Professional Singer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of entertainment, the spotlight on professional singers has never been brighter.

Art and music continue to evolve, and with each note, the demand for skilled voices that can evoke, entertain, and inspire grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional singer?

Whether you are:

• A talent scout looking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A casting director shaping your ideal casting profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the dynamics of a singing career,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a flexible professional singer job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or talent search platforms.

Let’s dive right in.

Professional Singer Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Singers use their vocal talent, musical abilities, and performance skills to entertain audiences in a variety of settings, ranging from concert halls to recording studios.

They often work closely with a team of music professionals, including managers, music directors, and producers.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Perform music for live audiences and recordings
• Audition for roles in concerts, operas, musicals, and other types of musical performances
• Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches, to develop their voices and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles
• Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts
• Research roles and learn about the character to be portrayed
• Learn and rehearse songs
• Attend auditions and rehearsals as scheduled
• Work closely with directors, composers, and other singers to achieve the desired sound in a performance
• Protect their voice from strain and damage
• Develop a personal brand and maintain a consistent public image, including through social media
• Promote their own or their group’s music by participating in media interviews and other activities

 

Professional Singer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented and passionate Professional Singer to perform in a variety of settings.

The successful candidate will have a strong vocal ability, an engaging stage presence, and be able to perform various genres of music.

The Professional Singer’s responsibilities include singing lead or backing vocals, collaborating with other musicians and producers, maintaining vocal health, and attending rehearsals and performances.

An ideal candidate should have previous professional singing experience, a portfolio of past performances, and the ability to play one or more musical instruments.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform lead or backing vocals for musical performances.
• Collaborate with bands, choirs, music producers and other musicians for live performances or recording sessions.
• Prepare for performances by rehearsing regularly and maintaining good vocal health.
• Interact with audiences and engage them during performances.
• Participate in recording sessions and provide vocals for songs.
• Learn and interpret a wide repertoire of music.
• Work closely with vocal coaches, directors, and other professionals to improve performance skills.
• Participate in promotional activities such as interviews and photoshoots.

 

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Professional Singer or similar role.
• Strong vocal ability and knowledge of singing techniques.
• Ability to play one or more musical instruments is a plus.
• Excellent stage presence and audience engagement skills.
• Knowledge of music theory and ability to read music notation.
• Familiarity with various genres of music.
• Dedication to maintaining vocal health.
• Ability to collaborate with other musicians and work as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel for performances and recording sessions.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for international travel
• Exposure to the music industry and networking opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Singer
• Work Environment: This role may require travelling for performances, recording sessions, and promotional events. Evening and weekend work is common, as is international travel.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Band Manager or Music Director.
• Salary: Salary is dependent on contract negotiations and the number of performances. This can vary widely based on the singer’s reputation and demand.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time, Part-time, Contract based
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a portfolio of your past performances, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Professional Singer Do?

Professional singers perform songs in front of live audiences and in recording studios.

They interpret music and lyrics to entertain an audience or to create a recording for distribution.

Depending on their niche, they may sing different genres including pop, jazz, classical, opera, country, rock, or blues.

Some singers focus on original compositions, while others cover songs made popular by other artists.

They work closely with music producers, recording engineers, and personal managers to craft their sound and style.

They may also work with songwriters and lyricists to create new songs.

Singers are responsible for maintaining their vocal health and often work with vocal coaches to develop and maintain their singing skills.

They also rehearse regularly to prepare for performances.

In addition to singing, professional singers often are involved in marketing and promoting their music.

They may also participate in music videos, interviews, and public appearances.

Some singers may tour nationally or internationally, performing in various cities or countries.

In these cases, they are responsible for performing consistently despite frequent travel and changing venues.

Many professional singers also engage in contractual negotiations, either personally or through a representative, regarding performance fees, recording rights, and distribution deals.

 

Professional Singer Qualifications and Skills

A professional singer should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Vocal talent and technical skill to deliver exceptional vocal performances across a range of genres and styles.
• Understanding of music theory and ability to read sheet music, enhancing the ability to interpret and perform songs effectively.
• Expressive interpretation and storytelling abilities to convey the mood, emotion, and message of a song to the audience.
• Physical stamina and vocal health management to perform for extended periods, often under challenging conditions like frequent travel and irregular schedules.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with a range of music professionals including band members, agents, producers, and sound engineers.
• Self-discipline and dedication for regular practice and continuous improvement of vocal technique and repertoire.
• Presentation and stage presence to engage with the audience and deliver captivating performances.
• Business acumen to manage contracts, negotiate deals, and navigate the music industry.

 

Professional Singer Experience Requirements

Professional singers often start their experience journey in their early years, participating in school choirs, church choirs, or community theater programs to gain initial experience and skill development.

It is not uncommon for aspiring singers to take private vocal lessons or to study music, music theory, or vocal performance in post-secondary education.

This can provide them with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that can be transferred to their professional singing career.

At the entry-level, singers may gain experience by performing at local events, open mic nights, and small gigs.

They may also gain exposure and experience by participating in singing or talent competitions, both locally and nationally.

With 3 to 5 years of experience, singers may have developed a solid portfolio of performances and may have started making professional recordings.

They may have gained experience collaborating with other musicians, songwriters, and producers and could have experience performing in a variety of settings and for diverse audiences.

Professional singers with over 5 years of experience often have a number of albums or singles released and have extensive experience performing live, often in front of large audiences.

They may also have experience in collaborating with high-profile artists or producers, and have gained exposure on national or international platforms.

At this point in their career, singers may also have experience in various aspects of the music industry, such as songwriting, production, or music business management.

 

Professional Singer Education and Training Requirements

Professional Singers typically do not require a formal education, but many choose to pursue a degree or diploma in music, vocal performance, or a related field.

This education provides them with foundational knowledge in music theory, and the skills needed for singing in different styles and genres.

Many singers start their training at a young age, attending performing arts schools or hiring private vocal coaches to hone their abilities.

These professionals provide practical training, helping singers to develop their voice, range, breathing technique, and stage presence.

Professional Singers also benefit from learning to play a musical instrument, typically the piano or guitar, as this can enhance their understanding of melody and harmony.

Some singers may choose to advance their skills by obtaining certification from a music examination board, such as the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) or the Trinity College London.

While not a requirement, some professional singers may choose to pursue a master’s degree in music or vocal performance to further enhance their knowledge and skills.

In this industry, practical experience and natural talent often hold as much weight as formal education.

Therefore, gaining experience through performances, auditions, and competitions is crucial for a Professional Singer’s career.

The ability to read music, a good ear for harmony, and a unique, powerful voice can set a singer apart in this highly competitive field.

 

Professional Singer Salary Expectations

The average income for a Professional Singer varies greatly and is often dependent on individual success.

However, on average, they can expect to earn around $30-$400 per hour.

The actual earnings can significantly differ based on the individual’s level of fame, experience, the genre of music they specialize in, and the location where they perform.

 

Professional Singer Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional singer need?

Professional singers need more than just a good voice.

They should possess excellent musical skills, including a good sense of pitch, rhythm, and harmony.

The ability to interpret songs and communicate emotion effectively is key.

Additionally, good physical stamina and breath control are essential for live performances.

Singers should also have good interpersonal skills to collaborate with other musicians, producers, and agents.

 

Do professional singers need a degree?

While some professional singers have degrees in music or vocal performance, a degree is not always necessary.

Many successful singers have developed their skills through years of practice and performance experience.

However, formal education can provide valuable training in vocal techniques, music theory, and performance practices.

 

What should you look for in a professional singer’s resume?

A professional singer’s resume should include their performance experience, such as concerts, recordings, or theatrical productions.

Additionally, any formal vocal training or music education should be listed.

Other important details can include musical skills, such as the ability to read music or play an instrument, and any experience in songwriting or music production.

 

What qualities make a good professional singer?

A good professional singer is passionate about music and dedicated to perfecting their craft.

They should have a unique voice, and the ability to interpret and connect with the music they perform.

Flexibility is also key, as they often need to adapt to different genres, audiences, and performance settings.

Good singers are also typically resilient and motivated, as the music industry can be very competitive and demanding.

 

Is it difficult to hire professional singers?

Hiring professional singers can be challenging due to the high level of talent and competition in the music industry.

It’s important to have clear expectations and requirements for the role, whether it’s for a recording project, a touring band, or a theatrical production.

In addition to evaluating a singer’s vocal skills and performance experience, consider their professionalism, reliability, and fit with your musical style or project.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an exclusive backstage pass to the world of a professional singer.

Guess what?

It’s not just about hitting the right notes.

It’s about creating musical magic, one melody at a time.

With our comprehensive professional singer job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to step into the limelight.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your key to fine-tuning your audition repertoire or creating a pitch-perfect job listing.

Remember:

Every note you sing contributes to a symphony of sound.

Let’s create that melody. Together.