Robbie,

I know you already have a ton of replies here, but I just have to add mine, because your post just hit me where I live. I used to be in your position, several years ago. I had been writing since childhood but had the pitch and tone of a brick. Nobody ever told me then that you can learn to sing and perform, but you CAN.

I think that first open mike was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but the thought of continuing to sit on my music and not even try was awful to me. It's really not so bad. Just find the right "beginner-friendly" open mike and rehearse and do the best you can. Don't worry initially about doing everything right, just DO it. Then do it again. It's one of those things that do get easier with repetition. Once you get over your nerves a little, then you can assess anything else (e.g. voice lessons, etc.) you may want to do to improve. And singing and performing do respond to hard work (few like to admit that - anti showbiz talent glitter, you know smile ) I may never be great, but at least now I am reasonably good.

If your heart is calling you to do this, you just need to take the first step. You can just do it for fun, for your friends, or as much as you want. Performance is really rewarding - every way except financially. smile

Good luck!