One of the most frequently asked questions on our website is, “How can I learn how to sing fast, and where do I start?”
The answer that we usually give is, “Your current skill level doesn’t matter, your age doesn’t matter, where you’re from doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is your passion for the art and the determination you have to improve.”
With that in mind, I am going to take the opportunity today and expound on this response. We are going to take a look at a detailed list of life skills you need as you get started in the music industry to make it as a singer.
Let’s jump into this.
Skill #1: Being Reliable
Always show up on time, smell great, get your act together, brush your teeth, dress sharply, have your stuff organized, and always be respectful. From this list, I cannot emphasize always being on time enough. In the music industry, where everyone is busy, it will be a beautiful way to show the people you meet that they matter and that you care.
Skill #2: Be Driven and Disciplined
Never stop nurturing your mind, nurturing your body, nurturing your singing skills, and nurturing your talent. As you wait to make it big, keep the faith, do not be ashamed to get yourself out there, keep developing, exercise, and drink enough water.
Feel free to check out the guide I created recently on Daily Vocal Exercises That Can Help You Become a Better Singer.
Skill #3: Always Be Coachable
Whenever you work with a coach, a band, or a musical director, it will be good for you if you can always cooperate in constructive ways and aim for the best results. Stay open-minded, and when someone is advising you, but you’d like to disagree, I suggest that you keep your mouth shut and keep it to yourself.
When you are alone, deeply reflect on what the person said, and may with a little bit of perspective, what they said will make sense after all. This has happened to all of us. In addition to that, strive to work with individuals you admire, but do not be ashamed to work with the best you can afford.
Skill #4: Charisma Will Take You A Long Way
This is basically the X factor everyone in the spotlight desires to have. You can think of it as the personal balance between vulnerability and strength. Be admirable and/or likable. Questions you should always ask yourself include;
- What kind of person are you when you are performing on stage?
- Are you mystic or approachable?
Skill #5: Empathy
As a songwriter, one of the most important things you can have is the ability to connect with the lyrics you are trying to convey to your listeners. Needless to say, from time to time, you’ll be singing about things you have never experienced yourselves. That said, do you have the ability to imagine how it feels and connect with the lyrics?
A love or talent for acting is a quality that most singers and songwriters share.
Skill #6: Artistry
The ability to personalize your songs is what will make them unique and interesting to your fans. As such, do not be a copycat, and work on developing your personal style. Unless, of course, you would like to become a Frank Sinatra or Elvis impersonator.
If you do not know how to craft your own personal style, I suggest that you start by knowing your strengths and weaknesses. Subsequently, list the kinds of songs that make you tick, master them, and start recording. Your choice of material, variations, phrasing, approach, and sound will develop and become unique as time goes by.
Skill #7: Develop Million Dollar Ears
If you learn how to listen and what things to listen for, you should develop Million Dollar Ears in next to no time. You will be able to detect the slightest alterations in dynamics, harmony, and tempo, and will be able to make changes to mistakes that most people in the music industry would miss.
Skill #8: Musicality
A feel for tensions, a feel for melody, and a feel for rhythm are all skills you must have to make it in the music industry. However, the good news is that if this doesn’t come naturally to you like to some other people, you can still train and develop the skills.
How can you do that? Well, one straightforward method that I teach all my students is to start by simply listening to some of the greatest records as much as possible. Other tricks you can employ include getting coached by a great teacher or learning how to play an instrument.