I think it was G K Chesterton who wrote something to the effect that society started to go downhill when people stopped singing together and started paying professionals to sing for them, simply on the absurd grounds that they did it better. Many people (including some music teachers) seem to think that singing (and music in general) is the preserve of rare folk with a 'gift' and if you can't do it right first time, you 'can't do it'. I believe that anyone who sufficiently wants to do so, can learn to make music. However, I do accept that you have to find your instrument, and the voice is just one amongst many.

Many more people can sing for fun than believe they can, but if you are going to take money for singing, you should aim for sufficient proficiency to avoid startling the horses. Entertaining the audience, and involving the audience, is more important to me than showing off your vocal technique.

Andrew