What are Gabrielle Nistico’s top tips for overcoming vocal performance anxiety?

Hi there! I’m Gabrielle Nistico.

When someone’s nervous about performing or recording, these are the big things I focus on:

• Separate problems: Don’t try to fix performance, tech, and business all at once. When you’re at the mic, just act. Deal with mouth noise, gear, or editing in a different pass.
• Lower perfection pressure: You’re not supposed to be flawless, especially when you’re learning. Expect to be messy, expect bad takes, and keep going.
• Structured self-critique: Every playback, name three things you did well before three things to improve. That retrains your brain away from “everything sucks.”
• Normalize your own voice: Record yourself constantly and listen back until your voice stops feeling weird and just becomes data you work with.
• Work with a coach: Bring your worst habits and ugliest reads. Coaching is where you’re supposed to be imperfect and experiment safely.
• Perspective check: This isn’t brain surgery. You’re allowed to relax, play, and learn over time.

Which part of the anxiety hits you hardest: hitting record, listening back, or performing in front of others?