Will Fly - point taken , I didn't mean to suggest that being nervous was a guarantee of a successful performance. Some people are nervous for the very good reason that they know they're not properly prepared for what they're about to attempt. (Sometimes that little voice in your head saying "You shouldn't be doing this!" is worth listening to...)

No, I was just thinking of a floor singer I hear recently who was clearly nervous about singing solo (I'd previously only heard her in a duet with someone else). She did't apologise or make an issue of it, she just remarked that it was a long time since she'd sung by herself. Although the nerves were apparent in her voice, it was also clear that everything else was good and right: she knew the song, she chose a sensible key and tempo, she sang it thoughtfully and with conviction, in a sweet, tuneful voice, and I was sorry when it ended. With more practice and encouragement, she'll be great, so I hope her nerves won't stop her from doing it again.

Marje