Is it too late to become a good singer at the age of 20?

United States
April 28, 2011 11:01pm CST
Up until high school I really liked singing and I was in the advanced choir at grade school. (I know that's not much when it's just grade school) But I stopped doing formal choirs because I was so shy and my parents wanted me to play the violin more. I would practice singing only when I was at home alone. Now that I'm living at college, I get too embarrassed to sing in my room because the whole hall will hear me. It's been like this for the past 4 years. But I'm wondering, once I leave college this year, is it too late to start singing again and sound like a broadway singer?
2 people like this
23 responses
@sswallace21 (1824)
• United States
29 Apr 11
They say, "It's never to late." I would think that you definitely need to get over being shy. If you don't sing in the dorm because everyone can hear you, how do you expect to sing in front of a live audience on broadway? I would start practicing your singing now. If you have a great voice, people won't mind hearing it. Best Wishes!
• United States
30 Apr 11
I think we all experience weird psychological problems sometimes.
• United States
30 Apr 11
It's because I'm fine with people listening to me if I don't know them. Maybe its a weird psychological problem.
• United States
29 Apr 11
It's nowhere near too late. According to my former vocal instructor, a person's voice doesn't reach maturity and fill out until around 35. Listen to the vocals of some artists who have been around from their youth into their 30s and beyond and I'm sure you'll hear the changes.
• United States
29 Apr 11
thanks for the info, that's a relief! although it would be awesome if voices could last till really old age. I see old people in musicals like Les Mis, and you're right their voices are different. They sound nice still, but in their own way.
17 Jun 11
I'm one of those 'old people' whose voice has improved tenfold with age! I might not be able to sing as high as I used to but the voice is more mellow now!
@obe212003 (2299)
• Philippines
29 Apr 11
it's never too late to learn anything as it keeps us into reaching our potentials. is you're a gifted singer, then it would just come naturally as you can sing your heart out without annoying anybody. to aspire to be a good singer needs a lot of practice. Try going to karaoke bars or just simply follow a tune when you hear one. good luck and happy singing.
• United States
29 Apr 11
thanks, the only place I feel comfortable singing now is in my car with the windows up. maybe i'll take more drives to get more practice.
@stanley777 (9402)
• Philippines
29 Apr 11
I think it is never too late for anything. If you really love what you do and practice eagerly- you can even take voice lessons so they can help you sing better..you can achieve what you want.
• United States
29 Apr 11
thanks for your response and the encouragement!
@r3jcorp (1382)
• Philippines
29 Apr 11
No, there is no age barrier in reaching one's dream. Singing is one talent that does not have a age limit, there are numbers of great singers which started their careers at later age but it doesn't matter, people still supports them if they were pleased with the voice quality. Goodluck and I hope you'll reach all your dreams!
• United States
29 Apr 11
I've heard a lot of bands that have terrible singers but they are good because of their personalities and uniqueness. I wish I had the confidence they have!
• Indonesia
29 Apr 11
Hi sashakiddo, if you really like to sing, you have to start by now to increase your skill. Loose yur embarrassing feeling,change it to words "confident". Raise your voice, just let it be heard. Sometime the chance comes suddenly from the other -someone unknow who might listen when you sing along. You'd never old too chase each dream of you
• United States
29 Apr 11
thanks for the encouragement, i want to be more confident.
• United States
29 Apr 11
It is never to late to do something that makes you happy. If you enjoy singing don't be afraid to explore it more.
• United States
29 Apr 11
thanks for the encouragement!
• India
2 May 11
No way, you should go out and live your dream of being a singer. If you play violin then I reckon you got a good sense of musical theory and if your vocal chord supports your singing and people appreciates when you sing, then I in my opinion there's singing don't have an age limit.
@Bryanx54 (644)
2 May 11
I think its never too late really, i know quite a few of my friends who are liking to become a professional singer. One of which didn't turn professional until he 27 so if you believe you can achieve something you should continue. You got my backing.
@camomile07 (1420)
• Germany
2 May 11
It's never too late for it, if it's really what you want. During the history, you might find many examples of persons who started later. One example from nowadyas (maybe you'll remember her) is Susan Boyle.
• United States
29 Apr 11
Absolutely not and the sooner you know you are good at something the sooner one should persue it. Provided you find the right place, right leads and since you can sing it should go well. Best of luck and never give up on a dream, especially so early on in your life. Best of luck.
• United States
29 Apr 11
thanks! I feel so envious of the child stars, especially people like christina aguilera and britney spears, who started out so young.
@asliah (11137)
• Philippines
15 May 11
hi, i think its not too late to become a good singer at the age of 20,because to sing so nice is not depending on the age as long as you can still sing and voice out you real voice.ITS NOT TOO LATE.
• Philippines
2 May 11
Not really. It is better late than never. Pursue your dreams as long as you are happy with it. Enjoy what you are doing and you will go a long way. If you have the talent, then why not take the chance of joining some contest. Good luck!
@nezavisima (7408)
• Bulgaria
8 May 11
Never too late. It is important to fee lready for it. Now is the time to start a career I wish you success. Go ahead.
@indahfth (11161)
• Indonesia
29 Apr 11
It's never too late, as long as you do with heartfelt, and always strive to realize your goals.
@HansonFan (1653)
• United States
29 Apr 11
Its definitely never too late to try to learn something new, or in your case to get better at it. Go for it! All it takes is some lessons or, since you are in college, take some vocal classes and get credit for it! Good luck!!
@Zer0Stats (1147)
• India
29 Apr 11
It's never too late unless you don't start now.
@tammy27 (1241)
• Philippines
29 Apr 11
i dont think so. i mean, careers like this dont depend on age. as long s your good and you have the potential, then you may have big chances on your singing.. :)
• United States
29 Apr 11
No it is not to late to become a singer. You have many singers today that entered the industry at 25 and still continues to sing so I would say 20 is being pretty young so good luck.
@rokudaime (339)
• Australia
30 Apr 11
Learning is a lifelong process. Having this principle, I believe that it is never too late for you to become a good singer at the age of 20. Many of my choir members are in their 30s and even in their 40s but how were they able to sing well? It is a matter of persevering to achieve your goal. Being a good singer does not necessarily mean that you can sing like a pro (e.g. Celine Dion, Barbara Streisand, etc). Being a good singer means that you can sing properly the notes and your voice is in the right frequency and tone. Add more practice (as practice makes perfect), more enthusiasm and perseverance and I am pretty sure that you can achieve your goal to be able to sing rightly and well. Just to your best in anything that you do and God will do the rest. Have a great day ahead! ^_^