I’ve been singing publicly for the holidays since I was four, but due to a medical condition this is the 2nd holiday season I’ve been able to perform.  I remember all the holidays when singing places seemed like such a hassle.  But those opportunities challenged me and gave me great experience.

So make time to invest in your vocal skill this holiday season and give the gift of improvement to yourself.  Here are some places you should be singing this holiday season:

Join a community or church choir.

Nothing can compare to being a part of a large scale musical experience.  Every singer should do it from time to time.  And holiday time is the best time of all!

Sign up to be a part of a holiday musical.

Chances are, someone’s putting on a rendition of A Christmas Carol or other holiday favorites.  Audition and hone your acting AND singing skills.  Check community theater organizations, your school or church for information.

Volunteer to sing at your community tree lighting ceremony.

Become the talk of your town.  Contact your local chamber of commerce to find out how and have a demo ready.

Carol in your community.

Look for community groups for organized caroling events or just grab some friends and family and hit the streets of your neighborhood, senior homes or malls (get permission for that last one if don’t want the mall cop to steal your holiday cheer).

Perform at a party.

Offer to sing with tracks or simple acoustic accompaniment during a friends party and hone your styling skills while entertaining the crowd.

Sing for family at a holiday gathering.

Whether you’d rather clean dishes than sing in public or you love the limelight, there’s no friendlier crowd than your family, especially when there’s gifts and food involved!  Prepare a few numbers ahead of time and ask the host if you can share them during your get together.  Everyone love the gift of music during the holidays.

Record your own Christmas album.

There is no better place to critically hear your skill level than when you record.   Get better and make free gifts by recording your own versions of Christmas carols.  If you have a Mac, add your soundtracks to Garage Band (included in iLife) and record your own vocals and backgrounds.  There are easy to use tutorials to get you started.  If you’re a PC fan try Audacity (free downloadable recording program, also for Mac, but Garage Band is easier to use).  It’ll go quicker if you get a audiophile friend to walk you through the basics of recording since there are no tutorials, but once you get the basic idea, you’ll be on your way to recording your album in no time.  Burn your songs on a CD and give, give give!

Ready to take your voice to the next level? Check out online training at The Voice Club Academy