Everybody Can Sing: Letting Go of the ‘I Can’t Sing’ Belief

Have you ever said the words “I can’t sing”, or “I haven’t a note in my head”?

Maybe it was after someone made a comment when you were younger. Maybe you’ve always admired singers from afar, quietly wishing you could do the same — but believed that you weren’t “musical” enough.

You’re not alone. So many people carry this belief with them for years. But here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as a person who “can’t” sing.

Your voice might be untrained. It might be out of practice. It might feel shy. It might go out of tune, or off key, or wobble or break. All of these things are completely normal. But your voice is still yours — and it’s worth using.

Think back to being a child in school. Remember singing together at the top of our lungs. Nobody worried about how they sounded. It wasn’t about being perfect; it was simply about singing together and having fun.

In all my years teaching children—both in primary school classrooms and music settings—I’ve never once had a young child tell me, “I can’t sing.” They just sing. Freely, joyfully, naturally.

We’re not born believing our voices aren’t good enough.

So where does this belief come from?

And what makes us hold onto it so rigidly?

The belief that we either can or can’t sing is usually rooted in early experiences from childhood - a throwaway comment from a teacher, or a family member meant as banter,  being told to mouth the words in school choir, or simply comparing ourselves to someone with more training or confidence.

These moments may have been brief, but they create a lasting story in our heads: “My voice isn’t good enough. I shouldn’t sing.”

But you can gently rewrite that story you have been telling yourself for so long. To do that, it helps to unlearn a few common myths about singing that keep so many people stuck in silence. So let’s have a look at those now:

❌ Myth #1: “You either have it or you don’t.”

✅ Truth: Singing is a skill — not a gift you’re either born with or not. Don’t get me wrong, of course there are those that are born with a natural affinity for it, like anything. However, that does NOT mean that singing is reserved only for those few. Just like drawing, running, or learning a language, singing improves with time, consistency, and gentle support. You absolutely can learn — and enjoy — singing, even if you’ve never tried before.

❌ Myth #2: “If I don’t sound like a professional, I shouldn’t bother.”

✅ Truth: Singing doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

Your voice doesn’t need to win awards or sound like someone else’s to be meaningful. Singing is about expression, connection, and joy. You’re allowed to sing simply because it feels good.

❌ Myth #3: “Everyone will judge me.” 

✅ Truth: Most people won’t judge you — they’ll admire your courage.

And anyone who does judge you? They’re not your people.

The right people will celebrate you for trying, showing up, and expressing yourself. And the more you sing, the more confidence and connection you’ll build.

So remember… You don’t need a perfect voice. You don’t need permission. You don’t need to change who you are.

 Everybody can sing — including you.

So if that little spark of curiosity is still flickering inside you, this is your invitation to let your voice out.

Gently. Joyfully. One breath at a time.