Hiding: - When I think back to the times when I've been shy, I realize it has to do with not knowing the "rules" of the situation.

Several years ago I visited Ireland, and stumbled onto what was apparently a "beginners" pub session. While sitting nearby and listening, I was politely asked if I cared to do anything. I got real shy, and demurred, even though I've been playing for years in jams here in the US. I kicked myself afterwards, but realized it was because I was afraid of violating their rules; I'm used to singing while accompanying myself on guitar or banjo --they seemed to be doing their singing unaccompanied. And, I wasn't sure how they would react to an old time country or bluegrass song - so I just said no!

More recently, at one of our weekly jams, a young man came in, listened, and finally borrowed a spare guitar and quietly strummed along. Next week he came back with his own guitar and quietly strummed along in the background. The next session he came in, sat in the circle, and "passed" the first three times around. Finally, toward the end of the evening he plucked up his courage and sang & picked beautifully. He was just getting used to us, and the "rules".

My advice, is to find a group that seems to be doing your kind of music, lurk until you feel comfortable with their proceedures, then jump in with both feet.