| Date sent: Tue, 4 Jan 2000 14:10:21 EST Subject: Re: Fear of Singing! To: vocalist Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>
As a teenager, nerves didn't overwhelm me. Then I got to college. I felt untalented. How can I compare to some of these voices? Studio recitals were a nightmare for me. I was terrified to sing in front of my peers. But I didn't stop trying. As frightened as I was, I got up and did it, even after my teacher gave me the option to bail out one semester. That same teacher told me that I wouldn't be able to do a senior recital. But here I am in preparation for it right now.
In the beginning of last semester, one of the music education faculty members informed the seniors that they would have to perform in our weekly program meetings, one song one week. Just the thought of singing in front of my entire program of 70+ budding musicians made my skin crawl. But I knew that I had to do it, not because I was told to, but because I needed to do it for myself. That day I completely surprised myself. I did okay. I wasn't overcome by the nerves. My point is, you just have to do it. There is no other way. How can you improve if you don't try? Make really small goals for yourself when you are up in front of an audience. Find venues to perform. Look for a local musical theater or opera workshop. Try studio recitals. The nursing home is a fantastic idea. Just get yourself singing!
Best of luck to you!
Karen Paulson
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