Should I Sing at My Church's Talent Show?

Asking whether one should sing at their church's talent show is a common query among individuals seeking advice on how to showcase their talents and boost their confidence. My own journey with music and singing has been filled with both triumphs and challenges, and here is how I navigated those challenges.

Singing and My Journey

My vocal range is high baritone to mezzo-soprano without falsetto, which has been both a gift and a struggle. During my teenage years, Betsy Cowell, a pianist who has accompanied me for auditions, commented that I had a beautiful voice but that I was too nervous for the lead role in a church play. Jennifer Stonehouse, another accomplished pianist, shared that my vocal maturity was comparable to that of a 25-year-old, despite my voice breaking again around the age of 20 or 21. This break, or as I described it, the shattering into a gazillion pieces, highlighted a more profound issue: confidence.

Overcoming Confidence Issues

Confidence has been my biggest hurdle. I have managed to harmonize with my Scottish friend Jock in a duo for a few years before embarking on my wedding journey to New Zealand. Although my confidence in singing seemed to wane, I excelled in reciting my poetry to guitar chord accompaniment. In my senior year of high school, I won the school prize for poetry, and Jean Turner, a polymath who was a midwife, piano teacher, and singing teacher, was extremely impressed with my performances. She suggested that the only improvement I needed was some elocution lessons.

Despite these achievements, the fear of singing seemed to be deeply ingrained. However, the act of singing was not my fault. My voice at certain times sounded like that of a 1950s Elvis Presley, which was just how it was at that time.

Advice for Singing at Your Church Talent Show

So, should you sing at your church's talent show? The answer ultimately depends on your personal decisions and desires. If you feel passionate about singing and want to participate, then by all means, do it! Embrace the opportunity to perform and face your fears. If you have reservations, there is no need to force it. No one can decide what is best for you; it is up to you to make that choice.

Encouragement and Support

Many would say yes, you should sing. If your goal is to become a professional singer someday, getting comfortable with performances is essential. Others might advise, if you can, you should, but if you cannot, it truly shouldn't matter. At the very least, give it your best shot. Confidence can be cultivated, and stage fright is a challenge that can be overcome.

Whichever choice you make, remember that it is your journey and your voice. Embrace it, and allow it to inspire and bring joy to those around you.