There's a bathroom singer in you, and you wish to let it "shine bright like a diamond". (Corny much?)
The point is that it's about time you take your singing skills out of that bathroom and to a legitimate platform. You love singing, and who knows, maybe you can be the next big thing on Spotify. You have been singing with the hand shower so far. It's time you took the mic to rock houses and clubs. Be the professional singer you always picture yourself to be.
The real question is:
How can you jump from being a bathroom singer to a.. singer-singer?
Here's a blog that discusses how to turn from a bathroom singer to a professional singer.
First, let's introduce you to the 5 mandatory stages of how to start a singing career. You will encounter these stages while transitioning from a bathroom singer to a professional singer.
Stages of a professional singing career
Stage 1: LEARN
The first step in singing is obviously: to learn the vocal skill. Having a knack for singing is different from having the talent to sing.
Don't: Overestimate or underestimate your vocal talent. You must evaluate your skills honestly. Otherwise, you may feel less confident or set up unrealistic expectations.
You may have a beautiful voice. You may even have the talent to hold a tune. But that isn't enough to be a professional singer. Professional singing is far more different. A singing career is more than just having a sweet voice. The difference between professional and amateur singers is that the former can turn even a mistake into a harmonious note. You must learn to be capable enough to guide music even into your mistakes.
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Stage 2: PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
No matter how much others praise your singing talent, you need to accept that you need professional guidance. Even accomplished singers like Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, and Kelly Clarkson have taken lessons to improve their singing techniques. Moreover, an experienced guide would teach you how to take care of your voice. This includes:
-learning how to hold a tune
-how to warm up your voice before singing
-breathing techniques while singing
-how to expand your vocal range
-how to give your voice the correct support.
Above all, expert singers can tell you how to grow healthy singing habits and get rid of unhealthy habits. Not knowing these aspects of singing may put undue pressure on your vocal chords. Singing too much may have severe repercussions, like swollen vocal chords, nodules, or polyps. In some instances, the constant pressure may even lead to total loss of voice. So, practice safety before you face a singer's ultimate nightmare.
Stage 3: WORK ON THE RHYTHM AND PRONUNCIATIONS
Rhythm is the most important part of music. Learn how to identify, read, and transcribe rhythm. To do so, first understand what rhythm notations and patterns are. As a singer, you need to understand when notes occurs and the role of beats and rhythm. The end goal must be to be able to recignise rhythms whenever you hear them.
Another thing to remember is the role of pronunciation in singing. No matter what song it is or the languages it uses, it is important that you pronounce the words correctly. Why? Because:
-To let the audience connect to the lyrics
-Helps in hitting the notes better
-Improves overall singing quality
It doesn’t matter what your accent is. What matters is that your words are clear to understand.
Stage 4: PRACTICE
Singing skills can be perfect through practice. Practice, indeed, makes people perfect (at least, in terms of the skills they have). Learning every day, one step at a time is a great way to practice. You will be amazed to see how much you can learn in a few weeks. Most singers follow this technique to avoid putting excessive pressure.
Prepare your vocal chords with some exercises. Before you begin singing, try some warm-up exercises. Dedicate the time, like an hour, to practice. Also, set a specific goal for each session. For instance, give yourself the time to learn how to sing a high note. At the same time, keep a few extra minutes to sing your favourite songs for fun. Above all, enjoy the learning process. Some singers upload warm-up sessions on YouTube. You can check those out if you are unaware of where to begin.
You can also listen to your favourite singers for inspiration (which is the easiest task of all).
Did you know: Ariana Grande learned how to sing by imitating some of her favourite singers like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
This no way means that Ariana simply imitated and became a brilliant singer. It means she practised a lot, and while practising, she had an idol who inspired her to improve daily. She is an ideal example for those wondering how to start a singing career at 15.
Above all, as a singer, practice your style. While singing new techniques and inspirations, always remember to find and follow your style. Singers always have a particular style they are known for. From Elvis Presley to Harry Styles, singers conquer hearts with their individual styles.
Stage 5: PERFORM
The biggest challenge for singers is a public performance. To be a professional singer, you must cultivate the confidence to sing in front of people. If you aren't already comfortable with the idea, it's time you build the skill to sing in front of people.
Before you start singing in front of a mass full of strangers:
-Start with small groups of friends and family members.
-Take baby steps to build confidence.
-Grow from tiny inner circle performances to minor events and local pubs.
If you want, you can participate in a Tiktok singing challenge or post a reel on your Instagram page. You need to kick your singing career, meaning you need to push it even if no one else is.
We have got more tips to prepare you for public singing. You can check out these tips to go from a bathroom singer to a public singer.
Tips to prepare yourself for public singing
Public performances: easier said than done.
Also, public performances: more awe-inspiring than ever imagined.
If you want to be a professional singer, public singing will be a part of you career. So, you must face your stage fright and get ready to sing in public.
To make it somewhat easy, we have a few tips to help you be the singer you dream of being.
#1. Learn to show confidence
The first thing you need is the confidence to sing. It may reflect on the stage if you aren't sure of your singing skills. Of course, we all have self-doubts now and then. Even top singers are not always happy with their self-reflection. But, what matters is that when you are at that stage, people don't see your doubts. What they see is a singer singing with passion, someone who knows what they have to show.
Can you start a singing career by yourself? You most definitely can. Practice your music on a stage. Start singing in a room full of people and pretend like you are on the stage. This tip can be helpful for both budding and professional singers. If put directly, you need to fake it till you make it. You are confident and sure on the stage, no matter who you are behind the scenes. End of story!
#2. Select a suitable genre of music/song to establish your style
A genre can sort a lot for you. Picking a genre will help you hone special singing techniques related to the genre. It's better than peddling everywhere and anywhere.
Almost all singers pick a niche at the beginning of their careers. Taylor Swift began with country music. Later, her singing career evolved from country to pop to a country-pop mix. The idea is to pick a singing niche that you can confidently carry. It can be something like a melancholic Lana Del Rey melody, jazz blues, or straightaway death metal. It can be inspired by your favourite singers. Notice your vocal abilities and choose your niche accordingly.
Also, don't compare yourself to big-time singers while you pick a niche. Every singer is defined by unique vocal characteristics. But, a lot goes into those songs you listen to that optimise the tone, voice, and music. The best is to be aware of your singing talents and abilities and act accordingly.
#3. Look for a vocal coach with public-singing experience (If possible)
The best way to learn is through someone's experiences. Hiring a vocal coach with experience in public singing can be a huge eye-opener. The best is to choose professional singers over only trainers with a degree in music. They can tell you about:
-how to face the fear of the stage
-how to tackle the audience to keep them interested
-exercises to do before going on the stage, and more such juicy details.
If possible, singers who have sung in pubs or bars can be good for guidance. They can help you identify where you lack and what qualities you have for public singing.
Remember: Your vocal coach may make you practice to the point that your voice feels torn, or your throat and vocal chords are hurting. You need to change the trainer if they are doing more harm than good.
You can even go for singers who have experience in online singing. Basically, by online-singing track record, we mean singers who have released their songs on youtube, Spotify, or other platforms. Singing online can be extremely helpful in giving you an insight into public singing.
Moreover, a vocal trainer can push you way more. On days you feel demotivated and defeated, a vocal trainer can give you the push you need to recollect your energies. Family, friends, and people you know can give you valuable feedback. However, not everybody in your circle is a professional singer. Trained singers with public singing experience can provide recommendations generally overlooked by the common lot. The trained vocalist will give suggestions for public singing that you may find nowhere else.
#4. Find your "X factor"
You need to know one quality in you that can grab your audience's attention positively. That one unique 'ability', 'talent', 'personality trait', or anything of that sort will earn you the attention of the audience.
Nobody has the 'x-factor' by birth. Singers create that 'x-factor' through practice. Don't shy away from building it even if you are at your lowest. Take one step at a time. It can be a certain vocal technique, dance moves, or anything that can help you stand out as a singer. When you figure it out, start showing it while singing.
Where to start a singing career?
You don't need to be a rockstar immediately to try public singing. You can participate in various ways to develop your singing career. All you need to be is a 'vocalist', if not the 'lead vocalist'. Believe us, this is the path taken by several famous singers.
As a singer, you can find various ways to practice your singing skills in public.
Feel confused by what we mean?
We have developed a list of singing career options to help you kickstart. These options will help you face your stage fright and build confidence before you join the list of solo singers. Let's check out the list!
#1. Backup singing jobs
Many famous artists require backup singers. Music bands, especially, look for backup singers to support the main vocalist. You can be a part of a backup vocalist group and gain much-needed experience in public singing.
Not many backup singers get the much-deserving fame. However, the profession can be a stepping stone to becoming a popular main vocalist. Taking this road is a great way to enhance your singing skills and gain confidence.
Once you experience singing and get the confidence, you can begin your journey as a solo singer or start a band as the lead vocalist. Moreover, collaborating with other backup singers can give you more knowledge. You will know how singing on the stage works, how to prepare yourself, and how you want to present yourself to the audience.
#2. Group singer
You can collaborate with other singers and musicians to form a band if you wish. A band can have potential, especially in the digitally advanced world. You can create covers of other artists' songs. Singers Sam Tsui and Kurt Schneider started their cover by singing some of the best covers in the early 2010s.
If you want, you can create a group of acapella singers and perform at various events. You can even create a portfolio of your singing on social media sites.
#3. Studio professional
Have you heard of jingles? (We are betting you have.)
If you haven't, here are some of the top examples of jingles:
"Double your pleasure
Double your fun
It's the right one
The Doublemint gum" - Doublemint gum jingle, 1988
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"Chili's Baby Back Ribs (with BBQ sauce)
Chili's Baby Back Ribs
Chili's Baby Back Ribs (with BBQ sauce)
And I don't want you, and I don't need you
Don't bother to resist, or I'll beat you
It's not your fault that you're always wrong
The weak ones are there to justify the strong
Chili's Baby Back Ribs" - Chili's, 1998.
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The thing about jingles is that they can make you rich for years to come. If you have the royalties for one hit jingle, you are set to go. Jingles are a creation of advertising agencies. Some singers started their business by writing or singing jingles. It's even better if you compose these jingles. Remember Charlie Harper from the series "Two and a Half Men"? He was the big daddy of jingles.
Jingles may not be your final singing destination. But, they can be valuable singing career opportunities to help you earn good cash. You can start composing and singing jingles and then push it to the mainstream singing career.
#4. Show singer
The final option is to be a mix of sorts a.k.a a show singer. A show singer handles multiple tasks at once. You can be a DJ artist, host, vocalist, and/or instrument player. You can sing for various events such as festivals, weddings, corporate events, and more.
Present yourself as a singer offline and online, and establish a name for yourself. You will earn a wage as a singer and who knows, maybe catch the eye of someone from the music industry. You can also participate in online venues centred around the idea of sharing skills and talents with a worldwide audience. Record yourself singing in events and create a reputation for yourself in various singing communities.
Learn how to start a singing career on Youtube, Instagram, and TikTok to show your singing skills. Tag various singers when you upload a cover. Try the trends followed by other singers. Join different communities of singers online.
FYI, if you already have a degree in music and the expertise but lack the confidence, you can always look for vocal coach jobs. Teaching can always fill you with confidence and self-esteem.
Singers, get in touch with trained experts.
Maybe finding a trainer is not the easiest task. you need to check the credentials, the fee they would charge, and there's always a question of credibility. What if we cut the process short? On KoolStories, you can find well-known vocal coaches like Jacek Maślanka, Sofia Alvarez, and Anne Lam (check out their work on Instagram!). Learn, connect, chat with these singing experts. Join KoolStories for free and get ready to set your rhythm.
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