Recently, I had the chance to attend a concert performed by amateur singers, featuring a mix of art songs and arias from the classical repertoire. Having studied singing myself up to post-grade 8 standard over a decade ago, I could still recognise and appreciate many of the pieces. I imagine most of the audience shared a similar level of understanding about these pieces’ technical demands.
As with most amateur concerts, the performers’ skill levels varied considerably, and any technical imperfections became particularly noticeable given the demanding nature of classical music.
The audience, as audiences do, had plenty to say. Some comments were insightful, others harsh—but, truth be told, often fair. As I sat among them, I couldn’t help but reflect on the performers. As a singer myself, I know they were likely aware of their strengths and weaknesses, conscious of how their efforts might be perceived. And yet, they dressed up, stepped onto that stage in front of a sizeable audience, and gave it their all. Their courage was undeniable, and the satisfaction on their faces after performing—regardless of the outcome—was palpable.
It made me think. I’ve always hesitated to take the plunge unless I felt 100% ready—a perfectionist tendency that often means I never take the leap at all. Watching these singers, I couldn’t help but wonder: what can I learn from them to push myself out of my comfort zone? Here’s what stood out:
Passion is everything
Every one of those singers shared a love for singing. Whether or not they enjoyed performing, they clearly relished the opportunity to share their passion with an audience. Being part of a supportive, enthusiastic community seemed to keep them motivated and positive, even in the face of nerves. It’s a reminder that a passionate community can often be the safety net we need to step out of our comfort zones.
Criticism is inevitable—ignore the noise
One advantage of performing on stage is that you’re separated from the audience. You don’t hear every comment, and maybe that’s for the best. While there will always be those who appreciate your effort, talent, and preparation, there will also be those who criticise. That’s just the way of the world.
The key is to focus on constructive feedback—the kind that helps you grow—and to tune out anything that doesn’t serve you. You have the right to reject comments that hurt your confidence or demotivate you. In the end, it’s your journey, and you decide whose opinions matter.
Treat it like a game
While preparation and professionalism are essential, approaching something like a recital as a game can help take the pressure off. Think of it as a challenge to level up, rather than a life-or-death situation. Putting too much weight on the outcome only adds to the nerves, which can affect your performance. Staying relaxed and focused on the process rather than the result can make all the difference.
The power of preparation
Can you ever be “over-prepared”? Perhaps not. Most people have a good sense of their abilities and know where their weaknesses lie. Allocating extra time and effort to address those gaps can be transformative. A friend of mine, who also performed at this concert, spent nearly half a year preparing a piece slightly beyond her current abilities. Some might question if that’s worth it for an amateur concert, but I believe it is. Setting a higher goal and putting in the effort not only builds confidence but also pushes you to develop new skills. It’s a form of positive pressure—progress, not perfection.
Practice, practice, practice
When it comes to mastering a skill, particularly one with a strong technical component, there’s no substitute for practice. Repetition builds muscle memory, making the process second nature. Growing up, I was often discouraged from making mistakes, but I’ve come to realise that failure is an essential part of learning. Imperfection is where growth happens. Some people might laugh at your mistakes, but that’s their problem, not yours. Protect your positivity bubble and use each stumble as a stepping stone.
Just do it
We’ve all heard the motivational mantra: “Take action despite the fear.” But it works. Often, it’s the anticipation of failure that holds us back, not the act itself. I’ve found that treating myself like a pre-programmed robot—just doing the thing I’ve committed to without overthinking—can be incredibly effective. When the time comes, I simply act, bypassing the fear spiral entirely. It’s a trick that’s helped me tackle tasks I’d otherwise procrastinate on.
Embracing imperfection
Imposter syndrome is something most of us face at some point, especially as we gain more skills and knowledge. The more you know, the less confident you might feel about being “perfect.” For me, performing in front of people—even a small group—has always been intimidating. But watching these singers has inspired me. I’m considering taking on more opportunities like this, even if I feel nervous or doubtful. After all, you don’t know what you’re capable of until you try.
