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Singer

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AVG. SALARY

$67,059

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EDUCATION

No standard requirement

What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Arts, Audio-Video Technology and Communications cluster Performing Arts pathway.

Education Level

Education training and experience are required at different levels for success in different occupations.

No standard requirement

Singers typically do not need formal postsecondary education to enter the occupation. However, those pursuing careers in some genres, such as classical or opera, may choose to earn a bachelor’s or higher degree.

Insider Info

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 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 where you can go to learn about the music business other than from people who are in the music business."