Professional singers can perform in front of an audience or make recordings. These recordings can be available through broadcast, CD or download. Singers may also do session work for backing tracks, adverts and films.
They may sing alone as a soloist, work with a group of musicians or sing with others in a choir. They may sing classical music, pop, ballads or in musical shows. A solo artist may work with an orchestra or an accompanist. They may also use their own equipment, such as backing tracks or a musical instrument. Pop singers may pay session musicians to play the music, or perform at venues that have a house band.
Singers often have to work evenings and weekends. Singers rarely receive a fixed salary and are usually paid on a concert or gig basis. They may work in a variety of environments such as:
- Indoor concert halls
- Night clubs
- Outdoor venues such as parks or the gardens of stately homes
- Recording studios.