The Joyful Singer

Ep 8: Owning Your Voice in Midlife

Have you started noticing changes in your voice as you move through midlife? Maybe your voice feels less flexible. Maybe warming up takes longer than it used to. Maybe your range, stamina, breath support, or vocal ease feel different. Or maybe you’ve been feeling disconnected from your voice entirely and you’re wondering how to find your way back. In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, we’re talking about the very real vocal changes that can happen during midlife, aging, perimenopause, and menopause — and how to support your voice with more compassion, intention, and care. A few weeks ago, I hosted a free live workshop called Midlife and Beyond Voice Revival, and the response was incredible. So many singers shared how relieved they felt simply hearing these conversations happening openly and honestly. Because the truth is we don’t talk enough about midlife voices. And we should! Your voice changing does not mean your voice has lost value. It does not mean you are failing. It does not mean your best singing years are behind you. Your voice is evolving. And in many ways, this chapter can bring a new richness, depth, wisdom, and emotional connection to your singing that younger voices simply don’t have yet. In this episode, I’m sharing practical tools to help you: * support your changing voice * rebuild trust with your instrument * stay connected to singing through transitions * and approach this season with more gentleness and confidence In this episode, we cover: * Common vocal changes that happen with aging * How menopause and hormonal shifts can impact the voice * Why vocal changes are normal (and workable) * The emotional side of changing voices * How the inner critic can intensify fear and discouragement * Why self-care matters for singers * The importance of hydration and vocal recovery * SOVT exercises (like straw phonation and lip trills) and why they’re so effective * How to adapt your singing practice instead of fighting your voice * Why continuing to sing is one of the best things you can do for vocal health We also talk about: * adjusting song keys * choosing repertoire that supports your current voice * reconnecting with joy instead of perfectionism * and learning how to work with your voice instead of against it Because this isn’t about trying to force your voice to sound 20 again. It’s about learning how to support the voice you have now — with wisdom, flexibility, curiosity, and care. Your voice matters.   FREE WORKSHOP: The Joyful Singing Workshop I’m so excited to be offering a brand new free workshop experience: The Joyful Singing Workshop  Multiple live sessions are available. We’ll explore: * how to reconnect with your voice * ways to reduce tension and self-criticism * gentle warmups that actually help * mindset shifts for more confident singing * and how to build a more joyful singing practice Registration link: https://www.erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop [https://www.erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingworkshop]   Resources + Links The Joyful Singing Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit [https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit] Website: https://www.erinstewart.net [https://www.erinstewart.net/]   Let’s Stay Connected Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin [https://www.instagram.com/joyfulsingingwitherin/] Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers [https://www.facebook.com/erinstewartvoicestudio] If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review is one of the most powerful ways to help more singers find this work.

Ep 7: 12 Tips for Dealing with Performance Anxiety

12 TIPS FOR DEALING WITH PERFORMANCE ANXIETY Do you ever feel like performance anxiety completely hijacks your body before you sing? Racing heart. Shaky hands. Tight throat. Spinning thoughts. That awful feeling of wanting to escape before you even step on stage? In this episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, I’m talking honestly about performance anxiety — not just as a singer and performer, but as someone who deeply struggled with it for years.   In this episode, we explore a gentler, more compassionate approach to nerves and stage fright — one that helps you work with your body instead of fighting against it. I’m also sharing 12 practical tools that have genuinely helped me throughout my performing career — tools I’ve tested before auditions, concerts, rehearsals, performances, and high-pressure singing situations. These are strategies to help you: * feel more grounded in your body * regulate nervous energy * reconnect to your breath * shift out of panic spirals * stay connected to your voice under pressure * and ultimately… enjoy performing more Because the goal isn’t to become someone who never feels nervous. The goal is to become someone who knows how to move through it. IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER: * Why performance anxiety happens from a nervous system perspective * The difference between fear and danger * How perfectionism can intensify stage fright * Why trying to “eliminate” nerves often backfires * How to stop fighting your body during performances * 12 practical tools for calming and channeling nervous energy Including: * identifying physical symptoms * preparation + muscle memory * journaling fears * meditation + breathwork * exercise before performing * visualization * power poses * self-talk * getting into character * redefining your performance goal * Yo-Yo Ma’s beautiful “be the host” mindset * and why exposure matters when it comes to fear If you’ve ever felt ashamed of your nerves, frustrated by your anxiety, or discouraged by how vulnerable performing can feel… this episode is for you. And you can absolutely learn how to feel more supported, grounded, and free when you sing.   RESOURCES + LINKS The Joyful Singing Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit  [https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit] Website: https://www.erinstewart.net  [https://www.erinstewart.net/]   LET’S STAY CONNECTED Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin [https://www.instagram.com/joyfulsingingwitherin/] Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers [https://www.facebook.com/erinstewartvoicestudio]   If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review is one of the most powerful ways you can help more singers find this work. I appreciate you so much for being here!!   DISCLAIMER While we talk about mental, physical, and vocal wellbeing here, this podcast is not a substitute for medical, vocal, or therapeutic care. Please seek guidance from a licensed professional for personalized support.

Ep. 6: How to Sing More Consistently

Episode 6: How to Sing More Consistently  If you’ve been telling yourself, “I just need to be more consistent”… but it’s not happening—this episode is for you. Because the truth is: It’s not about discipline. It’s not about willpower. And it’s not because you don’t care enough. In this episode, we’re rethinking what it actually takes to build a sustainable singing practice—one that fits your life, supports your voice, and feels good enough to keep coming back to. Whether you’ve fallen out of the habit, lost your motivation, or just don’t know where to start again… this is your way back. Inside This Episode: * Why inconsistency has nothing to do with laziness * The identity shift that changes everything (“I am someone who sings”) * Why small, simple practices are more powerful than long, intense ones * How to create a routine that works with your life (not against it) * The 5 keys to making your singing practice stick: * Make it doable * Plan ahead * Make it enjoyable * Make it satisfying * Anticipate your inner critic You’ll also learn how to create structure and support so you’re not relying on motivation to show up. A lot of what I’m sharing here is inspired by the work of James Clear in Atomic Habits—especially the idea that we overestimate motivation and underestimate environment. I’ve adapted these ideas specifically for singers. For additional reading, be sure to check out this wonderful resource: Atomic Habits by James Clear [https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits]   Joyful Singing – Special Podcast Offer (Ends May 15) If you’ve been listening to the podcast and thinking, “I want more support with my voice”… this is for you. For a limited time, I’m offering a special podcast-only bonus inside Joyful Singing—including 4 private voice lessons with me, which I’ve never bundled this many into the program. But what truly makes this program different is the level of support. Inside, you’ll get: * Access to a private, supportive community (with direct coaching from me) * Two live coaching calls every month * Guidance on technique, warmups, mindset, and confidence * Real-time feedback so you’re not figuring it out alone * Lifetime access—so you can go at your own pace, without pressure This isn’t just about learning how to sing. It’s about having a space where your voice is supported, understood, and encouraged as you grow. ✨ This special offer ends Friday, May 15—and the program price will be increasing after that. Learn more here: https://www.erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingspecialoffer [https://www.erinstewart.net/joyfulsingingspecialoffer]   Free Resource 🎁 The Joyful Singing Starter Kit Get simple, supportive tools to start reconnecting with your voice: https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit [https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit]   Let’s Stay Connected Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin Facebook: Erin Stewart – Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers Website: https://www.erinstewart.net [https://www.erinstewart.net/]   If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review is one of the most powerful ways to help more singers find this work. I appreciate you so much for being here. 💛   Disclaimer: While we talk about mental, physical, and vocal wellbeing here, this podcast is not a substitute for medical, vocal, or therapeutic care. Please seek guidance from a licensed professional for personalized support.

Ep 5: Vocal Warmups That Actually Work

If you’ve ever felt like vocal warmups don’t work, make you feel worse, or just bring up more tension and self-doubt, you are not alone. In this episode, we’re unpacking why so many singers have a complicated relationship with warming up—and how to completely shift that experience. Because warming up your voice isn’t supposed to feel like: a test, a performance , or something you have to “get right”....Vocal Warmups meant to help your voice feel better. Inside this episode, I share a story from a recent lesson with a singer who felt like warmups were actually making things worse—and how a simple shift completely changed her experience (and her rehearsal that same day). We’ll explore: -Why warmups sometimes feel frustrating, tense, or ineffective -What warmups are actually meant to do for your voice & start incorporating them today! -How warming up supports your nervous system (not just your vocal cords) -Why your voice feels inconsistent without a warmup -How to create a sense of ease, coordination, and reliability And I’ll introduce you to one of the most effective tools I’ve found in 35 years of studying the voice!! These simple, gentle exercises can help: -Reduce tension and strain -Improve breath coordination -Support vocal strength without forcing -Quiet the inner critic -Build trust in your voice This episode is your invitation to start building a warmup practice that actually supports you.     FREE LIVE WORKSHOP: Midlife and Beyond Voice Revival Join me for a free, live experience designed to help you reconnect with your voice in a supportive, empowering way!!  Monday, May 4 at 7pm ET  We’ll explore: -Gentle ways to strengthen your voice -How to embrace your current voice (right now) -Keeping your voice flexible and strong through midlife -Mindset support + navigating vocal changes -Singing together in a safe, encouraging space This is for you if: -You haven’t sung in a while -You’re feeling disconnected from your voice -Your voice is changing and you’re not sure what to do -You’re ready to feel more confident, free, and supported Register here: https://www.erinstewart.net/voicerevivalworkshop [https://www.erinstewart.net/voicerevivalworkshop]   RESOURCES + LINKS The Joyful Singing Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit [https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit] Website: https://www.erinstewart.net   Let’s Stay Connected Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin [https://www.instagram.com/joyfulsingingwitherin/] Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers [https://www.facebook.com/erinstewartvoicestudio]   If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review is one of the most powerful ways to help more singers find this work.   I appreciate you so much for being here!   Disclaimer: While we talk about mental, physical, and vocal wellbeing here, this podcast is not a substitute for medical, vocal, or therapeutic care. Please seek guidance from a licensed professional for personalized support.

Ep 4: Taming Your Inner Critic

If your inner critic has ever made singing feel stressful, heavy, or not fun… this episode is for you. That voice in your head—the one that nitpicks, judges, replays mistakes, and tells you you’re not good enough? Yeah… we’re talking about that voice. In this episode, I’m breaking down what your inner critic actually is, why it exists, and how it might be holding you back from singing freely and fully expressing yourself. The truth is, your inner critic isn’t the thing that will help you grow. It’s the thing that keeps you stuck. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: -Why your inner critic exists (and why it feels so convincing) -The 3 ways it shows up in your life (not just in your singing) -How it hijacks your perception and distorts reality -The difference between judgment and discernment -How to recognize when your inner critic is in charge -Simple, practical ways to quiet the noise and come back to yourself     FREE LIVE WORKSHOP: Midlife and Beyond Voice Revival Join me for a free, live experience designed to help you reconnect with your voice in a supportive, empowering way!!  Monday, May 4 at 7pm ET  We’ll explore: -Gentle ways to strengthen your voice -How to embrace your current voice (right now) -Keeping your voice flexible and strong through midlife -Mindset support + navigating vocal changes -Singing together in a safe, encouraging space This is for you if: -You haven’t sung in a while -You’re feeling disconnected from your voice -Your voice is changing and you’re not sure what to do -You’re ready to feel more confident, free, and supported Register here: https://www.erinstewart.net/voicerevivalworkshop [https://www.erinstewart.net/voicerevivalworkshop]   RESOURCES + LINKS The Joyful Singing Starter Kit (FREE): https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit [https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit] Website: https://www.erinstewart.net   Let’s Stay Connected Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin [https://www.instagram.com/joyfulsingingwitherin/] Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers [https://www.facebook.com/erinstewartvoicestudio]   If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next. And if you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a review is one of the most powerful ways to help more singers find this work.   I appreciate you so much for being here!   Disclaimer: While we talk about mental, physical, and vocal wellbeing here, this podcast is not a substitute for medical, vocal, or therapeutic care. Please seek guidance from a licensed professional for personalized support.