Let's get down to business this February! If you're reading this blog post, odds are you have a passion for singing. So, are you someone who wants to turn your passion into your career? If so, you may know that breaking into the world of professional singing isn’t just about having an incredible voice—knowing how to market yourself, finding opportunities, and treating your passion like a business are all equally as important! Whether you’re aiming to perform in musicals, book weddings and corporate events with a band, or even build an online following, getting consistent work requires more than just talent. You must be persistent and work hard to find the right connections! Fortunately, we collected info and tips from some of our teachers and professional performer friends to help get you started on a thriving career in music!
“In my 30+ years as a professional musician, songwriter and educator, I’ve learned that ups and downs are inevitable in any career. The music business is especially fickle, so persistence, diligence, optimism, and creativity are key. Follow your bliss, be authentic, invest your time and energy into working on art that pleases you and try not to worry about what other people think. Longevity and career contentment come from trusting yourself and finding the balance between material wellbeing and cultivating your own mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing.
There is a wealth of information online and many paths to success. Find what resonates with you and don’t be shy about advocating for yourself, uplifting others and sharing your art with the world! Remember music isn’t a competition, it’s a community, it’s about connection and using your art to improve your life as well as the lives of others. Making music is an act of service, a gift to yourself and to the world, never lose sight of that.” - Jesse Maclaine, VBC Teacher and Professional Musician
"My advice for someone breaking into the business is to study the thing you hate doing the most. Be as versatile as possible. Gone are the days of one trick ponies. A vocalist must be able to seamlessly navigate from genre to genre. And always remember input is output. Listen to and surround yourself in music, and with the singers whose music inspires you the most. It’ll absolutely have an effect on how you sing." - Brian Baez, Baez Theatrical Casting Agency, formerly of Norwegian Cruise Lines
"To expand your opportunities as a musician, networking with other musicians is key. Attending live performances, whether it's a band, combo, or ensemble, allows you to connect with fellow musicians who may open doors for collaborations or future gigs. Social media also plays a vital role in today’s music industry, offering a platform to connect with others and discover potential performance opportunities. In today’s diverse music scene, being adaptable to different genres—whether jazz, symphonic orchestras, or rock cover bands—is essential for a musician to thrive and stay relevant." - Jilian Burnett, VBC Teacher and Professional Musician
"The biggest thing I have learned is to just keep showing up! This business is a numbers game, and the more auditions you show up to, the more opportunities for jobs you get. I’d also encourage you to never stop learning. Keep taking classes and pushing yourself past your comfort zone, because that’s where you will find your greatest success. Don’t be afraid of speaking up and saying what you want! So surround yourself with people who are doing the thing you want to be doing and let their success motivate yours!" - Jennifer Massey, Performer at Disney, Universal Studios, SeaWorld Parks and Ent, Merlin Entertainments
“If you want to get involved singing with bands, one of the best ways to put yourself out there is to go to as many open mics and jam sessions as you can and sing! Don’t be afraid to talk to other musicians and tell them you are interested in joining or starting a band. This is a great way to meet musicians who might be looking for singers to start a project with!
For those who already have a band and have some experience, my best word of advice for getting gigs these days would be having a strong online and social media presence. Have professional videos, recordings, and pictures up and engage with followers as much as possible. Venues will look for a social media following when booking groups.” - Jennie Colabatistto, VBC Teacher and Professional Musician
Are you ready to take your singing career to the next level? Start implementing these strategies today, and watch your opportunities grow! Here at VBC, we also offer artist development and music business coaching with Jesse. Contact us today if you'd like to learn more!
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