By John A West

You are no doubt reading this because you have the desire to make a living singing, and not just any living, but a really good living. After all, who wants to be just barely making it? Not you. You want to be able to tell your friends “Hey, that’s me” on that film, TV show or commercial. If this is you, then read on.

What Is A Session Singer?

A session singer is a person who goes into the recording studio and, in a period of time known as a session, performs the music of a composer or songwriter, at the highest musical level and in the least amount of time. A session singer can emotionally capture what the writer has written quickly, and does it in tune and with confidence. A session singer has to know how to sight-read music, as he or she will mostly like not see it prior to walking into the studio. This means a strong and confident knowledge of music is required. Yes, there are a few successful session singers who do not sight-read, but their musical abilities are so well honed and their ears so refined that they quickly, and effectively translate the composer’s ideas to the recording.

It is definitely best to have the ability to read music but sometimes a writer has an idea but has not notated it. At these times your ears become the golden tool for you to be able to work with the composer or writer and create the mood he or she desires

A Team Player

A successful session singer is a team player. They do not strike out on their own or demand their own way. They do not come in with a diva mentality, even though they can probably out sing most anyone. Talent is essential, but talent abounds in Hollywood and is a commonplace as grass. What makes the successful singer standout is being the one who not only can do the job, but the one people love to be around.

Versatility

Do you also play an instrument? Can you arrange vocal charts? Do you conduct? A session singer increases his or her value significantly when they can do something that others cannot. Being able to help in figuring out problem issues or stepping in to help in a way no one else can might be of great benefit to your career. Sometimes simply being able and willing to plunk out the notes on the piano will garner you great respect. However, this is something that should not be pushed upon any contractor, conductor or composer, but rather be something you step up to do when asked. You don’t need to save the day; just be there to help the whole.

A Wonderful Living

If you have the musicianship, versatility, and a cooperative spirit going for you, you are halfway there. The next half is all about the preparation and the networking. You can make a living that can reach the six-figure mark with the right outlook and a smart approach. You will work with people who are at the top of their game in this industry and the work will be very satisfying. You will work with musicians and stars you have admired all your life and you will definitely meet some of your idols. It is fun - lots of fun!

John West has been a prominent session singer in Hollywood for over 15 years. Movies under his belt include Harispray, The Simpsons and the Spiderman films. TV performances include the Academy Awards, Dancing With the Stars and The Shield. His co writer, Elin Carlson has an equally impressive resume. Some of her films include Wolverine, Star Trek and the X-Men films. Her television credits include 10 Items or Less, Glee and the newly remastered Star Trek series where she sings the opening theme so well known by so many. Together they have co-authored the definitive guidebook on how to really make it as a singer in the entertainment industry, Session Singing in Hollywood. More information about the book including how to purchase it is on their website: [http://sessionsinginghollywood.com] Even more tips and tidbits on the profession are in their weekly blog:http://sessionsinginghollywood.wordpress.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_A_West

NOTICE - All Rights Reserved Except as Stipulated Below. PHOTOS MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM. Our reporters and journalists break or report stories and their sources and information are protected by the doctrine of free press as expressed in the First Ammendment, Reporters Privilege Statues, and also the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.This article if a feature or opinion piece is the opinion of the author or reports the news and opinions of others and is NOT INTENDED TO OFFER ADVICE. FOR OPINION STORIES: This story/article/ feature may be an opinion piece — and should be treated accordingly — or reporting on the opinions of others, and should never be considered as a sole source of information or as a suggestion, instruction or prescription. FOR CRIME STORIES: always read the word “allegedly” in any story mentioning “suspects” or “persons of interest”. FOR BUSINESSS AND MONEY STORIES: For money/ trade and exchange stories, this magazine and its writers accept no responsibility for accuracy — always check with other sources for important decisions. FOR HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE STORIES: In the case of food/health stories, these facts have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Information stated here should be NOT be considered as medical, health, psychological or behavior advice. All information in this story and on this site is provided for educational or entertainment purposes ONLY. Always seek the advice of experts, including doctors for medical opinions. Only a licensed medical doctor can offer medical advice. FOR EXPERT, ADVICE OR HOW-TO STORIES: Legal advice or other expert advice is best referred to experts in their respective fields. NO RESPONSIBILITY: The publishers and editors, authors, researchers, employees, heirs and assigns accept no responsibility whatsoever for any advice, facts, opinions in this story, nor for resulting actions of readers of this information. ALL READERS ACCEPT THAT THIS INFORMATION IS PRESENTED ONLY AS NEWS, EDUCATION, ENTERTAINMENT OR OPINION/INFORMATION AND AGREE IN READING THIS STORY OR THIS SITE THAT USE OF THIS INFORMATION IS SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE READER. Copyright by the byline author unless otherwise indicated. EXCERPTS from other magazines or media sources are posted under fair use doctrine, on the basis of no more than 5-10% of content with links and credit to source for the complete story. These are posted in the interest of providing interesting links (description as excerpt) with navigation to the source. Likewise, we encourage our many subscribers to excerpt with credit and links to our e-zines, up to 10% of content. To use more content than 10%, please contact the e-zine for permission. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED except as stipulated herein. IMPORTANT: this web content also includes a forum and comments function, which allows for posting from users not employed by this publication. We accept no responsibility for posts, content, language or accuracy of posts from outside parties but will attempt to correct any inaccuracies reported within the context of free speach. Where possible, spam, lewd or obscene comments WILL BE REMOVED.

Persona Corp. and Blogertize publishes several webzines, magazines, e-zines for news, entertainment and information, but cautions readers to read the NOTICE above:

• Films and Books