How can I get over the fear of singing in front of people?

Question

NO MEAN COMMENTS.

It may seem kind of late in life, but I've decided that I would like to pursue a career in singing. I write songs and poetry most of my spare time and fiction in general. I'm really into music, I listen to it like 24/7 and sing to it majority of the time... to myself that is. I think the only people that have heard me sing are my brothers and they tell me they think I can sing. I believe I can sing, but just like a lot of other people, I can benefit from lessons. My problem is that I'm a shy person at heart.

I'm not going to lie and please DON'T think that I'm conceited, but I am pretty or so people tell me all the time. But, I'm starting not to feel that way anymore. No one - and I mean NO ONE in my family supports me. They all tell me I'm not pretty and I can't do this or do that, including my singing. At one get together for Thanksgiving, they asked me what I wanted to be? I shrugged my shoulders. My mother answered and said, "She wants to be a singer but she can't even sing for me.." They got all excited and hysterical and asked me to sing for them. I declined. (My mother asked me to sing one day for her in the car a few years back. I sang the first part of 'The Star Spangled Banner' I felt so proud of myself at that moment. She responded, "Oh, That's it?" I felt so dejected after that and never sang for her again.) One of her aunt's there said she would sing with me and she sang, I didn't join in. They kept coaxing me but I stayed silent.They all booed me and told me I couldn't sing.

Could someone please either email or chat with me further on this? I could really use someone to talk to.

Answer 1

I would practice singing in front of others (other than your family). To overcome most fears, you have to push yourself to face them, but start gradually and work in small steps. Don't go audition for American Idol right away ;)...maybe start with singing in front of a friend, then a couple, than a group, etc...Also, maybe get some singing lessons and develop your confidence by working on your talent.

Answer 2

I totally understand where you're coming from. I had the same problem. Here's what I did.
I joined the choir in church. When I got up to sing, I found a focal point, and looked at nothing else. I took every word to heart, and lived it to the point that no one else was in the room.
Don't just know your material, live it, love it, feel it, and your emotions will take care of the rest.
As far as your family is concerned, they don't control your future you do. I don't know how old you are, but if you don't take charge of your life, right now, you never will.
You have your dreams, if you don't follow through with them, that's all they will ever be, just dreams.
You are important, you are somebody, and, when you decide to apply yourself, you will be bigger than life, weather you are a singing sensation, or a cashier in a retail store.
You have to want it bad enough to jump out and grab it.
Family is the hardest to sing in front of, because they are going to be one of your worst critics. You are going to be your worst critic.
So ask yourself what you really want, and go get it.
Stand up tall, put your chin out, say 'I'm somebody' (and mean it!!!), open your mouth, and let the beauty flow out.
You can do it, if your really want it bad enough, I know you can do it.
If you start running now, you may as well keep running.

Answer 3

Believe it or not the best way to get over your fear of singing in front of people is to simply find someplace to do it and give it a try -- karaoke is actually a good way to do this. Getting up in front of strangers is easier because you don't have to worry about ever seeing any of them again if it doesn't go as well as you'd like. I actually had my first karaoke experience when I was stone cold sober, which actually made it easier because everyone in the audience was too drunk to care how good I sounded. I enjoyed it so much that I became a regular on the local circuit.

It also helps if you start with songs you are very familiar with so you don't have to worry about forgetting lyrics. Less worry about remembering the words equals more fun with the singing.

Lastly, if you truly enjoy singing you will find that singing in front of large groups is no different than singing to yourself, except that more people get to enjoy your voice.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Hey! I am a singer, and stage fright is something everyone goes through. You will find people who give you all kinds of techniques and you definately should try them all, everyone is different, but I'll give you some of my tips.
Sometimes stage fright is a deeper fear inside yourself, some confidence can help stage fright, thats what works best for me. I make sure I know a song before I sing it. I make sure i know it so well I could sing it in my sleep, then when I go up on stage and all the people are staring at me I tell myself, "I know this, I am good at this and I'm going to show everyone I'm good at this!" Once you have that confidence, try showing it off a little, even if it's in a dark room so you cant see their faces or be turned around so you can't see them, I used to sing in my living room and my mom would sit in the kitchen and listen, one day she came into the living room and I didn't even notice, that helped me realise I can do this in front of people.
If it helps, once you are up in front of a crowd, don't stare into anyone's face, stare just over their heads, they'll think you are looking at them when you are concentrating on other things.
Also, get yourself into character, every song tells a story, tell your story, if you are concentrating on that you will concentrate less on what other people are thinking!
Even after years of singing in front of others I still get a little shaky before I go up on stage, but I remind myself that I know my music, that I sound good, and I become the person I am singing about. I concentrate on so many other things once I'm up on a stage that I don't even worry about the audience.
You can do it too, but start small, sing in front of someone you trust and work your way up from there.
Good luck! I hope this helps, at least a little!

Answer 5

I had a chance to sing in my brother-in-laws band and didn't do it because I was afraid to sing in public. Now, years later, I wish I had, just so I could say I was part of a band. I'll never have that chance again. Don't let your chance slip by, as they say "we all put our pants on one leg at a time". Try to ignore the audience and pretend you're in the shower or in your car or something. Even if you think you're a bad singer, there are always those that are worse. (Do you ever watch the American Idol tryouts? Good Lord, someone's lied to some of these people!) You'll be proud of yourself for even trying.

Answer 6

I suggest going to an open mic night in your town or nearby. If you're not comfortable singing yet, you could do some poetry. Some open mics are just for poetry. Open mics are almost always very encouraging of new talent. Find an open mic that is not a bar scene, but more a coffee house type, acoustic guitars, folksy people.
Whatever you do, don't listen to detractors, whoever they may be. It's not about being good or great, it's about doing it. You have something to add to the tapestry, and you're the only one who can do it. No one can take your place.

Answer 7

its normal. c")
all u have to do is go on stage, chin up, take a deep breath, smile, then close your eyes and hear the silence & calmness of your heart and start to sing. And when u got the confidence enough then slowly open your eyes. Don't look straight to the audience eyes or face first ok. I would suggest ask your brothers to be with u that day. Look straight at them when u open your eyes. Surely, u will see lots of support from their face that will give u more confidence and courage.
Good luck :)

Answer 8

The only way you will be able to sing in front of a large crowd of people is to first sing in front of your family and friends. Maybe, start with just a few people and then sing to more.
Good luck.

Answer 9

when u want to sing u sing with your eyes closed, and never feel discouraged . If u want to sing , u sing, why thinking of others what they think? Don"t bother about other people.

Answer 10

forget trying this singing in front of people there is no need for you to express yourself this way keep on writing you will receove answers without singing to anyone period you want to be heard so be heard without singing okay?