From Iggy Azalea to Keith Urban, Kylie Minogue to Dame Nellie Melba, Australia has produced its share of talent. If you’re hoping to be the country’s next vocal sensation, you’ll need more than a good set of pipes. The music industry is fiercely competitive, and you’ve got to have ambition, business prowess, and resilience to succeed. Here’s how to achieve your dream.
1. Assess whether the industry is right for you
It’s a tough business, so ask yourself some big questions. First, can you sing? Karaoke with your family is very different from selling out the Sydney SuperDome. Ask people close to you, as well as others whose opinion you trust, for an honest assessment. Record a song on your phone and listen back – are you any good?
Most professional singers earn money on a project-by-project basis, and their income can vary. Can you cope with that? Work can be erratic, so you have to grab it when you can, which can mean making sacrifices – like cancelling your own dinner plans to be the entertainment at someone else’s. If you want predictability, it’s time for a rethink.
A professional singer also needs a brain for business and marketing. You’ll likely be responsible for finding your own gigs and opportunities. Knowing how to sell your talents is crucial to thriving.
2. Decide what type of singer you want to be
It’s a big question, but you can start by considering what type of music you want to sing, and where you want to perform. You’ll need to immerse yourself in the industry: Go to gigs and watch as many performances as you can.
Some singing styles, like opera and musical theatre, require years of formal training. If you think of yourself as the lead in a hit musical, you’ll need to master acting and dancing as well. Performance skills come in handy for live singing too – especially if you’re solo. Whether you’re a pop singer or jazz vocalist, you may need to interact with your audience at concerts.
If you don’t see yourself as the next Olivia Newton-John, there are lots of other options. Talented vocalists are in demand on cruise ships, in theme parks, as backup vocalists, as teachers, and as wedding performers. Not everyone with a great voice can be the next Sia (or wants to be), so think creatively about how you might get paid to use your skills.
Professional vocalists often have a specialism, even if they sing across genres. Here are some to consider:
- Pop
- Opera
- Musical theatre
- Classical music
- Hip-hop/R&B
- Heavy metal
Another crucial factor is whether you’d like to sing other people’s material or write your own. Being a singer-songwriter involves writing sheet music as well as the lyrics to accompany it.
3. Consider training
Not all professional singers have formal training. The self-taught Tones and I began her career as a busker, and INXS’s Michael Hutchence had no training for his first job at age 8, when he voiced a singing toy. Still, classes have their advantages, from improving your technique to teaching you how to read music. To become successful, you need to practise and learn your craft. That might mean a qualification in a formal setting or maybe just taking singing lessons.
Good training gives you a technical foundation and provides a shared musical language so that you can use the same lingo as other professionals. It also teaches you how to use your body and breathe effectively.
Formal training: Opera Australia runs a yearly Young Artist programme, and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music also offers specialist opera training as well as undergraduate courses in musical theatre and other genres. Other well-regarded institutions include the Australian Performing Arts Conservatory, the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and the Australian Institute of Music. Do some research to ensure training is right for you.
Private lessons: A professional coach can help with breath control, guide you through the basics of technique, and teach you how to expand your vocal range. They can prepare you for auditions too. Less of a financial and time commitment than studying for a qualification, lessons are on an ad hoc basis. Do your research and ask singers you trust for recommendations.
Community groups: If you’re just starting out, why not join a local choir? Not only will it teach you about singing with a group, but it will also give you a ready-made vocal community to share tips with.
Online resources: YouTube is brimming with singing exercises and vocal warmup videos – many have been uploaded by professional teachers and jobbing vocalists (it’s a chance to grow their public profile, after all).
4. Look after your voice
As a professional singer, it’s your most valuable asset. Even those at the top of their game, like Adele, have had vocal problems, so learn to look after your voice. Here are some tips:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid smoking
- Limit alcohol
- Do proper warmups before performances
Think of yourself as an athlete. Exercise can improve singing by increasing your cardiovascular strength and breath stamina, but it’s also good for your mental health. Sleep and a balanced diet are also key to your success.
5. Start performing
So you’ve joined a choir, given up smoking, and sung scales till the neighbours complain; now it’s time to get out there and sing. Whether it’s singing in your local pub, busking on the street, serenading a children’s party, or busting out a ballad at an open mic night, take any chance you’re offered to show people what you can do.
If you’re craving fame in the commercial market, take the leap and audition for The Voice Australia or Australian Idol. If you’re keen to crack the local music scene first, join neighbourhood groups on social media and keep an eye on casting pages for opportunities.
6. Get your voice out there
If you want to get scouted, people have to hear you sing. Don’t rely on industry representatives turning up at your local pub or passing you in the street. Follow record companies and singers you admire, and share recordings of your performances on your social channels. Famous Aussie singers such as Troye Sivan, G Flip, and Dean Lewis all got discovered that way. Send your music to community radio stations or platforms like Triple J Unearthed, ABC’s new music initiative.
7. Network
Meet other singers and musicians to immerse yourself in the industry and be part of a community. Collaboration can open doors and ensure you hear about opportunities. Look for events like Australian Music Week in Sydney and Bigsound in Brisbane, where big-label representatives gather.
There’s always room for new talent, so take the right steps to be noticed and get your voice out there.