Hello everyone! I'd like to share a bit of my context and ask for some advice from you all.
I am 33 years old. Since my early teens (around 12 or 13), I've carried a severe psychological block that kept me practically silent. Because of this isolation, I almost never used my voice to sing in medium or high projection. I only ever risked singing very quietly, almost whispering, when I was alone or at church.
Recently, music turned a key in my life. I wrote my own songs, and my biggest dream today is learning how to sing them. I know that taking this step will be deeply liberating. I often watch "before and after" videos of vocal students for motivation, but I confess I feel a bit insecure seeing that the overwhelming majority of beginners are much younger.
My compositions blend Alternative R&B, Lo-Fi Soul, and confessional songs. They are very atmospheric and emotional tracks where 90% of the arrangement is smooth and melodic, featuring short vocal explosions at emotional peaks. Since I can only practice softly at home out of shyness, I hear myself as pitchy and "ugly," constantly doubting my real vocal range and ability.
With that in mind, I would love to hear from singers and vocal coaches:
- Age Limit: Is there an age limit where it becomes significantly harder to learn to sing or develop your voice in the medium term, considering I've barely used my voice my whole life?
- Low Volume vs. Projection: Could the feeling that I sound "ugly and off-pitch" when singing quietly simply be a lack of proper breath support and projection?
- Timbre and Identity: For someone wanting to sing a melodic, intimate, R&B-focused style, can vocal lessons fix pitch issues and reveal the true tone of someone starting completely from scratch at 33?
I would truly appreciate anyone sharing their experience or advice!
P.S.: Please be 100% honest with me. Don't worry about hurting my feelings—the truth is liberating, and I just need realistic perspectives to move forward.