In Music, you are your own Boss

Singing is essentially a self-employed field.  While you may work for other people (contracts with theater companies, voice lessons with schools or private academies), you are essentially a self-employed contractor who is responsible for finding work.

This may seem like a wonderful freedom - no BOSS - but it is actually the most difficult aspect of becoming a professional singer.  It is one thing to develop your talent.  But to have the self-discipline to set deadlines for yourself, do your own taxes, make new contacts etc...is a different skill set.  In fact, when students ask me if they have "What it takes" to become a singer, my first thoughts are not a student's talent level, which to a large extent, CAN be trained by a strong voice, but whether the student has the self-discipline I mentioned above.

If you have the passion to be a singer, here are the big questions to ask?

1) Can I set self-imposed deadlines to work on music?
2) Can I work several jobs at the same time - learning music for a future production while singing in a show right, while you manage other jobs (voice lessons, day job, small concerts etc...)
3) Can I live out of a suitcase and in a hotel room for eight-ten months of the year (lots of traveling for singers)?
4) Can I be emotionally and spiritually 'ok' with living a life of solitude (you can't take your family on the road!)
5) Can I set my own schedule, and stick to it?
6) Can I keep track of my business expenses, taxes etc...?
7) Can you advertise your abilities effectively (networking)?

These questions don't have to be in the affirmative right now, but they are skills you must master to become a professional singer.

DWS