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, OP! I am an adult having piano lessons because they were barred when I was a child, so why would an adult having singing lessons be any different?

Singing is supposed to be good for your mental health, and in my patch of Wales at least, being in a choir is perfectly normal! One of the choirs even went to sing in Spain quite recently 😀

Thank you for all the positivity people 🫶

I'm definitely going to do it! X

You don’t need singing lessons to join a choir, but they do help. I’ve always sung but didn’t take lessons till I was in my 50s. It made so much difference. Btw 2 octaves is not a normal range. For most amateurs it will be less. I can now do a bit more (username refers).

So gorgeous to hear about Rock Choir - I'm going to join, wonderfully flexible being able to go to local group or online.... thank you!!!

Im in the rock choir too. Joined as it pushed me out of my comfort zone. One of the best things I've ever done. Great music, instruction on breathing etc. Songs are awesome. This term we start with September by earth wind and fire. Terms resume nationally in a couple of weeks and taster sessions are offered for new people. The rock choir website will have all the info you need and an option to book a taster session. If its not for you definitely get yourself some singing lessons. You're worth it!

Do it. You only get one life.

I am a singing teacher and run a pop choir. Singing is a brilliant activity in so many ways. Lessons will definitely help you to look after your voice properly and expand your capabilities. It’s quite usual to have a small range prior to lessons (probably around the part of your range where you naturally speak) but a good singing teacher will know how to help you hit the high (and low!) notes.
Rock Choir is good but is very expensive. You may well find a more local option that is cheaper and just as good by the way!

Definitely go for it! Singing is great for body, mind and soul. Will help you with breath control, breathing from the right place to power and control your notes. Helps with pitching, intonation, clarity and pitch. And more besides!

it’s fun!

You don't need singing lessons per se, just join a local rock or pop choir so that your voice becomes used to singing loudly regularly.

And why not? Singing is good for you. It makes you breathe properly which, let's face it, most of us don't do. Most of the time, we breathe off the top of our lungs but if you're breathing properly, you can actually feel your lower back expand and you get better posture.

To get this started, bend over a chair and breathe deeply. Concentrate on the muscles at the base of your spine and think of them opening and expanding. It might take a bit of work but you start to feel them move. When this happens, you can support your voice more easily and you won't get tired when singing. Eventually, it becomes second nature and breathing properly is very calming.

(It's also good if you have to give presentations or give a speech - or even doing exams!)

Definitely!

I did it. I was waiting for my DD while she did dance lessons on a Saturday morning and noticed the place had an adult singing class at the same time. There were 4-6 of us and we had a lot of fun. It was brilliant for helping with breathing, extending my vocal range, listening techniques to blend with the others and giving me confidence to just get up and do it. People are so quick to tell you your singing is bad, but it very rarely is; it's just your lack of confidence or their insecurity.

I now sing in my local community choir and I'm the one everyone looks to for the top notes! I joined a different choir for a while which had a member who just droned on one note, but she enjoyed it and was fully accepted, so you just need to find your place.

I started singing lessons last year at the age of 45 after a lifetime of having a terrible voice and being scared of anyone hearing it. I look forward to my fortnightly lessons so much and I practice every day. Now I can join in at karaoke 😁 🎤 So inspired that I'm now trying to teach myself jazz piano, despite my E in GCSE music 🎵.