Singers may choose to specialize in a particular vocal style like jazz or opera, while others perform in a variety of styles. Some singers become background singers supporting a lead singer. Opera singers act out a story by singing and may perform in different languages. Sometimes singers write their own music to perform and record. They may also choose to teach in which case, a bachelor’s degree and teaching license is usually required. A singer needs to have dedication, discipline, musical talent, physical stamina, and self-promoting skills. Singers work a variety of hours but usually includes a lot of weekends and nights. They also spend numerous hours rehearsing and usually only have intermittent work. Most work part-time and have other jobs to compensate times that are not getting paid to sing. It can take many years to get signed on by an agent or recording studio therefore it can be very competitive in nature.
