Additional Information
While there is no formal schooling or specific educational requirement
to become a singer, many may find various types of lessons or classes very
beneficial to their training.
"Some people choose to go into a music school and learn an instrument,
or learn composing... or take voice lessons," says Connor McGuire. McGuire
is a professional musician.
"It does depend on what kind of singer you want to be and what type of
work you want to do," says Steve Dawson. Dawson is a solo artist, as well
as a vocalist and musician for the band Dolly Varden.
"If you want to work in studios or in a choral group, you'll have to know
how to read some music and sight sing," he says. "So there's lots of schools
that have great ensembles and vocal instructors to help with those things."
Sarah Morrison says that while having some education behind you is beneficial,
it doesn't guarantee a career in the music business. Morrison is a professional
singer who has about 20 years of experience in the music industry.
"First and foremost, you have to be good at what you do," she says. "If
you are, you will work. If you aren't, a degree/diploma will not help you
get the gig."
For a singer, experience is the best education. "It's really self-education,"
says McGuire. "There's nowhere you can go to learn about the music business
other than from people who are in the music business."