Help, someone put my cart in front of the horse!

Hello everyone,

I've been wanting to sing in front of a crowd for a good number of years and now that's become a reality. 5 years ago I couldn't sing anything and all I've done between then and now is sing some of the songs that I like, some of the time.

Well, here in my mid-forties I've just had a gig (one song) in front of a good part of my small but hip town, at a largely attended fundraiser. I was the only person that sang during this 2 hour event and it was the first time that I'd ever had a mic in my hand. I didn't have a rehearsal and only had two days notice. The challenge was that it was a motivational song where I had rewritten the lyrics of a classic and I had to be sure not to mix the versions.

It was short but went really well. Superb if I listen to the feedback that was given to me. Many people that I didn't know were telling me that it was great and that I have a great voice. I don't totally believe this but I want to make wise moves from here forward.

I want to become a go to singer for the many events that happen in the area and hopefully link up with a band eventually.

I think that I need to sing a lot more, have some direction and probably need to have some way to record my training and be able to review it. I have about $300 sitting around right now that I can invest in the next step. What are some ideas for me?

Thanks!

Audacity recording software

http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/

Reaper recording software

http://www.reaper.fm/download.php

I warmup by singing scales and exercises along with a keyboard. Lots of instructional singing videos on You Tube. I use a regular computer microphone, costs about $ 10 at Radio Shack. I sing along with mp3s using Audacity and listen to the recordings. You might look at the local musician ads in the newspapers and craigslist.org, sing with every musician that will practice with you. Search google for open mic events near you and attend them, meet other musicians, perform when you are ready. You might visit venues, meet bands, get to know musicians and ask for advice. Become part of the music scene. It might help to buy a inexpensive used keyboard to sing along with scales and work out melodies. You don't need a PA system to start; plug a used cheap microphone into a $ 10 used little guitar amp and it likely won't sound great but you can hear yourself and practice your show.

Thanks YDI,

OK, I'll get setup to practice scales, which is something I have zero experience with. I looked around youtube last night but just touched the surface. Great to hear something recommended that I already have. I've had Audacity on my computer for several years but I've only used it to trim mp3s and wav files for use in vacation DVDs. I like the idea of singing along to mp3s and reviewing the recordings. I'll find a computer mic and give that a try.

I'm not ready for the music scene at this point but will set my sites on a local open mic venue once I have something worth taking there. I'm limited in that I don't pay any instruments.

BTW, I lived in Fort Lauderdale for few years in the 80s, and in Tampa for many years after that.

I think a hand-held portable recorder would be a good investment for you right now. I have an Edirol R09, which is great, but there are similar products from Zoom, Sony, Yamaha, etc. These recorders are self-contained--you don't need a computer or a mic--which allows for very quick & easy recording. I use my R09 a lot, and it has been hugely helpful in my journey toward not sucking as a singer. And I'm almost there.

Constant recording and listening back is to my mind the most valuable thing a singer can do. Singing is about making adjustments, finding your way, learning how to play your instrument, and regularly recording will really move you forward.

Why eventually? Sounds like you're ready now to get something together. Time's a-wasting!

Thanks Jersey Jack.

I would certainly agree that times-a-wastin'. I don't think I have enough experience though. Basically, I've been singing along with the car radio for the last 10 years, outside of a couple of performances in front of a crowd with good feedback.

What are a couple of hosting options for audio files shares on this forum? Once I get the computer mic I'll sing a few lines and get some unbiased feedback.