The Making of Lindsey Stirling: Overcoming Doubts to Craft Her Iconic Hip-Hop Violin and Dance Style
- Capital City Tickets
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Lindsey Stirling has revolutionized the violin world by blending classical training with hip-hop rhythms, dubstep drops, electronic beats, and high-energy dance choreography. Known as the "hip-hop violinist" or "dancing violinist," her style is a unique fusion that defies traditional genres. With over 13 million YouTube subscribers, billions of views, and sold-out global tours, Stirling's journey proves persistence pays off—especially after early rejections. The Making of Lindsey Stirling!
This article traces how she crafted her signature sound and performance style: from childhood beginnings to overcoming harsh criticism on America's Got Talent (AGT), leveraging YouTube for breakthrough success, and building an independent career. Her story inspires aspiring artists to embrace their originality.
Early Life: Classical Roots and Hidden Passions
Born September 21, 1986, in Santa Ana, California, Lindsey Stirling grew up in Gilbert, Arizona. From age five, she begged her parents for violin lessons despite the family's modest means—they could only afford short 15-minute weekly sessions. Teachers doubted progress with limited time, but her determination shone through. She excelled, earning first chair in her high school orchestra at Mesquite High.
Stirling always loved dance but couldn't afford lessons alongside violin. Her parents made her choose; she picked the violin but never lost her passion for movement. As a teen, she joined a rock band called Stomp on Melvin, experimenting beyond classical. Influences included rock, punk, country (she toured with a country artist), indie, and emerging electronic sounds. Violinists like Vanessa-Mae (techno violin) and David Garrett (rock violin) inspired her to push boundaries.
At Brigham Young University, studying recreational therapy, she began fusing genres—pairing violin with hip-hop tracks and electronic elements. This eclectic background laid the foundation for her future innovation.
America's Got Talent: The Rejection That Fueled Her Fire
In 2010, at age 23, Stirling auditioned for America's Got Talent Season 5 as the self-described "hip-hop violinist." She advanced to the quarterfinals, wowing with electrifying performances blending violin, hip-hop beats, and early dance moves. Judges called her act "electrifying," but in the live quarterfinals, she amped up the choreography.
Piers Morgan delivered a crushing critique: "You're not untalented, but you're not good enough to get away with flying through the air and trying to play the violin at the same time." Sharon Osbourne added she needed a group to fill theaters. Stirling was eliminated.
Devastated and humiliated, she questioned her path. Many would have quit, but the rejection became her turning point. She realized she had to stay true to her vision—violin, dance, and bold fusions—without compromise. AGT taught her resilience: external validation wasn't necessary if she believed in her unique style.
YouTube Breakthrough: Self-Taught Dance, Viral Hits, and Defining Her Style
Post-AGT, Stirling doubled down on her YouTube channel (lindseystomp, started 2007). She focused on original compositions and elaborate music videos. A key evolution: learning to dance while playing. Never formally trained in dance, she self-taught by watching tutorials, practicing choreography, and matching movements to her music's energy.
Her 2012 track "Crystallize"—a dubstep violin original with ice-palace visuals—exploded, hitting millions of views quickly (No. 8 most-watched YouTube video of 2012). It crystallized her style: soaring violin melodies over electronic drops, paired with fluid, acrobatic dance.
Influences shaped this:
Classical foundation for technical prowess.
Hip-hop and dubstep (inspired by Skrillex) for beats and drops.
Rock/EDM for energy.
Celtic and fantasy elements for cinematic flair.
She fused them fearlessly, creating what she calls a "big fusion of everything I love." Videos featured fantasy themes, high-production values, and her growing dance confidence (later honed on Dancing with the Stars). This DIY approach built a loyal fanbase organically, proving she didn't need traditional industry backing.
From Independent Rise to Global Icon - The Making of Lindsey Stirling
Stirling's debut self-titled album (2012) and follow-ups like Shatter Me (2014) topped charts. She sold millions, earned Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, and toured worldwide. Her performances now feature full bands, dancers, multiple violins (including electric), and theatrical staging.
Overcoming doubts—judges' criticism, industry skepticism about her "unmarketable" style—Stirling stayed authentic. She composed, choreographed, and directed much herself, turning rejection into empowerment.
Today, Lindsey Stirling's iconic hip-hop violin and dance style inspires millions. Her journey shows that true artistry comes from embracing what makes you different.
Catch Lindsey Stirling live—her electrifying shows blend music, dance, and spectacle like no other. For tickets to her upcoming tours and concerts, visit CapitalCityTickets.com—your source for affordable seats to see this groundbreaking artist perform.
Sources: Wikipedia, official lindseystirling.com, interviews from Billboard, YouTube, and artist statements for accurate biographical and career details.