Performing in front of people can be intimidating, and the butterflies seem to pop up only moments before show time.  That was the case for Emilee Pettit for years.

Growing up in choir and musical theatre, singing was a big part of Pettit's childhood.  She even sang solo a few times during high school talent shows, but she believed performing in front of people was never as easy as it was for her peers in drama club.  Her dream of becoming a professional opera singer was quickly shattered by fear.

"I had convinced myself that it would be useless to try to pursue anything more in music, because I'd never gain the confidence to sing in front of people.  Making that decision caused a lot of depression," she said.

Years later, School of Rock opened in Marion.  The school became a sign of hope for Pettit.

"I signed up then and there.  It was the best decision I could have ever made for myself.  That decision changed my life," she said.

Weeks of practice with new bandmates created more comfort before the big show.  Then came the show time at a Marion restaurant.

"People were expecting us, they were there to watch and listen to us.  My family and friends came to support me.  The moments leading up to going on stage were a recipe for disaster," Pettit said.

She had a panic attack.  With the help and encouragement from family, friends, and fellow bandmates, Pettit made it on stage after 20 minutes and never had a panic attack again.

"I still went through performance fear.  I still do, to this day, but it's gotten easier with the ongoing experience.  I can confidently say that I look forward to performances now," she said.

Thanks to constant encouragement from people around her, including her fiance Seth and little daughter Georgie, combined with dedication to learn along with supportive people from the school, all the lessons learned built up to this level of skill and confidence.

So her advice for other performers with stage fright?  Know your music.  It can start small with singing in the car or going to karaoke.

"It may take a long time.  In my experience, years!  But I promise you, it will get better if you consistently perform," Pettit said.

What was once an impossible dream to become an opera singer could now become reality.  Pettit is also in a band called Peaceful Disturbance.  The group plays at local farmer's markets and other gigs.  If you see them in action, Pettit might be singing her favorit song:  Mustang Sally.  Proudly and confidently!