How to Become a Teenage R&B Artist

Chris Brown is an R&B singer who released his first CD as a teen.

Becoming a teenage R&B artist requires a lot of diligence, hard work and talent. Although success in this arena brings in a lot of accolades, getting to this point requires a good plan and luck. If you don’t believe this, ask the people who’ve made it. Their “overnight success” really occurred over a span of several years--years of constant auditioning, singing and trying to get a foot in the door of a producer’s office. However, the good news is that the same people are an example of the small group that has made it; they were able to become teenage R&B artists.

Things You'll Need

• Manager
• Demo
• Trainer

Instructions

1. Write down a mission statement. This should state in one sentence what you want to accomplish. It should look like, “I want to be an R&B artist who sings for ____.” The words you fill in this blank should help you define yourself and clarify what you actually want. So do you want to be a local sensation or an artist who reaches the world? It’s up to you.

2. Find a good manager. A manager will help direct you through your career as an R&B artist. Most teenage R&B artists actually start off with a parent who acts as a manager. So, share your dream with your parents and see if one of them wants to help you. If not, see if they will direct you to a person who will.

3. Take singing classes. Singing classes will help you hone your voice as an R&B artist. R&B is a genre that has a specific sound. You won’t succeed in it if you have a country twang. Therefore, take a class that will help you learn how to control your voice and hold a microphone.

4. Create your own look. Although a label might rework your look, you still need to go into one with style. Try to find a signature look. You will probably have to enlist the help of a make-up artist, but it will be worth it.

5. Sing as much as you can. In order to get comfortable singing in front of people, you need to practice in public as much as possible. Start with friends and family and work your way on to a stage. Friends and family will be gentle but honest. It will help you know what sounds good and what doesn’t--with your voice.

6. Take small singing jobs. Your manager will probably set you up with small singing gigs at first in order to get your feet wet. Many singers start out singing for free at church and at the mall. It’s a way to get their name out and get practice performing.

7. You will need to create a demo of you singing a few songs and send it out to record labels in order to be signed on as an artist. Because record labels get hundreds of demos on a regular basis, you want to make sure yours is excellent. You will want to stand out in a crowd.

8. Be yourself and have fun. People who enjoy their careers the most are the ones who have fun and are always themselves. Keep this in mind as you work to become an R&B artist. The sooner you take that stance, the sooner you will relieve yourself of a lot of pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out what makes you unique and helps you stand out from other singers.

• Beware of any manager who is constantly charging you fees for no work.