S. Vishnu Sharma
Play Back Singer is someone who could win the hearts of the audience. One would never see them on screen, but their melodious voice does the magic.
Actors is all that people see during a song in a film, but the voice that mesmerizes the audience is that of the play back singer.
No doubt, the role of a play back singer too becomes crucial when it comes to making a film a hit.
It wouldn’t be a wonder to state that there were many movies that ran for more than 100 days in India and credit to that goes for the songs in the movie.
The songs again where the role of play back singer comes into prominence. As the importance of singers can never be undermined in the movie making process, this story delves deeper into various aspects of play back singer and informs on how one can carve a career in the field of play back singing.
The numbers
How many number of play back singers are required? It depends on the song, if it is a solo, then one would suffice.
For a duet, two play back singers are required. For certain songs, more than two play back singers are required.
It depends on the number of characters in the song, how many play back singers are required.
Combination
The combination of play back singers again is determined by the characters in the song in a movie.
If the song involves a man and a woman, then play back singers would be a man and a woman.
Should the song have all male characters, then play back singers would be men. If it is women, the singers too are women.
How to become a play back singer?
This is the first question one would encounter as one ponders over taking up a career in play back singing.
First
One must have a good voice base, and then have a passion for music and singing.
After having these two qualities, one can move towards obtaining formal training in music.
Those wishing to become a play back singer must learn music from an expert. It can be Carnatic or Hindustani, they have to learn from a master in that field.
It is usual for South Indians to go for Carnatic music, North Indians to go for Hindustani music.
Training in western music also would help, when the songs in the movies are based on western music or themes.
Also, aspiring play back singer can follow the hints mentioned below:
1. Develop your singing skills: Take vocal lessons, practice regularly, and learn various singing techniques.
2. Identify your genre: Focus on a specific genre, such as classical, pop, or rock.
3. Build your repertoire: Learn and practice singing popular songs, including film songs.
4. Create a demo reel: Record a demo of your singing to showcase your talent.
5. Network and market yourself: Attend music events, join music organizations, and create social media profiles.
6. Audition and opportunity: Look for auditions, singing competitions, and opportunities to sing for music directors or producers.
7. Get trained in music production: Learn about music production, recording, and editing.
8. Learn to sing in multiple languages: Expand your versatility by learning to sing in different languages.
9. Stay persistent and patient: Success may take time, so keep working on your craft and stay dedicated.
10. Seek guidance: Find a mentor or coach who can guide you in the industry.
Also Do These Following Things
Aspiring play back singer or play back singers can do these things too, as they would help kickstarting their career. They are:
– Move to a music hub: Consider relocating to a city like Mumbai, Chennai, or Hyderabad, which are centers for the music industry.
– Join a music school or college: Enroll in a music program to gain formal training and exposure.
– Collaborate with others: Work with musicians, composers, or producers to gain experience and build connections.
Professional Courses
Those desiring to become a play back singer or play back singers can go for these courses that are mentioned below:
1. Diploma in Vocal Music (1-2 years): Teaches classical music, vocal techniques, and performance skills.
2. Certificate Course in Playback Singing (6-12 months): Focuses on playback singing techniques, recording, and industry insights.
3. Bachelor of Music (BMus) (3-4 years): Comprehensive degree covering music theory, vocal training, and performance.
4. Master of Music (MMus) (2 years): Advanced degree for specialized training in vocal music, performance, and music production.
5. Diploma in Music Production (1-2 years): Covers music production, recording, and editing techniques.
6. Certificate Course in Sound Engineering (6-12 months): Teaches sound engineering, mixing, and mastering skills.
7. Vocal Technique Courses (short-term): Focuses on specific vocal techniques, such as classical, jazz, or pop.
8. Music Technology Courses (short-term): Covers music software, recording, and editing tools.
9. Performance and Stage Presence Courses (short-term): Develops stage presence, performance skills, and audience interaction.
10. Online Courses and Workshops: Various online platforms offer courses and workshops on playback singing, music production, and vocal techniques.
Where to learn the courses?
Some of the institutions that offer courses related to the music and the ones mentioned above are here for the aspirants:
– KM Music Conservatory (Chennai)
– A.R. Rahman’s KM College of Music Technology (Chennai)
– Whistling Woods International (Mumbai)
– SAE Institute (Mumbai)
– Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (Chennai)
– Muzik Lounge (Bangalore)
– The Music Academy (Chennai)
Eligibility criteria for the courses related to play back singing
1. Age: Typically, 16 to 25 years old (varies depending on the institution and course)
2. Academic Qualification:
– Diploma and Certificate courses: 10+2 or equivalent
– Bachelor’s degree: 10+2 or equivalent with music as a subject
– Master’s degree: Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent
3. Music Background:
– Formal training in music (classical or contemporary)
– Experience in singing, playing an instrument, or music composition
4. Audition:
– Most institutions require an audition to assess vocal talent and technique
– Prepare to sing a song of your choice, demonstrate vocal exercises, and showcase your range and control
5. Language Proficiency:
– Fluency in the language of instruction (e.g., English, Hindi, Tamil)
– Ability to sing in multiple languages may be an advantage
6. *Physical and Mental Demands*:
– Good physical health and stamina for long practice sessions
– Mental endurance and stress management skills
7. Additional Requirements:
– Some institutions may require a portfolio, video showcasing your singing, or letters of recommendation
Pay prospects
The most important point is the earning. The biggest question to ponder one’s mind is the pay prospects for those wishing to venture into play back singing.
The earning prospects for a play back singer depends on lot of factors. If the offer is from a big player, pay and perks would be usually high.
Also Read – IIT Madras admits 5 athletes under great SEA category
Small time movie producers may not be able to offer much. The pay to a play back singer is done based on per song basis usually.
Which means, singing more songs will bring more money. Those singing for advertising companies may be appointed on salaries.
Advertisements have songs, and singing them require play back singers, this may is where they may be appointed on a salary basis. The pay prospects are mentioned below:
- Beginners: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per song (Indian rupees)
- Experienced singers_: ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per song
- Established singers_: ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000 per song
- Top playback singers_: ₹1,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 per song or more
Additionally, playback singers can earn through:
- Live performances: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per show
- Music albums and singles: ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 per project
- Jingles and advertisements: ₹10,000 to ₹50,000 per project
- Royalties and copyright fees: Ongoing passive income
Point to remember
The information provided above is general in nature and the exact reality with relation to play back singing may be different.
Those aspiring to become play back singers can undertake their own research to know more and familiarize themselves with the exact information.