Should I Give Up Singing?

[barb993]

I’ve been taking voice lessons for over 5 years now, and have been through 3 voice teachers. I feel like I’ve improved a little but not 5 years worth. If you heard me sing you would probably think I’ve only had less than one year of lessons. I am passionate about singing however over the years I’ve only been getting more and more confused about my voice. I can’t ever get through an entire song smoothly. It has also increased my anxiety and I don’t feel good about myself. Should I give it up?

[davegosling]

No.

[Buenchico]

If you don't think that your voice is really up to solo singing, why not join a choir? You'll still be able to enjoy singing but without the pressure of singing solo and with the comradeship that you'd get from joining in with others.

We've got several choirs around here which have members across a wide range of ages and a policy of never turning anyone away. Here's one of them ('Rabble Chorus') performing the African rhythms of Alexander L'Estrange's 'Zimbe'. (I bought a ticket for one of the performances of that tour and they were as good as a professional choir):

[Theland]

Well done you! Keep it up. Full of admiration for you.

[Old_Geezer]

Do you enjoying singing or are you just anxious to be good ?

I tend to think that you should continue with things you enjoy but find new interests if something no longer gives joy.

Whichever is the case, before making a change, ask your present voice teacher why you don't seem to be improving as you feel you should. They should be able to give you specific advice and insight.

[waterboatman]

Why give up something you obviously enjoy? As buenchico said, I'm sure there will be a choir locally that would be welcome you. There you will finds lots of friends and you will have a lot of fun. Don't be despondent, ask your voice coach, who I'm sure will know of one or two locally. Good luck to you.

[johnk]

I like Buenos idea. It's time you just enjoyed singing as well as trying to improve. Everybody learns at different rates so stop worrying, if you enjoy it do it if you no longer enjoy it stop.

[1ozzy]

//It has also increased my anxiety and I don’t feel good about myself.//

Then stop trying to be a solo act.

Find a choir to join, as suggested, blend in with others and enjoy singing.

[kvalidir]

If you are trying to make a career out of singing and after five eyars of lessons with multiple teachers you can't complete a song then you might want to consider a different career, HOWEVER, if you are singing because you love to sing you need to take the pressure off yourself. No-one who is singing fir fun needs five years worth of lessons, just enjoy your hobby and either join a choir as suggested or karaoke or just sing for fun at home.Don't obsess about being the best at something which should be fun.

[bednobs]

i agree about the community choir. I am in one, and in general it makes me very happy. Ours is a natural voice choir which basically means their belief is that everyone has the right to enjoy singing if they want, regardless of their ability. You are not pigeon-holed into parts, and for each new song you can choose what part you want (depending on the song i have been everything from bass to soprano) I go because i enjoy it. My thought would be if you are not enjoying it, stop.

[Scarlett]

I would be interested to know what the lessons consist of; and in what way you feel you have made progress. Also do bear in mind, that we all have our limitations depending on the talent we have been born with. I can go swimming every day and take lessons but I will never be in an olympic team. A choir is definitely your best bet. Find one that does the style of music you enjoy. Choral choirs are quite often pretty intense but community choirs are more fun and non-pressured.

[david small]

Don’t stop doing something that you love doing. It harms no one, and is good for your soul. Sing away barb, sing often.