How to Be a Professional Singer

Co-authored by Tanisha Hall

Last Updated: May 27, 2025 Approved

While becoming a professional singer is no small task, there’s no reason you can’t achieve your dream if you’re willing to put the work in. There are plenty of ways that you can work towards your goal, and we’re here to show you what you’ll need to do. From changing your perspective to practical steps you can take to improve your voice, we’ll walk you through the process.

1

Meditate on why you want this.

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Not for the fame, but because you have a true, and strong passion for music! It's going to take a lot of hard work. Don't just do it for money or to show off.^{[1]
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Tanisha Hall
Vocal Coach

Expert Interview}

2

Take singing lessons.

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^{[2]
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Tanisha Hall
Vocal Coach

Expert Interview} It does not matter how naturally talented or terrible you might be; lessons will teach you a lot and help you improve your voice.^{[3]
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3

Collaborate with others.

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If you want to be in a band or group, you’ll need to look for other dedicated trustworthy musicians that have the same creative vision that you do and will feel comfortable creatively collaborating with. If you choose the wrong band mates that can lead to serious issues down the road.^{[4]
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4

Practice in front of an audience.

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Once you feel a comfortable with your voice, you need to get use to singing in front of others, start singing around people you are already somewhat familiar with and comfortably around like at a school choir, or church.^{[5]
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5

Get some exposure.

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Now you need to start getting comfortable around strangers: (1) Go to your local fair and ask them if they have open slots for you to perform. (2) If there are any business near by that have open mic nights, go for that. (3) If your lucky and live in a bigger city you can just perform on the street, or maybe a concert venue.

6

Network.

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This might not really work as well if you live in a smaller town. Become friends with people at concert venues, you might end up opening for another 'bigger' band, and could make even more connections.

7

Record a demo.

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Start recording demos.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Tanisha Hall
Vocal Coach

Expert Interview} You can even use a program called Garage-band on a MAC.

8

Promote yourself.

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Start promoting yourself like there's no tomorrow.^{[7]
X
Research source} Tell friends and family members, make fliers for upcoming gigs, make a Myspace, a Facebook, a twitter, a live journal, and a YouTube account anything that can reach a lot of people upload your music and attempt to add as many people as possible!

9

Send your work to record labels.

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Don't get discouraged if/when you are rejected, keep trying! And remember record labels DO NOT want to hear something that's already been done, be original.^{[8]
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10

Stay persistent.

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Keep playing shows (tour if possible), promoting yourself, sending out demos, and making your fan base grow! Labels like to see that you are taking the initiative.

Taylor Swift, Singer-Songwriter

Grow your career by continuously setting goals. "As soon as I accomplish one goal, I replace it with another one. I try not to get too far ahead of myself. I just say to myself, 'All right, well, I'd like to headline a tour,' and then when I get there, we'll see what my next goal is."

11

Be true to yourself.

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Do not let your label control who you are after you have signed a recording contract. Fight for your creative vision because if you don't, well that's just not good..

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Question

How can I overcome my stage fright?

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Try to not worry about what others might think of you or your singing. Instead of focusing on the future or their reactions to your performance, simply focus on the present--that is, your singing. Also, pretend that the audience is not there; if you can't do this, then pretend that they are all close friends. Check out How to Overcome Stage Fright for more tips and ideas.

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What risks are associated with becoming a professional singer?

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You always have the risk of ending up on drugs or something due to stress, but if you really want to be famous, you need to have control and know when and what to do and how to respond to everything in a calm and responsible manner.

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Do I need to know how to play musical instruments in order to become an artist?

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No, but knowing how to play a musical instrument will help you write and practice songs. Consider learning how to play the piano; you can use it to practice melodies.

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Tips

Make sure that when you start working with other people (manager, band mates, crew, etc..) that they are dedicated and respectable people. If not then you will most likely run into some problems.

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Don't do this for the money, do it because you love singing.

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If you really love singing, go for it!

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Warnings

Actually read the contract before you sign on to a record label.

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Helpful 34 Not Helpful 1
If you do not stand up for yourself your label will control you.

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Get a good voice teacher, if not they can mess up your voice.

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Don't get your hopes up too high but work hard!

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Watch out for scams! You should not have to pay a penny to anyone until you start making money!

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