When you watch American Idol do you see those three girls by the band? Those are professional background singers.
They are responsible for the life of the music and without them, often times it would seem empty or incomplete.
They get to travel the world, mix and mingle with stars without the headache of contracts and quotas.
Demo singers are also necessary.
A producer may want to submit a song to a major artist, and need a 'dummy' track with vocals on it to give the artist the creative idea of the song.
Demo singers are needed in every genre, and if you are a flexible singer with varying styles, this can be a great career for you.
Section leaders are paid vocalists who sit in a choir and are basically the best singer in the section.
In order to do this, your voice must be clear and steady enough for others to easily follow you.
It's not a high paying position, but once I was paid $200 to sing alto at a church's Christmas concert that lasted an hour.
Not bad, eh? Opera choruses can be a great source of extra income, a great workout for your voice, and exposure to the arts.
You also meet great people and make wonderful memories (I met Miss America 2003!).
Choruses often enter the stage 3-5 times during a production, and sing about 45 to 60 minutes worth of music during the 3-hour show.
Even smaller companies pay $300 per run (4-5 shows).
Larger opera houses that require more experience may pay more for their chorus members.
If you're interested in old musical theatre, (Sound of Music, etc) you may be interested in a career in stage.
Often times, opera houses will put on a production dedicated to a composer/playwright team, and create an evening of their music.
This is a great starting point for those classically trained and wanting more exposure and practice without traveling out of town.
*Remember: Professional singers, whether signed or unsigned, make money from live performances, not through CD sales.
So if a comfortable living is what you want to make for yourself, consider some of these options along with others.
There's teaching how to play an instrument, church gigs, club gigs, home business, or another source of income.
For many of you it will challenge you as well as satisfy your 'singing bug'.
Be blessed, and happy singing!