FACTSHEET PRODUCED BY SKILLSET AND EQUITY
Singer
Professional Singers must perform the music given them to the best of their ability. Most singers specialise in one genre, but some may work across several disciplines.
What is the job?
Singers may specialise in certain styles, e.g., opera, classical, musical productions, country, rock and pop, etc., or they may be required to sing in a variety of different styles. Soloists are generally expected to arrive at the first rehearsal having learnt their music, and being ready to sing. Chorus members should be scheduled more rehearsal time in order to learn the music with other Singers, and to train together on aspects such as breathing, tone of voice and dynamics. Backing Singers, or Session Singers, usually cover all styles, and may not always know in advance in which style they will be singing; they may either become attached to a specific group, so that they can work without reading the music, or they may perform as Backing Singers to a variety of groups, or their voices may be used as off-stage substitutes for principal Singers. In all these cases, Backing Singers must be able to sight-read music, and UK Session Singers are recognised as being the best sight-readers in the world. As it is rare for Soloists to work regularly (at any one time only 5% of Singers in the UK are in work), many established artists occasionally work as Session Singers, especially for anonymous sessions, such as for film soundtracks, studio recordings, etc. Only the top 2% of Session Singers may be almost continually in work.
For some roles in Musical productions, Singers must carry out extensive research, for others their character is moulded and developed during rehearsals. They work with the Director to create believable, natural characters, expressing the appropriate emotions, based on the Score, but built upon in order to convince the audience of their veracity. They must be able to contribute ideas and suggestions to improve their own performance, in a creative and collaborative way, whilst also being able to take direction, notes and constructive criticism from the Musical Director, or from other members of the Directing team. For musical productions, they need to remember their exact positions and movements at any given time during the performance, and they must also be able to continually hit their marks on set, without looking down to locate them. They must be aware that others contribute to their characterisation, e.g., those working in the Make Up, Costume, and Design teams, and that they may be serviced by a host of others in terms of backing singers, musicians, transport, catering, etc., but that the ultimate responsibility lies with the Singers themselves.
As a well known Singer may provide the main marketing point of a show or production, he or she bears a great deal of the responsibility for its box office success, or failure. Singers also have a responsibility to their audience, to ensure that they deliver consistent performances, to the best of their abilities, irrespective of their personal circumstances. Singers may also perform in churches, at weddings and funerals, or at other private or corporate functions.
Typical career routes
Singers come from a variety of backgrounds. As men's voices mature later than women's, they may start their training when they are older; however, some male singers start their careers as church choristers. Classical Singers usually attend singing lessons as children, and may have attended a music academy, before graduating from a musical college. Singers may work on Musical productions at an early age, and may not go on to higher education. Some Singers in the rock and pop industry may have only a very basic musical background, but achieve success by a combination of talent, determination, attitude, and luck. Singers are required to supply any potential employer with a CV and photograph in advance, plus a demo tape or cd, which effectively demonstrates their vocal range, and the different styles in which they can sing. Very few individuals work solely as Singers - even the most established may have second or even third careers, to supplement their income. This work may include teaching individuals, or in colleges and drama schools, or acting, or it may be in a totally different profession.
Essential knowledge and skills
Singers should know how to prepare for and perform at auditions, and, in some cases, at casting sessions. They must arrive ready to perform, with their voices warmed up in advance; they should be aware that different methods of warming up are required, depending on the time of day. With experience, Singers learn the most effective ways of taking care of their own individual voices, and of warming up.
Good presentation is important, as Singers are judged by their appearance as well as their performance. As Singers may be expected to perform in many different languages, some linguistic abilities are required. A good knowledge of the phonetic alphabet is the minimum requirement, although in most cases language coaches are available. Some acting skills may also be required, especially in musical productions, which involve much more dialogue than opera; specific regional or national accents are sometimes needed. The ability to dance is also useful in opera and musical productions, which may involve complicated choreography. The work can be physically demanding, and requires stamina, as Singers may be required to sing and move, or dance, on set, sometimes wearing very heavy costumes. They must be aware of the professional etiquette and traditions of working on musical productions. Session Singers need a very high standard of sight reading abilities, in order to interpret the music effectively and quickly.
Singers should be aware of the requirements of working with different types of microphones, feedback systems, etc. They must also be able to deal effectively with the press, as they may be asked for their views, or to discuss their latest show or production, during interviews with journalists from a variety of different media. Determination and perseverance are required in order to become a successful singer, and it is not always the most talented who succeed. Extra, diverse skills to a good standard may provide Singers with the edge which secures work in this competitive area. Singers should be aware of Health and Safety issues, and ensure that their actions do not constitute a risk to themselves or to others.
Training and qualifications
No specific formal qualifications are required - the main qualification is the ability to carry out the work. Diplomas and degrees cannot guarantee work for Singers, but they demonstrate the level of commitment and application required to work in the industry. More tailored and recognised courses, such as those run by the Royal Academy of Music, the Guildhall School of Music, Trinity School of Music, the Welsh College of Music and Drama, etc., have greater links with the industry, and are therefore able to suggest suitable students for auditions. These institutions usually provide a classical music education, and offer three or four year graduate courses. Suitable students may progress to a further one-year Postgraduate course in a specific style, such as Opera. Some of these colleges also offer separate musical production courses, which recognise the growing need for trained Singers in this genre. Acknowledged industry experience combined with a proven track record of success, are often the most valued qualifications for Singers.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film. For more information, please log onto the Skillset website.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. For information about training, links to the Skillset network of training partners, and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database, visit the website www.skillset.org. Skillset Careers is the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit the website www.skillset.org/careers.
Equity is the trade union representing artists across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Film, Television, Radio, and other Live Performance. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk.
National Council for Drama Training, NCDT. www.ncdt.co.uk
The Conference of Drama Schools www.drama.ac.uk
BBC www.bbc.co.uk offers a wealth of information about careers and training in the media. BBC Talent runs talent spotting schemes www.bbc.co.uk/talent
The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly. Recruitment advertisements, useful links, and 'how to guides', such as finding an agent or drama school, are on its website www.thestage.co.uk
Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all aspects of the entertainment industry. www.spotlight.com
The British and International Music Yearbook and Opera Now www.rhinegold.co.uk
The Opera Magazine www.opera.co.uk