So you want to make some
cash singing?
We've put together some information on a few different ways that you can make-a-buck.
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Now that you have developed your voice it’s time to make a choice. What type of singer do you want to be?
There are many options. You can sing with a band, a vocal group, or with a single partner- maybe someone who plays the guitar, or someone who makes MIDI tracks. Do you want to sing in a choir or in musical productions? Do you want to do voice over work? No matter what you choose, you will need to start building your portfolio and making contacts. The best way to do this is to start locally and keep track of every performance you do.
A Portfolio
When getting hired for singing jobs, people will want to know who you are, what kind of songs you sing, and where you’ve performed. This information should be available in your portfolio. The key elements to a strong portfolio are:
Business Card
The best way to give people your contact information and show that you are professional is having your own business cards. You can have these made relatively inexpensively at your local print shop.
Résumé
Remember to keep a good record of your performances. In a resume you obviously won’t put down every time you performed at open mic or karaoke, but do put down church, wedding, and school performances and all other gigs.
Photograph
It’s important to have an 8x10 inch photo of yourself on hand. This is mostly for auditions or talent agents and you may not need it now, but it will be an important part of your portfolio. Remember, as a singer, you are your instrument and a picture of yourself captures a part of that.
Press
If you or your band has been written up in the local newspaper or magazine, include a copy in your portfolio.
Demo Tape
It’s important to record yourself anyway, so once you’ve made a tape that you like the sound of, make copies. This makes it real easy to get your sound into people’s homes, cars, offices and ears.
Networking
Getting out and meeting people is the best way to create a market for yourself. In this business a lot of how you get jobs is who you know. So get out there, sing and be yourself.
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Performing onstage and singing in front of people is an invaluable experience that will enhance your confidence, create contacts and get you making money. The first place to look is locally.
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Places to sing: |
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- With a band
- Open mic
- Karaoke
- Musicals
- Church or school choir
- Baseball games
- Family gatherings
- Weddings
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- Voiceovers
- Radio
- Singing telegrams
- Music video - Public access
- Street performance
- Community center
- Local Theaters
- Talent competitions
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Take a look in the yellow pages under singing to find local opportunities.
Talk to singers. Ask if you can shadow them while they work. They might even call you up.
The main idea is to keep singing every chance you get. While you gain experience, you will meet people and soon be making money.
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Teaching voice lessons is definitely a way to make money, keep exercising your voice and give back to your community.
1. Promote Your Services: Once you have mastered your basic vocal skills, you can now start to charge money to teach people who want to develop theirs. You will need to let people know that you are now a vocal instructor. Advertise in your local newspaper and music stores. You might want to make flyers and post them at school, the library or even the local coffee shop. Be sure to include your contact information, what you will charge per hour, where you are located, and the hours that you are available. Also include what level of voice lessons that you are teaching (starter, intermediate, or advanced) and what style of music you teach.
2. Be Prepared and Organized: Be honest and have integrity. It is not easy being a teacher; you need to know your stuff. Be prepared, punctual, and have a logical week-by-week learning schedule. Remember, you are now running a business, not just singing with some friends. Keep your lessons to no more than one hour and when the hour is up, so is the lesson. Always give your students stuff to work on during the week, so that during the next lesson, you can both measure progress and determine what needs a little more work. Remember the most important thing about teaching is giving your students the confidence and motivation to keep singing.
3. Take Care of Business: It is best to collect the money at the beginning of the lesson, and if possible have them pay by the month. This way you will know where you students stand and they won’t get behind in payments. You will find that if a student gets behind in payments, they will probably quit rather than pay up. Beside you don’t want that sort of tension in your teacher-student relationship. Once again, this is a business; don’t forget it.
4. Use the Kit: If you are teaching beginner vocals, use the Kit. The Book component of the AudioBook can be especially helpful because it contains the diagrams you will need, its small, portable, and can sit right in the lap of your student. The Kit is especially helpful because it gives you and your student a roadmap to follow and to measure progress from.
If you have questions or would like more tips on how to teach vocals, contact GuitarStu.
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