Where do i start my career?

Question

i have a passion for singing, i would like to get a career in the music business.is 13-14 too young?i dont think it is...

i have a really strong voice,i sound kinda like kelly clarkson/avril leviegne/carrie underwood, im really good at their songs.i want to perform on broadway and musicals(like phantom of the opera). im pretty good at any kind of singing.but i get really nervous, and dont like performing in front of people.my family sais i have a gift but i dont know if their just saying that cause their my family.but then again we make sure my sister knows she cant carry a tune to save her life. who could i send demo cd's to?i also love to write songs, i actually just finished one and it only took about 10 minutes and is pretty good.

ADVISE ON WHAT TO DO???!!!

Answer 1

The first thing you need to do is find a GOOD vocal teacher.  If there are any colleges/universities in the area that have a music program try calling them up (or get your parents to call them up) and ask for recommendations.  You can try other places, such as music stores, the yellow pages, etc. as well -- however, you need to be careful that you ask the right questions.  Not all music teachers are made equal, and if you are indeed looking for a "career", you'll what a top-notch instructor to help get you there.

Once you get hooked up with a teacher, you need to decide what your focus is going to be.  A Broadway performer and a singer-songwriter take very different career paths.  Talk through all of your options and decide what's best.  In the meantime, you will have to practice, practice, practice.

Finally, as far as performance nerves go, I wouldn't worry about it too much.  Almost everyone feels nervous when they have to get up in front of people and do something (I get the shakes, personally!)  However, a good vocal coach can give you strategies to beat your nerves.  As well, once you start performing on a regular basis, you'll feel more comfortable and they won't be such an issue.

Good luck in your endeavours.

Answer 2

The first thing is to train your voice.  Keep practicing a lot and keep training your voice.  Eventually you will have to get a voice coach who will teach you advanced techniques.  But don't overdo it, otherwise you will damage your vocal chords.  That's what happened to Maria Callas, she destroyed her vocal chords by straining her voice and it killed her later career.  But just like her, you need to get into a music conservatory so they can train you.  Anyway good luck and don't forget us little people.