aspiring musicians should train extensively and continue to practice throughout their career. High school classes, private lessons and music camps provide opportunities for training.
Earn an Undergraduate Degree
Although not a requirement, musicians may choose to earn a bachelor’s degree to receive advanced training in musical expression and vocal technique. College also provides opportunities to broaden your expertise by taking courses in complementary disciplines, such as marketing, that can enhance your skills, knowledge and career qualifications.
Promote Your Skills
Singers must engage in self-promotion, such as by auditioning for performance or recording roles. Some singers have agents or managers to identify opportunities and negotiate contracts.
Education
What Education Is Needed To Become a Singer?
High School Diploma
It’s helpful to begin music training as early as possible.(See disclaimer 4) In high school, focus on completing the requirements for graduation. In addition, take music electives, such as chorus, music history and music theory.(See disclaimer 5) Courses in business, including accounting and entrepreneurship, are advisable as some singers are considered self-employed. Look for extracurricular activities that center on the musical arts.(See disclaimer 5)
College Degree
Although a degree is not a requirement for becoming a singer, singers do need extensive musical training and a degree program can provide that. An undergraduate music degree can teach both performance techniques and music theory. Some graduates may choose to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in music or voice performance.(See disclaimer 4)
Entry-Level Roles
It can take hard work and patience to break into the industry. Singers might accept a job in another occupation while working part-time as a musician.(See disclaimer 3) Entry-level roles may include unpaid, self-created positions as a performing artist on social media.(See disclaimer 6) The purpose of this is self-promotion. Beginning singers may also obtain singing opportunities at local venues, including restaurants and hotels.(See disclaimer 6 )
Degrees for Aspiring Singers
3 Matching Degrees
Bachelor of Arts in Music
with an Emphasis in Voice Performance
Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Music
Skills
What Singing Skills Should a Singer Have?
A professional singer’s most important skill is a strong voice. Singers typically undergo voice training to develop their vocal abilities and techniques while also practicing good vocal care, such as resting the vocal cords appropriately to avoid strain.(See disclaimer 6) Other skills are essential for a singing career, including soft skills.
Some of a singer’s most important skills and traits include:(See disclaimer 4)
Musical Talent
Professional singers must possess a good, well-developed singing voice.
Dedication
Dedication to one’s art can be helpful for navigating the extensive training and practice, as well as while trying to break into the industry.
Interpersonal Skills
Singers need to work well with all types of people and be willing to cultivate an expansive professional network.
Promotional Skills
Singers must be able and willing to promote themselves and their performances through social media, media appearances and other avenues.
Career Fit
Is Music Right for Me?
If you’re interested in pursuing a music career but unsure if singing is right for you, there are a variety of music degree options to consider. Discover GCU’s bachelor’s degrees in music and music production, including emphasis options in instrumental performance and degrees that lead to initial teacher licensure.
Music Degrees
Explore More on Singers
Before determining your ideal career pathway, take a closer look at what you can expect from a music career.
Begin Your Path in Music and Performance
Pursue your passion for music by undergoing vocal training or practicing instrument performance at GCU.
- Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, Dec. 10). What Is a Singing Career? 11 Careers in the Singing Industry. Indeed. Retrieved May 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Musicians and Singers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Musicians and Singers: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How To Become a Musician or Singer. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved May 2026.
- Illinois WorkNet Center. (n.d.). Recording Artists - Helpful High School Courses. Illinois Career Information System. Retrieved May 2026.
- Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, March 2). How To Become a Singer in 5 Steps (Plus Skills and Tips). Indeed. Retrieved May 2026.