Our eyes may be the window to our souls but the voice seems to contain a version of ourselves that is raw and vulnerable and that we want to protect from scrutiny. It is this vulnerability that provides such a rich and challenging environment for people when they are allowed to practise and perform singing in front of other people. The applause that comes from those watching is half appreciation and half respect, perhaps with a smattering of relief that it was not them up there. It is the ultimate risk-taking in action without the need for a physical safety net.