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
Resources + Links
The Joyful Singing Starter Kit (FREE):
https://www.erinstewart.net/starterkit
Website:
https://www.erinstewart.net
Let’s Stay Connected
Instagram: @joyfulsingingwitherin
Facebook: Erin Stewart - Voice Teacher and Mindset Coach for Singers
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.
