Adding extra strings to your bow so you don’t just model but also act, sing or dance will not only get you more work but will also get your face known more widely.

Nowadays there is a huge cross over between the modelling and entertainment
industries. In Hollywood it seems that you have to have the looks as well as the talent to make it to the top. Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Hale Berry and Elizabeth Hurley all started out in modelling before becoming stars of the silver screen.

In the music industry, there are many acts that have been put together by record companies using models who have talents in singing and dancing. And you just have to turn on MTV to see dancers in music videos who have been employed for their looks as well as their dancing skill.

Here we give you some info on what it takes to be a professional singer.


Singing: The Work

A singer can be part of a band, duo or perform solo. Versatile singers could find themselves involved in any type of music, ranging from pop to hip hop, to rock to opera. Singers may also be required to play an accompanying instrument or be a capable dancer.

An ability to read music is a bonus and certainly writing your own songs will help you earn and keep more of your own money.

It is usual for a singer or other type of musical performer to employ a manager or agent to work on their behalf finding them work, placements or negotiable the finer points of a recording contract. Agents will charge you around 20% for the service. You can find contacts for many of the UK’s talent agencies listed in our links section.

The UK Hotlist was principally designed to be a free talent-scouting tool for all UK Modelling and Entertainment agencies but you can also use your UK Hotlist Profile to sell yourself to them directly. A Professional UK Hotlist Account features video and sound file uploads, so you can host the best examples of your singing and performance. When you are happy with your profile, you can email it to any agents you wish (even if they are not registered on our site) completely free of charge!

As with all entertainers, you would be expected to work during the hours that the majority of the public will have to themselves, i.e. during the evenings and weekend. However much time is spent during the day practising, rehearsing and looking for new work or opportunities. Recording sessions often start early and finish very late.

A popular musician or singer could find themselves performing just about anywhere and you may be expected to drop everything for a gig that turns up. The most popular locations for performances are theatres, music festivals, clubs, pubs, bars and other event venues.

It is usual for musicians, bands and singers to spend a lot of time on the road away from home touring or travelling the world. Until you have really made it to the top level, you will probably be required to use your own transport.


Skills Required

· Naturally a singer must possess a good singing voice and have an ear for music.

· Standing up in front of a crowd of people, large and small, requires a great deal of confidence. A successful singer should enjoy the rush and thrive in that environment.

· A singer is often the front-person of a band and so should project the right attitude and personality.

· You will be constantly with your band mates or touring staff, so you should be easy to get along with and amiable.

· Singing, dancing and performing for up to two hours can be tremendously exhausting.

· You will need not only the fitness to do this on one occasion but to pull out the same high level of performance sometimes twice a day every day for the duration of a tour.

· You should be sharp and aware from a business point of view too. Stay on the ball any good opportunity to market yourself. Don’t let them pass you by!


Entry

Although there are courses in music and performance, there is no such thing as a guaranteed pass to becoming a successful singer. Many singers have a long background of performing in amateur bands, musicals or other situations. Even if you get to the top, there is still no replacement for relentless self-marketing. The right attitude and never say die attitude will help you get through.

Finding a good agent will help immensely. They will promote you to the right people, will help you get the best out of deals and will even assist you in approaching the big record companies.

While you are still finding your feet there is New Deal for Musicians (NDFM), which has been brought in to help singers and musicians find their route in to the music industry. NDFM can provide very helpful information and guidance. Visit Job Centre Plus (the address is in our links section) for further information.


Opportunities

The sort of opportunities a singer or musician would be looking for are parts in bands, musicals, gigs in clubs or a chance to get on board with recording companies. There are always many “manufactured” pop acts in the charts, these have often been put together by recording companies. But the majority of singers and musicians go it on their own. They work hard, promote themselves and don’t give in until they have made it.


Annual Income

Singers and musicians should be prepared to start small. Being self-employed and working part time can result in gaps in work. Once a performer decides to take the step from the amateur leagues, they may well choose to employ the services of an agent who acts on their behalf to actively promote them and find them more gigs and better money. In terms of pay, a singer, band member or other musician can expect to get anything between a pint and a packet of crisps after the gig, to a multi-million pound recording contract.