What do Performing Songwriters do?

A Performing Songwriter would typically need to:

• Have a unique point of view, genre, or method of putting rhymes together.
• Have a more distinct sound than musicians who perform songs written by other people; operate in the singer-songwriter tradition
• Individualise presentations and keep the audience’s interest by using knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production.
• To develop their technique, they should sing and play instruments, or hire backing musicians to assist their compositions; they should also rehearse in order to be ready for performances.
• Utilise alternative techniques such as crowdfunding to raise sufficient finances to make music on their own terms.
• Register a song for copywriting purposes as soon as the final version is written and recorded, in addition to distributing and promoting their albums.
• Join a Performing Rights Organisation (for free or for a charge) to collect and distribute all monetary royalties in a fair and orderly manner.
• Perform in front of live audiences or on television, radio, or film; select venues for performances or concerts and tour to gain fame and support
• Collaboration and writing with other musicians; networking with industry singers, publishers, record label producers, and managers who might be interested in their work
• Submit their songs online to a music catalog (for free or for a charge) that commercial companies and TV shows can access.
• Pitch their music to music labels in person at key networking events.
• Continuously write, record, and perform as musicians, while simultaneously using outreach to expand their music’s audience.

Standard Work Environment

Performing songwriters frequently juggle songwriting, recording, releasing, and promoting. Their working conditions vary greatly depending on the stage of production they are in. They can frequently work from home during the writing phase. The following stage takes place in recording studios. They then take the stage in venues such as concert halls, arenas, and clubs. To promote the album, they go to various locations, performing both nationally and internationally. It entails networking with industry vocalists, publishers, and producers who might be interested in their tunes. Dress appropriately, cleanly, professionally, and in keeping with your music.

Work Schedule

Songwriters who perform spend hours writing and editing while also brainstorming. They will spend many hours in front of a computer composing music, utilizing technology to blend sections, and playing the music on the instruments themselves to get a sense of how it should sound.

Rehearsals and recording sessions are typically held during business hours but might go for hours at a time in order to achieve a great end result. Live performances are usually held at night or on weekends.

A Performing Songwriter’s work schedule can be variable at times. At times, such as when Performing Songwriters are on the road promoting their records or in the recording studio, the schedule is extremely tight and demanding.

Performing Songwriters typically take breaks between albums to gather new material before returning to the studio and the road.

Employers

Performing Songwriters are typically independent contractors. They occasionally work with record labels to manage the artist’s complete production. They might also collaborate with other musicians.

Performing Songwriters may be generally employed by:

• Religious Organizations
• Grantmaking Organizations
• Civic Organizations
• Professional Organizations
• Performing Arts Companies
• Educational Services

Unions / Professional Organizations

Songwriters who perform may be members of one or more performance rights organisations, music unions, or professional organisations. Professional groups and organisations are an invaluable resource for Professional Songwriters looking to advance their careers or interact with other professionals in their industry or employment. Membership in one or more of these organizations looks great on your resume and helps to strengthen your credentials and qualifications as a Performing Songwriter.

Workplace Challenges

• A highly competitive field with part-time or intermittent work and inconsistent and insufficient pay in the early stages
• Stressful due to constant exposure to crowds who scrutinize every artist
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Highly taxing work requiring frequent travel both within and outside the country

Suggested Work Experience

To interpret music professionally, you must have considerable singing training and knowledge of music. Performing songwriters generally begin singing or learning to play an instrument as children by taking lessons and classes. They must frequently practice in order to improve their talent and technique.

Individuals interested in classical music can further their education through music camps and fellowships. These programmes offer classes, lessons, and performance chances to participants.

Recommended Qualifications

To be successful, performing songwriters do not need a specific set of academic degrees. A thorough understanding of musical theory, as well as proficiency in the language in which they write and sing, would be required.

Many classical music and opera students have a bachelor’s degree in music theory or performing. Many colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degrees in music with a vocal performance concentration. Some vocalists may decide to further their studies by pursuing a master’s degree in music.

Instead of a formal degree, aspiring Performing Songwriters may take private singing lessons from expert vocal coaches and better classes/workshops to provide the necessary tools, techniques, and inspiration.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registration

Voluntary accreditation from a reputable, objective, and competent organization demonstrates a Performing Songwriter’s desire and motivation. It exhibits skill competency, generally through job experience, training, passing an examination, or a combination of the three.

Projected Career Map

Typically, you will begin by writing songs and performing them wherever you can, such as music venues, cafes, parks, house parties, and community events. Some people hone their songwriting skills as members or leaders of a band, while others work within the singer-songwriter tradition or hire backup musicians to back up their works. For many, signing with a record label is the best option. Bookings, promotion, marketing, and merchandising are frequently handled by the label, while the artist focuses on the creative parts.

Many Performing Songwriters prefer to keep their creative freedom and pursue careers as “indie” artists. It could entail releasing and promoting their records, touring in support of them, and using innovative techniques such as crowdfunding to raise enough money to make music on their terms. Some Performing Songwriters move on to other elements of the business, such as starting and running their own record label, working in Artists and Repertoire (A&R), writing for other artists, and teaching songwriting to the next generation.

Job Prospects

Performing Songwriters with excellent musical talent and dedication, as well as the ability to perform in a variety of ranges and styles, are usually the most successful in gaining work. Because of the enormous number of people interested in becoming musicians and vocalists, there will be a severe rivalry for positions.

Beneficial Professional Development

While talent, skills, knowledge, experience, dedication, and time all contribute to a Performing Songwriter’s success in this industry, luck also plays a role. Networking establishes vital industry relationships that can help one maintain and develop their profession.

Social networking, YouTube videos, smart branding, and local gigs all aid in self-promotion, which is critical for growing a fan base. Beginning songwriters should look for opportunities for collaboration and cross-promotion in their community (for example, local films, plays, and community events). Learning must take place at your own pace.

To make ends meet, aspiring Performing Songwriters may use their connections in the music industry to work as touring musicians, session musicians, backup vocalists, and staff writers. Gigs like these give Performing Songwriters quick money in contrast to the ongoing and frequently unprofitable task of creating, recording, releasing, touring, and promoting their tunes.

Conclusion

Find your muse, listen to various artists and genres, but stay loyal to yourself and be creative; write your songs and perform them for yourself and others to hear. You’ve done your job as a Performing Songwriter if you can touch individuals and make them feel less alone in the world.

Advice from the Wise

It’s only natural to model yourself after someone… However, you cannot simply imitate someone. If you enjoy someone’s work, you should expose yourself to everything that person has been exposed to.