How I Became a Singer-for-Hire

Capitol Records - My parking spot for my Cocoa Puffs commercial.

Becoming a Professional Singer: My Journey and Advice for Aspiring Vocalists

Introduction

Becoming a professional singer is a rewarding and challenging journey, especially in a competitive market like Los Angeles where I lived for 18 years. It’s a path that requires preparation, openness to opportunities, and a deep commitment to continuous growth. If you’re considering taking your singing from a hobby to a career, I hope my experiences can offer some helpful insights.

Early Beginnings

For many singers, the love of music starts early. I found my passion through school and church choirs, where I experienced the joy of singing in harmony and the thrill of performing. In fact, my mom as my very first music teacher... taught us what a whole note was by using vanilla wafers as visuals! Participating in these choirs not only honed my vocal skills but also built a foundation of discipline and teamwork. 

Growing up in Orlando and in a musical family gave me a unique advantage. I saw people around me making careers in music, proving it was possible. Unlike others who might hear that a music career is impractical, I was encouraged to pursue my passion. But I also understood the importance of being smart about it. That’s why I chose to go to college to study music, learning all I could to sharpen my skills—just like my mentors and musical heroes did.

My first professional experience was with a caroling company, and the excitement of being paid to sing made it clear that performing could be more than just a passion. It was a possible career. Even in high school, I sought out opportunities and gained experience through other performance groups, choirs, and musical theater. Here is where I got to connect with working singers, soaking up the knowledge of what it would take to be a singer-for-hire.

Education and Skill Development

Pursuing a music degree was a crucial step in my journey. College offered opportunities to study vocal techniques, music theory, and sharpen my performance skills. It also provided community with like-minded people, mentorship and access to performance experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise. (Remember... even if you choose a major other than music, many colleges and universities have musical groups that are open to all!)

But learning didn’t stop after graduation. Continuous development is key to any successful artistic career. Whether through vocal coaching, digital courses,  workshops, or experience through gigging, I’ve to stay committed to improving my craft however I can.

I had no idea what I was preparing for exactly, but I worked at becoming a musician and not simply a singer. That meant dedicating time to the less glamorous parts of training—practicing technique, refining my ear, and studying music theory—not just singing through my favorite songs. This dedication paid off, making me well-prepared to take on a wider variety of opportunities as they came my way.

Seizing Opportunities

Early in my career, I understood the importance of saying yes to any and every opportunity—yes, even unpaid ones. Volunteering at community events and church services allowed me to gain experience, build confidence, and grow my network. Performing in community theater productions also added to my skill set and stage presence.

Auditioning and becoming a member the Los Angeles Master Chorale was a significant step further down my career path. At first, I was a supplemental member, but I stuck around, continued honing my skills, and eventually became a union member of this prestigious Chorale. Through these experiences, I maintained my vocal instrument, improved my sight-reading, and built relationships with other musicians who supported and recommended me for future gigs. But none of that would have happened if I hadn't firstly put myself out there for the audition, and second taken the role of supplemental singer!

Networking and Building Relationships

Networking has been one of the most impactful aspects of my career. Relationships formed through all of my performance opportunities opened doors I never could have anticipated. Initially, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by professional musicians who encouraged and inspired me.

If you don’t have that support system, seek it out. Find a community of musicians through local choirs, open mic nights, or online groups. Your network will not only provide encouragement but also create opportunities.

Other singers are not just competitors—they can be your greatest allies. Many of my gigs came from referrals. Someone might drop your name when a producer or conductor needs a reliable vocalist. I’ve had friends recommend me when someone got sick or when a project needed a specific voice type. The connections I made through caroling companies and other singing jobs often led to further opportunities.

I have many examples of this from my own life but one of the best is when I booked a national 5 spot network commercial spot for SUAVE through a girl I'd done a show with 3 years before that! I hated the show at the time actually, but am SO glad now that I did it and met her!

Being a Good Hang

In the professional singing world, talent is only part of the equation. Equally important is your reputation as someone who’s enjoyable to work with. Being reliable, respectful, and easygoing will make people want to hire you again. In this industry, word travels fast, and being a good hang goes a long way!

A great example of this in my life was when... I was working for the Gary Marshall Theatre doing a lot of children's theater.  They had been auditioning for their main stage show and couldn't find the right match to play alongside Yeardley Smith (Voice of Lisa Simpson).  Gary had gotten to know me from the children's shows and said to his main stage director, "Get that tall, funny girl from the kids shows.  We love working with her."

So because of my involvement in a show that seemingly wouldn't lead to anything else... I was in a show with an actress that I really looked up to and could learn so much from.

The Mindset of a Professional

Flexibility and readiness are essential. You never know when a gig opportunity will arise, and being prepared to step in with confidence makes a significant difference. Remember... I trained for this my whole life. In the vocal world, having a dependable solid vocal technique and the muscle memory that comes with that will build in you confidence.  Some of my most rewarding experiences came from last-minute calls and unexpected chances. (Tim Davis story)

Part of being flexible is this... I learned to love being a vehicle for someone else's ideas. Whether I was working with a writer, producer, engineer, or conductor, my goal was to bring their vision to life. It’s a skill to listen, adapt, and offer suggestions when appropriate—but ultimately, your job is to make them happy and deliver their story through music.

Taking initiative is just as important. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—create them. Reach out to venues, collaborate with other musicians, and build your own performances. The more proactive you are, the more doors will open.

The Journey is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

Building a singing career takes time and patience. It’s not about overnight success, but about steady progress. After moving to LA in 1999, I was told to give it at least five years. Sure enough, my first film session came in 2004. During those years, I took free gigs, sang regularly at my church, auditioned for children’s theater, and worked with multiple caroling companies. Every experience built my skills and connections.

Conclusion

Looking back on my journey, the themes that stand out are preparation, openness, initiative, and commitment. Becoming a professional singer isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding for those who stick with it.

You may, of course, still want to have a backup plan. Fortunately, mine has always involved singing through my vocal studio. You may even decide that music will remain a part-time passion rather than a full-time career. That’s completely valid. If you were given the gift of music, you’re likely called to share it—whether for a paycheck or not. And when you do, you’ll want it to be the best it can be.

Just remember: be prepared, take initiative, be open, be willing, be committed, be gracious, be professional, and be a good hang!

Sing on, and enjoy the journey!