🎤 Hobby of the Week: Choir Singing

How Joining a Choir Helped Me Overcome My Fear of Singing and Boost My Confidence

👤 By Namrata Bagaria, Co-founder, Seniors Junction

Last year, I started a journey that not only taught me a new skill but also helped me heal from a long-standing fear. As a member of Eckankar, a spiritual group I’m part of, I joined their choir for an October seminar—despite never having formally sung in public.

✨ No Experience Required

Earlier this year, an email invitation went out:

“Join the Eckankar Choir. No experience necessary.”

That line piqued my curiosity. Though I had sung once in a school choir, it was never a regular part of life for me as a Hindu from India. Choir culture wasn’t something I grew up with.

And if I’m being honest, I had carried a painful memory from childhood—when my 4th-grade music teacher told me I “sounded like a crow.” I had avoided singing in public ever since.

🎶 Learning the Benefits of Choir Singing

As the CEO of Seniors Junction, I’ve read extensively about the benefits of choir singing for older adults:

• Improved mood and well-being

• Better breath control and posture

• Stronger social connections

But reading is one thing. Experiencing it firsthand is another.

🎧 Starting From Scratch

I had already conquered my fear of public speaking as a teen—so I figured singing might be my next growth step.

But when rehearsals began, I was completely lost.
I didn’t know what a note or interval meant. I couldn’t tell if I was singing high or low. After two sessions, I realized I needed help. I found a private singing teacher and began weekly lessons.

💪 Practice + Feedback = Progress

I kept showing up.

I listened to the conductor.
I took notes from choir members.
I practiced daily vocal warmups.
I made no excuses.

The key was simple: No ego, just learning.

🌟 The Day of the Performance

When the seminar arrived, I stepped onto the stage—not as a trained singer, but as someone who had shown up, practiced, and grown.

As we sang, I saw someone in the audience crying—moved by our music. That moment validated everything. It was more than just a performance; it was a transformation.

💡 What I Learned

• Singing, like speaking, is a skill you can learn

• Feedback is your friend, not your enemy

• Group music builds confidence and connection

• It’s never too late to try something new

🎵 Why We Share This at Seniors Junction

We believe music is for everyone—and that hobbies like choir singing aren’t just recreational. They’re powerful tools for growth, healing, and community.

🎁 Try It Yourself!

Want to explore musical hobbies like choir singing?

👉 Subscribe to our free music appreciation newsletter to get stories, playlists, and hobby highlights in your inbox every week.

Seniors Junction – Helping You Live Well Through Music

🧠 Wellness. 🎶 Music. 🫶 Connection.