Ep 24: When You Sing Better Alone (And what to do about!)
When You Sing Better Alone (And What to Do About It)
Feeling frustrated that you can sound completely different when you're singing by yourself than when someone is watching?
In this episode, I’m exploring what happens when the attention turns toward us.
I'll introduce you to a concept I've been calling the Shrinking Reflex: that automatic impulse to make yourself a little smaller when you're being seen.
You want to sing.
You want to perform.
And simultaneously, another part of you is saying:
Please don't look at me.
Please don't judge me.
Please don't let me mess this up.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why you can feel like a completely different singer when you're performing
- Why performance anxiety isn't simply a confidence problem
- The difference between eliminating nerves and learning to stay connected to yourself
- How to notice your inner critic without letting it run the show
- How to stay connected to your breath, your body, and your expression when you're being watched
- How to become the person who can coach yourself through moments of vulnerability
- What it means to bring your full self into your singing
Step Into the Spotlight — FREE LIVE WORKSHOP
When You Want to Sing… But Don't Want to Be Seen
📅 September 14, 2026
🎤 FREE + LIVE
⏰ 90-minute workshop
Inside this workshop, we'll explore what's underneath that conflict between wanting to be seen and wanting to hide.
I'll introduce you to the Shrinking Reflex, coach you through a process for beginning to shift out of that automatic tendency to pull back, and help you explore what it means to Claim Your Spotlight while staying connected to yourself.
We'll also explore how to bring more of YOU into your singing.
If you can come live, come live! We'll actually experience this work together, not just talk about it. A replay will also be available to registered attendees.
👉 Register here: erinstewart.net/step-into-the-spotlight
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