Lindsey Stirling
Explore the inspiring journey of Lindsey Stirling (born September 21, 1986) — an American violinist, dancer, composer, and performance artist who redefined what a violinist can be. Learn about her biography, creative breakthroughs, challenges, philosophy, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
Lindsey Stirling (born September 21, 1986) is an American musician, violinist, dancer, composer, and performance artist known for combining classical violin with modern genres like electronic dance music, dubstep, pop, and cinematic soundscapes. She is also famous for integrating choreography into her performances—moving while playing—and developing a strong presence on YouTube and live tours. Her path has been marked by perseverance, reinvention, and bold self-expression.
Early Life and Background
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Lindsey Stirling was born in Santa Ana, California.
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She grew up in Gilbert, Arizona, with two sisters.
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In her youth, she studied violin (classical training) and developed interests in dance and performance.
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She attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Utah, initially studying filmmaking, and later graduated (in 2015) with a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation management from BYU’s Marriott School of Management.
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Lindsey is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) and served as a missionary in New York City.
Her upbringing combined musical discipline, performance art ambitions, and faith — all threads that weave through her career.
Career & Breakthroughs
Early exposure & America’s Got Talent
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In 2010, Lindsey Stirling auditioned for America’s Got Talent (Season 5) as a “hip-hop violinist.” She advanced to the quarterfinals.
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Though she impressed audiences, judge Piers Morgan buzzed her during a performance, remarking skepticism about performing dance and violin simultaneously.
That rejection became fuel for her determination: rather than pivot away from her unique style, she doubled down on combining violin, dance, and visual storytelling.
YouTube & Independent Growth
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Stirling launched her YouTube channel in 2007 (under the handle “lindseystomp”), and over time used it as a primary platform to release music videos, covers, original songs, and performance art.
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She leveraged YouTube’s democratic model—no gatekeepers—to build a fanbase that resonated with her aesthetic and style.
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Her self-titled debut studio album, Lindsey Stirling, was released in 2012. It performed strongly: topping charts in the Classical Albums and Dance/Electronic Albums categories, reaching #23 on the Billboard 200.
Artistic Style & Genre Fusion
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Stirling blends classical and modern: using violin, but incorporating electric, dubstep, electronic beats, cinematic production, and visual choreography.
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She emphasizes that dance is not just add-on: she practices a piece until the music is ingrained so that movement becomes a natural part of expression.
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Her videos and live shows often include narrative, fantasy, theatrical visuals, and storytelling elements.
Albums, Tours & Recent Work
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Over the years, Stirling released multiple albums and EPs, such as Shatter Me, Brave Enough, Artemis, and Duality.
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In 2024, her album Duality gained media attention, particularly the single “Survive”, which she wrote after discovering her partner’s infidelity; she turned personal pain into an empowering anthem.
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Stirling’s music also received a special spotlight when Olympic gymnast Suni Lee used her song “Eye of the Untold Her” as her floor routine music at the 2024 Paris Olympics, bringing renewed attention to the track and its message.
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She tours internationally with elaborate productions that integrate dancers, theatrical staging, lighting, costume changes, and much movement.
Challenges, Values & Personal Struggles
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Stirling has spoken candidly about her struggles with depression and eating disorders.
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She has shared that at times, achieving external success did not bring internal peace: there were phases where she felt disconnected from herself or unhappy despite milestones.
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Her faith plays a role in her life; she often mentions how her spiritual beliefs help ground her in purpose beyond fame.
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She is committed to authenticity and self-acceptance: resisting the pressure to conform, and encouraging listeners who feel “different” or out of place.
Legacy and Influence
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Lindsey Stirling has redefined what a modern violinist can be: not just a classical performer, but a genre-breaking visual artist.
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She demonstrated that digital platforms (YouTube) can launch sustainable music careers outside traditional label gatekeeping.
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Her success encourages artists to blend disciplines—music, dance, video, visual narrative—rather than limit themselves to narrow categories.
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She provides a visible role model for musicians who feel caught between genres or between “serious” and “pop” art.
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Her openness about mental health, self-worth, and faith adds depth to her public persona beyond performance alone.
Famous Quotes of Lindsey Stirling
Here are several quotes that reflect her philosophy, values, and creative mindset:
“The only reason I am successful is because I have stayed true to myself.”
“You’ve got to have confidence in the very thing that makes you unique — then wait for the world to catch up.”
“Sometimes, being different feels a lot like being alone. But … everything that has made me feel very different … in the end, it has made me the happiest.”
“Through my unique style of playing, I want to prove that you don’t have to conform to be accepted. The greatest value comes from loving yourself for who you are.”
“I was told by so many people that I wouldn’t succeed because I was too different. Ironically, the very reason … people watch my channel … is because it’s different.”
“The great thing about YouTube is there are no gatekeepers. No one is waiting to tell you if you’re good enough. It’s just your audience.”
These lines highlight her themes: authenticity, perseverance, uniqueness, and belief in an audience over institutional validation.
Lessons from Lindsey Stirling’s Journey
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Embrace your differences
What may feel like a liability—being different—can become your greatest creative advantage. -
Build beyond traditional pathways
She turned rejection (AGT buzz, label skepticism) into motivation, using digital platforms to reach fans directly. -
Integrate disciplines
Rather than confining herself to violin, she merged dance, video, visual narrative to form a distinctive artistic identity. -
Sustain yourself from the inside
Success is not the final answer; mental health, self-understanding, and spiritual grounding matter. -
Transform pain into art
Her ability to channel heartbreak (e.g. “Survive”) into an anthem reminds us that vulnerability and strength can coexist. -
Create your stage, not someone else’s mold
She insisted on bringing her full vision—even when others didn’t “get” it—and eventually many did.