Well for me, I have been playing guitar for about 18 years now, and never sung or played in public before. Everyday I would practice my guitar, and enjoy picking on the flat top to pass time, and for enjoyment.Just recently I started attending concerts and playing in public for the first time. It is nerve wracking at first, but I feel home on the stage now. I really enjoy playing music, and to be able to share a song or two to the audience.
And 53, I know the feeling. I am singing in public for the first time myself. I never thought I was a great singer either, but after playing in a concert, people come up to me an say "You done a great job on that song you sung." And I would say to myself after the comment, "I guess I am not that bad of a singer after all." So 53, keep it up, it is fun, and they say "Practice makes perfect."
Steven G.