Adele Glass, 54, of Vancouver enjoys karaoke but only as a spectator sport.
Glass regularly goes to Vancouver's Out-A-Bounds Sports Bar & Grill and Jay's Restaurant & Lounge to watch karaoke singers.
"I love to sing, but I'm still a little shy to sing," Glass said.
Glass' feelings about karaoke are common, but there are ways to overcome that fear.
First, remember the psychological benefits of karaoke, said Dr. Will Meek, lead psychologist at Counseling and Testing Services at Washington State University Vancouver.
"It can be very therapeutic to go up there and sing with very little judgment and to get applause," Meek said. "It can help people build confidence."
Make sure to do karaoke with supportive friends in a supportive atmosphere, Meek said.
"Go with a group of people who are going to be supportive of you, who are not going to be high pressure and are going to have fun," he said.
Another way to overcome fear is to practice a song before performing it on stage, he said.
"I don't like to roll in and just pick a song," said Meek, who likes to do karaoke now and then. "I pick a song two weeks ahead of time. Then, you might see me in my car looking ridiculous practicing the harmony of a certain song. Then, when you're on stage you don't have to focus on reading the words (or remembering the tune); you can focus on having a good time and presenting it the way you want to."
Drinking moderately can help erode inhibitions, but Meek cautioned to keep the drinking moderate and not to associate it with the karaoke.
Singing a duet or having a musical accompaniment can also put new performers at ease.
KJ Hollie Olson at Big Daddy's OT offers a keyboard accompaniment.
Having someone play alongside you can help you feel that "you're not alone up there," Olson said.
-- Paris Achen
