8 answers
Faith
Student
Delavan, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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Do you need to go to college to be a singer?
What education do we need or, do we need any at all?
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8 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
119
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
As a music major who sings in choir and works with singers a lot I can say this: college definitely does not hurt if you want to sing professionally. Going to college as a music major builds a network that can greatly help you as you start your career. It's really helpful to know people in the industry who can help you push your career in the right direction. Depending on where you go to study music, your professors could have some pretty high profile jobs like being invited to sing with orchestras, playing with professional symphonies, and working with high profile names and groups.
I think you should make your own decision on if you want to go to school to study music but here's a few things I will say. Majoring in music is not in any way like majoring in business or any STEM. There will be late nights, really hard classes, and possibly even some tears. HOWEVER, please don't let that discourage you. I have done some things I never thought I would EVER do while I've been in school. Things like- playing piano with an orchestra to back up a singer, singing a full Baroque style mass with a professional orchestra, and even composing some classical pieces. Opportunities will be everywhere when you study music- you just have to find them.
I think you should make your own decision on if you want to go to school to study music but here's a few things I will say. Majoring in music is not in any way like majoring in business or any STEM. There will be late nights, really hard classes, and possibly even some tears. HOWEVER, please don't let that discourage you. I have done some things I never thought I would EVER do while I've been in school. Things like- playing piano with an orchestra to back up a singer, singing a full Baroque style mass with a professional orchestra, and even composing some classical pieces. Opportunities will be everywhere when you study music- you just have to find them.
Shea Winpigler
Singer
1
Answer
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Shea’s Answer
Hello there! If I had the chance to turn back time, I would definitely seize the opportunity and perhaps even pursue a dual major - one in vocal performance and another in a different field.
At present, I'm thriving as a professional singer. I'm the lead vocalist in a wedding band, I compose and perform songs for various media including TV, film, and commercials, and I also do freelance singing on the side. My college education was in broadcast journalism, but my heart has always been captivated by singing. Just last year, I decided to further nurture my passion by returning to school to study music theory, ear training, and piano. I'm able to make a living from these pursuits, along with domain brokering.
One of the challenges in this profession, particularly when working with others, is the need for effective communication with fellow musicians. Acquiring a solid foundation in music, whether through self-study in your own space or via a structured program, enables you to develop a common language with other musicians. This makes it easier to express your ideas and collaborate. If I wasn't as skilled in singing as I am (not to brag, but going by what others have shared with me), I would likely command less respect in my circles due to my limited foundational knowledge. This knowledge is instrumental in enhancing harmonizing, leading a band, and fostering the creative process. It's empowering and truly worth investing in.
Look at colleges: don't care where! - I wish someone would have told me this. Pick an inexpensive music school (community college) or liberal arts college and go there. Learn as much as you can. Meet new friends. Get outside your comfort zone. Pick up an instrument and put in those four years of hard work!!!
Reach out to the director of the program and ask as many questions as ya can about their program! See if you can get in touch with another student, too
Decide what kind of music career you want to have
Pick a college that aligns!
At present, I'm thriving as a professional singer. I'm the lead vocalist in a wedding band, I compose and perform songs for various media including TV, film, and commercials, and I also do freelance singing on the side. My college education was in broadcast journalism, but my heart has always been captivated by singing. Just last year, I decided to further nurture my passion by returning to school to study music theory, ear training, and piano. I'm able to make a living from these pursuits, along with domain brokering.
One of the challenges in this profession, particularly when working with others, is the need for effective communication with fellow musicians. Acquiring a solid foundation in music, whether through self-study in your own space or via a structured program, enables you to develop a common language with other musicians. This makes it easier to express your ideas and collaborate. If I wasn't as skilled in singing as I am (not to brag, but going by what others have shared with me), I would likely command less respect in my circles due to my limited foundational knowledge. This knowledge is instrumental in enhancing harmonizing, leading a band, and fostering the creative process. It's empowering and truly worth investing in.
Shea recommends the following next steps:
Ryan Flores
Business Ops
15
Answers
Springville, Utah
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Short answer: no.
But there's more to it than that. I'm a musician and I earned a music degree in college. Fellow music majors dropped out to join a group that is now a household name (though they didn't stay with the group long enough to enjoy the current level of fame). Point being, they had the talent to perform at that level, no degree was necessary. But here's something I didn't know until college: most professional musicians aren't famous, they aren't household names, and they aren't rich. They are people in your community that scrape together a living by doing many things such as teaching private lessons, performing all sorts of gigs (including for types of music they are not necessarily passionate about - bars, wedding music, church celebrations, corporate events, etc), repairing instruments, coaching youth groups, and (commonly) teaching on the side at a public school or university. You will have a much easier time getting those side teaching gigs if you have a degree. They don't pay much, but every little thing helps because musicians really aren't in demand. By spending time earning a degree you will definitely become a more well-rounded musician, and you will establish a network of people that can help you to get plugged into the local music scene and start getting paid work. I'm still gigging with a group of musicians that a college teacher introduced me to about 17 years ago.
If you have a degree, you can always pivot to teaching full time. For many of us the dream is to be a full-time performer. But the reality is that very few people get to experience that, and they sacrifice A LOT to achieve it (for instance, the opportunity to have a family). For me that isn't worth it. I have decided to hold down a "normal" job (I work for a software company) and I get to be a musician on the side. That way I can support a family, pay my mortgage, and have a comfortable lifestyle while still enjoying music quite prominently. I wouldn't have gotten my current or past jobs working in tech if I hadn't had a degree.
My advice, get a degree. Whether it's in vocal performance or not, a degree will open doors for you. And if you're in high school or college, trying to figure out what direction to go with life, keeping your options open is very important.
Investigate local colleges/universities to determine which have degree programs you're interested in. Contact the vocal instructors and ask if they can give advice! Most are excited and willing to talk to prospective students.
But there's more to it than that. I'm a musician and I earned a music degree in college. Fellow music majors dropped out to join a group that is now a household name (though they didn't stay with the group long enough to enjoy the current level of fame). Point being, they had the talent to perform at that level, no degree was necessary. But here's something I didn't know until college: most professional musicians aren't famous, they aren't household names, and they aren't rich. They are people in your community that scrape together a living by doing many things such as teaching private lessons, performing all sorts of gigs (including for types of music they are not necessarily passionate about - bars, wedding music, church celebrations, corporate events, etc), repairing instruments, coaching youth groups, and (commonly) teaching on the side at a public school or university. You will have a much easier time getting those side teaching gigs if you have a degree. They don't pay much, but every little thing helps because musicians really aren't in demand. By spending time earning a degree you will definitely become a more well-rounded musician, and you will establish a network of people that can help you to get plugged into the local music scene and start getting paid work. I'm still gigging with a group of musicians that a college teacher introduced me to about 17 years ago.
If you have a degree, you can always pivot to teaching full time. For many of us the dream is to be a full-time performer. But the reality is that very few people get to experience that, and they sacrifice A LOT to achieve it (for instance, the opportunity to have a family). For me that isn't worth it. I have decided to hold down a "normal" job (I work for a software company) and I get to be a musician on the side. That way I can support a family, pay my mortgage, and have a comfortable lifestyle while still enjoying music quite prominently. I wouldn't have gotten my current or past jobs working in tech if I hadn't had a degree.
My advice, get a degree. Whether it's in vocal performance or not, a degree will open doors for you. And if you're in high school or college, trying to figure out what direction to go with life, keeping your options open is very important.
Ryan recommends the following next steps:
John Graham
Music Producer
57
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Faith!
Celine Dion dropped out of school at age 15 to concentrate on her career.
Billie Eilish was home schooled by her parents, but Eilish passed her equivalency exam and graduated high school when she was just 15.
Dua Lipa went to Theater School
Ariana Grande did not attend college. She did graduate from North Broward Preparatory School around 2010–2011 with the help of tutors.
Taylor Swift graduated high school even while on tour for her first album. The artist does not have a college degree.
Justin Bieber attended a French-language immersion elementary school in Stratford, the Jeanne Sauvé Catholic School. Growing up, he learned to play the piano, drums, guitar, and trumpet. He graduated from high school in Stratford, Ontario, the St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in 2012 with a 4.0 GPA.
Rihanna. The Grammy winner left school at age 16.
Bruno Mars finished High School only.
Beyoncé dropped out of high school at 15 to form Destiny's Child. Her dad home schooled her. She never went to college
P!nk hated school. She went to Moore College of Art and Design, after a year she dropped out. She worked at a lot of fast-food restaurants.
Adele - After her time in Balham, Adele then moved on to the prestigious BRIT school in Croydon. Its famous alumni include the likes of Amy Winehouse, Tom Holland, Leona Lewis and Loyle Carne.
Ed Sheeran dropped out of school at age 16 earning his GED. Once moving to London he studied at access to music: the music and media college. Ed studied the Artist Development course in London, where he learned a set of skills which has benefited him in his growing music career while at the same time making him eligible for a housing grant for a period of time while he was a student.
Camila Cabello attended Miami Palmetto High School, but left during the 2012–2013 school year (while she was in 9th grade) to pursue her singing career.
Olivia Rodrigo is currently enrolled as a part-time student at the University of Southern California. In 2022, she enrolled at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where she took music production classes.
Celine Dion dropped out of school at age 15 to concentrate on her career.
Billie Eilish was home schooled by her parents, but Eilish passed her equivalency exam and graduated high school when she was just 15.
Dua Lipa went to Theater School
Ariana Grande did not attend college. She did graduate from North Broward Preparatory School around 2010–2011 with the help of tutors.
Taylor Swift graduated high school even while on tour for her first album. The artist does not have a college degree.
Justin Bieber attended a French-language immersion elementary school in Stratford, the Jeanne Sauvé Catholic School. Growing up, he learned to play the piano, drums, guitar, and trumpet. He graduated from high school in Stratford, Ontario, the St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in 2012 with a 4.0 GPA.
Rihanna. The Grammy winner left school at age 16.
Bruno Mars finished High School only.
Beyoncé dropped out of high school at 15 to form Destiny's Child. Her dad home schooled her. She never went to college
P!nk hated school. She went to Moore College of Art and Design, after a year she dropped out. She worked at a lot of fast-food restaurants.
Adele - After her time in Balham, Adele then moved on to the prestigious BRIT school in Croydon. Its famous alumni include the likes of Amy Winehouse, Tom Holland, Leona Lewis and Loyle Carne.
Ed Sheeran dropped out of school at age 16 earning his GED. Once moving to London he studied at access to music: the music and media college. Ed studied the Artist Development course in London, where he learned a set of skills which has benefited him in his growing music career while at the same time making him eligible for a housing grant for a period of time while he was a student.
Camila Cabello attended Miami Palmetto High School, but left during the 2012–2013 school year (while she was in 9th grade) to pursue her singing career.
Olivia Rodrigo is currently enrolled as a part-time student at the University of Southern California. In 2022, she enrolled at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where she took music production classes.
Fred Rosenberger
Data Analyst
475
Answers
St. Louis, MO
Updated
Fred’s Answer
The short answer is "no". All you need to do to be a singer is sing. It helps if you are a GOOD singer.
You can go to college to study singing. There are many performing arts schools around the country. Or, you could go to a traditional college, and perhaps study business. After all, if you are going to be a professional singer, it might help to understand how to run a small business, how to market yourself, etc.
You can go to college to study singing. There are many performing arts schools around the country. Or, you could go to a traditional college, and perhaps study business. After all, if you are going to be a professional singer, it might help to understand how to run a small business, how to market yourself, etc.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Faith
Mehdi Rostami
music production
1
Answer
Sari, Mazandaran Province, Iran
Updated
Mehdi’s Answer
you don't always have to go to college to learn music, there are tons of books, youtube videos and online courses
Jessica Griffith
Student
22
Answers
Canton, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
You don't have to but invest in vocal lessons so you learn the correct ways to sing/ carry your voice and learn how to scale do, re, mi, fa,so,la,ti,do
Éverton Backes
Saxophone teacher
78
Answers
Joinville, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Updated
Éverton’s Answer
Believe me, I could share countless tales, but the truth is, you don't require a college degree to become a singer. However, if you have the opportunity to go to college, it can be a game-changer. You can acquire new skills and broaden your network. As Fred pointed out, college can provide you with additional resources. Consider this - the world is vast and it's beneficial to gather as many resources as you can. Stay safe and keep going!