Singing has always been an integral part of Indian culture, and it holds great significance in our country. If you’re looking to explore singing opportunities and make a career out of it, our guide “How to become a Singer in India?” can be a helpful resource for you.

Singing plays a vital role in the entertainment industry, and it has very few religious ties. In fact, singing has been valued in India even during the rule of kingdoms.

Besides being soothing and popular, singing is also a great career option. So, be sure to check out our guide for tips on how to turn your passion for singing into a successful profession.

Who is a Singer

A professional singer is someone who uses their voice to create musical sounds and melodies. They can appear in music albums, films, or live on stage in front of live audiences. Singers are skilled performers who use their voices to convey a wide range of emotions, making them both entertainers and storytellers.

To be a successful singer, one must have a natural talent for singing as well as the ability to develop their skills through proper training and practice. Although no academic courses exist to teach vocal cords, there are numerous opportunities to train in Indian music formats that have produced world-renowned singers.

Singing requires a great deal of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. However, with the right training and opportunities, anyone can become a successful singer and turn their passion for music into a career.

Why Do you Want To Become A Singer

Many music enthusiasts wish to pursue a career as a singer. A singer’s work includes using your voice as an instrument to express emotions and connect with audiences. Singing has been and continues to be an important part of human culture for centuries. Singers are important in music albums, movies, and live performances.

A career as a singer can be rewarding for those with an exceptional voice. It’s a job that requires a lot of effort and dedication, but the rewards are limitless. You get to create beautiful music, entertain audiences, and make a name for yourself in the music industry as a singer.

To become a successful singer, however, you must begin training your vocal cords at a young age and practice on a regular basis. Anyone can become a good singer with dedication, practice, and professional guidance. Indian music formats have produced world-famous singers whose songs continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Singing can be a difficult career, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling one. It’s a job that necessitates a love of music, an exceptional voice, and the ability to connect with audiences. It could be the ideal career path for you if you have the talent and dedication to pursue a career as a singer.

Different Types Of Singers

There are many different types of singers, each with their own style and genre. Singers are classified according to their music style, singing method, or platform on which they perform.

Classical Singers: 

Classical singing is a highly skilled art form that requires exceptional vocal control. It is a centuries-old genre that is distinguished by its strict adherence to melody, rhythm, and harmony. Classical singers typically perform at classical music festivals and sing in languages such as Hindi, Sanskrit, or Urdu.

Pop singers: 

are known for their catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms. Pop music is frequently associated with current trends and is the most widely consumed genre of music on a global scale. Pop singers frequently perform on stage, in music videos, and on popular radio stations.

Folk Singers: 

Folk music is deeply rooted in a region’s or country’s cultural traditions. Folk singers perform traditional songs in their native languages, which are frequently passed down through generations. Folk singers frequently perform at local festivals or events, and they typically play instruments such as the guitar, fiddle, banjo, etc

Playback Singers:

Playback singers are musicians who record songs for movies and television shows. They record their voices in a recording studio, which is then used in the movie or TV show.

Devotional Singers: 

Devotional singing is a type of music sung in praise of a specific deity or spiritual leader. Devotional singers frequently appear at religious gatherings, temples, and other spiritual gatherings.

Rapper:

Rappers are musicians who use rhythm and rhyme to create music. They frequently perform live or with a backing track, and they use their voice to express themselves and tell stories through their lyrics. They are frequently associated with hip-hop culture and music.

Each type of singer requires a different skill set and level of expertise. Some singers are only skilled in one style of music, whereas others can combine elements from various genres to create their own unique voice.

Skills Required To Become A singer

To become a successful singer, it takes more than just having a pleasant voice. There are a few essential skills required to make a career in the music industry.

• Commitment and patience
• Determination and discipline
• Ability to read and memorize lyrics
• Comfortable understanding different languages and dialects
• Control over breath and voice
• Emotional and audience awareness
• Confidence to perform in front of a live audience
• Communication and understanding of musicians’ requirements
• Ability to adapt to different dialects and languages
• Good body language
• Socially active with fans and followers
• The ability to deal with criticism and rejection

How To Become a Professional Singer? Step-By-Step Guide

Starting a career as a professional singer is a journey that often requires dedication, hard work, and some outside assistance. While there are academic paths to improving your singing, the majority of successful singers built their careers from scratch. If you want to start your own singing career, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get there.

• Identify your goals: Determine what type of singer you want to be and what genre of music you want to specialize in.
• Develop your singing skills: Practice regularly to improve your singing skills. Attend singing lessons or workshops, watch online tutorials, and seek feedback from professionals.
• Build a portfolio: Record and create a portfolio of your best work. This may include audio and video recordings of your singing performances.
• Perform regularly: Take every opportunity to perform in front of an audience. This can help you gain exposure and experience.
• Promote yourself: Create a social-media pages or youtube channel to showcase your portfolio and promote your work. Collaborate with other artists and attend networking events to expand your connections.
• Seek professional guidance: Consider hiring a music manager or agent to help you navigate the industry and secure performance opportunities.
• Keep learning: Continue to develop your skills, attend music events, and stay up-to-date with industry trends and news.
• Be persistent: Building a career as a singer takes time and effort. Be persistent, focused, and committed to achieving your goals.

How Much Money Does A Singer Make In India?

Singers earn money through various avenues and their income can vary based on factors such as their level of experience, popularity, and the type of work they do. The following are some of the ways singers can earn money:

Live Performances: 

Singers can earn money by performing at live concerts, events, and shows. The fees for live performances can vary depending on the venue, the number of songs performed, and the popularity of the singer.

Music Production: 

Singers can also earn money by producing their music or working with music producers to create new songs. This can include selling their music on various platforms or streaming services, licensing their music for use in movies, TV shows, and commercials, or earning royalties from their music.

Playback Singing: 

In India, playback singing is a popular way for singers to earn money. Playback singers are hired to sing songs for movies, and they receive a fee for each song they sing. The amount they earn can vary depending on the popularity of the movie and the singer.

The earnings/salary of a singer can range from Rs. 50,000 to crores per project or song, and it depends on their growing popularity in the industry. Singers do not have a fixed monthly income and are paid on a project-to-project basis. They can also have other sources of income, such as brand endorsements and sponsorships.

Best Music Institute in India

Here is a list of the best music institutes/schools in India:

• Madras Music Academy, Chennai

• Delhi School of Music, New Delhi

• Shankar Mahadevan Academy, Bangalore

• Hamsalekha Music Academy, Bangalore

• Calcutta School of Music, Kolkata

• Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, Chennai

• The True School of Music, Jambrung 

Ways to get Exposure as a Singer

• Social media: YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms can help you showcase your talent and build a following. Post videos of yourself singing covers or original songs with relevant hashtags to get discovered.
• Open Mic Nights: Bars and cafes host open mic nights for aspiring singers. This provides experience and exposure.
• Collaborations: Working with other artists can increase your exposure. Create engaging content with other singers, producers, or visual artists.
• Music Festivals: Music festivals can help singers get noticed. Perform on smaller stages or compete to perform on the main stage.
• Online Competitions: You can enter many online singing competitions to win prizes or perform live.
• Talent Shows: American Idol, The Voice, and Indian Idol can help you get noticed by industry professionals.
• Local Radio: Many local radio stations hold talent contests or feature local talent. Listeners and industry professionals can hear your recordings or live performances.
• Networking: Musicians must network. Meet musicians, producers, and industry professionals at music industry events, concerts, and conferences. These connections can boost your career.

Pros & Cons of having a career in singing

Pros:

• A singing career can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
• Singers have the opportunity to travel and perform all over the world.
• Singers who are successful have the potential to earn a substantial income from their work.
• Singers can use their platform to communicate important messages and connect with their fans.
• Singing can also provide health benefits such as stress reduction and emotional well-being.

Cons:

• Breaking into the music industry and establishing a successful career as a singer can be difficult.
• Singers, especially those just starting out, may face periods of unemployment or low income.
• Maintaining a successful singing career frequently requires frequent travel and time away from home and loved ones.
• The music industry can be extremely competitive and demanding, with a lot of pressure to keep a certain image or sound.
• Singers may also experience physical strain and risk damaging their vocal cords as a result of overuse or incorrect technique.

Tips to become a singer

• Practice regularly: Regular singing practice improves vocal range, control, and tone.
• Take vocal lessons: To improve your technique, learn new styles, and get feedback, enroll in a music school or take vocal lessons from a professional singer.
• Learn to read music: Reading music can make you a more versatile singer and give you more music industry opportunities.
• Join a choir or band to perform in front of an audience and work with other musicians.
• Get online: Showcase your work and engage with fans on Youtube channel, Instagram, etc.
• Attend auditions and open mic events to meet other musicians and industry professionals.
• Stay healthy: Healthy singers have better vocal range and stamina. Rest, drink, and avoid smoking and alcohol.
• It takes time and effort to become a successful singer. Practice, be patient, and don’t be afraid to ask for industry advice.

Here are some key statistics for India and worldwide in the singing career domain:

India:

1. Music Industry Growth: The Indian music industry has experienced robust growth, with a XX% increase in revenue over the past decade, driven mainly by digital streaming platforms.
2. Popularity of Playback Singers: Iconic playback singers like Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle have paved the way for modern talents like Arijit Singh, contributing to the industry’s evolution.
3. Reality Shows Impact: Reality singing competitions such as Indian Idol and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa have not only unearthed new talent but also boosted viewership and engagement, driving the industry forward.
4. Regional Music Influence: The diversity of languages and cultures in India has led to thriving regional music scenes, with Punjabi and South Indian music gaining popularity beyond regional boundaries.

Worldwide:

1. Streaming Revolution: Global music streaming revenues have soared by XX% in recent years, highlighting the shift from physical sales to digital platforms as the primary revenue source for the industry.
2. Global Superstars: International artists like Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and BTS have collectively amassed billions of streams and millions of followers worldwide, showcasing the global appeal of their music.
3. Genre Diversity: Emerging genres such as K-Pop, Latin Pop, and EDM have witnessed exponential growth, attracting diverse audiences and contributing significantly to the global music landscape.
4. Digital and Social Media Impact: The rise of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter has revolutionized music promotion and consumption, allowing artists to connect directly with fans and create viral sensations.

Summary

With the right skills and dedication, you can build a successful singing career. You can perform live, produce music, sing playback, or do voice overs. A singing career requires hard work, determination, and patience, but with the right mindset and guidance, you can succeed. Start exploring your options and start a rewarding singing career!

FAQs

Is it difficult to become a singer?

Singing takes dedication, practice, and hard work. It’s tough to stand out in the music industry. With proper guidance, training, and consistent effort, singers can succeed. It’s hard to become a singer, but if you love singing and work hard, you can.

What is the first step to become a singer?

Start by setting singing goals and practicing regularly. Take singing lessons or join a local singing group to improve. Perform for friends, family, and local events to boost your confidence and stage presence.

Can a normal person become a singer?

Sure! Anyone who loves singing can sing. Talent helps, but it’s not the only factor in music success. Hard work, determination, and training can help you sing. Many successful singers started as “normal” people and rose through practice and persistence.

Is 25 too old to start a music career?

25 isn’t too old to make music. Many successful musicians and singers started late in life. Never give up on your dreams. You can succeed in music at any age with hard work, dedication, and luck.

How much do singers get paid?

A singer’s income depends on their experience, popularity, and work. 

What is the right age to start singing?

Start singing at any age. Some singers start as kids, others as teens or later. Singing and practicing are the most important factors. Any singer can become a professional with practice and training. You can always sing!

How To Become A Singer In Bollywood

To become a singer in Bollywood, one needs a good voice, a strong dedication to singing, an understanding of the music industry, and, most importantly, the ability to network and make connections.

How To Become A Hollywood Singer

To become a Hollywood singer, here are some steps you can follow, Build your skills, Create a portfolio, Networking, Audition for talent shows, Find a music agent

How To Become A Professional Choir Singer

Developing vocal skills, joining a choir, networking, gaining experience, and continuing education are all suggestions for becoming a professional choir singer.

How Long Does It Take To Become A Professional Singer

It can take years of hard work, dedication, and practice to become a professional singer. The duration varies according to the individual’s talent, resources, and opportunities.

How Much Do Indian Singers Charge Per Concert

The price of an Indian singer’s concert varies depending on their popularity, experience, and the venue. Fees for a single performance can range from several lakhs to crores of rupees.

How To Become A Pop Singer

Develop your vocal abilities, songwriting abilities, and stage presence to become a successful pop singer. Build a strong online presence and network with industry professionals to showcase your talent.