Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Vocal Intern
💰 Typically an unpaid internship for academic credit or a small stipend.
MusicPerforming ArtsInternshipEntertainmentArtist Development
🎯 Role Definition
The Vocal Intern is a developmental role designed for an emerging singer or musician passionate about the professional music industry. This position provides hands-on experience in a real-world studio, production, or artist development environment. The intern's primary purpose is to support senior artists, producers, and vocal coaches with a wide range of vocal-related tasks, from laying down scratch tracks to assisting in recording sessions. This role is a unique opportunity to learn industry-standard practices, refine one's vocal abilities, and build a professional network while contributing tangible value to creative projects. It serves as a critical bridge between academic training and a professional career in music performance.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- University Music, Theater, or Vocal Performance Programs
- Aspiring Singer-Songwriters with a strong performance portfolio
- Self-taught Vocalists with demonstrable talent and technical skill
Advancement To:
- Session Vocalist / Studio Singer
- Touring Backup Vocalist
- Junior Vocal Coach or Instructor
- Junior A&R Coordinator
Lateral Moves:
- Songwriter or Lyricist
- Music Production Assistant
- Artist Management Assistant
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Provide high-quality guide vocals (scratch tracks) for producers and songwriters to use during the production process.
- Perform and record background vocals, harmonies, and ad-libs for demos, artist projects, and commercial releases.
- Actively participate in vocal arrangement sessions, contributing creative ideas for harmonies, vocal layers, and textures.
- Assist lead vocalists and producers during recording sessions by offering performance feedback and ensuring session goals are met.
- Learn and memorize complex melodies, harmonies, and lyrics accurately and in a time-sensitive manner.
- Operate Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, such as Pro Tools or Logic Pro, for basic vocal recording, editing, and session setup.
- Aid in the vocal comping process, meticulously reviewing and selecting the best vocal takes to create a seamless final performance track.
- Practice and demonstrate proper microphone technique for different vocal styles and recording environments.
- Participate in pre-production meetings and rehearsals, preparing vocals and understanding the creative direction of the project.
- Maintain and develop personal vocal health and technique through consistent practice and warm-ups.
- Collaborate with audio engineers to achieve desired vocal sounds, understanding the basics of EQ, compression, and reverb.
- Provide vocal performances for sync libraries, jingles, or other commercial work under the guidance of a music supervisor.
- Observe and learn from professional vocalists, producers, and coaches to absorb industry best practices and studio etiquette.
- Assist in basic vocal tuning and timing correction using tools like Melodyne or Auto-Tune under direct supervision.
- Perform as a stand-in vocalist during soundchecks or technical rehearsals for live performances.
Secondary Functions
- Meticulously organize, label, and archive digital session files, vocal takes, and project assets for future access.
- Assist the A&R or creative team by listening to and providing initial vocal assessments on incoming demo submissions.
- Transcribe vocal melodies or harmonies into sheet music or MIDI files for other musicians and producers.
- Support the team by preparing lyric sheets, chord charts, and other necessary documentation for recording sessions or rehearsals.
- Assist in maintaining the readiness of the vocal booth and recording spaces, ensuring equipment is functional and ready for use.
- Research new vocal production techniques, plug-ins, and trends to share with the creative team.
- Contribute to the creation of behind-the-scenes content for social media, showcasing the creative process.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Advanced Vocal Performance: Demonstrable skill in vocal control, pitch accuracy, tone quality, and dynamics across various genres.
- Harmony & Ear Training: A strong ability to hear, identify, and sing complex harmonies and melodies by ear.
- Music Theory: Solid understanding of music theory, including scales, chords, and basic song structure.
- DAW Proficiency: Foundational knowledge of at least one major Digital Audio Workstation (e.g., Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live).
- Sight-Reading: The ability to read and interpret sheet music or lead sheets with proficiency.
- Microphone Technique: Knowledge of different microphone types and how to use them effectively to capture quality vocal recordings.
- Vocal Arrangement: The ability to conceptualize and build compelling vocal stacks, including doubles, harmonies, and ad-libs.
Soft Skills
- Coachability & Receptiveness to Feedback: Eagerness to learn and the ability to take constructive criticism and direction gracefully.
- Collaboration: A team-player mindset with the ability to work effectively with artists, producers, and engineers.
- Adaptability: The flexibility to switch between different musical styles, project demands, and creative environments quickly.
- Professionalism & Punctuality: A strong work ethic, reliability, and an understanding of professional studio etiquette.
- Effective Communication: The ability to clearly articulate creative ideas and ask clarifying questions.
- Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to manage tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be currently enrolled in, or a recent graduate of, a post-secondary program.
Preferred Education:
Currently pursuing or recently completed a Bachelor's degree or diploma in a relevant field.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Vocal Performance / Vocal Arts
- Commercial Music or Music Business
- Music Production & Engineering
- Theater Arts
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
0-1 years. This is an entry-level position designed for those with foundational training but limited professional experience.
Preferred:
- A portfolio of recordings (demos, performance videos) showcasing vocal ability and range.
- Previous experience performing in a choir, band, a cappella group, or as a solo artist.
- Personal home recording experience is a significant plus.