There is no small talk in singing. Everyone in the room is there for the same purpose: to sing.
A few months ago, I stood on a stage and sang in front of 1,200 people. I walked on stage — without stage fright, mind you — and performed. I sang The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love.” I sang Labi Siffre’s “Something Inside So Strong” — and with feeling. I sang David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” with gusto, which is one of my all-time favorite songs. I even danced and sang to S Club 7’s “Reach for the Stars.” The audience loved it and even gave me a standing ovation at the end of my performance. Me, an introvert! I stood before them, bowed with humble gratitude, and felt exhilarated.
Honestly — this really happened! I sang my heart out to a packed big tent at an arts festival. Admittedly, as a lifelong introvert, I must add one minor detail: There were another sixty-nine people on stage with me! I am a member of the local gospel choir. (By the way, did you know there are other introverted musical artists out there, including Bob Dylan, Prince, and Taylor Swift?)
How I Became a Choir Member… as an Introvert
Last year, my wife persuaded me to join the choir. She had started going the year before and always told me what great fun it was. Rehearsals lasted only an hour. All you had to do was show up, sing what the choir leader asked you to, then head home. It was fun and a nice, simple end to a midweek day.
When she first suggested it, my initial thought was, “That’s not for me. Sounds too busy.” I was wrong!
I agreed to go along and give it a try. Men are heavily outnumbered by women in this choir, so I was immediately welcomed in. The small band of guys shook my hand and assured me that none of them possessed much talent and just tried to sing what they were told.
The choir leader was a jolly, enthusiastic soul who used humor to encourage us to get into our melodies and harmonies. All we had to do was try our best. So I tried. Nobody around me flinched at the sound of my voice, so I guessed I was doing alright. I fit in!
If you love music but are an introvert, a choir is a perfect community to join. That’s because it’s not about you — it’s the collective of everybody. A gospel choir is a social environment where even the most introverted can fit in. Through my experience, I have identified a number of benefits. Here are some of them.
5 Benefits of Joining a Choir as an Introvert
1. Joining a choir helps you fit in with others — naturally.
There is no small talk in singing — everyone in the room is there for the same purpose: to sing. If you’re an introvert, this means you don’t have to worry about what to say, how to join a conversation, or what others think of you.
Once you’ve said “hello,” there’s little time for small talk or superficial conversations. The focus is entirely on singing, which is why everyone is there. The shared love of singing creates a natural bond and common ground. As an introvert, you quickly feel like part of the choir community. For performances, our choir even wears matching blue T-shirts — so we all look the same!
2. Singing makes you feel good and boosts your mood.
There’s probably a scientific explanation for why singing makes you feel better, but science isn’t my area of expertise. All I know is that when I sing and look around at everyone else singing, we all seem happy and full of joy. (And to back me up, some research shows that singing boosts endorphins — so there you go!)
To stay fit, I run a lot, so I’m familiar with the endorphin rush that comes at the end of a run. At the end of a choir practice or performance, I feel that same exhilaration.
If you enjoy singing to yourself at home or in the car, that pleasure is amplified (quite literally) when you do it as part of a collective voice. As introverts, we’re often aware of our inhibitions, but in a choir, you let go of them. Once the choir leader gives their instructions, you set off with everyone else. Your focus is on the group, your voice blends in, and suddenly, you’re singing. It feels amazing! Try it — you’ll see!
Want to feel more at ease in social situations?
Discover the secrets to enjoying fun, meaningful conversations. Know exactly what to say, even if you’re introverted, shy, or anxious. Feel less drained and have more energy while socializing. Click here to secure your spot in Jenn Granneman’s upcoming course, Easy Conversation.
3. Joining a choir can be a great way to challenge your insecurities.
As someone who often doubts their abilities, I’ve discovered how confident I feel within the choir. It’s like an introvert-friendly way to step out of my comfort zone.
In a choir, there’s a clear structure to social interaction that everyone follows. Each member has a role to fulfill, so there’s no need to worry about how to fit in. You simply follow the choir leader’s instructions, and you naturally become part of the group. There’s no room for introverted insecurities. (Finally, right?)
4. Singing is great for challenging shyness and anxiety.
I’m not a music expert, so I can’t say for sure that anyone can sing. But I can say that after a few weeks of rehearsal, my voice became stronger and more confident. I even sounded pretty good alongside the person standing next to me.
And then there’s the experience of standing in front of an audience and performing — that quickly dispels shyness!
The first time I performed with the choir was in a church with about 200 people in the audience. I spotted a few friends in the crowd, but standing at the back of the choir helped me realize something important: Nobody was there to watch me. They came to hear the choir as a whole, and that took the pressure off.
5. Weekly rehearsals have given me an ongoing social life.
While my inner self might feel more at home sitting on the couch, I’ve come to appreciate the joy of walking into the church hall, saying hello to familiar faces, and doing something I genuinely enjoy. It’s helped me become more sociable.
Gospel choirs have grown in popularity in recent years — you seem to find them everywhere now. They offer a chance for people who enjoy music, but might lack confidence or experience, to try singing… in public!
With safety in numbers, you feel less inhibited. Even someone with limited social skills can blend into the unity of a choir.
Singing hasn’t completely changed my life, but it has definitely enhanced it. I often wonder how many other introverts are in my choir. If this sounds appealing to you, give it a try. 
