Can Someone with an Average Singing Voice Become a Professional Singer? Steps to Success

Yes, many people with average or so-so singing voices have become professional singers, although it's more accurate to call them "professional performers." Usually, it's a matter of coming up with a marketable style and some good songs.

The journey to becoming a professional singer is a long one, but with the right teacher, diligence, and a clear focus on your goals, it's achievable. It starts with understanding that natural talent alone is not enough. A consistent and disciplined training regimen is key. If the student has the innate talent and both the student and the singer become really involved, things will start to fall into place.

Types of Professional Singers

There are many people who make a living from singing. That makes them professional singers. However, they're not all great, and some are not particularly good. Singing at a high level of quality, such as in opera, is almost unheard of without training and determination.

Importance of Training and Determination

Natural talent can give you an advantage, but not as much as you might think. All else being equal, the naturally talented person will do better. But all else is almost never equal. Your voice is the result of muscles, similar to the physical training required to improve athletic performance.

Let's draw a parallel with football. Imagine two football players: one a naturally gifted athlete, the other a regular guy. The naturally gifted athlete, with a 20% natural advantage, performs well on Day 1. The difference is stark and obvious. However, this 20% advantage becomes less significant over time.

Training Over Time

According to the general rule that it takes 10,000 hours to fully master a skill, if the naturally talented athlete trains for 4 hours a day and the regular guy trains for 6 hours a day, the difference in performance narrows. After a week, the naturally talented athlete has completed 33.6 hours, while the regular athlete has completed 42 hours. By the end of a year, the natural talent has completed 1,750 hours, whereas the regular athlete with a better work ethic has almost 2,200.

This extended effort can lead to mastery in around 4 years for the regular athlete, compared to nearly 7 years for the naturally talented athlete. At that level, the distinction between natural talent and hard work becomes negligible.

Practical Steps to Success

For someone with an average singing voice to become a professional singer, there are several practical steps to take:

Identify a Marketable Style: Find a unique style that suits your voice and resonates with your audience. This could involve blending different genres or focusing on a specific technique. Find a Qualified Instructor: Investing in a qualified teacher can greatly enhance your skills and help you develop proper techniques. Consistent Practice: Dedicate time each day to practice and hone your skills. Consistency is key in developing muscle memory and control over your voice. Broaden Your Repertoire: Learn a variety of songs and styles to keep your performances fresh and engaging. Become a Live Performer: Gain experience by performing at local venues, school events, or community gatherings. Build a Strong Online Presence: Create content, such as videos and auditions, to share your talents and engage with your audience online.

Remember, natural talent can be frustrating to watch because these individuals seem to have an easier time compared to those who work harder. However, as you progress towards mastery, you'll recognize the results of their hard work and dedication.

By taking these steps and maintaining a consistent work ethic, someone with an average singing voice can indeed become a professional singer. The journey may be longer and more challenging, but it is definitely achievable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming a professional singer with an average singing voice is possible, but it requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and smart strategies. Whether it's training extensively, finding a niche, or building an online following, the path to success is attainable with perseverance and passion.