Several years ago I started to get into DnD. Eyerollingly stereotypical of a new DnD player I made a half human half elf rogue that was going to be the ass kicking, smooth talking, chaotic neutral guy that everyone was jealous of.....I failed spectacularly. My attempts at talking our way into or out of situations was sometimes met with uncomfortable facial expressions from other players or patronizing responses from the DM to keep us moving. I had this grandiose idea to make charisma my highest stat, allowing me to (theoretically) coerce, charm and entice almost anyone. Furthermore, I couldn't really figure out how to do much damage in fights. I was a low damage dealing rogue that couldn't sweet talk or convince a lamp post of anything. Fucking yikes.

By the grace of god we had some personnel changes in our group and decided to start over. Not a big deal as we're all IRL friends or at least friends of friends. I can guarantee a portion of this choice was influenced by our DM thinking "Please god try something new, he is so bad at this character." I thought to myself "Ok, you failed at trying to be a frontrunning charismatic badass. What could be the exact opposite?" I decided on a Halfling Bard. I thought to myself "Perfect, I'm a physically diminutive character whos not really expected to take the reins and do anything incredible."

After about 3 or so sessions its been much better. I've voluntarily relegated myself to be more of a passenger which I'm fine with. I'm happy to bring copious amounts of wine, cheese and bud to our sessions, laugh with everyone as we have some effortlessly funny people in our group and just have a good time and not put that performance pressure on myself. I'm happy to be somewhat in the background, buff allies, use my small frame to get into and out of intense and somewhat comical situations and be there for the social aspects.

However, I've started to think about the RP of a bard and they obviously perform and sing. "Shit" I think to myself as I have zero musical talent. On top of that almost everyone in this particular group are incredibly talented musicians and/or singers. The potential scrutiny is overwhelming. I've been brainstorming how I can make this work. The best idea I have so far is making an aspect of my character being a bard that isn't particularly good at singing or playing instruments. I've thought to somewhat rewrite my background story (Our DM is very flexible and accommodating) about how I've never been good but want to keep trying for my Mother or Father etc.. Or I only do it to appease them but in reality I've always wanted to be a merchant of rare expensive goods, or a chef, world explorer etc... Does that sound plausible and accurate for who I am as a person? Halp.

Oh yeah, original question - Am I expected to sing or do anything like that in front of everyone?

*edit*

Thanks for the insight that bards aren't inherently required to be singers or instrument players but rather widespread "artists" that can span many different pursuits. Perhaps I can work with that.