As a former Glasgow Youth Choir member, singing has helped me build my confidence in more ways than I could have ever imagined. My parents enrolled me in the choir at the age of 6. At that time I was a very shy, quiet little girl and through all of my experiences with the choir, I have grown into a very talkative confident individual.
Choirs are great for all children. If a child is shy it gives them the comfort of having others singing around them. It gives them the room to build in volume as they grow in confidence. Even if they start off miming along (as I did for a few too many years!), eventually they will start to feel more comfortable. Audrey is so encouraging and helps bring out each child’s potential to create a great sound. Choirs allow for all different singing opportunities, singing on stages big and small, singing abroad, singing on television and singing solos.
Along with fabulous singing training, the choir brings many social aspects. You just have to look back at the past 65 years to see how many long-lasting friendships have been created. Through bowling trips, backstage fun and trips abroad, I have made many of my strongest friendships. It has also been lovely catching up with friends who I haven’t spoken to for a while at the GYC Legacy rehearsals and it was as if we have never been apart.
Now I am so privileged to be able to act and sing professionally and teach children of all ages to sing. None of this would have been possible without the Glasgow Youth Choir and the support of Audrey McKirdy.
Tips on building confidence in children:
Try everything that is available to you.
Keep going, adults be encouraging but don’t let them give up at the first hurdle.
Try singing in a smaller group and work your way up to a duet or solo. It may feel scary but if you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you will feel amazing afterwards.
Practice, practice, practice! The more prepared you are the more confident you will feel. Trust your muscle memory. If you’ve practiced enough it will help you through even if your panicking.
Practice in front of as many people as possible. Start off singing in your mirror, to your pets, to your family and friends.
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