Think you don’t have what it takes to sing in a choir? Think again! If you can talk, you can sing! Most children sing and don’t worry about how they sound; they just enjoy it. The capability to sing is ingrained in us. However, as we get older, we find it harder to release our inhibitions and can become overly critical of ourselves and our abilities. This is when singing in a choir can be your saviour: it’s a powerful way to boost your self-esteem. Here we explain how joining a choir can do wonders for your self-confidence. 

Singing is good for the soul

Whether you’re belting out your favourite song in the shower, enjoying a sing-along in the car, or performing a mean version of ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ on karaoke, singing is a fantastic way to let go, embrace those feel-good vibes, and boost your confidence.

Singing generally makes you feel good. That’s because singing releases endorphins into our brains, creating a chemical reaction that makes us feel happier. If you want the added benefit of stress and anxiety relief, motivation, and positive energy, singing as part of a choir has been proven to encourage these even more so, and it is an excellent way for you to get started. Not only is it a fun and interactive hobby to take up, but anyone can do it – even novices! It’s perfect for challenging your vocal ability and rediscovering your confidence.  

In it together

Singing as part of a choir promotes that sense of ‘togetherness’ – and nothing quite beats the feeling of belonging and being a part of something bigger. When you’re in it together, it takes away the fear of being alone and standing out in the crowd with ‘all eyes on you’, which can sometimes be the main reason why many don’t push their boundaries. Not only is it comforting to know you’re not alone, but it’s also a great way to meet new people and make new friends, which is one sure-fire way to boost confidence. Once you remove that fear of doing something on your own, it’s much easier to enjoy and give it your everything. 

Criticism is better than a compliment

A natural flair for something might make the learning part more manageable, but we all have to begin somewhere. Learning to sing is no different; as with any craft, it takes time and patience. Sure, receiving a compliment is going to be an instant confidence-booster, but what can you learn from it? Not a lot. Being in a choir means that you will receive all the support and guidance you need from your teacher and other members, including constructive feedback, which is necessary if you want to learn, grow, and develop, and, in turn, become the best version of yourself. 

In any given scenario, criticism can seem a little daunting when you first hear it. But, use it to your advantage, turn it into a positive, and implement. You’re learning and honing your singing skills; thus, friendly feedback is beneficial if you want to improve. So, the next time you receive some feedback when you break into song, ask yourself: what can I learn from this? 

Goodbye, stage fright

The inevitable palm sweat and a lump in your throat before you have to perform, speak, present, raise your hand in class, or do something out of the ordinary, is always a terrifying thought for many, but one that you can easily overcome. Joining a choir means that while you can hide in the back if you’re not quite ready to take centre-stage (don’t worry, we’ve all been there!), you’re still going to be performing in front of an audience. Which is an essential factor for overcoming nerves and the fear of performing – because the more you do it, the easier it will become! 

Performance nerves are common, and apply to many different situations in life: take a job interview, for example. Being interviewed is a unique situation in itself, which often demands you to put on a ‘front’ or ‘show’. Still, the key to holding it together and composing yourself is by calming your nerves and confidently showcasing who you are. And it is something that your teacher will help you learn and develop in choir lessons. Working on your confidence and truly believing in your abilities is what will take your singing, an interview or anything you want to the next level. Singing in a choir allows you to loosen those inhibitions, be yourself, and most importantly, have fun! All of which will boost your self-esteem and confidence, giving you self-belief because you can do this and you will! 

At Cheshire Pop Choirs, we regularly perform at charity events, parties and weddings. While there is no obligation to attend if you don’t want to, we encourage you to push your boundaries and challenge yourself, that’s why joining a choir is the perfect way to try something new and learn more about yourself!