For starters, the earnings are nothing great. As a fresher, be prepared to be paid nothing — that’s if you get gigs. If you work hard and form the right connections (you will need a band to perform with and artistic compatibility issues can arise), you could start getting Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per gig. As you make a name in the music circuit, you could start earning Rs 10,000 per gig. However, with more experience and noteworthy contacts, your earning potential can go as high as Rs 1 lakh per gig

9.30am: Check mails, follow-up, set out for the recording studio
11am: Start recording for musical
1pm: et out for meeting at an advertising agency
2pm: Discuss brief with the agency and meet the composer
7pm: Start for gig at a five-star hotel

• A great voice. Make an effort to understand the range of your voice
• Ability to network effectively
• A strict sense of discipline, especially with performances and recordings
• Being street smart helps
• Disciplined about taking care of voice and health
• Good inter-personal skills
• Passion for singing and making music
• A good and pleasing personality would work to your advantage

• Appreciation for one’s talent
• Late night hours
• Potential to develop a wide-reaching network
• Good money
• Travel can take a toll on your health
• One has to take precautions against the climate and pollution in various cities. You will refrain from having pickles, ice cream or chilled water
• The long struggle period may be a deterrent for some

While no training is mandatory, it does help to train your voice from a young age. Take part in school- and college-level competitions. You can also take singing up as a hobby and later choose to train under professionals. While reality TV shows seem to offer an path to success, most singers will not vouch for the efficacy of the claims of producers of such shows. Several music schools offer courses for vocalists.