How to Become a Live Singer in London

London's choirs, opera houses and live theaters always need competent singers. As the competition for quality jobs that pay well is fierce, it is important that you exercise and strengthen your voice as much as possible to increase your chances of landing a role as a live singer in the city. Apart from scouring listings in local newspapers, professional singers can land a variety of jobs by working through a reputable agency and marketing their skills on the Internet.

Instructions

1. Sign up for singing lessons with a professional and experienced performer. Check out directories such as Singing Teachers (see resources) to locate instructors near you. Ask for references and compare prices for three to five instructors before you sign a contract. At the end of your singing lessons, ask your instructor for a list of entertainment contacts who are earning a living working in the industry that you can reach out to and network with in order to land your first paying assignment.

2. Join the BBC Singers. Apply for membership in London's 24-person choir ensemble. Visit the group's website (see resources) and review current openings. Prepare a set piece and a work of your own choosing. Be prepared to perform a sight reading at the audition as well. Schedule an audition to apply for full-time, extra and deputy singing positions by contacting Ruth Potter, Room 24 BBC Studios, Delaware Road, London W9 2LG. Keep in mind that you can also call 020 7765 2243 to schedule an audition.

3. Apply to the opera. Contact organizations like the Royal Opera House and English National Opera. Visit the opera house websites. Search for openings under their vacancies listing. Apply as an apprentice or singer in an upcoming performance. Register your information with the site. For example, the Royal Opera House allows you to register at their Find Yourself Jobs page so that the house can keep your information on file and contact you should a new position open up. Email [e-mail] and inquire about participating in the English National Opera's young singers program.

4. Land an agent. Search agency directories listed in the local newspaper or online directories such as Singers Pro (see resources). Contact the agency's current clients to learn how effective the agency is at continuously finding artists work. Contact the agency directly to schedule an audition.

5. Browse artists and entertainment job boards such as Click a Job and What's Onstage regularly until you land the position you are looking for. Review job details including event location and audition dates and times. Contact the employer directly to either schedule an audition or complete an interview to secure the job.

6. Market yourself. Create a professional website. Upload your photo and audiotapes of you singing. Post your contact information including your mailing address and telephone number. Include your current performance calendar and alert managers and agents to openings in your schedule so you can land future work.

   Add your information to entertainer directories such as Hartley Voices. Ask your agent to add your information to their main page if your agent has a website. Keep in mind that you can also post an ad in your local newspaper to alert managers, including corporations that are looking for a live singer to perform at an upcoming event, of your availability.

Resources

• Apply to Become a BBC Singer
• Singing Teachers
• Singers Pro
• Royal Opera House
• Click a Job Board