Careers In Singing - A Beginning Singer's DREAM STUDIO!

There are a variety of careers in singing possible. Look here for more detail about the many things you can do in the field of music.

If your interest is specifically to become a solo (or choral) singer - a dedicated amateur or a budding pro - now is the time to think about assembling the right equipment to create your own studio.

Whether that means buying a microphone (like the Shure SM58

& an amplifier (like the Roland Cube Monitor / PA

...) or a great deal more!

So, What Do I Really Need?

Careers in Singing - Serious Amateur? or A Budding Pro? Here's Your Studio Wish List

THIS IS "YOUR DREAM STUDIO" - PART ONE.

The HOLIDAYS are coming! If this is a time of gift-giving in your culture, consider requesting some item as a gift! Or buy a gift for yourself or someone else who needs a creative boost!

(Also, check out GIFTS FOR SINGERS!) for more ways to excite your creativity through software, books and singing courses...)

BUT NOW - Let's start with a microphone.

MICROPHONE - Over the many years that I have been singing, there is one microphone that has always served me well. It seems to work with almost any voice type. It is sturdy. And it is not expensive. There are many good microphones you can consider... (I have three.) But when singers who are starting out ask me for advice, I suggest they buy the Shure SM58

.

You should also consider buying a simple, inexpensive, but very useful pop-shield like the foam ball mic windscreen

to protect your mic against wind interference, popping "p's" and "t's" and singers' saliva.

I remember the excitement I felt when I received my first microphone as a gift for Christmas. I felt that I was entering one of the most exciting careers in singing (singer/songwriter) and that microphone symbolized to me the dedication I felt towards becoming really good. I loved that mic!

DIGITAL RECORDER - If you are considering having one of the many possible careers in singing, this is AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR STUDIO!

To improve more quickly, singers must be able to hear themselves. Quick feedback from a good digital recorder is almost like having another voice lesson. So take this piece of equipment seriously.

Like the microphone, there are many types of digital recorders. After a lot of research I chose the Zoom H2 Handy Portable Stereo Recorder

. Read my thoughts about my own use of the Zoom Portable Recorder.

VOICE AMPLIFIER - For those of you who are new to this tech-world, an amplifier is a piece of equipment that will boost the volume of your voice. You sing through the microphone that is plugged into an amp and voila(!), you are louder than you ever thought you could be.

I am suggesting the amp only for your home studio needs. This is not an amp to take into a big concert hall. In order to learn how to use a microphone well, you need to be able to practice with a personal amp. This one is a small-room amplifier. Have a look at the Roland Cube Monitor / PA

.

OR CONSIDER

A PORTABLE SPEAKER SYSTEM - If you are willing to spend a bit more for your home speaker system, consider the Peavey Escort 3000

.

(The easy-to-use system includes speakers, mixer/amplifier, speaker stands, two 25' speaker wires. And there is a microphone included which is not very good quality. I do not use it for myself or for my students.)

When my students give concerts in my home studio, I use this system rather than the single amp because the two speakers can be set at various heights and aimed in different directions.

This equipment folds into a tightly packed hard plastic case. It is not what I would call, "light-weight," at 64lb (29.029 kg). But I have often taken it with me to rehearsals in small spaces.

MICROPHONE STAND & MUSIC STAND
If you choose this system, or something like it, you should also think about buying a Microphone Stand

and a Music Stand

.

Having a mic stand gives you the flexibility to be able to hold the microphone or simply stand or sit in front of it to sing. Singers need to get used to singing in both these ways.

The music stand frees your hands from holding sheets of music and lets you concentrate on singing your best.

SUGGESTION! Buy sturdy stands. The lighter weight stands are less expensive, but they can fall over more easily.

(Here's another suggestion for those who are considering one of the many careers in singing - I always carry a pair of earplugs in my pocket. As singers, our ears are very precious - and there are many situations in life when EAR PLUGS

could save us from undue stress on the inner ear.)

NOTE! Be sure you purchase a microphone clip

and a cable

when you buy your microphone.

The clip screws your microphone on to the mike stand, and the cord, which connects your mike to your amp, allows you the space to move around freely on your home-stage. (Even if that is your bedroom!)

Part Two (Careers In Singing): LOOK HERE! for more studio elements to consider for your developing career, (software, books and singing courses...) no matter your goal - amateur or pro.

More on careers in singing here - 4 important things to consider before you get serious!

I Wish You Great Singing!

Back From Careers in Singing to SInging Tips With Barbara Lewis

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