Becoming a Singer Songwriter

Singer-songwriters, also called vocalists or songwriters, are people who compose, write, and perform their original musical composition, which may include melodies and lyrics. In the United States, this category is often grouped according to geographical region, as in the bluegrass, folk, bluegrass-jazz, punk, and traditional categories. However, in some countries, this genre is considered a separately recognized form of music.

As with other artists, being a singer-songwriter means working in a collaborative environment, rather than following an album or single-artist schedule. Each artist has his or her own preferences regarding song structure, melody, rhythm, instrumentation, vocals, and instruments. A singer-songwriter's career path can cross over several mediums, from recording to performing, from being involved in the industry as a buyer or talent scout, to being involved in the industry as an artist or producer. The career options for singer-songwriters today are far more diverse than ever before. With the advances in technology and globalization, it has never been easier to tap into this multi-faceted career.

As an artist, a singer-songwriter may specialize in one or more types of music, depending on his or her interests. If he or she wishes to specialize in jazz or blues, he or she may wish to explore those niches individually, or he or she may want to hone both skills. For instance, if one wants to specialize in vocal music, exploring vocal techniques, arranging voice lessons, and working with voice teachers could lead to specialization in teaching voice. Others prefer to be involved in the music industry as an artist, building and releasing music, marketing and promoting it, touring and producing it, and performing it.

As a singer-songwriter, the job description will likely be diverse and career-oriented. In a sense, your job as a songwriter is like a jack-of-all trades. You'll need to know how to play a variety of instruments, sing, speak in front of a microphone, and edit and write lyrics. You'll also need to keep abreast of the latest trends in the recording and publishing industries. You may even have the opportunity to collaborate with other songwriters or producers.

In addition to the flexibility it affords you, becoming a singer-songwriter offers tremendous earning potential. The Recording Academy has projected that this career field will experience unprecedented growth through 2021, reaching record revenues of $1.75 billion. Many songwriters choose this career path because they love to create songs as they listen while commuting on public transportation, spending time with family and friends, or spending time at home. For others, the flexibility to perform while working on a laptop during the day, as well as the ability to pursue a career while taking care of children or pets are an essential draw.

While this is definitely a challenging profession, if you love to sing and create music, you'll likely love it. Some professional songwriters begin their careers by self-studying to improve their craft. Others focus on writing lyrics and instrumental tracks as a way to bring in a regular income. There are many ways to get your foot in the door as a songwriter or singer.