Singing

[EveInEden]

I really would love to sing. I'm 47 and terrible at it. Is there any hope and anything I can do before seeking an instructor?

Sing in what way - in a choir? As a solo performer? Just for pleasure?

If you are just singing along to the radio in your own home or car, does it matter how good (or bad!) you are?

Do you mean singing lessons, OP? Go for it. I loved my singing lessons, even just for fun (no professional ambition) it’s great for regulation. My biased opinion is find a teacher who is operatically trained, they’ll certainly give your vocal cords a good workout!

edit to say, nothing you need to do before hand. Maybe book in some trials to see who suits you best. There’s also loads of singing teachers on YouTube who give great tips!

Just want to be able to sing. Can you learn online? DD has started lessons but I'd be embarrassed at how terrible I am.

I would suggest join a choir. There are quite a lot that really don't mind what your voice is like, no need to read music I was in one a few years ago and it was lovely learning the songs.

Singing teachers don't mind how bad you are. They are there to help you. But I do get that it is nerve wracking to try and sing in front of someone. Why don't you join a community choir? You can just sing quietly until you relax into it! Singing is so good for the soul, especially singing with other people.

I sing in a large choir that competes. If you've never sung before/don't know how to to improve your voice I suggest having at least of couple of lessons, then join a choir. Don be embarrassed by how you sound, you'll be paying them to teach you the basics. Way back in primary school I was taught properly how to sing having sung at Sunday school and it's stood me in good stead. What I do now requires lots of technique and control, but thousands of choirs don't need you to do more than hold a tune. Singing is so enjoyable and it's social and fun to sing in a choir.

There are loads of community choirs now that you can join.

As said above, you don't need to be able to read music and there is no need to audition.
There is something rather wonderful about singing with others - really raises the spirit.

Ohh I really dont want to be part of a choir and I can read music. Or I could do. I might talk to my daughters teacher.

Is there anything I could do at home?

Yes look on YouTube for singing for beginners and have a go. There is a lot of content for learning to sing