How to Be Discovered As a Singer (Teens)

Last Updated: December 4, 2022 References Approved

Perhaps you've been thinking about taking your singing outside of the shower, and into the world. If your main goal is to be discovered as a singer, read on to find out just what it takes to make it.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Defining Your Goals

1
Understand what a professional singer actually does. A lot of people who want to be discovered as a singer really mean that they want to be discovered as a super star. But there's a difference, and a timeline, between the two. Think about this:
- A professional singer is someone with substantial experience and usually musical education under her or his belt.
- A professional singer is someone who sings and performs on a very regular basis, from one to five times a week and several hours per night. Her or his success can remain local or go global.
- A superstar might come out of a great singer, but that person didn't necessarily have to be a professional singer previously.
- A superstar usually achieves international and sometimes global success.
2
Dig deep and find out why you want to be a singer. Much like any other career path, passion is key in paving your road to success. But if that passion is based solely on the desire for money and fame, your career (and happiness) might be short lived. Try to think about the following questions:^{[1]
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- What do you get out of singing?
- Where/what venues are your favorite performance sites?
- In what particular field do you want to earn respect and appreciation?
- Do you enjoy large or small audiences?
- Is recognition of your talent more important to you than the actual performing?
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3
Don't base your goals on other people's ideas. Maybe your parents want you to be the next Pavarotti and insanely wealthy. Always ask yourself if that is also what you truly want.
4
Be realistic about how much time you can devote to your goal. As in most other professions, lots of practice is absolutely necessary. Not just for the quality of tone, but also for your own comfort level.^{[2]
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- Make it a goal to practice at least a few times a week, and ideally every day.
- Hold yourself accountable by entering your planned practice times in a calendar or planner.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Refining Your Skills

1
Be patient. Remember the saying, "all good things come to those who wait"? As in many other aspects of life, being patient can make a big difference in the final outcome. Don't rush things. And take time to refine your skills.
2
Find a comfortable and quiet place to practice. Practice, practice, practice, and then practice some more. As previously mentioned, allot some time on a daily or weekly basis to polish your talent. Here are some suggestions on where you might want to practice:^{[3]
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- Find a place where you can be alone and undisturbed for your entire practice.
- Bathrooms, stairwells, and the hallway can provide great acoustics.
- Sing in your car on your way to work, shopping, or any destination.
- If you need any instruments or tools to accompany your practice, make sure to leave them set up for the next time.
3
Figure out what time works best for your practice. Are you a morning person? Or do you prefer to work late into the night? Understanding your internal clock and lifestyle can make a big difference in how effective and satisfying your singing practice will be. Any time is a good time as long as it fits your lifestyle. Some things to consider might be:^{[4]
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- Is your home very crowded/loud during the day?
- Do you entertain guests at night on a regular basis?
- Do you have commitments during certain hours that might derail your practice?
- Try to practice for at least 15 to 60 minutes at a time.
4
Meditate on a regular basis. Research has shown that consistent and mindful awareness can help you reap benefits in many situations and for many objectives. Going to a guided meditation session can be very useful at first, especially if you have little to no experience with this practice.^{[5]
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5
Consider private singing lessons or enrolling in a formal training program. While some singers achieve great success without ever taking lessons, it certainly never hurts and can only improve your skills. Plus, you might meet important people in the industry.^{[6]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Exposing Your Talent

1
Be humble. At an early stage, you can't afford to say no to any offer. Yes, even if it's singing at a children's birthday party or at your school event. Remember, these are all great opportunities to practice your singing and to become comfortable on stage.^{[7]
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2
Consider auditioning for local bands. There are many benefits to not starting off solo, one of which is the camaraderie and networking opportunities you might get from joining forces with other like-minded musicians.
3
Know where the action is. You won't need to move right away, but you do eventually want to put yourself in the right field of vision. In other words, stay on top of where music is produced and where people tend to be discovered. This might also depend on your chosen music field. For example:
- Nashville is the place to be if you're aiming to be in the country music industry.
- Los Angeles or New York are general centers for music and entertainment.
4
Use social media. If you're like most teens today, you're probably completely comfortable using social media to communicate with peers and friends. Take it to the next level by applying your tech know-how to promote yourself and your music.^{[8]
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- Create a Business Facebook Page to keep people and potential fans posted on what you've been doing, and where you'll be performing next.
- Ask people to "like" you on your Facebook Page (yes, even if it's super uncomfortable for you).
- Keep your Facebook Page up-to-date. This is very important, and something that a lot of people neglect.
- Link your new Facebook Page to your Twitter account for additional exposure.
5
Print out fliers and ask appropriate locations to post them in their lobby. Appropriate spaces might be bars, clubs, and/or restaurants, to only name a few. You could also post your fliers in coffee shops, and anywhere that will allow you to.
6
Record music on your own. You shouldn't have to wait until a record label signs you in order to get your music heard. At this stage, you need to find a music studio that will engineer your music with you. There are, most likely, many options out there. Focus on finding a studio with affordable rates. Keep some of the following things in mind:^{[9]
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- Visit as many studios as you can.
- Inquire about who exactly will be working with you on your recording.
- Research the studio to get a feel of other artists' experiences.
- Though the cost matters, it's crucial that the studio of your choice has the newest technology.
- Check that their technology actually works.
- Try singing in their recording booth to get a sense of the acoustics.
7
Decide exactly what song(s) you want to record. Most studios record 2 hours a session, and they're usually not cheap, so make sure you know what piece(s) you want out first. Keep in mind that most labels only listen from 20 to 30 seconds of what you submit, so you need to record the absolute best song(s) you have.
8
Sign up to offer your music on iTunes. Once you've gotten your music recorded, consider selling it on iTunes. It can be an excellent way to get your music out faster, and see how people like it. It's free to sign up, though additional terms of sale apply for any music you sell directly through it. Here are some pointers:^{[10]
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- Have your Universal Product Code (UPC) and International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) at hand.
- Have your tax I.D. ready. It's required for the verification process through iTunes.
9
Don't give up. Even if you don't achieve the success you want after multiple attempts, keep trying. Remember, nothing worthwhile comes quickly or easily.

Community Q&A

Question

I want to start posting covers on YouTube, but I'm scared that friends from school will notice and make fun of me. What should I do?

Community Answer

If you truly are passionate about singing, then you should definitely go for it! Your friends might not even notice, and if they do, then just explain to them how much you enjoy singing. True friends wouldn't make fun of you, anyway.
Question

What if my parents don't agree with me becoming a singer?

Community Answer

Make sure you are very prepared, very sure about your decision, and have the passion to withstand the hardships of what you'll have to face to become a singer. If you are sure of that, then try to persuade them or show them the talents you have that you want to take to a professional level. If they still do not agree, you'll have to make your own choice between continuing to chase after your dreams or listening to your parents.
Question

Should I worry about copyrights with my music?

Community Answer

If your music is good and you plan on trying to make money off of it, yes. If you do not have it copyrighted, someone can take it and use it for whatever they want. They may even make lots of money off of your music while you won't earn a cent.

Warnings

If you don't make it at first, keep trying.

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Do not copy anyone's lyrics, tunes, or band names. See an entertainment attorney for advice if you're unsure about your choices.

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