To consider singing lessons in my 40s?

[vetprob]

I love singing, just for fun.

I can hold a tune but my voice is pretty weak and starts to hurt after a while (belting out songs in the car - I wouldn't inflict it on anyone else!)

So does anyone else do this or is it a bit frivolous at this point?

I feel like it's the first time I can afford to do something like this for myself.

Do it. Singing is great fun and massively good for your mental well being.

Absolutely go for it! 😊

I wouldn't call it frivolous actually because I believe that singing is something of a magical healer. You're using frequencies, it can lift a mood. I'm not saying it cures cancer or any woo, but it is genuinely uplifting and has a tangible emotional impact.

So I would consider this a mental health spend and you can't put a cap on that. I also love singing! I sing a lot at home and own a karaoke machine for this purpose.

It's all about breathwork and output control and not singing from your throat. You should do the lessons becuase you can harm your vocal cords if you sing incorrectly. Whereas singing properly will have unfettered positive impacts, plus you can impress at the karaoke and get a few pats on the back which also help one's mood!

I’m Interested but have been told a few times to stop even trying to sing 🤣 they were being kind so not a mean way iyswim , can anyone really be taught to sing? Is there any hope for some people ?

Bass player here. I'd say absolutely do it. Lots of people learn music in their teens/20s then come back to it in their 40s/50s. I'm in two bands and one of the singers started in choirs - vocal coaching makes a huge difference; as a pp said it's all about technique.

Omg id love to have singing lessons. Im not great at singing. i sang to my cat and she walked over to me to check i wasn't dying.... Its not the best review ive ever had 😂

Thank you that's really interesting 🙏

Aww I really hope so!!

Haha I love that. Cats are brutal! At least she cares though 😊

A rock choir? That sounds brilliant.

Amazing idea! Your post actually inspires me to seriously consider this. Music brings so much joy. Why not?

You're 40 not dead, go for it!

Go for it! I started singing lessons in my early forties - and went up to Grade 6 ABRSM exams - sadly my singing teacher stopped when she had a baby, and I didn’t try and find a new teacher.
I now sing in a ladies choir - it’s great fun

For @HelpMeGetThrough and anyone else interested in Rock Choir … https://rockchoir.com/
The new term starts soon and you can sign up for a free taster session.

Aww brilliant!! Let's do it!

I have seen choirs called something like,," can't sing" choirs. No one should be denied or denying themselves the pleasure of singing.

Absolutely go for it. No question at all!

Going to look into this. Love the sound of this!!

MN's first choir.

Imagine!

@QueenOfToast thank you for the link, going to look into it! This has been a great thread to accidentally stumble upon today as it is something I have always wanted to do.

@Needacupofteaandcrackers This was me!!! and I learnt to sing in tune with confidence - not all the time, but with songs I've practised. And I confidently sang a solo in front of a couple of hundred people!! And when singing Happy Birthday at a friend's 50th, which is one I'd practised, the opera singer next to me said I had a lovely voice!! And I was told age 11 to just mouth the words as I was putting the rest of my class off!!!

There’s no no age limit to ambition or passions. Most voices can be trained and 121 is the least scary way to do it. Go for it

Learning just a little bit of proper technique will make a huge difference, especially as your voice gets tired easily. Singing uses lots of muscles that need training and strengthening like any other muscles. You use your vocal cords and your diaphragm, and even your lats when you’re belting out high notes! You’ll see a similar difference to if you’re used to splashing up and down a pool waving your limbs everywhere and then you get some proper swimming technique - everything moves in the most efficient way and gives you more power whilst using less energy.

It’s also proven to be good for your mental health. Lots of relaxation exercises involve breathing in quickly and out slowly and this is what you do in singing (and also smoking…obvs less healthy but it’s partly why people find it relaxing!)

You don’t necessarily need private lessons as a decent choir will help you with some vocal warm ups and breathing technique, as well as giving social benefits and being super fun.

I’m not a particularly talented singer myself but I’m so much better when I train properly and use proper technique.

There's a podcast from self-care club where the hosts join a choir and have a singing lesson. It's a few years old but might be worth a listen. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/choir/id1505703522?i=1000541637616

Do it! I started at 48 and love it. Youll do exercises to strengthen your voice and your breathing will improve too. And it’s fun. X