The path to success in the music industry isn’t always straightforward. I've enjoyed an exciting career in music since 1999 and there are certain things I did, both intentionally and unintentionally, that helped me along the way. Becoming a professional singer was not an easy journey for me, but it’s one I've enjoyed and that I’m incredibly proud of. I hope my story can inspire others to pursue their own dreams of a musical career. Retrospectively, here’s what worked for me and how it can work for you too.
1. Make the Decision
The first step is making the decision that you want to be a professional singer, and being fully committed to that choice. I knew this was what I wanted, and once I made that decision, I didn’t look back. There was no Plan B. You have to be hyper-focused on your goal, and you can’t allow yourself to be distracted by doubts or alternative options. Many people dabble in music, but if you’re serious about making it your career, you need to treat it like one.
2. Visualise Success
Interestingly, visualisation played a big role in my journey, though at the time, I didn’t even realize that’s what I was doing. I would often imagine myself on stage, performing to a crowd, and living the life I wanted as a musician. This kind of mental rehearsal is incredibly powerful. By visualising your success, you start to believe in it, and that belief propels you to take the actions needed to make it a reality.
3. Tell People Who You Are
If you want to be a singer, start by telling people that you are one. It might sound simple, but it’s important to build an identity as a musician. I began telling everyone I met that I was a singer-songwriter, performer, and musician. This created a sense of accountability, and it also built a reputation. Whenever I had a conversation, I would talk about music, my music, gigs I was playing, or gigs I’d been to. By doing this, people began to see me as knowledgeable about the industry. Before I knew it, opportunities started coming my way because people associated me with music. When you build a network of people who see you as a serious musician, you will create opportunities for yourself, often without knowing it.
4. Practise Daily (or at Least Four Times a Week)
Practising regularly is non-negotiable if you want to improve your skills and become a professional singer. I practised almost every day, for an hour. That might be too much for you at the moment, but as at a minimum I recommend practising four times a week. You don’t have to be the most naturally talented singer, but if you put in the work, you can achieve success. Consistency and discipline in honing your craft will set you apart from those who are just hoping to “get discovered” without putting in the effort.
5. Be Reliable
Reliability is key to making it as a professional singer. I wasn’t always the best singer in the room, but I always showed up on time, I learned my songs, and I was reliable. I learned very early on to know other singers' parts, including the lead. This meant that I was able to step in if other singers couldn't make it. Of course, I made mistakes but by being reliable I built trust with the people I worked with trusted me because they knew I would deliver overall. Being amenable and cooperative is important too, though I’ve learned not to be too amenable, as it can lead to exploitation, which I'll cover in the next section.
6. Set Boundaries – Take on Projects That Align with Your Vision
One of the hardest lessons I learned was how to set boundaries. Early in my career, I took on projects that didn’t align with my vision because I didn’t want to upset people. But I soon realised this wasn’t sustainable. It’s vital that every project you take on is a win-win-win for everyone involved. If it doesn’t align with your career vision or feel like the right step for you, don’t do it. This is about protecting your best interests and your well-being. As musicians, we often feel pressure to say “yes” to everything, but learning to say “no” when something isn’t right for you is one of the most important skills you can develop. It also earns you respect in the industry because people know where you stand.
7. Self-Belief Is Everything
Finally, self-belief is the cornerstone of success in this industry. There were many times when I doubted myself or wondered if I had what it takes, but deep down, I always believed in my potential. You have to believe in yourself even when no one else does. The music industry can be tough, and there will be setbacks, but if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.
How You Can Follow This Path
Now that I’ve shared some of the key principles that helped me, here are actionable steps you can take to become a professional singer:
Commit fully to your dream: Decide that this is what you want and pursue it without distraction. Remember, there’s no Plan B.
Start visualising your success: Picture yourself on stage, recording in the studio, or performing for a crowd. The more vividly you imagine your future, the more real it becomes.
Tell people you’re a singer: Start introducing yourself as a musician and discussing your music with others. You’ll be surprised how quickly this builds your identity and reputation.
Create a consistent practice routine: Whether it’s daily or four times a week, stick to a regular schedule of practising your vocals, working on your songwriting, or improving your musicality, musicianship or stage presence.
Be reliable: Show up on time, know your material, and be the kind of person others want to work with. Reliability is more valuable than people realize in this industry.
Set boundaries: Only take on projects that align with your career vision, and don’t be afraid to say no when something isn’t right for you.
Cultivate self-belief: Believe in your abilities and your potential, even when the journey gets tough.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a professional singer is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Everyone’s path will be different, but these principles can serve as a guide to help you navigate your way through the ups and downs of the industry. I hope my story can encourage you to pursue your own musical dreams and remind you that with focus, dedication, and belief in yourself, anything is possible. Remember, the world needs your unique voice, so don’t be afraid to share
Ready to take the next step? One thing I wish I'd had at the beginning is someone who'd been on the journey before me, to help and guide me when things got tough, and to hold me accountable when I wanted to give up. Professional mentorship gives you all of this and more - an insight to the workings of the music industry and an outside point of view when you feel stuck, confused and frustrated. Book a Consultation to discover how you could benefit from Professional mentorship. Click here to book: https://carriegriffithsvoicetraining-consultation.youcanbook.me/
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