I think I have what it takes to become a professional singer. Does anyone know w

Question:

I think I have what it takes to become a professional singer. Does anyone know what I can do to achieve that?

I have wanted to be a singer my whole life. I have a great voice and have won many awards. I am even doing a solo in my school's middle school show choir.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me to help achieve my lifelong dream to become a singer?

And please, I am looking for real answers. NOT STUPID ONES!
Thank you.

Please feel free to email me if you have any comments or questions. Thanks!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: First of all, FIND A GOOD TEACHER! It can not be stressed enough how important this is so you can learn proper technique and avoid vocal problems later in life. A good teacher will have knowledge of how to develop your career and should be able to refer you to other voice teachers or coaches who will help advance your career in areas where s/he may not have the needed resources.

However, remember that no single teacher can teach you everything there is to know about the art of singing. It is common to change teachers after 3-6 years of study. It is also not uncommon to study with two teachers at the same time if you're studying different vocal techniques, such as, e.g., operatic style singing or "belting," which is the style in which more popular pieces like Broadway musicals are sung.

Never believe a teacher if s/he tells you they are the only person who can turn you into a star (in fact, run from them as fast as you can). Good teachers know they're not the only good teacher in the world. The best way to ensure that you're with a quality teacher is to review what results they've had with other students, though this is not always an indicator. Some of the most famous teachers are famous because they've had a very successful performance career themselves, and because they're able to attract advanced and/or particularly talented students. Such students, naturally, don't require the same kind of teaching you do. When looking for a teacher, audition for several teachers and listen to their feedback. Don't be afraid to ask questions and tell them what your expectations are. Choose a teacher on the basis of how s/he made you feel during your "trial lesson," what their past results have been with other students at your level of development and the feedback you receive from them regarding your own expectations about a career as a singer.

Remember that the arts are a TOUGH BUSINESS, and that regardless of past achievements, your dedication and the quality of your teacher, you will still need not only a lot of hard work but also a lot of luck in order to reach your dream. I wish luck had nothing to do with career success in the arts, but that's just not the way it works. You will often be judged by people according to their subjective opinions. Becoming a great singer is not like becoming a great athlete where getting over the finish line proves you're the best. THERE IS NO FINISHING LINE IN THE ARTS. You can, however, increase your chances of success by really getting to know what the business side of the performing arts is like and how it works.

Below are a few sources that will give you a perspective on careers as a performing artist. Use these sources and, above all, talk to people who have developed successful careers as singers to hear many different aspects of how to achieve becoming a successful singer. THERE IS NO SINGLE OR "RIGHT" WAY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN THE ARTS.

Making Music in Looking Glass Land is the answer to the need for a practical guide for launching careers in classical music – business survival skills for the young professional musician. The publication is a no fuss, straight-talk description of the arena. A book I highly recommend, it is published by Concert Artists Guild - the website address is below.

A good "job description" of being a singer is avalible online at:
http://www.khake.com/page48.html....

Also, read trade publications such as Classical Singer magazine and use their online forum for networking. Classical Singer also publishes a number of good books on marketing yourself. Even if you don't want to become an opera singer, this is a good ressource to use on vocal technique, etc.

Good luck!