I am having major confidence problems?

Question

I love to sing, but hate to perform. I can't bring myself to audtion let alone sing infront of my family.

I don't know what to do.

And answers like, "you just have to do it," is not going to cut it for this problem. I plan to make a career out of this, but if I can't get over this fear I don't know how I'm going to be able to do that.

This is serious! Please understand that.

Thanks!

Answer 1

i don't think this will be a great career for you if you don't have that confidence. and i WILL tell you that "you just have to do it", because it's true.

i'm the opposite of you, i'm over confident. which isn't a good thing. but at least i never sell myself short.

you need to get up on that stage and own it. you need to realize that you are the center of attention during a performance.

to me, getting nervous before a performance is the best feeling in the world. it makes me feel like i'm doing something right, and that i'm meant to do it.

and if you hate performing, then why do it? i LOVE performing. which is why i do it. if you don't like performing, then a career in singing isn't for you, i'm sorry to tell you.

Answer 2

I have more troubles playing in front of my family than I do playing in front of thousands of people.  Try singing in front of someone you don't know, or someone you trust, or a music teacher.  Or record yourself singing and show it to people.  Start imagine singing in front of them and doing well.  Most likely though you haven't had enough practice and thats why you nervous

Answer 3

You'd better plan on a different career then.  If you lack the confidence to sing in front of your family -- people who love you -- you'll never be able to make a career out of performing in front of strangers, never mind dealing with rejection when you go for auditions and don't make the cut.

I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but that's reality.   You can have a wonderful voice, but if you can't open your mouth and perform with power and confidence and stage presence, you'll never be a professional.

You have to get to the point where your desire to perform and become a professional becomes MORE IMPORTANT than your fear.  Its that simple.  

Feel the fear and do it anyway -- or give up your dream of a singing career.   Your choice....

Answer 4

Dear Denver Chick,

I understand your dilema .. But this incredible fright arouses not because you don't have the talent or the capacity, but because you do not fully embrace who you are. Most likely (like pretty much EVERY girl on the planet) you dislike something about yourself or yourself entirely, and that is wrong ofcourse. Once you learn to love yourself and gather up the determination (you really need that determination if this is to be your chosen career) to change what you don't like about your life or/and yourself for the better, then you will feel proud to sing for everyone. (I truly hope you can sing well otherwise I am setting you up for faileure :S ). It all begins with belief. If you're seeking comfort on stage, it's from within that you'll find it. :) Good luck!