So You Want To Be A Singer (So You Want To Be A...)
About
The voice is yours. It has always been yours — shaped by your body, your breath, your history, your particular way of hearing the world. No two voices on earth are identical. And yet the voice you were born with is not the voice you will sing with. That one has to be built. That is not a discouraging fact. That is the most exciting thing about this work.
So You Want To Be A Singer takes young readers ages 10–14 inside one of the most deeply human and most rigorously technical performance professions on earth — not the talent show version, but the real one. The years of training and practice that happen before a singer ever performs professionally. The specific discipline of developing an instrument that lives inside your body — that is affected by everything you eat, every hour you sleep, every cold you catch, and every emotion you carry into the room — and learning to make it reliable, expressive, and powerful enough to carry everything a song needs to say. The team of vocal coaches, accompanists, sound engineers, musical directors, and collaborators working in careful coordination so that one voice, in one moment, can do something that stops a room. The performance that lands exactly as rehearsed — and the one that becomes something neither you nor anyone in the audience expected.
This is a book about what singers actually do: the vocal anatomy and technique they study to understand their instrument from the inside out — breath support, resonance, register, placement — so they can use it fully without destroying it, the musicianship they develop to read, interpret, and inhabit a song rather than simply execute it, the performance practice they build to bring emotional truth to material they may have sung a thousand times, and the professional resilience they cultivate to sustain a career in an industry that is as demanding as it is exhilarating. It’s also a book about what the work costs, what it gives back, and why the singers who do it say that a great performance — the kind where the music moves through you rather than coming from you — is the closest thing to pure human connection that exists.
Inside, young readers will discover:
- What a real singer’s training and performance life actually looks like — from first lessons to auditions to a life on stage or in the studio
- The science of the singing voice — how it works, how it is trained, and what every singer must understand to use it fully and protect it for a career
- The musical, emotional, and physical demands the profession makes — and how singers develop the instrument and the artistry to meet them
- The full range of the singing world — from classical to musical theater to pop to jazz to session work — and what each demands of the voice and the performer
- What young people can do right now to discover if this might be their calling
Honest, specific, and genuinely illuminating, So You Want To Be A Singer doesn’t talk down to young readers — it brings them all the way in. Because the child who wants to know what this work is really like deserves a real answer.
For readers who feel the pull toward something that lives at the intersection of science and soul, discipline and pure feeling. For the kid who sings everywhere — in the car, in the shower, alone in their room when no one is listening — and feels something shift.
Every voice that has ever moved an audience began as a voice that only its owner could hear. Someone trained it, trusted it, and gave it to the world. Maybe that voice is yours.
Praise for this book
"If you have a child who is constantly singing into a hairbrush or dreaming of the big stage, So You Want To Be A Singer by Linda Soules is the perfect roadmap for them. Soules treats the voice as a fascinating, living machine made of muscle and air, making the science of the diaphragm and larynx easy for children to grasp. The narrative explores the padded walls of a recording booth to the bright lights of a massive arena, showing exactly what happens behind the scenes. Kids will learn about the tools of the trade, like why singers use pop filters or how in-ear monitors help them hear over a loud band. It doesn't avoid the hard work either, detailing the daily scales, the importance of hydration, and the team of coaches and engineers who help a star shine. It turns the mystery of professional music into a tangible, exciting reality while teaching kids to respect their voices.
So You Want To Be A Singer by Linda Soules is a fantastic non-fiction guide for children who want to take their passion for music to the next level. Soules's engaging approach keeps the book moving with great energy and clear writing. The author has a really friendly way of explaining things, making complex science — like how your vocal cords actually vibrate — sound like an exciting but educational lesson. What's great for kids is how the book balances fun aspects, like singing in huge arenas, with the reality of taking care of your body, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. One thing is certain: the fun facts section is a real game-changer and will definitely have young readers repeating trivia about synchronized heartbeats at the dinner table. This is a fun, encouraging guide that treats young performers with respect. It is a must-read for any parent who wants to support their child's musical journey with some informative, real-world knowledge."
"For any child who has ever belted out a chorus in the shower or wondered how their favorite pop star hits those soaring high notes, Linda Soules' 'So You Want To Be A Singer' serves as a vital, backstage pass to the reality of vocal artistry. This nonfiction middle-grade title successfully de-mystifies the 'magic' of talent, replacing it with the empowering reality of craft, discipline, and self-care.
Soules begins with a grounding premise: your voice is a birthright, but a professional singer's voice is a built instrument. By centering the narrative on the physical body, the book teaches readers that singing is as much about biology as it is about melody.
The book excels at explaining complex concepts, like how the diaphragm powers sound and how the shape of the mouth creates resonance, in language accessible to its 9-12-year-old target audience. It frames the 'protagonist' not as a specific character, but as the reader themselves: an aspiring artist standing on the threshold of a serious pursuit.
Unlike many career books that focus solely on the 'glamour,' Soules introduces a compelling practical conflict: How do you protect an instrument you cannot put back in a case?
The book highlights the unique vulnerabilities of the singer, noting how external factors like weather and internal factors like stress can silence a performer. This section doubles as a gentle lesson in Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), as caring for the voice is presented as inseparable from caring for the self. The inclusion of potential setbacks, such as vocal nodules or the pressure of the commercial music industry, adds a layer of refreshing honesty rarely seen in middle-grade career guides.
The middle sections broaden the scope to show the collaborative nature of music. Readers are introduced to the technical 'cast of characters' that support a singer: the producers and engineers who navigate the precision of the recording booth; coaches that help refine technique through repetition; and even audiences.
Through the stories of icons like Aretha Franklin, Marian Anderson, and Andrea Bocelli, Soules illustrates how identity and history shape a voice. These examples provide a diverse look at how different singers have navigated everything from racial exclusion to physical disability to find their place in the cultural memory.
The book provides a wealth of practical guidance that transforms 'vague talent' into 'daily practice.'
'So You Want To Be A Singer' is perfectly paced for its audience. The short, punchy sections and clear subheads make it an ideal classroom resource or a gift for a music-curious child.
Soules concludes with a moving resolution: training doesn't change who you are; it reveals the fullest version of your true voice. It is an inspiring, clear-eyed, and deeply respectful guide to one of the world's oldest forms of communication.
Recommended for school libraries, choir rooms, and any young reader ready to take their voice seriously."
"From a curriculum standpoint, this guide is a versatile resource. It can be used to supplement music lessons, inspire creative activities, or even support cross-curricular connections with performing arts and self-expression."
"There were many things the author talked about that you may or may not know — such as your voice is the instrument; it's not like a piano or guitar that you put down. You have to take care of it. There are many things that go into becoming a singer and this book points them out easily."
"Between diving deep into the science of the voice to simply breaking down a day in the life of a full-time artist, this book gives wonderful explanations of anything a kid might be wondering."
"This is a great book for any child who wants to become a singer. Whether just to sing in the kitchen, join a choir, or sing in an opera, this book teaches the basic techniques to get started and maintain your craft...When the practices mentioned in this book are utilized, a young singer will soon be on their way to success and a long, healthy relationship with their voice!"
"Being one that has been singing since the age of 5 and still does today, I can attest that this book is a great read for children who are learning to sing and/or are very passionate about singing and would love to know more about it in a language that they can understand and process."
"Love this!!! Short little book with great illustrations and tons of information for kids. Love that it outlines all aspects of being a singer…highs, lows, the work you need to put in, famous singers, how to do more research. Really great!"
"This book is very interesting. It's not only for children but it is for anyone who is wanting to become a singer. I loved this book."
"This author does a phenomenal job explaining the intricate details of being a performing singer. This book shared the basics of music and significance of the voice instrument. I absolutely loved the illustrations. This made the book much easier and interesting to read."
"This is the perfect book to give confidence to a young child and their family. It is beautifully illustrated with vivid images and very clear language. I read it together with my nine year old and it has inspired her to sing more, focus more on her piano lessons and take care of her voice. The book itself is easy to follow and beautifully describes aspects of singing kids do not learn at school. We enjoyed reading it together and I would strongly recommend to all families who have a child that enjoys singing and would like to pursue it in the future."
"Soules presents foundational vocal concepts — such as breathing, posture, and vocal care — in a way that is approachable and age-appropriate. As an educator, I appreciate how these elements mirror the core principles emphasized in professional vocal training."
"Soules avoids overwhelming young readers with jargon, instead fostering a growth mindset — reminding students that singing is a skill that improves with practice, patience, and passion. This aligns beautifully with modern teaching approaches that prioritize confidence-building alongside skill development."
"I think if you’re looking for some educational book for your child to help them get started in their singing journey, this would be it. It’s not too long & it has good information that they would understand."
"Nice book to help get started as a singer Love the pictures and historical figures at the end. Lots of great strategies and hints of what it is to be a singer, how to become a singer, and what it entails to get there."
"What a great way to introduce and explain to young kids the complexities of being a singer. If I were still teaching music I would absolutely read this to my students and create an activity out of it. There were some great, fun facts, and history was included that was interesting and not boring for kids."
"This book explores what singing is, shows the anatomy of the body as it affects singing and guides you as to how to become a singer. It has pictures that embellish the explanation. It includes a glossary, a planned practice and how other things affect your singing, such as one's health, a coach and an audience. It is a great buy -- or give it as a gift to a potential singer."
"Read this book because my son is always singing and wants to be a singer as his dream job. I love that Soules highlights the realities of the profession while still keeping the overall tone of the book upbeat. The explanation of how their "instrument" works is great and that what you hear in your head is not what the audience hears and that recording yourself and not cringing is the hardest, most beneficial lesson. The 'day in the life' format is excellent - lets you really imagine what it could be like. We both benefited from reading this book."
"This is very well written. It speaks to the heart about how music connects us universally...This would inspire a gifted young singer."
"This book was quick and perfect for young kids who are interested in singing. It grabs a child's attention right away, offering both technical information that is easy to understand, such as how voices work, the history of singing, and how the recording studio works. It gives a broad picture that kids can start with and then dive deeper from there as their interest in singing grows. The graphics were very enjoyable and my kids, ages 7 and 9, really liked the detail and color that went with each segment of the book. Our favorite thing about the book was the encouragement that everyone can sing and should sing often and that we all have a voice just waiting to be used and with practice, you can become a singer. This especially resonated with my daughter who loves to sing but isn't always confident, so she felt supported at the end on how to get started and what to practice. This was well written and perfect for kids."
"Linda Soules’ SO YOU WANT TO BE A SINGER is an engaging and informative guide that introduces young readers to the reality of pursuing a singing career while still keeping the excitement and passion of music alive. I loved that the book balances technical knowledge with encouragement, offering readers a realistic look at the dedication, training, and emotional commitment involved in becoming a professional singer.
Soules does an excellent job explaining complex vocal concepts in language younger readers can easily understand. Topics like breath support, resonance, vocal health, and vocal registers are given clearly without ever feeling overly simplified or dull. The book also does a great job at exploring the emotional and collaborative side of performance. Readers are introduced to vocal coaches, sound engineers, accompanists, and other professionals who help singers succeed behind the scenes.
The illustrations and short sections keep the pacing lively and accessible, while the respectful tone makes young readers feel genuinely encouraged rather than talked down to. Linda Soules successfully turns a dream career into something understandable, achievable, and exciting."