Singer: a guide for pros
What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.
Offering singer
You offer live vocal performances for restaurants, ceremonies, parties and private events. This guide covers what customers ask, how to win the booking and what to show on your profile.
What customers ask
- What songs do you sing, and can I request specific ones?
- Do you bring a backing track or sing with live accompaniment?
- What equipment do you need from the venue?
- Can I hear a recording of you singing live?
- How do you keep the volume right for a dinner crowd?
How to win the job
- On the first call, ask about the event type, the moments that need music, the venue and the guest count before you talk about the booking
- Send a live recording from a similar event, labeled with the setting and type of song
- Put the set length, the repertoire style, the equipment and the setup time in the written quote
- Share a sample song list with a mix of styles so the customer can choose what fits
- Confirm the microphone, speaker and power needs with the venue before the event
- Ask for the customer's song list at least two weeks ahead, and confirm any key changes or track needs
- Name the backup plan if you cannot attend, and confirm the booking in writing
What to put on your profile
- Live recordings of your singing, labeled by setting and song style
- Photos of you performing at events with your setup visible
- A list of the song styles and eras you cover well
- Your insurance status and the venue types where you have sung
Follow-up that helps the customer
- Offer a song list review call to confirm keys, tempos and the order of each song
- Suggest a sound check with the venue so the volume is right before guests arrive
- Recommend a short plan for requests, so the host knows which songs fit and which do not
Licenses and permits
No state license is usually required for a singer. Carry general liability insurance, any local business license that applies and a written note of the venue's noise and sound rules, and check state and local requirements with your licensing agency before taking jobs.
Questions
Do I need music licensing for backing tracks?
Venues often hold public performance licensing for recorded music. Ask each venue what it covers and whether your backing tracks are included, and note the answer in the contract.
How do I keep a restaurant set at the right volume?
Agree on a level with the venue before the set. Keep the volume low enough for conversation and check the room during the first song.
What if a guest asks for a song I do not sing?
Politely say so and offer a song from your repertoire that fits. Tell the customer ahead of time whether you take unplanned requests.
About this guide
This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.
Edit history
- Oct 29, 2026: Drafted by infinibell to our content guidelines.
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