ptrckmcconn said
Glad to hear things have gone so well. I used to be afraid to sing in front of anyone -- it was years before my own family even heard me sing. I always sang by myself in the bedroom. I had not training and was too embarrassed. And I guess I believed I didn't sound all that good. Well, it's years later, and I still have not had formal training in anything but the cornet. I love bluegrass music, and when I retired at the age of 51, I met a guy who had lots of experience under his belt, particularly in bluegrass music. He introduced me to other musicians and we played a lot, public performances, fund raisers, etc. And of course, parking lot picking was a part of it. But in my case, most of my exposure ended up being on stage with a group of sympathetic, supportive musicians. I now think nothing of performing in front of others, whether it's for one other person, or on the radio or for a television broadcast. My point is, the more you expose yourself to the jams or playing on stage, the easier it gets.

I can sing bluegrass music, because you don't have to have formal training to do it. Oh, I'll never make it on American Idol, but then that's not my goal. My goal is to have a good time, and enjoy the music and the company of others who also love music. Be careful that your singing lessons don't leave you with the impression that there is some level of competency that you have to reach. Unless you are planning on being a professional, focus on enjoying what you do. Also, as for jamming, quite often players bring their song books. Nothing wrong with that if it can be done. I even have a little light with flexible ears (like two little bug LED lights), you can get them on eBay for 5 bucks, and they clip on to your song book or stand, so you can see the words at night. Play with others whenever you can, and enjoy the music.

I'm really enjoying learning bluegrass music. Before I started focusing on it, I didn't realize that most bluegrass music was sung; I always thought it was mostly instrumental.

Fortunately, bluegrass songs seem to be very forgiving for people (like me) who might not have a well-trained singing voice. Guess it's because of the genre's folk/country roots; it's OK if one is a little scratchy.

My singing is like my fiddle playing...I have good days and I have bad days. Nonetheless, I've always enjoyed singing and playing my guitar, mostly by myself, but when I was a kid I played and sang sitting around campfires with friends and in church.

The folks at the bluegrass slow jams that I've been attending are very supportive, so it's not too threatening to sing in front of them. It's a blast playing and singing with others...just wish it could be more often.