I play the flute, and I also want to sing, but I'm scared!?

Question

Everyone that's in my little group of friends has their own "thing", or somethingthat everyone knows them most for. For me, it's playing the flute. I love to sing, and if I say so myself, I'm not that bad for never having lessons. The only public appperance I've made was in 3rd grade when I sang "Edelweiss". Already there are two or three friends that are close to me who are "the singers". I ant to be able to sing in front of people without everyone think I'm stealing the spotlight. HELP!!!!

(Edelwiess was one of the only performances, but I havent been onstage for singing since 3rd grade)

It's not playing the FLUTE in public that I'm scared of, it's SINGING in public that I'm afraid of.

It's all at school. My friends take Chorus as their elective, and I stick with band to better enhance my playing. I'm not nervous to sing, it's just if I start singing in front of people, they'd be surprised. I'd be bombarded with... with... questions and people. I don't want that. How can I reveal my love for singing without making people so shocked and stuff?

Answer 1

Wow, you have to follow your dream. where do your Friends sing? You should go there and audition. If they are real friends, they will want the best for you. Please don't do like I did, and allow your talent to sit dormant, while others are having great success with theirs. Go for it. You won't want to look back in years to come and wonder what might have been.

Answer 2

If you really want to feel better about singing in public, the best thing to do is take voice lessons. Depending on your age, there could be physical and hormonal changes going on that could affect your voice and how it sounds and a teacher can help you through it. They can also give you unbiased advice on how you are doing and what you should work on. I am a teacher and I always tell my students "singing is 10% talent and 90% confidence." Try not to get discouraged, it can take time. I had students that started with me that would have been considered "tone-deaf", but they were able to get better with hard work and time.

Another great way to start singing is to join a children's performing group in your area, like a chorus. Some community theater groups will have classes you can take or workshops in the summer. You can find these things by checking out audition notices in your local paper (usually in the entertainment section) or by searching online for them. Also, talk to your school's music teacher and ask them. None of your friends have to know about it if you don't want them to. I started performing professionally when I was 12 years old, so I know it can be done, as long as you are serious about it and willing to work hard. I am a music director, arranger, performer and teacher now- it can happen for you.

Just remember that there is always going to be people that love your voice and don't love your voice. Don't sing for other people, sing for yourself.

Answer 3

Try as many things in life as you can, don't let anyone get in your way. Explain how you feel to your friends....they should understand...it's okay to take other people's feelings into consideration, to let them have the spotlight...but it's also okay to try new things.

One thing is for sure...you won't be able to sing while playing the flute. hehe.

Answer 4

You could play the flute in a recital. Playing any instrument in public is kind of scary. In order to get over your fear, you just have to force yourself to do it. It gets easier each time you perform in public.

Answer 5

It might be oversimplifying things, but just get out there and do it! You should really get into music for personal satisfaction, and if anyone else likes what you do that's just icing on the cake. I've used that philosophy for 25 years, and it's worked for me.