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Job Definition
Sing songs on stage, radio, television, or motion pictures.
Job Zone

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

Interests
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Knowledge
Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Skills
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Tasks
Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.
Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.
Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.
Perform before live audiences, or in television, radio, or movie productions.
Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches, in order to develop their voices and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.
Seek out and learn new music that is suitable for live performance and/or recording.
Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.
Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.
Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts.
Compose songs and/or create vocal arrangements.
Learn acting, dancing, and other skills required for dramatic singing roles.
Make or participate in recordings.
Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set.
Wages

Data not available

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 21,000 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 22,900 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 190 openings due to growth and about 430 replacement openings for approximately 620 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Voice and Opera - A program that prepares individuals to master the human voice and performing art as solo and/or ensemble performers in concert, choir, opera, or other forms of singing. Includes instruction in voice pedagogy, diction, vocal physiology and exercise, expressive movement, repertoire, recital, and personal style development.
Similar Occupations
Actors - Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and sing.
Talent Directors - Audition and interview performers to select most appropriate talent for parts in stage, television, radio, or motion picture productions.
Music Directors - Direct and conduct instrumental or vocal performances by musical groups, such as orchestras or choirs.
Music Composers and Arrangers - Write and transcribe musical scores.
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers - Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance.
Models - Model garments and other apparel to display clothing before prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, retail establishments, or photographer. May pose for photos to be used for advertising purposes. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners - Repair percussion, stringed, reed, or wind instruments. May specialize in one area, such as piano tuning.
Notes
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Job Openings
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