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219 Jarrett McCourt: You Career, Your Rules – Creating a Life in Music That Works for You21 Mar 202500:53:39

Many musicians feel stuck in a single career path, believing that success means following a traditional trajectory. But what if true success is about expanding, not staying locked into one role?

In this episode, tubist Jarrett McCourt shares his journey from performing with world-class orchestras to building a career and life that align with his values. We discuss:

  • Why career pivots aren’t about quitting but about growth
  • How redefining success can lead to more fulfillment
  • The role of mental health and self-acceptance in performance
  • What musicians get wrong about hustle and burnout

If you’ve ever questioned your path in music or wondered what’s next, this episode is for you.

 

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality.

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT JARRETT MCCOURT

Website:  https://jarrettmccourt.com/

YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@JarrettMcCourt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarrett.mccourt/

 

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme:  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

218 The Truth About Confidence - What Every Musician Needs to Know14 Mar 202500:16:26

You practice, you prepare, but when it’s time to perform, your confidence vanishes. Why does this happen? In this episode, we break down the biggest myths about confidence that might be holding you back.

You’ll learn:

  • Why confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build
  • How common misconceptions make confidence feel harder than it needs to be
  • A simple mindset shift that can help you feel more secure in your playing

Listen now and start building real confidence in your music-making.

 

If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there.

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme:  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

209 Performance Superpower: Gratitude28 Nov 202400:19:00

In this episode, I share how gratitude can transform the way you approach music. We’ll explore:

  • Why gratitude isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a powerful mindset for growth.
  • How gratitude shifts focus from frustration to possibility.
  • Real-life examples of how gratitude boosts motivation, builds resilience, and fosters confidence.

Plus, I’ll walk you through a quick 3-minute gratitude exercise that will supercharge your practice and performance.

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme:  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffre

119 Rachel Barton Pine: Connection & Expressive Power11 Feb 202201:09:41
Today’s episode is packed with wisdom from the wonderful Rachel Barton Pine. As a violinist, Rachel performs with the world's leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony, Vienna Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic, and Camerata Salzburg.

Rachel is also the founder of the RBP Foundation, which assists young artists through its instrument loan program, as well as providing scholarships and grants for education and career development. Through the RPB Foundation, Rachel also leads the groundbreaking organization Music by Black Composers which she started in 2001 to spread awareness of work by Black composers and make that music available to all through online and printed collections.

Rachel holds prizes from several of the world’s leading competitions, including a gold medal at the 1992 J.S. Bach International Violin Competition in Leipzig, Germany.

This is an impactful conversation that I’m sure you’ll want to revisit often! Here’s what we discussed:

  • How Rachel’s artistic path has unfolded (04:00)
  • Advice for handling large amounts of repertoire, and her own process for scheduling piece preparation, practice and performance (05:50)
  • Rachel’s experience with last-minute replacements, specifically when she performed with the Chicago Symphony with 4-hour notice (15:30)
  • The element of facial expressions in conjunction with musical expression (23:50)
  • Her journey with teaching and practicing parents, both as one herself and practicing with her own mother growing up (32:20)
  • How and why Rachel began the RBP Foundation, their mission, and some ways they support young, aspiring musicians (35:20)
  • How and why she founded the organization Music by Black Composers, and how their resources have developed over the years (38:41)
  • A series of rapid-fire questions, including habits that have contributed to her success (48:00), nurturing creativity in young musicians (49:07), and the importance of weekly planning (53:00)
  • How valuable it is to allow yourself the time and space you need to improve, without comparing yourself to others (56:55)
  • Rachel’s upcoming projects (59:25)

 

LINKS:

Website: https://rachelbartonpine.com/

Link to Rachel’s CD, Violin Concertos by Black Composers of the 18th and 19th Centuries: https://www.cedillerecords.org/albums/violin-concertos-by-black-composers-of-the-18th-and-19th-centuries/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/RachelBartonPine

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RBPviolinist/

Instagram: @RBPviolinist

RBP Foundation website: https://www.rbpfoundation.org/

Music by Black Composers website: https://www.musicbyblackcomposers.org/

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

Practicing for Peak Performance, my transformative workshop, is now available for download. Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Kelly and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com

 

 

118 Remember Your Why – Try it at Home with Dr. Gauthier04 Feb 202200:12:52

How to reconnect with your love of music

This week in the Try it at Home series, we unpack the wisdom of Kelly McGarry and Jesus Saenz from Musicians for the World and apply it in our lives.

"Remember why we do what we do. It's easy to get tunnel-vision and to sucked into all of it. But just remember: we do this because we love it. Find things to remind yourself of that."  - Kelley McGarry, Mind Over Finger Podcast Episode 117

 

Just for you, I’ve created a free resource that has all the steps I’m about to share.  Download it HERE to follow along and continue the reflection after the episode.  You can also find the link at www.mindroverfinger.com/resources.

Catch their conversation with me in Episode 117 of the Mind Over Finger Podcast.

 

GRAB YOUR FREE GUIDE TO REMEMBERING YOUR WHY HERE

117 Jesus Sáenz & Kelley McGarry: Musicians for the World28 Jan 202200:41:04

Today I have two wonderful guests for you -  Kelley McGarry and Jesus Sáenz. These two musicians were brought together by a desire to make music accessible to all, and when the pandemic hit, founded Musicians for the World.

Musicians for the World is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating “a world where opportunity is accessible to those who dream of it, no matter their geographic location or socioeconomic standing.”

They’ve created global partnerships with schools in several countries (likely not the first countries you’d think of!), collaborations with festivals, universities, and competitions, and they hold masterclass series with world-class artists.

Kelley and Jesus have already made such a difference in the world through music, and will only continue to spread music education across the globe. Make sure to stick around to the episode for ways that you can help today!

In our conversation, we discuss:

  • How Jesus and Kelley each found their starts in music (2:53)
  • The origin story of Musicians of the World and what’s behind their mission (5:29)
  • Particularly fun anecdotes from students, and some of the professional musicians Musicians of the World has partnered with to teach classes (10:33)
  • The impact their organization has not just on their students’ playing, but their own playing, and the musicianship of the other teachers they work with (15:33)
  • What we could do today to start creating change through music… starting with Google! (19:40)
  • The doubts and resistance they have met while running this nonprofit, as well as some of the brightest moments from this journey (21:55)
  • Tools that have been particularly efficient for their own playing and for their students (27:41)

 

LINKS:

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance, my transformative workshop, is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Kelly and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com

116 Stand in the Gap – Try it at Home with Dr. Gauthier21 Jan 202200:11:14
Ways to expand our horizons as musicians, artists, and humans.

“Our work as artists and as citizens in the world is to literally stand in the gap.” -  Vijay Gupta, Mind Over Finger Podcast Episode 115

 

Welcome to the first episode of this try it at home series!  In those episodes, you will get suggestions on how you can take the actionable tip from the latest interview of the Mind Over Finger Podcast, try it at home, and make it your own! 

Let’s unpack this awesome wisdom together and apply it in our lives. 

And: just for you, I’ve created a free resource that has all the steps I’m about to share.  Download it here to follow along and continue the reflection after the episode. 

You can also find the link at mindroverfinger.com/resources.

 

This week: the wisdom of violinist and citizen-artist, Vijay Gupta

Catch Vijay’s conversation with me on the Mind Over Finger Podcast in episode 115

 

115 Vijay Gupta: Vital Musical Connections14 Jan 202200:55:45

Welcome to the first Mind Over Finger Podcast episode of 2022! There are many exciting things coming up this year, including the Joyful Practice Challenge. Learn more in the intro to this episode!

There’s no better way to welcome in the new year than with today’s special guest: musician, speaker, and citizen-artist Vijay Gupta. His work embodies the belief that the work of artists and citizens is one: to make a daily practice of the world we envision.

We cover:

  • His musical path from a childhood adoration for music to his multifaceted professional career today (6:57)
  • What drew him away from the LA Philharmonic toward his work to, as he put it, “show up to the world through performing chamber music” (14:50)
  • How playing Schumann in the Twin Towers Correctional Facility helped to recontextualize his view of the role of musicians to provide humanity with nourishment (19:44)
  • His answer to the question: What is citizenship?, and how he chooses to think of musical currency (23:00)
  • How his views on communicating and the purpose of music influences his approach to playing pieces (alongside the social context of their composition) (24:56)
  • Some ways every musician can go out and serve our own communities (30:05)
  • Diving into the process Vijay is taking to record the Six Bach Sonatas (34:30)
  • Vijay’s redefinition of success, the importance of learning how to learn, and his favorite practice room tool (41:12)
  • And finally, the incredible actionable tip that left me speechless (50:19)

Vijay is the founder and Artistic Director of Street Symphony, a community of musicians creating spaces of connection for people in reentry from homelessness, addiction and incarceration in Los Angeles. He received the 2018 MacArthur Fellowship for his work as co-founder of the Skid Row Arts Alliance, a consortium dedicated to creating art for – and with – the largest homeless community in America.

As an international recitalist, soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral musician for over 20 years, Vijay has created a multifaceted and holistic career. I am so happy to share this conversation with you. 

LINKS:

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance, my transformative workshop, is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Kelly and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com.

114 Jennifer Montone: Finding Your Voice17 Dec 202100:53:08

I can’t wait for you to hear this week’s conversation with the inspiring  Jennifer Montone.

Jennifer is the Grammy-Award-Winning Principal Horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and a world acclaimed soloist, chamber musician and teacher. She’s been on the faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Juilliard School since joining the orchestra in 2006.     

She regularly performs as a soloist with orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Saint Louis Symphony, the Dallas Symphony, the National Symphony, the Polish National Radio Symphony, the Warsaw National Philharmonic, among others.  She’s an active recording artist with several albums under her belt and she performs as a chamber musician in festivals and on stages across the world.

 In May 2006 Jennifer was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. She is also the winner of the 1996 Paxman Young Horn Player of the Year Award in London, England.  

 Jennifer shares fantastic insight in our conversation, including:

  • How Jennifer’s artistic path has unfolded throughout her career (4:10)
  • The importance of music in conjunction with education, and the education that can be taken from attending orchestral concerts (7:42)
  • What her life looks like as a musician in a professional orchestra, and how it differs from her early expectations (11:07)
  • How negative mindsets and nerves prevent us from improving, how to find a balance with your own mindset, and how she settles into her own (14:26)
  • Particular steps Jennifer takes when she knows she will be in a potentially stressful situation or performance to help tap into a “flow state” (21:35)
  • Why preparation for major repertoire (especially for the first time) should include learning the history and context surrounding its composition as well as studying the score  (29:16)
  • The balance Jennifer has found between her work and personal lives and how she achieved it (33:26)
  • What surprises her the most about professional orchestra life (spoiler alert: it’s the camaraderie of fellow musicians!) (39:45)
  • And finally Jennifer answers some rapid-fire questions, sharing the resistance she’s faced along her journey, advice for young musicians, her favorite warm-ups, advice she’d like to pass on to all the listeners, and an actionable tip you can try today (44:30)

LINKS:

Website: https://www.jenmontone.com/

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance, my transformative workshop, is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts
  • For a limited time only, a free 30-minute consultation with me.

MIND OVER FINGER:

As we head into this new season, I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Kelly and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com

 

113 Elizabeth Rowe: Shaping the Future10 Dec 202100:41:34

I had a fantastic conversation with Elizabeth Rowe that I can’t wait to share with you today!

Elizabeth is the principal flutist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  She’s a professional coach, teacher, social justice advocate, and public speaker. She has been hailed by The Boston Globe as a Bostonian of the Year following the lawsuit she won in 2018, demanding equal pay from her employer. Since then, she has continued to start conversations and advocate for equity and inclusion across all facets of today’s orchestras.

She also runs a successful coaching practice,  supporting creative people of all types as they work to achieve their biggest vision for their personal and professional lives while remaining true to themselves.  Her latest program, Your Tenure Team, supports and equips musicians to prepare for and successfully navigate the orchestral tenure process. 

In our discussion, Elizabeth shared  incredible insight on a plethora of topics, including:

  • How Elizabeth’s musical journey has unfolded (2:50)
  • Elizabeth’s vision for the future of the tenure process, and her own “Turning the Tables On Tenure” (4:21)
  • Addressing questions around how we respond to critical feedback, perform as professional musicians, and give ourselves space to think as artists (8:55)
  • How to show up as better colleagues and more positive influences in the workplace as professional musicians (10:30)
  • The development of Elizabeth’s career as the principal flutist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and what it looks like for her today (13:42)
  • Advice for young musicians who are struggling with finding a mindful balance between work and rest (18:14)
  • Elizabeth’s advocacy work, specifically pay equity, a realistic looks at what the classical world looks like now, and fostering conversations to transform today’s orchestras into a more inclusive, equitable, and welcome place for all (22:08)
  • Oppositions and alternatives to a scarcity mindset when it comes to considering pay equity (and other changes) within modern orchestras (25:56)
  • How learning to use recording in her practice sessions early contributed to her success (28:44) 
  • The importance of communication skills and developing a balanced life (31:50)
  • And finally, Elizabeth gives two actionable tips: one for the practice room and one for your overall well-being as an artist (35:15)

LINKS:

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance, my transformative workshop, is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts
  • For a limited time only, a free 30-minute consultation with me.



MIND OVER FINGER:

As we head into this new season, I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Kelly and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com




112 Tom Hooten: Shifting Perspectives26 Nov 202100:49:41

Today, you’re in for quite a treat!  I spoke with Tom Hooten, Principal Trumpet of the LA Philharmonic and one of the world’s most prominent classical trumpeters. Be prepared to walk away from this conversation feeling highly motivated and inspired by the energy and wisdom he brought to this conversation!

We covered many great topics, including:

  • Tom’s self-described “unconventional” journey to this point in his career as a professional musician (3:38)
  • How important mindset is to practice and improvement (8:49)
  • Digging into meeting yourself “where your talent ends” (13:00)
  • Teaching as problem-solving and shifting perspectives (17:08)
  • Tom’s process in the practice room, specifically in preparation for a world-premiere piece (19:32)
    • Asked himself: what is the end result? (21:06)
    • Made a list of specific things that needed consistent attention (22:11)
    • Planned out a routine, including the actual times to practice (and how, if you fail to commit to those times, you’ll end up with a “frustration cocktail”) (22:45)
    • Got honest with what he could and could not do to fill out that schedule (24:00)
    • Used the app “Seconds Pro” to create a timed, custom “workout” practice routine (24:14)
    • Continued to tend to his foundational base of skills, in conjunction with the specialty skills required from a specific piece (28:00)

  • What it means to create for yourself, opposed to mimicking others’ interpretations (30:33)
  • Audition tips, including winning auditions through trust, honesty, and dedicated practice (32:35)
  • Some rapid-fire answers, including what Tom’s schedule looks like, the importance of asking good questions, and a (somewhat unexpected!) accountability tool to use during practice (37:11)

LINKS:

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts
  • For a limited time only, a free 30-minute consultation with me.

PPP alumnus Karmen Palusoo has this to say about it:

For a long time I have had this belief that learning an instrument is difficult and hard work or that it has to be, and there is no other way. Only a few weeks after PPP, I am starting to feel that change! My everyday practice sessions are now filled with freedom and ease!”

MIND OVER FINGER:

As we head into this new season, I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

111 Ralph Skiano: Preparing Your Next Audition05 Nov 202100:48:23

I’m really excited to bring you this conversation with Ralph Skiano, principal clarinetist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Though this conversation was our first time meeting, our views on practice and mindfulness couldn’t be more aligned. I hope you thoroughly enjoy this episode!

Before joining the Detroit symphony, Ralph served as principal clarinetist with the Cincinnati Symphony, the Richmond Symphony, and the Des Moines Metro Opera. He’s also appeared as guest principal clarinetist of the Seattle Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra and as a soloist with ensembles throughout the United States, France, Germany, and Switzerland.

In addition to his soloist and orchestral work, he is an active presenter and clinician, presenting masterclasses and workshops at universities all across the United States. Take a look at the links below to learn more about the books Ralph has written as well as other resources for musicians. 

In our conversation, Ralph shares with us fantastic tips and tricks on how to practice mindfully, develop a solid process to prepare for auditions, nurturing mental strength, and so much more!

He elaborates on...

  • How his artistic path began, and how it has unfolded (3:28)
  • The importance of music education and its availability in public schools (5:17)
  • How to make your practice more effective by having fun and finding creative solutions to your audition problems (6:48)
  • The game-changing effect mindful clarity and preparation has on your musicianship, and how to turn doubts into helpful stories (13:14)
  • His summary of the most important parts of the audition process, and how your practice regimine can shift with time and experience (19:34)
  • Thoughts on trusting in your work and overcoming self-doubt (29:06)
  • What his career looks like now, and what he has found surprising (32:52)
  • Habits that contributed to his success, advice for young musicians, and his latest practice-related interests (34:20)
  • Finally, Ralph shares some of the resources he has created for musicians (see the “Links” section for more information) (40:42)

 

LINKS:

Website: https://www.ralphskiano.com/

Little Scores for Audition Success” by Ralph Skiano

Behind the Screen: A Winner’s Guide to Preparing Your Next Audition” by Ralph Skiano

Instagram: @DetroitClarinet

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts
  • For a limited time only, a free 30-minute consultation with me.

PPP alumnus Karmen Palusoo has this to say about it:

For a long time I have had this belief that learning an instrument is difficult and hard work or that it has to be, and there is no other way. Only a few weeks after PPP, I am starting to feel that change! My everyday practice sessions are now filled with freedom and ease!”

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Kelly and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

As we head into this new season, I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!




110 Kim Kashkashian: Expressive Artistry22 Oct 202100:44:58

I have admired today’s guest for a very long time! Kim Kashkashian is an internationally recognized and decorated violist who has worked tirelessly to broaden the range of technique, advocacy, and repertoire for the viola.

Our conversation is absolutely filled with information and inspiration, including:

  • Her musical journey and how her artistic path has unfolded, focusing heavily on conquering her fears and belief in chance (3:24)
  • Why pursuing an objective view is essential to your growth (9:48)
  • How Kim defines mindful practice... (11:26) 
  • ...and how focusing on the entire production of your sound (including resonance, energy, and what you send out) maximizes your practice (12:51)
  • Kim’s suggestions to exercise expressive playing, including knowing exactly what a piece means to you by personifying the music (and letting how you transmit that message to an audience come second) (15:36)
  • How the difference between intention and desire relates to the tension in performance (22:56)
  • The distinction between being judgmental and making good differentiation, and the impact of each (29:55)
  • Kim’s advice to current music students on broadening your perspective, learning the language of music (separate from the craft of playing your instrument), and knowing the historical context of pieces (33:36)
  • The doubt and resistance Kim has faced on her own journey (36:38)
  • The importance of listening to yourself with love, knowing yourself and what you want to say, and knowing how to say it (37:50)

 

MORE ON KIM KASHKASHIAN:

 

Kim Kashkashian, internationally recognized as a unique voice on the viola, was born of Armenian parents in Michigan. She studied the viola with Karen Tuttle and legendary violist Walter Trampler at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore. Since fall 2000 she has taught viola and chamber music at New England Conservatory.

Following Grammy Award nominations for several previous recordings, Kashkashian received a 2012 Grammy Award in the "Best Classical Instrumental Solo" category for Kurtág and Ligeti: Music for Viola, on the ECM Records label. Kashkashian's recording, with Robert Levin, of the Brahms Sonatas won the Edison Prize in 1999. Her June 2000 recording of concertos by Bartók, Eötvös and Kurtág won the 2001 Cannes Classical Award for a premiere recording by soloist with orchestra.

In 2016, Kashkashian was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Kashkashian has worked tirelessly to broaden the range of technique, advocacy, and repertoire for the viola. A staunch proponent of contemporary music, she has developed creative relationships with György Kurtág, Krzysztof Penderecki, Alfred Schnittke, Giya Kancheli, and Arvo Pärt, and commissioned works from Peter Eötvös, Ken Ueno, Thomas Larcher, Lera Auerbach, and Tigran Mansurian.

Marlboro and the Viennese school represented by her mentor, Felix Galimir, were major influences in developing her love of chamber music. Kim Kashkashian is a regular participant at the Verbier, Salzburg, Lockenhaus, Marlboro, and Ravinia festivals.

She has long-standing duo partnerships with pianist Robert Levin and percussionist Robyn Schulkowsky, and played in a unique string quartet with Gidon Kremer, Daniel Phillips, and Yo-Yo Ma.

As a soloist, she has appeared with the great orchestras of Berlin, London, Vienna, Milan, New York, and Cleveland, and in recital at the Metropolitan Museum of New York, Kaufmann Hall, New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, as well as in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris, Athens, and Tokyo.

Kashkashian's musicianship has been well represented on recordings through her association with the prestigious ECM label in a fruitful collaboration that has been continuous since 1985.

Kim Kashkashian has taught in Bloomington, Indiana, and in Freiburg and Berlin, Germany, and now resides with her daughter in Boston.

Kim is a founding member of Music for Food, an initiative by musicians to fight hunger in their home communities.

B.M., Peabody Conservatory of Music; M.M., New School of Music Philadelphia. Viola with Walter Trampler and Karen Tuttle. Former faculty of University of Indiana and conservatories in Freiburg and Berlin, Germany.

 

LINKS:

"Performing and Music Communication" Barbara Hannigan live in Berlin on Sarah´s Horn Hangouts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lFs1C_ewiE

 

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts
  • For a limited time only, a free 30-minute consultation with me.

PPP alumnus Karmen Palusoo has this to say about it:

For a long time I have had this belief that learning an instrument is difficult and hard work or that it has to be, and there is no other way. Only a few weeks after PPP, I am starting to feel that change! My everyday practice sessions are now filled with freedom and ease!”

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Kelly and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

As we head into this new season, I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

208 Get Unstuck: Make Decisions with Confidence15 Nov 202400:34:54

Feeling stuck in your musical career? In this episode, we’re tackling how to make clear, confident decisions that move you forward. We’ll look at why we avoid making choices, how to break through the fear, and simple strategies to pick the path that’s right for you. I’ll share real examples musicians face every day—from auditions to career changes—to help you make decisions that bring you closer to the life you want.

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme:  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

109 Brian Lewis: Empowering Pedagogy08 Oct 202100:54:01

I recently had the true pleasure of chatting with my former teacher: violinist and pedagogue extraordinaire Brian Lewis!  He is an exceptionally dedicated and passionate performer who is committed to growing the legacies of his own two incredible teachers, the great Dorothy DeLay and Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

In our conversation we touched on...

  • How Brian’s artistic path has unfolded, from his own childhood studies to today’s pedagogical pursuits (3:13)
  • Teaching the language of music (11:50)
  • Practicing concentration, and the importance of shifting your focus to refocusing for optimizing your practice (13:00)
  • The legacy of Dorothy DeLay: how she empowered her students (including Brian) through positivity, removing judgement from her instruction, encouraging questions, and presenting the possibilities of playing to help young musicians sort out their own paths (15:01)
  • Leading teaching with love, and the lasting, negative impacts of “abusive teaching” (25:13)
  • Practicing habits (formed by DeLay and Suzuki) that helped set his playing apart, focusing on simplicity, the importance of listening, and repeating your own study of a score (30:01)
  • Brian’s advice for collegiate musicians to use your time in conservatory to prepare for a life as a professional musician (35:09)
  • The lineage of musicianship and importance of flexibility (42:15)
  • Brian’s answers to a series of rapid-fire questions, including consistent practicing, his most memorable performances, favorite practice room tools, and book recommendation! (44:10)

 

MORE ON BRIAN LEWIS:

One of the most versatile violinists on the current scene, Brian Lewis is an exceptionally gifted and charismatic artist. "There are a lot of fine violinists on the concert stage today, but few can match Lewis for an honest virtuosity that supremely serves the music,” reports the Topeka Capital-Journal. Much sought after as a performer and teacher, Mr. Lewis concertizes and teaches around the globe, and is dedicated to growing the legacy of Shin’ichi Suzuki and Dorothy DeLay. Acclaimed performances include concerto debuts in both New York's Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall, as well as performances with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the Berlin (Germany), Louisiana, Kansas City, Hartford, Syracuse, Odense (Denmark), Lima (Peru), Boulder, Guadalajara (Mexico), Sinfonia Toronto (Canada), ROCO and American Symphony orchestras, among many others.   He has released six CDs, including as soloist with the London Symphony Orchestra of music by Leonard Bernstein and Hollywood composer Michael McLean for the Delos Label.

Mr. Lewis began his violin studies at the age of four, participating in the Ottawa Suzuki Strings program, and traveling to Japan twice to study with Dr. Suzuki. He received his Bachelor and Master degrees from The Juilliard School, studying with the renowned pedagogue, Dorothy DeLay. Mr. Lewis holds the David and Mary Winton Green Chair in String Performance and Pedagogy at The University of Texas at Austin. In addition, he is Artistic Director of the Starling-DeLay Symposium on Violin Studies at The Juilliard School in New York City, Artistic Director and Faculty and the Brian Lewis Young Artists Program held most recently in Fairbanks, AK. He has also recently held positions as the Class of ’57 Visiting Professor of Music at Yale University and Visiting Professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

More information about Mr. Lewis can be found at www.brianlewisviolin.com.

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts
  • For a limited time only, a free 30-minute consultation with me.

PPP alumnus Karmen Palusoo has this to say about PPP:

For a long time I have had this belief that learning an instrument is difficult and hard work or that it has to be, and there is no other way. Only a few weeks after PPP, I am starting to feel that change! My everyday practice sessions are now filled with freedom and ease!”

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Kelly and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

108 Laurie Niles: Trailblazing with Joy24 Sep 202100:42:10

This week I had the pleasure of chatting with Laurie Niles, a performing violinist, pedagogue, and the genius behind Violinist.com!  She founded the website in 1996 and, today, Violinist.com attracts more than 200,000 unique visitors each month and continues to bring together lovers of the violin and classical music from all over the globe.

Thanks to Laurie, we have been able to enjoy insight and information from the world’s best violinists for years. She is also an incredibly kind and enthusiastic person, and it was truly a joy to speak with her.

Together we discussed...

  • Her musical journey, including the advent of Violinist.com (2:59)
  • The community and stories of Violinist.com (6:30)
  • Laurie’s thoughts on developing skills and expression through technique in artistic pursuits (8:35)
  • What fluency in your instrument means (12:41)
  • Practice tips, routines, and “virtuous cycles” of joyful playing (13:41)
  • Laurie’s favorite takeaways from years of interviewing violinists (17:35)
  • The authenticity and experimentation required to be a happy and successful musician (22:43)
  • Advice for young musicians on the road to professional musicianship (25:41)
  • And finally, Laurie’s own habits, favorites, thoughts, books, and advice! (30:48)

 

MORE ON LAURIE NILES:

Laurie lives in Pasadena, California, where she maintains a private studio. She free-lances in LA, and has played for the Long Beach, Pasadena, New West, Redlands, Omaha (Neb.) and the Colorado Springs Symphonies. 

She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Northwestern University, where she studied with Gerardo Ribeiro, and a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from Indiana University, where she also studied violin with Henryk Kowalski. 

In addition to her Violinist.com blog, she has also written articles for The Strad magazine, Strings magazine, Symphony magazine and the American Suzuki Journal.

Be sure to visit Violinist.com for Laurie’s blog, directories, community discussions and more!

Other places to find Violinist.com:

And be sure to check out Laurie’s books, The Violinist.com Interviews Volume 1 and The Violinist.com Interviews Volume 2.

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Access to all recorded content - over 7 hours of instruction
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts
  • For a limited time only, a free 30-minute consultation with me.

PPP alumnus Karmen Palusoo has this to say about it:

For a long time I have had this belief that learning an instrument is difficult and hard work or that it has to be, and there is no other way. Only a few weeks after PPP, I am starting to feel that change! My everyday practice sessions are now filled with freedom and ease!”



MUSIC MASTERY CIRCLE:

This fall, I’m opening the doors to a brand-new exclusive group coaching program, The Music Mastery Circle! Together we will create the most fulfilling musical experience you can dream of. 

More details will be coming soon. For now, know that I’ll only be taking a small group of motivating musicians with me on this adventure!  If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, send me an email at MindOverFinger@gmail.com for more information.

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Kelly and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com



MIND OVER FINGER:

As we head into this new season, I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

107 Mimi Zweig: Teaching from the Heart10 Sep 202100:39:19

Welcome to Season 4 of the Mind Over Finger Podcast! Thank you to everyone who has made this journey possible and found these conversations not only useful, but inspiring. I look forward to many more episodes with phenomenal musicians!

This season is all about helping you to create a fulfilling music experience, covering everything from navigating the road to a musical degree, to the life of a soloist, to being a musician entrepreneur and beyond.

My very special guest for the opening of Season 4 is Mimi Zweig, a true legend in violin pedagogy. 

As a violinist myself, I was incredibly excited to sit down with Mimi to discuss her relationship with the instrument, how she came to begin teaching, and of course to hear her advice for students and professional musicians alike. 

In our conversation, we covered...

  • The very beginning of Mimi’s journey with the violin (06:23)
  • How Mimi got her start teaching (11:32) 
  • Mimi’s approach and philosophy of teaching, including the importance of a non-judgemental teaching environment (14:55)
  • The essential purpose of patience in lessons (17:40)
  • What students need to pursue a musical degree or professional life as a musician, broken down into several age brackets (21:08)
  • How to develop effective and healthy practicing habits using intentional repetition as a guide (25:48)
  • And finally, Mimi’s own habits, thoughts, favorites, and advice! (29:56)

 

MORE ON MIMI ZWEIG:

Mimi Zweig is professor of music in violin at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and director of the Indiana University String Academy.

Zweig studied with Louis Krasner, Samuel Kissel, Raphael Bronstein, and Tadeusz Wroński. She has been a member of the Syracuse Symphony, American Symphony under Leopold Stokowski, and Indianapolis Symphony.  She has developed pre-college string programs across the United States since 1972.

In 2019, Zweig was the recipient of the American String Teachers Association Artist Teacher Award. Her students have won numerous competitions and teach and perform worldwide.

Be sure to visit Mimi’s website, StringPedagogy.com!

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

I’m excited to tell you that Practicing for Peak Performance is now available for download! Go to MindOverFinger.com for access to all the tools that will help you transform your practice, gain confidence in your process, and start performing at your best. 

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

  • Lifetime access to all recorded content
  • Guidance in effective high-performance systems
  • Detailed handouts
  • For a limited time only, a free 30-minute consultation with me.

 

PPP alumnus Karmen Palusoo has this to say about it:

“For a long time I have had this belief that learning an instrument is difficult and hard work or that it has to be, and there is no other way. Only a few weeks after PPP, I am starting to feel that change! My everyday practice sessions are now filled with freedom and ease!”

 

MUSIC MASTERY CIRCLE:

This fall, I’m opening the doors to a brand-new exclusive group coaching program, The Music Mastery Circle! Together we will create the most fulfilling musical experience you can dream of. 

More details will be coming soon. For now, know that I’ll only be taking a small group of motivating musicians with me on this adventure!  If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, send me an email at MindOverFinger@gmail.com for more information.

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to pianist-singer-song-writer Louise Kelly for the introduction!  You can find out more about Louise and her creative work by visiting louisekelly.com

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

As we head into this new season, I encourage you to visit MindOverFinger.com for a plethora of resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter and receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome!

 

106 Brandon Acker: Q&A Session06 Aug 202100:57:54

Insight-packed conversation with guitar player and YouTube sensation Brandon Acker.

 

Sign up today for

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE: The workshop for curious musicians who want to find the FLOW that powers new PEAKS of PERFORMANCE

 

MORE ABOUT BRANDON ACKER:

 

Brandon J. Acker is a classical guitarist and specialist on early plucked instruments such as the lute, baroque guitar and theorbo.  His latest passion has been to run his successful Youtube channel which now has over 260,000 subscribers and 14 million views.  His channel provides educational content about early plucked instruments as well as guitar tips and artistic performance videos.

His interest in education has led him to found a new online music school with his wife called Arpeggiato which offers lessons in “All things that go pluck.”  In the few months since it opened in 2020, the school has already taught over 500 lessons to students around the world and in countries like Saudi Arabia, Japan, The Nethislands, Germany, the UK, Australia and more.

Brandon’s performance career has varied from starting out playing electric guitar in metal bands to his current main focus researching and performing on early plucked instruments from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.  He has toured extensively through England, Canada, Scotland and Wales, and performed with notable groups such as the Leipzig Baroque Orchestra, Piffaro, the Joffrey Ballet, the Chicago Philharmonic, the Newberry Consort, Haymarket Opera Company, Music of the Baroque, Third Coast Baroque, Opera Lafayette and Bella Voce.

He can be heard on his CDs: “A Wanderer’s Guitar,” Schubert lieder arranged for guitar and baritone, “Favorites” a CD of his dearest solo repertoire; and “Strung Up,” minimalist music arranged for harp and guitar.

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider.  I genuinely appreciate your support.

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, his fantastic podcast The Spark File, and his work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

105 Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier & Dr. Kimberly Hankins : The Aligned Musician30 Jul 202100:49:26

Today is a special episode: I’m bringing you a conversation I had with Dr. Kimberly Hankins on her podcast, The Aligned Musician

We had a great time covering a wide array of topics including practicing mindfully, self-compassion in practice and performance, and performance anxiety. 

I love Kimberly and her work and I'm happy to have more opportunities to bring awareness to everything she does with the Aligned Musician here on the Mind Over Finger platform.

 

Check out my brand new workshop:

PERFORMING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE – PROVEN TOOLS TO FIND THE PRACTICE FLOW THAT POWERS PEAK PERFORMANCE

August 13-15, 2021

 

 

MORE ABOUT KIMBERLY HANKINS:

Website: www.thealignedmusician.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealignedmusician/

Kimberly Hankins is a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher and Breathwork Facilitator. Combining her passions for both music and yoga, she performs sound meditations on viola and helps musicians find freedom while performing through movement, meditation, and breathwork. As a Musicians Wellness Content Creator, she works to remove the stigma associated with playing-related injuries, chronic pain, and mental health-related issues.

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Community for access to weekly live Q&As and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice.  It’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your playing to new heights!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

104 Esther Abrami: Q&A Session08 Jul 202100:48:35

For you today: an insight-packed gem of a conversation with star violinist Esther Abrami.

This summer on the Mind Over Finger Podcast, I promise you fantastic time with wonderful guests! Every month I'm having a live Q&A with amazing musicians in my Facebook group, the Mind Over Finger Community and, as to be expected, much wisdom is being shared!

We start with pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski, we continue in May with violinist Callum Smart, in June you'll hear from trumpet player Christopher Still from Honesty Pill, July will bring violinist Esther Abrami, and we’ll spend time with guitarist Brandon Jack Acker in August.

All of the details are in the Mind Over Finger Community at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

If you're enjoying today's content, take a screenshot as you're listening, share on social and tag me and my guest so we can thank you for tuning in!

 

 

MORE ABOUT ESTHER ABRAMI:

 

Violinist Esther Abrami’s story is that of a young, modern day women of the internet age who has succeeded on international stages and secured a coveted recording contract with a major label due to her courage, determination and willingness to share the ups and downs of her own remarkable life as a musician with a wide online audience.

Born in 1996 and raised in Aix-en-Provence, Esther Abrami knows how it feels to grow up in a culture far from towering classical institutions. “I had a countryside childhood” she says. “I went to a small, country school and I was always outside as I loved nature. We had a wild garden at home; my dad built me a little bench up on the hill where I could go to read and play my violin”.

Aged just three, Esther was given her first tiny violin by her grandmother, who herself had been a gifted violinist but, as was the custom at the time, gave up her own music-making when she got married.  “I remember her trying to teach me how to hold the little violin” Abrami recalls.  Although enchanted by this small, beautiful object, it would not be until the age of ten before Esther started to learn how to play in earnest, taking to the violin immediately. “I loved the feeling of the violin tucked in so close to me, like a living creature.  I loved the sensation of the warm sound traveling through my body.  After just half an hour with the bow in my hand, I knew that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life”, she recollects fondly.

Always serious about her art, even as a child, Esther would watch concerts on television and try to recreate the sounds she heard.  Being extremely motivated and having studied incredibly hard, at the age of 14 she eventually became a boarding student at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, often getting up very early at 5am to spend extra time in the rehearsal rooms.

Her hard work paid off and in 2017 Esther was accepted as a student at the world-leading Royal College of Music in London.  Alongside her lessons, Esther also began to build her online career,  playing popular classical music on her social media channels. She was more surprised and gratified by the positive response, however, when she started uploading practice videos, sight-reading videos and tips and helpful techniques for aspiring young musicians.

Esther has approached social media with the same open mindedness with which she performs her music. She has a sense of fun and fashion and delights in her collaborations with leading fashion houses like Givenchy. She has also entertained people online by demonstrating the difference between the sound of a priceless Stradivarius and a copy and is not averse to including the rescue cats she fosters in her posts. A recent YouTube video of her practising with a kitten snuggled in a pouch around her waist has received over 100,000 views.

Of her upcoming debut single on Sony Classical showcasing Clara Schumann, Esther Abrami notes: “I’m passionate about highlighting the work of women composers overall. It is such a pleasure to discover and perform their works, some of whom are only just beginning to be celebrated.  For International Women’s Day, I’m especially delighted to be recording a piece by the wonderful Clara Schumann”.

Esther believes people have connected with her because she has opened up and told her own real story - not just one of the glamour of international travel and performing on stage but also the truth about the hours of practice and toil that otherwise goes unseen and unnoticed. Esther confirms: “It actually makes me feel vulnerable to put practise videos out there as it’s rather intimate, but I do want other people to see what happens behind the scenes, because I think that is much more inspiring.  When I first came to England, I often felt that I was behind many of my peers in terms of technique and at times that was discouraging, but I’ve come so far. I’ve learned that it’s never too late and that you can always improve – that’s the positive message I wish to convey. I am always humbled and heartened by the messages I receive from people all over the world, telling me that somehow I have encouraged them to start to learn to play an instrument.  That never fails to inspire me”.

In 2019, Esther Abrami became the first classical musician to be nominated in the Social Media Superstar category at the Global Awards. She has been awarded a full scholarship for a master's degree at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire under the guidance of Professor Wen Zhou Li.

Esther Abrami plays a fine Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume violin, kindly loaned to her through the Beare's International Violin Society.

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Facebook Community for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

Podcast: www.mindoverfinger.libsyn.com

103 Christopher Still: Tribe Q&A Session16 Jun 202100:50:08

For you today: an insight-packed gem of a conversation with LA Phil trumpet player and Honesty Pill founder, Christopher Still!

This summer on the Mind Over Finger Podcast, I promise you fantastic time with wonderful guests! Every month I'm having a live Q&A with amazing musicians in my Facebook group, the Mind Over Finger Tribe and, as to be expected, much wisdom is being shared!

We start with pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski, we continue in May with violinist Callum Smart, in June you'll hear from trumpet player Christopher Still from Honesty Pill, July will bring violinist Esther Abrami, and we’ll spend time with guitarist Brandon Jack Acker in August.

I hope you can join us live for the upcoming sessions. All of the details are in the Mind Over Finger Tribe at facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe

If you're enjoying today's content, take a screenshot as you're listening, share on social and tag me and my guest so we can thank you for tuning in!

 

MORE ABOUT CHRISTOPHER STILL AND HONESTY PILL:

 

CHRISTOPHER STILL joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2007. Before coming to California, he was the Principal Trumpet of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He has also held the positions of Associate Principal Trumpet of the Dallas Symphony and Principal Trumpet of the Charleston (SC) Symphony. Additionally, Christopher has served as Assistant Principal Trumpet with the Grant Park Festival Orchestra in Chicago’s Millennium Park and Guest Principal with the St. Louis Symphony. He has performed with numerous other orchestras including the Boston Symphony, the Boston Pops, and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia in La Coruña, Spain. He has appeared as a soloist with the Chamber Orchestra of Northern New York and the Colorado and the Littleton (CO) symphonies. He can be heard on recordings with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Grant Park, Dallas, and Albany (NY) symphony orchestras. A Yamaha Artist, Christopher is a dedicated educator and an active clinician.

Having grown up in a musical household, Christopher originally intended to become a band director and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Crane School of Music (SUNY – Potsdam). Switching to performance, he received his Master of Music Performance degree from the New England Conservatory in Boston. He was a Tanglewood Music Center Fellow in 1995 and 1996.

Christopher’s favorite aspect of his job is the orchestra’s frequent performance of contemporary music, especially the Green Umbrella concert series.

Christopher lives in Altadena with his wife, clarinetist Amanda McIntosh, and two children. He enjoys distance running, skiing, brewing beer, and hiking in the trails behind his house.

 

HONESTY PILL

Honesty Pill is the project of Christopher Still, a trumpet player with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Chris creates focused, actionable plans that help musicians and other creatives address the issues standing between them and their goals.

Intermediate through professional instrumentalists and singers can benefit from Honesty Pill coaching. This includes motivated high school students, college students, serious hobbyists, and professionals of all ages and levels of accomplishment.

Honesty Pill is for anyone who wants to master their art. Even if you’ve already achieved some level of success, Honesty Pill has information and tools that will help you take your musical life to the next level.

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider.  I genuinely appreciate your support.

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

102 Callum Smart: Tribe Q&A Session18 May 202100:44:10

This summer on the Mind Over Finger Podcast, I promise you a fantastic time with wonderful guests! Every month I'm having a live Q&A with amazing musicians in my Facebook group, the Mind Over Finger Tribe and, as to be expected, much wisdom is being shared!

We start with pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski, we continue in May with violinist Callum Smart, in June you'll hear from trumpet player Christopher Still from Honesty Pill, July will bring violinist Esther Abrami, and we’ll spend time with guitarist Brandon Jack Acker in August.

I hope you can join us live for the upcoming sessions. All of the details are in the Mind Over Finger Tribe at facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe.  

If you're enjoying today's content, take a screenshot as you're listening, share on social and tag me and my guest so we can thank you for tuning in!

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021.  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses.

 

 

MORE ABOUT CALLUM SMART:

 

“…the sincerity of Smart’s singing line is cause for celebration, and the recital is quite outstanding in its unique sequence and profile of a superb young player.”
Andrew Parker, International Record Review

Callum Smart is quickly developing an international reputation as one of Britain’s finest young violinists. Playing with ‘an inherent nobility that speaks to the heart’ (International Record Review), he is celebrated for combining ‘brilliant technique with the confidence to take risks’ (Bachtrack) and his ‘utterly convincing’ interpretations (BBC Music Magazine).

Recognised as a rising star since winning the BBC Young Musician strings category and being the top European prize-winner at the Menuhin Competition in 2010, Smart now enjoys concert appearances with the UK’s leading orchestras, including re-invitations to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Philharmonia Orchestra. In 2020-21, Callum makes his debut with the Hallé Orchestra performing Korngold’s Violin Concerto, and also a Boston debut with the Lexington Symphony Orchestra performing Elgar’s Violin Concerto.

Last season, he made his debut with the BBC Philharmonic performing Berg’s Violin Concerto, and this season sees his return to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and debut with the Manchester Camerata. Previous season highlights include his North American debut with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as performances with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, European Union Chamber Orchestra, Orpheus Sinfonia and Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra, covering a range of concerto repertoire from Mozart and Beethoven to Glazunov, Britten, Prokofiev, Elgar, Weill, and Korngold.

As a recitalist, Smart performs at some of the world’s most prestigious venues including London’s Wigmore Hall, the Konzerthaus Berlin and the Auditorium du Louvre in Paris, and at a number of European festivals including the Cheltenham Festival, Dvorak Festival in Prague, Menuhin Festival, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Malmo International String Festival. Smart’s partnership with Richard Uttley continues this season with recitals across the UK; they are also joined by horn player Ben Goldscheider for a series of concerts as The Ashwell Trio.

Continuing his advocacy for new music, Smart worked with composer George Benjamin to perform his Three Pieces for solo violin at both the Wigmore Hall and the Royal Northern College of Music. He also performed Kaija Saariaho’s Nocturne for solo violin at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.

Now with two recital discs to his name, 2016 saw the release of Smart’s second disc on the Orchid Classics Label with pianist Richard Uttley. ‘La Voix’ – including works by Fauré, Poulenc and Ravel – featured as one of the Strad Magazine’s recommended recordings of the month, and was accorded 4 star reviews both in the BBC Music Magazine and the Observer.

Having returned to the UK following his Premier Young Artist scholarship at the Jacobs School of Music in the United States studying with Mauricio Fuks, Smart took up a place on the International Artist Diploma postgraduate course at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) studying with Ana Chumachenco and Noah Bendix-Bagley. Having made an immediate impact on his return, he was subsequently appointed as a violin tutor at the RNCM.

Smart plays on a c.1730-35 violin by Carlo Bergonzi and is a Hattori Foundation Award Winner 2019.

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

101 Konstantin Soukhovetski: Tribe Q&A Session13 May 202101:00:18

This summer on the Mind Over Finger Podcast, I promise you a fantastic time with wonderful guests! Every month I'm having a live Q&A with amazing musicians in my Facebook group, the Mind Over Finger Tribe and, as to be expected, much wisdom is being shared!

We start with pianist Konstantin Soukhovetski, we continue in May with violinist Callum Smart, in June you'll hear from trumpet player Christopher Still from Honesty Pill, July will bring violinist Esther Abrami, and we’ll spend time with guitarist Brandon Jack Acker in August.

I hope you can join us live for the upcoming sessions. All of the details are in the Mind Over Finger Tribe at facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe.  

If you're enjoying today's content, take a screenshot as you're listening, share on social and tag me and my guest so we can thank you for tuning in!

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021.  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses.

 

 

MORE ABOUT KONSTANTIN SOUKHOVETSKI:

 

Following the premiere of his transcription of R. Strauss’ Four Last Songs at L'Esprit du Piano Festival in Bordeaux, France  Konstantin Soukhovetski has cemented his place as one of premiere pianist/composers of his generation. His transcriptions have been heard around the world from South African to Hong Kong; in United States' NYC's Lyric Chamber Music Society, New Orlean’s MASNO, Sacramento’s Crocker Museum and Pianofest in The Hamptons, where Konstantin is Artist-In-Residence since 2011. Konstantin has won 2019 Innovation Award from Music Academy Of The West. Konstantin Soukhovetski continues the Golden Age traditions of piano performance instilled in him by his mentor- the great American pianist Jerome Lowenthal.

 

Pending post-COVID schedule will take Konstantin Soukhovetski to Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall with Rachmaninoff Concerto #4 with Pegasus Orchestra, and UC Davis’s Mondavi Arts Center with Brahms Concerto #2 with Auburn Symphony. Konstantin will premiere a new ballet by Russian-American award-winning composer Polina Nazaykinskaya commissioned by MorDance in November of 2021.

Konstantin is currently working on his first opera libretto for “Tear Down This Wall” in collaboration with Polina Nazaykinskaya commissioned for the 75th Anniversary Season of Mississippi Opera in 2023. In 2018 Konstantin gave world premiere of Ms. Nazaykinskaya ballet “Nostalgia” with Rioult Dance at the Joyce Theater in New York City.

Acting credits include: as a narrator with Miami Symphony's Musimelange performance  Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale, Forbidden Juilliard as multiple characters at The Juilliard School and Club Makkor in NYC and Victor or Children in Power as Young Victor at  Moscow State Satire Theatre, Moscow, Russia. Feature film: Dishonorable Vendetta directed by Andre Josef. Short features: Decent Men, Ossetia and Hansel and Gretel, Carbon Based  and  Pictures.

Konstantin is a producer and host of “The Real Pianists of The Hamptons" filmed at Pianofest in The Hamptons.

Highlights of career: Johannesburg Philharmonic and Eastern Cape Philharmonic Orchestra on multiple South African tours after winning Silver at UNISA International Piano competition in Pretoria, South Africa; Miami Symphony Orchestra, Richmond, Austin,  Auburn, Westmoreland, Virginia and Asheville Symphony Orchestras. He appeared at London's Wigmore Hall, New York’s Weill Recital and Zankel Halls at Carnegie Hall, Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, Auditorium Du Louvre in Paris, France and Zentrum Paul Klee in Bern, Switzerland to name a few.

Following his debut at Alice Tully Hall, in New York’s Lincoln Center asThe Juilliard School 's 2006 William Petschek Debut Recital Award winner The New York Times headlined: “Romanticism so intense it warms up Philip Glass.”

​Mr. Soukhovetski has worked with distinguished conductors: Daniel Meyer, Gérard Korsten, Eduardo Marturet, James DePreist, Jahja Ling, François-Xavier Roth, Doron Salomon, Conrad von Alphen, Michael Goodwin, Stephen Ramsey, Omri Hadari, Andrew Grams and Emil Tabakov.

Mr. Soukhovetski is a board member of Southampton Cultural Center, NY where is an Managing Director of The Rising Stars Piano Series and has served on the juries of numerous competitions including Hong Kong Music Schools Festival.

Mr. Soukhovetski is an Adjunct Faculty and an alumnus of The Juilliard School where he has earned his BM, MM, and AD degrees with Jerome Lowenthal. Born in Moscow to a family of artists he studied at the Moscow Central Special Music School, under the auspices of the Moscow State Conservatory, with Anatoly Ryabov.

​Awards:

  • ​Second Prize, 2011 Iowa International Piano Competition
  • Third Prize, 2011 Bosendorfer International Piano Competition
  • Second Prize and Audience Prize, 2010 Ima Hogg International Competition
  • First Prize and Audience Prize, 2007 New Orleans International Piano Competition
  • William Petschek Debut Recital Award
  • Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
  • Second Prize, 2004 UNISA International Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa
  • Third Prize, 2003 Cleveland International Piano Competition
  • The Juilliard School’s Arthur Rubinstein Award
  • The Juilliard School’s 2003 Gina Bachauer Competition
  • First Prize, 2002 Hilton Head International Piano Competition
  • Second Prize, 2002 Walter W. Naumburg International Piano Competition
  • Grand Prize and First Prize at 1997 World Piano International Competition

 

 

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

100 Q&A with Dr. Mom: Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier & friends30 Apr 202100:23:07

100 EPISODES!!!!!  This calls for a celebration!

We did this in a sweet way at Mind Over Finger with my own children interviewing me!  It’s a short and cute one, where you’ll hear my own kids asking me questions about why we should all play music, mindfulness in practicing, my experience learning to play the violin, and dealing performance anxiety, before putting me in the hot seat for a round of rapid-fire questions!

Enjoy!

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021.  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses.

 

 

Also…

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider.  I genuinely appreciate your support.

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

207 Zlatomir Fung: Flow, Fundamentals, and Fearless Performance01 Nov 202400:55:03

In this episode, I sit down with cellist Zlatomir Fung to explore the art of practice, mental resilience, and building a sustainable life in music.

We discuss:

  • The importance of mastering fundamentals and balancing them with complex repertoire
  • How to achieve flow state on stage through curiosity and deliberate preparation
  • Strategies for managing intrusive thoughts and staying grounded in high-pressure moments
  • Insights into creating a fulfilling, purpose-driven career in music

Tune in to gain practical tips and inspiration from Zlatomir’s journey.

 

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality.

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT ZLATOMIR FUNG

Website:  https://www.zlatomirfung.com/

YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZCNT8-PCgY1Md-ZzjvAUQ

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zfungcello

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zfungcello

 

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme:  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

099 Marc Gelfo: The Masterful Practice Challenge27 Apr 202100:51:35

In this episode, Marc Gelfo from Modacity and Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier from Mind Over Finger discuss elements of masterful instrumental practice and are excited to announce the Masterful Practice Challenge.

 

JOIN THE 7-DAY MASTERFUL PRACTICE CHALLENGE TODAY!

 

Learn skills & approaches that will forever elevate the quality of your learning.

Join us May 2-8, 2021 for this rare opportunity that includes live Q&A!

SIGN UP HERE!

 

Over the course of 7 days, starting May 2nd, Marc and Renée will take you along on a journey to masterful practice. 

During that week, we will cover:

  1. TIME MASTERY

To practice well, you must simultaneously manage your time well, and live in the timeless present. 

Day 1 you will get set up in Modacity app to take advantage of its time budgeting, tracking, & planning features.

We will also cover important strategies like interleaving and timeboxing.

In right relationship with time, anything becomes possible.

 

  1. INTENTION MASTERY

By taking the time to set your intention, you bring awareness and direction to your practice.

“Priming” is a key technique for getting what you most desire from your practice sessions.

Learn the best principles for intention setting and “flexible rigor”.

 

  1. ATTENTION MASTERY

The quality of your life is determined by the focus of your attention.

On Day 3 you’ll receive a very special guided meditation download that will build your attentional capacity.

In addition, we’ll go through the various focus points that are most constructive in the practice room, and talk about how misguided attention can derail you.

 

  1. BODY MASTERY

The body is your primary instrument.

Learn how to warm up and align your body for optimal practice results.

Physiology influences mindset, emotions, ability to focus, and so much more.

Get an overview the most effective movement modalities for music practice, and explore the role of tension in performance.

 

  1. EMOTIONAL MASTERY

Your emotions can elevate you to greatness or completely destroy your day.

Begin to master the emotional aspect of practicing.

Challenging, strange, complex emotions can arise during practicing. Learn how to identify and regulate yourself so that a wave of frustration becomes an inspiration for change.

This day will cover the roles of reward & punishment, as well as our favorite tools for emotional awareness and mastery.

 

  1. Impact/Output Mastery

Your music practice impacts your body, mind, emotions, and life trajectory.

Explore the inputs, outputs, and holistic impact of your music practice. This day will help you connect to a bigger picture for the role of music in your life and relationships.

Specific journaling prompts and exercises from permaculture design will help you identify regenerative, energy positive ways to make the most of your practice.

 

  1. INTEGRATION MASTERY

No matter what you’re learning, maximize your chances of remembering it and making it your own through a conscious integration practice.

 

This final day offers the key to compounding lifelong learning: effective integration.

We’ll discuss the role of reflection, planning, and testing.

A final live Q&A session on Zoom will offer the chance to make sure you walk away from this challenge equipped to continue your path of practice mastery.

 

 

THE MASTERFULL PRACTICE CHALLENGE CLEAR PATH TO MASTERY

 

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be.

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021.  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses.

 

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme.  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction.  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

098 Leila Josefowicz: Infinite Possibilities23 Apr 202101:13:33

I’m very exciting to have international violin soloist Leila Josefowicz on the show for the second time.

Leila shares incredible wisdom in our conversation, including:

  • Her outlook for how things are going to be like in the coming months
  • How her recent incredible project at The Metropolitan Museum of Art unfolded, from where it originated to the vision coming to reality
  • The significance of her performing Bach, and how she sees Bach as the music of infinite possibilities
  • What she calls the performance headspace
  • Thoughts about performance preparation and performance anxiety
  • What having fun in performance means to her
  • And many other wonderful musings !

 

This discussion is a window on the way artists like Leila approach a project - the power of the intention and the thoughtfulness they put behind each decision. How each aspect is carefully evaluated, weighed, and curated, and very angle crafted with care and love.

 

Partita

 

for Leila Josefowicz

 

Unseen in the field

a sapling trembled

naked. You touched

 

its slim trunk with

flayed fingertips,

tenderly and hard,

 

and it gave forth a cry,

oh. Sun ran like

water on line upon

 

line of buds. Bare,

you stood, electric,

head in this world,

 

feet planted. We

heard what we never

knew before.

_________

Natania Rosenfeld

Writer

Independent Scholar

Professor Emerita of English, Knox College

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!

 

 

MORE ABOUT LEILA JOSEFOWICZ:

Biography

Leila Josefowicz’s passionate advocacy of contemporary music for the violin is reflected in her diverse programmes and enthusiasm for performing new works. In recognition of her outstanding achievement and excellence in music, she won the 2018 Avery Fisher Prize and was awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2008, joining prominent scientists, writers and musicians who have made unique contributions to contemporary life.

Highlights of Josefowicz’s 2019/20 season include opening the London Symphony Orchestra’s season with Sir Simon Rattle and returning to San Francisco Symphony with the incoming Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen to perform his Violin Concerto. Further engagements include concerts with Los Angeles Philharmonic, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland and Philadelphia orchestras, where she will be working with conductors at the highest level, including Susanna Mälkki, Matthias Pintscher and John Adams.

 

A favourite of living composers, Josefowicz has premiered many concertos, including those by Colin Matthews, Steven Mackey and Esa-Pekka Salonen, all written specially for her. This season, she will perform the UK premiere of Helen Grime’s Violin Concerto with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Dalia Stasevska. Other recent premieres include John Adams’Scheherazade.2 (Dramatic Symphony for Violin and Orchestra) in 2015 with the New York Philharmonic and Alan Gilbert, and Luca Francesconi’s Duende – The Dark Notes in 2014 with Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Susanna Mälkki. Josefowicz enjoyed a close working relationship with the late Oliver Knussen, performing various concerti, including his violin concerto, together over 30 times.

Alongside pianist John Novacek, with whom she has enjoyed a close collaboration since 1985, Josefowicz has performed recitals at world-renowned venues such as New York’s Zankel Hall, Washington DC’s Kennedy Center and London’s Wigmore Hall, as well as in Reykjavik, Chicago, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. This season, they appear together at Washington DC’s Library of Congress, New York’s Park Avenue Armory and Amherst College. She will also join Thomas Adès in recital to perform the world premiere of his new violin and piano work at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris and the Japanese premiere at the Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation.

Recent highlights include engagements with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Washington’s National Symphony Orchestra, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and Boston and Finnish Radio symphony orchestras. In summer 2019, Josefowicz took part in a special collaboration between Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Royal Ballet, and Company Wayne McGregor featuring the music of composer-conductor Thomas Adès.

Josefowicz has released several recordings, notably for Deutsche Grammophon, Philips/Universal and Warner Classics and was featured on Touch Press’s acclaimed iPadapp, The Orchestra. Her latest recording, released in 2019, features Bernd Alois Zimmermann’s Violin Concerto with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted byHannu Lintu. She has previously received nominations for Grammy Awards for her recordings of Scheherazade.2 with the St Louis Symphony conducted by David Robertson, and Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Violin Concerto with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer.

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

097 The Practice Session with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier16 Apr 202100:31:46

In this fourth episode of my series on building an amazing practice routine I talk about the about how to create a efficient practice session breakdown

You will hear about the three basic qualities you want in a practice session, the mindsets to nurture to be productive in your work, and the general sections to include in a solid musical progression.

Download your free guided visualization exercise here: DOWNLOAD

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.   

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back on June 1, 2021

This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS!

The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to elevate your performance and create the musical life you want.

Spots are limited

Save yours now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to all the early bird bonuses

 

Ziva Meditation – Emily Fletcher: https://zivameditation.com/

Emily’s book: Stress Less, Accomplish More: Meditation for Extraordinary Performance

 

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Instrument and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, instrument, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

096 Uri Vardi: The Feldenkrais Method: Awareness Through Movement09 Apr 202100:54:52

In this episode, I’m really happy to bring you a very special artist, cello professor and Feldenkrais practitioner Uri Vardi.

In our conversation, Uri talks to us about the basic principles of the Feldenkrais method, how it aims to bring new awareness and possibility into every aspect of our life using gentle, mindful movements, and he elaborates on his philosophy of teaching, which I think you will find very beautiful!

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!

 

 

MORE ABOUT URI VARDI:

 

Uri Vardi has performed as a recitalist, soloist, and chamber player across the United States, Europe, South America, Asia, and his native Israel. Born in Szeged, Hungary, Vardi grew up on kibbutz Kfar Hahoresh, Israel. He studied at the Rubin Academy in Tel Aviv, was an artist diploma student at Indiana University, and earned his master’s degree from Yale University. His teachers have included Janos Starker, Aldo Parisot, Eva Janzer, and Uzi Wiesel. Vardi has recorded and toured widely with the Israel Chamber Orchestra and was a founding member of the Sol-La-Re String Quartet. He has served as assistant principal cellist of the Israel Chamber Orchestra and principal cellist of the Israel Sinfonietta. In 1990, following an extensive teaching and performing career in Israel, Vardi was appointed professor of cello at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In addition to his work at Wisconsin, Vardi has taught and conducted master classes at numerous music schools, including: Juilliard, Eastman School, New England Conservatory, Indiana University, Yale University, Oberlin College, Cleveland Institute of Music, University of Iowa, Ohio State University, Geneva Conservatory (Switzerland), Paris Conservatory (France), Tunghai University (Taiwan), Bartok Conservatory (Budapest, Hungary) , and the Jerusalem Music Center (Israel).

In recent years, Vardi has initiated four major projects.

  • –The St. Petersburg School – Music for Cello. In the St. Petersburg project, Vardi researched, performed and recorded (with pianist Uriel Tsachor), compositions written by Russian-Jewish composers, many of which had never been previously recorded. In 1977 Beth Hatfutzot (the Diaspora Museum in Tel Aviv) released the recording on a CD, which was favorably reviewed by the Jerusalem Post.
  • —Fusions, a chamber music project sponsored by the University of Wisconsin- Madison and the Consulate General of Israel in NYC. Fusions was a chamber music project of Jewish music and Arabic art music, culminating in a commissioned Trio for Oud, Cello and Piano. In this project, Vardi collaborated with Oud artist Taiseer Elias and pianist/composer Menachem Wiesenberg. The project toured Israel and the U.S and was positively reviewed by major newspapers such as the Washington Post and the Boston Globe. This successful chamber music project was the inspiration for the commission of a full orchestral composition.
  • —Forty Steps, a double concerto for cello, oud and symphony orchestra. In 2007 Joel Hoffman composed Forty Steps for Taiseer Elias and Uri Vardi. It was premiered on the Madison Symphony Orchestra’s 2007-2008 concert series in March 2008.
  • –The National Summer Cello Institute in conjunction with the Feldenkrais for Musicians Workshop. The National Summer Cello Institute is a unique program exploring the relationship between body awareness, creativity in performing and teaching, and prevention of music related injuries. This Institute is geared towards professional and graduate cellists and other performing musicians. It has been co-sponsored by The College Music Society and the UW-Madison Mead Witter School of Music, since 2010. Internationally renowned cello teachers, including Timothy Eddy, Laurence Lesser, Steven Doane, Ralph Kirshbaum, and Richard Aaron have been involved in instruction and in conducting masterclasses.

Vardi’s students have been successful as soloists, chamber players, faculty members of major music schools including Oberlin College, and the Peabody Institute, and members of major orchestras such as The New York Metropolitan Opera (associate principal), the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (principal), the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Simon Bolivar Orchestra in Caracas, Venezuela (principal), and the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. Click here for full list.

In his teaching, Vardi puts great emphasis on the relationship between movement and sound. In order to further his understanding of this approach, Vardi has specialized in the Feldenkrais Method, for which he received the 1999 UW-Madison Arts Institute Faculty Development Award. He completed a Feldenkrais Practitioners Training and in 2003 was certified by the Feldenkrais Guild of North America and by the International Feldenkrais Federation as a Feldenkrais practitioner. For five years, Vardi taught a Feldenkrais for Performing Artists course at UW-Madison. Vardi was awarded the UW-Madison Arts Institute Emily Mead Baldwin Award to create a program for somatic education in the performing arts at UW-Madison.

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that my principal role as a teacher is to help my students become aware of who they are and to help them grow. It is not to define their faults nor cure them. The driving force in this process is my curiosity in the unique makeup of each of my students. As a cello teacher, I not only challenge my students to understand the intentions of each composer, I also help them to explore their inner world, and to express their unique voice within the context of the composition. Most of the learning occurs in the process of working towards a musical goal.

When I teach a musical composition, I often guide my students to attend to their habitual ways of musical expression. Musical expression encompasses the whole range of human emotions. Although the exploration of expressive nuances does not necessarily lead directly to the ultimate mastery of a composition, it frequently results in the expansion of the student’s personality and music-making abilities. This way of learning is organic rather than linear. Instead of setting concrete, simple goals and learning the prescribed tools to attain them, in organic learning, the experimentation with different ideas provides the student with the freedom to choose among a whole array of options for expressing a musical intention. The same principle of encouraging the search for a variety of options applies to the technical mastery of the musical instrument. In order for my students to gain the ability to meet any composition’s demands, they must have a vast repertoire of movements that will give them the freedom to use their bodies with maximum efficiency. Most of us accept the ways we move as if they are a part of our genetic makeup, whereas in reality, we learned to move by trial and error, and our nervous system is wired according to our experiences. Unless we are challenged to question this wiring, and to explore new possibilities of movement, we limit our range of expression. I constantly challenge my students to explore new ways of moving while playing, and to correlate them with minute differences in the quality of sound. Through my experience, I have found that when students discover the power of becoming aware of minute differences in their movement, it is not only their sound that changes, but also their coordination, and overall technical proficiency. The most fascinating aspect for me in approaching teaching in this manner, is that my students come to not only discover their personal involvement in the communication of a musical composition, and their ability to efficiently express it on their instrument, but they also very often gain self-confidence and imagination. The benefits of body awareness also help them in the prevention of injury, and in the healing after a disabling injury. 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

095 Eli Epstein: Music Making from the Inside Out26 Mar 202101:15:01

For this episode, I'm really excited to bring you and extremely knowledgeable, thoughtful , and inspiring musician: horn player, pedagogue, and author Eli Epstein.

I'm particularly excited about this episode because Eli's philosophy and approach to practicing and music making embody so much of what mind over finger is about.

Eli elaborates on:

  • His inspiring journey from picking up the horn to teaching at NEC and Berklee, via a 16- year tenure with the Cleveland Orchestra
  • The importance of listening to music in order to ignite our interest, refine our ears, and improve our playing
  • The process of myelination and how it affects our work
  • Ways to deal with our negative inner voice
  • Ways to express authentic emotions through sounds
  • The “Magic If”
  • … and so much more!

I I know you’re going to love this conversation!

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!

 

 

MORE ABOUT Eli Epstein

 

Eli Epstein enjoys a multi-faceted career as performer, educator, conductor and author. Epstein was second horn of the Cleveland Orchestra (1987-2005), and horn professor at the Cleveland Institute of Music (1989-2005). He has appeared several times as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra.

Epstein left Cleveland in 2005, and moved to Boston to devote more time and energy toward educational and creative endeavors. He is currently on faculty of New England Conservatory and Boston Conservatory at Berklee. At NEC, Epstein is on the college faculty, NEC at Walnut Hill, and Brass Chair of the Preparatory School. Epstein's students hold positions as chamber musicians and teachers, and have won posts in more than 30 major orchestras in North America.

An active performer, Epstein has appeared on chamber programs at Jordan Hall, Severance Hall, Tanglewood, Philadelphia's Academy of Music, Kennedy Center, Music Academy of the West, where he was on faculty (2005-2013), and the Aspen Music Festival, where he served as principal horn of the Aspen Chamber Symphony (2000-2012). Epstein has collaborated with the Borromeo and Brentano String Quartets, and has been guest principal horn for the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and the Saint Louis Symphony. Epstein performs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra from time to time and has played on the BSO Community Chamber Concerts series.

Director of the NEC Youth Brass Ensemble since 2009, Epstein has conducted college ensembles at Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Cleveland Institute of Music, Longy School of Music, Music Academy of the West, NEC, and El Sistema in Venezuela.

Advocating the idea that music can be a meaningful and uplifting force in society, in 2009 Epstein won Grand Prize in the Entrepreneur the Arts Contest for his Inside Out Concerts, and appeared on Heartbeat of America with William Shatner. Drawing on years of experience as a performer, educator and entrepreneur, in 2013 Epstein joined the NEC Entrepreneurial Musicianship faculty to teach their survey course The Entrepreneurial Musician.

Epstein's book, Horn Playing from the Inside Out, A Method for All Brass Musicians (Third Edition) was celebrated in Horn Matters: "Without a doubt the most physiologically correct book ever published on horn playing. Epstein presents a pedagogy that is truly informed by science, with new insights that should not be ignored."

Orchestral Excerpts for Low Horn, Epstein's album released in 2014, was acclaimed in HornWorld as "a perfect sequel to (Krebiehl's) original horn excerpts CD...you would be hard pressed to find more nuanced, musically substantial performances anywhere."

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

094 Warming Up with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier19 Mar 202100:21:38

In this third episode of my series on building an amazing practice routine I share my favorite tips on how to create an effective warm up regimen.

I also offer you another priming guided visualization exercise.

Enjoy!

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.   

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021

This is a LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS!

The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to elevate your performance

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to all the early bird bonuses

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

093 Amy Baltzell: The Power of Mindfulness12 Mar 202100:45:14

In this episode, high-performance coach and respected author Dr. Amy Baltzell discusses the power of mindfulness.  She elaborates on:

  • The Olympic journey that led her to devoting her life to helping athletes and performers
  • How mindfulness and self-compassion are transformative and liberating, and how they can help us deal with fear, anxiety, and self-doubts
  • How accepting reality as it is – including all of our emotions – can be profoundly helpful
  • The concept of Fierce Presence and the Domino of Goodness
  • The power of self-compassion
  • The Mindful Meditation Cycle – how meditation can help train your mind and your heart so you can be more efficient in your practice
  • Tips to cope with undesirable results and things we can focus on to improve our performance
  • The power of acceptance and surrender
  • What Reiki is and how it can be helpful
  • Why we must let go of our fears of mistakes
  • Her message of hope: there’s a way out of anxiety

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get the RESULTS YOU WANT.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!

 

 

MORE ABOUT DR. AMY BALTZELL:

 

Dr. Amy Baltzell, Ed.D., is an Author, high performance coach, Sport Psychologist, Speaker, Reiki Master, Potter, mother-of-three, and the co-creator of Mindful Meditation Training in Sport. 

 

Dr. Baltzell is a high performance and well-being coach for athletes, musicians, sport coaches and business. She has offered invited keynote talks and workshops in the US, Canada, England, The Netherlands and Sweden. She has worked with Olympians, professional athletes, athletic coaches as well as classical musicians, and was Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University for over 20 years.

Dr. Baltzell is a CMPC-AASP Certified Mental Performance Consultant via the Association of Applied Sport Psychology and a Reiki Master Teacher, Men Chhö Rei Kei certified practitioner. In 2016 Amy was elected president of AASP, serving 2017-2018.  She was a member of the 1992 Olympic Rowing Team and a racing team member of 1995 America’s Cup women’s sailing team. 

 

Dr. Baltzell is the author of The Power of Mindfulness (2018, Springer International); Mindfulness and Performance (2016, Cambridge University Press) and Living in the Sweet Spot: Preparing for Performance in Sport and Life (2011, FIT). 

Dr. Baltzell will offer insights and lessons learned from creating, implementing and studying Mindful Meditation Training in Sport (MMTS), a 6-hour program designed to help athletes integrate a mindful approach into practicing and competing. Synthesizing her academic and applied understanding, she offers a conceptual model of the intersection of mindfulness, self-compassion and flow in sport.

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

If you enjoy the show, thank you for leaving a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

092 John Bruce Yeh: Storyteller of Sound26 Feb 202101:32:50

Today, I speak with a wonderful storyteller of sound, Assistant Principal Clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony John Bruce Yeh.

In our conversation, John shares how his artistic journey unfolded.  He takes us on an amazing trip, featuring great musical figures, which shows the various elements that go into the making of a world-class musician.

He also talks about how to prepare fully for an audition (it involves “raiding” the stage... in a way!), how to enter the professional life, and he gives us amazing insight on music-making in general.

This was a great conversation and I know you’ll walk away inspired and motivated!

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.   

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021

This is a LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS!

The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to start performing at your best!

Save your spot now here and get access to all the early bird bonuses

 

MORE ABOUT JOHN BRUCE YEH:

 

 

The first Asian musician ever appointed to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as the longest-serving clarinetist in CSO history, John Bruce Yeh joined the CSO in June of 1977, having been appointed solo Bass Clarinet of the Orchestra at the age of nineteen by Sir Georg Solti. Two years later, he was named Assistant Principal and solo E-flat Clarinet. He served as Acting Principal Clarinet of the CSO from 2008-2011. Recently he has also performed as Guest Principal Clarinet of The Philadelphia Orchestra as well as of the Seoul Philharmonic in Korea and the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra in China.

Yeh has performed concertos with the CSO on several occasions, including the 1998 American premiere of Elliott Carter’s Clarinet Concerto with Pierre Boulez conducting, and the 1993 performance of Carl Nielsen’s Clarinet Concertowith Neeme Järvi. A concert recording of the Nielsen was released on the CSO CD set Soloists of the Orchestra II: From the Archives, vol. 15. In 2004, Yeh was featured in Leonard Bernstein’s Prelude, Fugue and Riffs in collaboration with the Hubbard Street Dance Company and the CSO conducted by David Robertson. An enthusiastic champion of new music, John Bruce Yeh is the dedicatee of new works for clarinet by numerous composers, ranging from Ralph Shapey to John Williams.

A prizewinner at both the 1982 Munich International Music Competition and the 1985 Naumburg Clarinet Competition in New York, Yeh continues to solo with orchestras around the globe. His more than a dozen solo and chamber music recordings have earned worldwide critical acclaim. In 2007, Naxos International released a disc titled “Synergy,” of single and double concertos with clarinet and symphonic wind ensemble featuring John, his wife Teresa, his daughter Molly, and the Columbus State University Wind Ensemble conducted by Robert Rumbelow.

Yeh is director of Chicago Pro Musica, which received the Grammy Award in 1986 for Best New Classical Artist. He frequently appears at festivals and on chamber music series worldwide, and he has performed several times with Music from Marlboro; the Guarneri, Ying, Colorado, Pacifica, Calder, and Avalon string quartets; as well as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

With his wife, clarinetist Teresa Reilly, erhu virtuoso Wang Guowei, and pipa virtuoso Yang Wei, Yeh formed Birds and Phoenix an innovative quartet dedicated to musical exploration by bridging Eastern and Western musical cultures. In their debut performance in September 2006, the group performed works by Victoria Bond, Pamela Chen, Lu Pei, and Bright Sheng, all commissioned for them by Fontana Chamber Arts in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Passionately committed to music education, Yeh served for twenty-six years on the faculty of DePaul University’s School of Music, and he joined the faculty at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College for the Performing Arts in 2004. He has taught master classes at many universities and conservatories including the Juilliard, Eastman and Manhattan Schools of Music, The Cleveland Institute of Music, Northwestern University, and the University of Michigan. In addition, he is on the faculty of Midwest Young Artists in Fort Sheridan, Illinois.

Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Los Angeles, John Bruce Yeh pursued premedical studies at UCLA, where he also won the Frank Sinatra Musical Performance Award. He entered the Juilliard School in 1975 and attended music schools in Aspen, Marlboro, and Tanglewood. He cites Gordon Herritt, Gary Gray, Michele Zukovsky, Harold Wright, Ray Still, Marcel Moyse, Allan Dennis, and Mehli Mehta as influential mentors.

 

 

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works so hard to make the podcast sound as good as possible for you.

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

091 Priming Power with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier19 Feb 202100:25:17

In this second episode of my series on building an amazing practice routine I share my favorite tips about a powerful ritual that can transform the results you get in the practice room: PRIMING.

When we’re priming, we prepare the body and mind to be fully engaged and productive.

By setting up a priming ritual before a practice session, you can significantly affect your level of presence and focus.  The pay off?  Get more results during your practice.

A total game changer!

(I also squeeze in a little gift at the end: my priming guided visualization exercise!)

Enjoy!

 

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE GUIDED VISUALIZATION HERE

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.   

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021

This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS!

The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to elevate your performance

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to all the early bird bonuses

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

090 Dr. Frank Diaz: Mindful Musician12 Feb 202101:01:55

I’m very excited to welcome Dr. Frank Diaz to the show this week to cover a topic that is at the core of everything Mind Over Finger is: mindfulness.

In our conversation, Frank elaborates on:

  • How he defines what mindfulness is
  • Mindfulness techniques that can be helpful for musicians
  • The sequence he likes to use when he teaches mindfulness
  • Performance-related trauma
  • How we owe it to ourselves to tap into our inner resources
  • … and much more!

  

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.   

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021

This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and get RESULTS!

The Music Mastery Experience gives you all the tools you need to elevate your performance

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to all the early access bonuses

 

MORE ABOUT FRANK DIAZ:

Some fun YouTube videos featuring Frank:

Frank’s book recommendation:

Dr. Frank Diaz is associate professor of music at the Jacobs School of Music and affiliate faculty for the department of cognitive science at Indiana University. He is also the founder and Director of the Institute for Mindfulness-Based Wellness and Pedagogy, where he collaborates with an international group of musicians, educators, and scholars on disseminating research and best practices on the art of mindful living, teaching, and performance. Frank has taught mindfulness to thousands of students across the US and internationally, and has served as a guest scholar, teacher, and advisor for numerous academic, civic, and arts institutions across the US and abroad. His research on mindfulness has been published in peer-reviewed and practitioner journals and has been featured on NPR, CNN, Science Daily, and the Huffington Post.

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

206 Life Changing Thoughts: Four Powerful Sentences That Changed My Life18 Oct 202400:33:26

In this episode of the Mind Over Finger Podcast, I share four pivotal sentences that completely shifted my perspective, challenging deeply held beliefs and unlocking new levels of growth and creativity. These insights helped me overcome limiting beliefs and embrace life’s complexities. If you’re interested in exploring how powerful thoughts can create meaningful change in both personal and professional spheres, this episode is for you.

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme:  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

089 Leon Bosch: Musical Ambassador29 Jan 202100:53:44

089 Leon Bosch: Musical Ambassador

In this episode, I’m so happy to bring you an exceptional person and artist, and one of my favorite musicians, internationally renowned classical double bass virtuoso Leon Bosch.

We covered a wide variety of topics, including:

  • How his artistic journey has unfolded until now
  • Some of the fundamental principles he applied along the way
  • How he is mission driven to be an advocate for the double bass and how he has pursued this mission throughout the years
  • The importance to recognize opportunities and be prepared to deliver when they appear
  • The two ingredients he thinks are among the most important when it comes to success
  • The system he developed and teaches for learning repertoire efficiently and fully
  • His enormous impact on the repertoire of the double bass
  • His views on the importance of curiosity, perfection of execution, artistry …
  • … and so much more!

 

Leon is a force of nature and a brilliant soul!  As you’ll hear in our conversation, his wisdom runs deep and he sets an outstanding example of humanity and artistry for all of us.  It was a great honor to speak with him and I know you’ll love our discussion!

 

ABOUT LEON BOSCH:

 

Leon Bosch on Contrabass Conversations

 

Leon Bosch is an internationally renowned classical double bass virtuoso. With over a dozen solo CDs to his name, he regularly commissions repertoire for the instrument, making recital and concerto appearances around the world.

He is professor of double bass at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. But he also gives masterclasses in the US, Europe, South Africa and the Far East, and coaches young eastern European musicians at the I, Culture Orchestra in Poland and the young South Africans who make up the Miagi Orchestra. He also acts as a mentor for South African musicians worldwide.

Leon Bosch grew up in 1960s and 70s South Africa, the son of the political activist Jonas Fred Bosch – he himself spent time in a police cell for organising protests while at school. He left the apartheid regime there to come to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester after achieving one of the highest ever marks awarded for the B Mus performance examination by the University of Cape Town

Remaining in the UK – he is now a British citizen – he was soon appointed principal double bass with the acclaimed Academy of St Martin in the Fields. He left the post in 2014 to devote himself to his solo career, to teaching and to establishing his now thriving chamber ensemble, I Musicanti. He also conducts and has a passion for researching lost or forgotten music for double bass such as by the Catalan Josep Cervera and the Danish court musician, Franz Keyper.

Away from music, Leon Bosch is a regular runner of marathons and ultra-marathons (winning silver medal for his age group in the 2017 86-mile Ridgeway Challenge) and holds a master’s degree in intelligence and international relations from Salford University. ‘I’ve always had a very wide range of interests,’ he says. ‘For example, the thing I’m highest qualified for in my life is international relations, not music. But this is a part of who I am: I’m not just a musician, I’m a human being.’

 

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

If you enjoy the show, leave a review on Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast provider!  I genuinely appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

088 Efficient Practice Planning with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier22 Jan 202100:20:54

088 Efficient Practice Planning with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier

This winter, I’m bringing you a series of four episodes about building your amazing practice. In this series, I'll be covering many of the components that I think are essential in having a great productive practice session.  At least, for me!

I'll be talking about planning and scheduling, priming for an efficient practice, building a great warmup regimen, and, finally, I’ll take you through my favorite practice session breakdown.

This episode is all about planning and scheduling efficiently for better results.  I share strategies on how to plan for productive practice and how to schedule it in a way that maximizes your time so you can operate at the highest level possible.

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my LIFE CHANGING, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS.

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme and get access to some really cool bonuses!

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

087 Dr. Kimberly Hankins: Breathe Your Way to Better Musicianship15 Jan 202100:57:21

In this episode, Dr. Kimberly Hankins, discusses the multiple benefits of breathwork.  She elaborates on:

  • How she came to discover yoga and breathwork and how it helped her discover her own voice
  • How the breath is central to all systems in the body and to how we interact with the world
  • How Breathwork affects the nervous system
  • Why the goal is not always to be calm: the goal is to react to stress in an appropriate way
  • The difference between pranayama and other different styles of breathwork
  • How breathwork can help musicians in their various functions
  • … and much more!

Dr Hankins is also going to guides us through a couple of breathing exercises that you can easily replicate as needed!

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!

 

I’m also incredibly happy to announce that THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021!  This is my life changing, highly personalized group coaching program where I show you how to implement mindful & effective practice techniques, how to make them habits, and how to get RESULTS in the practice room, the teaching studio, and on stage!

Save your spot at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/mme!

 

 

MORE ABOUT KIMBERLY HANKINS:

Website: www.thealignedmusician.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealignedmusician/

Kimberly Hankins is a Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher and Breathwork Facilitator. Combining her passions for both music and yoga, she performs sound meditations on viola and helps musicians find freedom while performing through movement, meditation, and breathwork. As a Musicians Wellness Content Creator, she works to remove the stigma associated with playing-related injuries, chronic pain, and mental health-related issues.

 

 

 

SOME PRANAYAMA & BREATHWORK PRACTICES:

5 Step-By-Step Breathing Exercises For Beginners: https://yogalondon.net/monkey/5-beginner-breathing-exercises/

Sukha Purvaka Pranayama:  https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/8904/sukha-purvaka-pranayama

The Power of Breathing: 4 Pranayama Techniques Worth Practicing: https://www.onemedical.com/blog/live-well/breathing-pranayama-techniques

Stress Management: Breathing Exercises for Relaxation: https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/uz2255

Wim Hof method: https://www.wimhofmethod.com/breathing-exercises

 

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly, who works really hard to make this podcast as pleasant to listen to as possible for you!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

086 Gear Up 2021! with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier25 Dec 202000:44:29

Whether you want to rock the stage for your next performance, win an audition, land your dream job, transform your teaching studio, or start a new music business: IT’S POSSIBLE! And this episode will help you set things up for your massive success!

  • You will walk away with:
  • A renewed vision for the future
  • Clear goals and specific strategies to implement and create an incredible musical reality for yourself
  • Unwavering confidence in your ability to succeed
  • A feeling of dedication to the process
  • The motivation to get started and, more importantly, to KEEP GOING!

 

Gear Up for 2021!

 

Links:

Gear Up 2021! Handout: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources

Mind Over Finger Podcast Episode #71 – Motivation: https://www.mindoverfinger.com/podcast/episode/b4c36827/071-motivation-with-dr-renee-paule-gauthier

Blog post about the Argument of the Growing Heap: https://www.mindoverfinger.com/post/the-growing-heap

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone and I CAN HELP! 

Visit https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme  to learn more and book your call!

Let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an incredibly productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

Don’t forget to visit the Mind Over Finger Resources’ page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday!  Find it here: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

085 Kenny Werner: Effortless Mastery18 Dec 202001:14:24

In this episode, I speak with world-class pianist and composer Kenny Werner who’s prolific output of compositions, recordings and publications continue to impact audiences around the world, and author of the impactful book, Effortless Mastery, Liberating the Master Musician Within

In our conversation, Kenny expands on:

  • His incredible journey, leading to the exploration of effortless mastery
  • How the need to play well is the thing we should – yet will never – surrender
  • How focus behaves like water
  • How to let “the master” play
  • Fear-based practicing and performing
  • How detachment can help us play better than ever & where lack of flow in performance comes from
  • Effortless Mastery in a nutshell:
    1. Go into the space (it’s easier than you think, and Kenny shows us how…) and play a note in that state
    2. Move around the instrument freely while in that space (think Ouija Board! Or try playing something as fast as possible.)
    3. Play something you know really well in that state of effortless mastery
    4. Practice in that state (and the state becomes your teacher!)

 

Kenny is an artist and pedagogue of great depth and I know the things he talks about today could transform your approach to practicing and performing! 

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone and I CAN HELP!  Visit https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme  to learn more and book your call so we can discuss how to get you from where you are to WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!

 

 

MORE ABOUT KENNY WERNER:

 

For Kenny’s full discography and credit list, click here.  For Kenny’s educational credits, awards, published works and educational videos, click here.  For musician and press quotes about Kenny, click here.

 

Biography

 

Kenny Werner is a world-class pianist and composer. His prolific output of compositions, recordings and publications continue to impact audiences around the world.

Kenny was recently awarded the 2010 Guggenheim Fellowship Award for his seminal work, No Beginning No End. No Beginning No End is a musical journey exploring tragedy and loss, death and transition, and the path from one lifetime to the next. Utilizing over 70 musicians, Kenny's third album for Half Note Records is an expansive composition featuring Joe Lovano, Judy Silvano, Wind Ensemble, Choir and String Quartet.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on November 19, 1951 and then growing up in Oceanside, Long Island, Kenny began playing and performing at a young age, first recording on television at the age of 11. Although he studied classical piano as a child, he enjoyed playing anything he heard on the radio. In high school and his first years of college he attended the Manhattan School of Music as a classical piano major.

His natural instinct for improvisation led Kenny to the Berklee School of Music in 1970. There he sought tutelage of the renowned piano teacher Madame Chaloff. Her gracious wisdom and inspiration became a driving force in Kenny's conception: music conscious of its spiritual intent and essence.

From Boston, Kenny traveled to Brazil with the saxophonist Victor Assis Brasil. There he met Victor's twin brother, Brazilian pianist Joao Assis Brasil. He studied with Joao, who provided another piece of the puzzle for Kenny's conception that would lead to Effortless Mastery, his landmark opus on how to allow the master musician from within to manifest.

Kenny started his own trio in 1981 with drummer Tom Rainey and bassist Ratzo Harris. The Kenny Werner Trio matured for fourteen years, wowing audiences in America and Europe and recording four albums along the way.

Kenny had written many original compositions featuring trios and other small group configurations, but in the mid 1980s, he became the pianist for the Mel Lewis Orchestra (currently known as the Village Vanguard Orchestra). Challenged by Mel and Bob Brookmeyer to write for the band, he produced his first compositions and arrangements for jazz orchestra, consequently leading him to write for the major bands in Europe including the Cologne, Danish, and Stockholm Jazz Orchestras, The Umo Jazz Orchestra of Finland and several times as the guest composer and soloist with the Metropole Orchestra of Holland. Since then Werner has had many commissions to write for large ensembles such as jazz orchestras, full orchestras and most recently, wind ensemble, choir and string quartet as featured on his latest CD, No Beginning, No End.

Several outstanding musical partnerships began in the 1990s. Kenny continues to play duo with Toots Thielemans, the legendary harmonica player. For twenty years he has played with and arranged for Betty Buckley, a Broadway legend. They made six albums together and she has sung his arrangements for small band and orchestras across the globe.  He also has had a nearly forty-year friendship and musical collaboration with Joe Lovano. They have recorded on a number of each other's projects.

In 2000, Kenny formed a new trio with Ari Hoenig on drums and Johannes Weidenmueller on bass.  They played nearly a decade together and released three albums, with Kenny acting as composer, arranger, and pianist.  Their last album, Peace - Live at the Blue Note, released in 2004, began a wonderful relationship with Half Note Records, the recording arm of the Blue Note Jazz Club.  He created three CDs before the release of his masterpiece, No Beginning No End.  In 2007, Kenny Werner released his first album for Blue Note Records. Lawn Chair Society, featuring Chris Potter, Dave Douglas, Scott Colley, and Brian Blade, received critical acclaim for its fusion of electro and acoustic elements.

Kenny's groundbreaking work on Improvisation, Effortless Mastery - Liberating the Master Musician Within, was published in 1996. Using his life experiences as a microscope into the artist's mind, Effortless Mastery is a guide to distill the emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects of an artists' life. Today it is one of the most widely read books on music and improvisation. The book is a required reading at many universities. Werner, without intention, touched off a revolution of inspiring musicians to do inner work on the mind, body, and soul in attempt to upgrade their musical experience from the mundane to the profound. The book is also popular with artists of other mediums and business professionals.  Kenny continues to teach and give clinics in the United States and abroad. He is currently on the Jazz Piano Faculty at New York University.

 

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

Don’t forget to visit the Mind Over Finger Resources’ page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday!  Find it here: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

A HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

084 The Musician's Toolbox with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier11 Dec 202000:52:23

In this episode, I share with you the conversation I had with Angela Ezeonyeka and Andrew Coleman on their show - The Musician’s Toolbox Podcast.

With the Musician’s Toolbox Podcast, Andrew and Angela aim to equip musicians with the information, inspiration, and imagination to pursue and achieve a career in music.  And they do this by interviewing professionals in the industry and exposing listeners to all facets of a musician's life.

We cover a lot of ground in our chat, including mindful and effective practicing, anxiety management, and audition preparation.

I had a great time speaking with Angela and Andrew and I hope you find tons of value in our discussion!  And when you’re done with the episode, don’t forget to head to themusicianstoolboxpodcast.com or search for the musician’s toolbox podcast in your favorite podcast player and make sure to check out their wonderful content.

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career?  Ready for a change?

Whatever your challenge, you don't have to go at it alone, and I can help.  Visit www. https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to learn more and book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to where you want to be!

 

 

MORE ABOUT ANGELA, ANDREW, AND THE MUSICIAN’S TOOLBOX PODCAST:

 

The vision of Musician’s Toolbox is to equip musicians with the information, inspiration, and imagination to pursue and achieve a career in music by finding professionals in the industry, interviewing them, and exposing listeners to all facets of a musician's life. Additionally, Musician’s Toolbox will showcase a contemporary composer monthly (or as regularly as possible) to further listeners’ understanding and appreciation for contemporary music.

 

 

ANGELA EZEONYEKA

Angela Ezeonyeka is a multi-faceted musician currently residing in Port Hueneme, CA.  Her formal education began with a Bachelors of Music from Brigham Young University, emphasizing in Viola Performance.  In 2010, she relocated to UCSB to study viola with Helen Callus in her graduate studies which she completed in 2016.  While in her graduate studies, she performed for famous artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Gil Shaham, and members of the Silk Road Ensemble as a member of the Young Artists String Quartet in Residence.

Angela’s freelance work includes teaching and coaching for Santa Barbara Strings and Santa Barbara Symphony youth education programs, private studio instruction for piano, violin, viola, and beginning cello, studio recording, orchestra gigs with numerous orchestras along the coast, and performing for weddings and special events with the Santa Barbara String Quartet.  Angela has performed on a few television programs like The Amazing Race Season 28 Finale Episode with the String Quartet.

From a young age, Angela has been interested in many different genres and styles of music.  This interest makes her adaptable and desirable for recording artists in the studio.  She has recorded on albums in folk, singer-songwriter, reggae, Irish, and Bluegrass.

 

ANDREW COLEMAN

From a young age, Andrew Coleman has always loved music. As an 18-month-old, young Andrew sat unmoving while his aunt's student played "Rhapsody in Blue" during a masterclass. Just a few years later at the ripe age of 4, Andrew gave his full attention to a family rehearsal of Schumann's Piano Quintet in E-Flat Major. Starting at age 6, Andrew began learning the piano from his grandma. From family reunions, to living rooms, to funerals, music is an essential piece that not only makes up a part of Andrew, but the entire family.

Most of Andrew's years developing his career as a musician are in front of him; yet, his beginning years are still full of achievement. Through his childhood and teenage years, Andrew developed a love for the piano, and Andrew is currently studying with Sue Miller at the College of Southern Idaho and will graduate in May 2021.

In October of 2018, he performed with the Magic Valley Symphony. At the beginning of his college years, he was a part of many ensembles at the College of Southern Idaho including, CSI Honors Chamber Quintet and Magic Valley Chorale. During the 2020 pandemic and shutdown, Andrew and cousin Michael produced an online senior recital. Andrew also competed, and won, in the 2020 international at-home-edition of #PlaywithRay. Recently, Andrew co-founded "Musician's Toolbox" with his cousin, Angela Ezeonyeka, whose goal is to equip musicians with the tools to achieve a career in music.

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

083 Jenny Clift: Emotional Freedom Technique04 Dec 202001:04:28

Emotional Freedom Technique specialist and coach Jenny Clift talks to us about this powerful modality and how it can help musicians become more productive and handle emotions in an effective way.

Tapping information and resources: https://abetterlifetapping.com/eft-tapping/  

MORE ABOUT JENNY CLIFT:

Jenny Clift is a classically-trained violinist, and an EFT Tapping Coach, based in Madrid, Spain. She is passionate about working with musicians, stage artists and coaches from all over the world, to help them achieve success, wealth, joy, and inner peace.

Having experienced lots of stops and starts in her own musical career Jenny feels strongly about helping others who’ve gone through similar things like:

  • Experiences with unsympathetic teachers
  • Traumatic past lessons, auditions, competitions etc
  • Frustration over technical limitations & difficulties
  • Struggles with confidence
  • Self-doubt and lack of belief that you can succeed in this challenging industry…

Or just the ‘normal’ blocks and anxiety around auditions, competition, job scarcity, money woes, performance stress etc.

Her secret weapon is EFT which stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, also known as Tapping. EFT is an Energy Healing Technique which uses acupressure points – as in Acupuncture – but, instead of sticking needles into yourself, you tap – on your face and body - to stimulate the points. While doing so, you talk about the issue you are experiencing – and this focus, along with the tapping, helps to clear the energy, and to heal the associated emotions, limiting beliefs and memories, allowing you to move forward with ease and joy.

Jenny loves to help individuals and groups to discover and clear the hidden blocks, past and present traumas, and subconscious limiting beliefs around their money, their inner music and their work. This enables and empowers them to take action, achieve their goals, and feel excited, secure and fulfilled in the career that they love.

She’s looking forward to sharing this technique with you and to giving you a powerful experience of Tapping.

Are you curious to know how EFT Tapping can benefit you?

Book your free 30 minute call today!

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career? 

Ready for a change?

Whatever you’re facing, I can help. 

Visit https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithme to book your call and let’s discuss how to get you from where you are to WHERE YOU WANT TO BE!

 

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for access to my weekly live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians!

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

082 Leila Josefowicz: The Art of Authentic Music Making20 Nov 202000:56:39

I’m very excited to have world-renowned violinist Leila Josefowicz on the show for you today!

As you’ll hear in our discussion, Leila is a profoundly passionate and dedicated musician who approaches her craft with great depth and she shares incredible wisdom with us.

Among many things, Leila elaborates on:

  • The power of memorization
  • What the “practice of violin playing” means to her
  • How exploring new repertoire helped her transition out of her “child prodigy” years
  • Her advice to all musicians suffering from lack of motivation
  • The importance of desire and dedication in the cultivation of talent
  • How our need to feel comfortable while performing is counterproductive
  • Vivid mindful practice

This is a particularly powerful conversation, and I know you’ll find inspiration and incredible value in this episode.

 

MORE ABOUT LEILA JOSEFOWICZ:

  • Website: https://www.leilajosefowicz.com/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeilaBJo

 

Find all the details for Leila’s World Premiere performance of ‘la linea evocativa. un disegno per violino solo’ by Matthias Pintscher HERE.

On the occasion of ‘George Condo. Internal Riot’ we are honored to host classical violinist Leila Josefowicz in the gallery to perform a new piece of original music in response to ‘George Condo. Internal Riot,’ an exhibition of the artist’s new paintings and works on paper that runs through 23 January 2021 at Hauser & Wirth New York.

‘Music is such a huge part of my life, without it I don’t know if I’d ever have painted anything. There are so many great pieces of music that have inspired me to paint…My favorite thing is to put on a record in the studio and to still be painting without noticing the fact that the music has stopped playing for hours and is just running through my head.’–George Condo

The performance comes at an incredibly challenging time for professional musicians. Condo is deeply aware of the adversity they face, and this specially organized event signifies his support for live music and for new ways in which it can reach people.

Join us on Friday 20 November 2020 11 am PST / 2 pm EST / 7 pm GMT. 

Click here to register.

The performance will be streaming live from New York City on hauserwirth.com

 

 

Leila’s last Pre-Covid performance in Prague, Performing the Alban Berg Violin Concerto with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra: 

https://prso.czechradio.eu/leila-josefowicz-and-prso-8179758

 

Biography

Leila Josefowicz’s passionate advocacy of contemporary music for the violin is reflected in her diverse programmes and enthusiasm for performing new works. In recognition of her outstanding achievement and excellence in music, she won the 2018 Avery Fisher Prize and was awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2008, joining prominent scientists, writers and musicians who have made unique contributions to contemporary life.

Highlights of Josefowicz’s 2019/20 season include opening the London Symphony Orchestra’s season with Sir Simon Rattle and returning to San Francisco Symphony with the incoming Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen to perform his Violin Concerto. Further engagements include concerts with Los Angeles Philharmonic, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland and Philadelphia orchestras, where she will be working with conductors at the highest level, including Susanna Mälkki, Matthias Pintscher and John Adams.

 

A favourite of living composers, Josefowicz has premiered many concertos, including those by Colin Matthews, Steven Mackey and Esa-Pekka Salonen, all written specially for her. This season, she will perform the UK premiere of Helen Grime’s Violin Concerto with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Dalia Stasevska. Other recent premieres include John Adams’Scheherazade.2 (Dramatic Symphony for Violin and Orchestra) in 2015 with the New York Philharmonic and Alan Gilbert, and Luca Francesconi’s Duende – The Dark Notes in 2014 with Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and Susanna Mälkki. Josefowicz enjoyed a close working relationship with the late Oliver Knussen, performing various concerti, including his violin concerto, together over 30 times.

Alongside pianist John Novacek, with whom she has enjoyed a close collaboration since 1985, Josefowicz has performed recitals at world-renowned venues such as New York’s Zankel Hall, Washington DC’s Kennedy Center and London’s Wigmore Hall, as well as in Reykjavik, Chicago, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. This season, they appear together at Washington DC’s Library of Congress, New York’s Park Avenue Armory and Amherst College. She will also join Thomas Adès in recital to perform the world premiere of his new violin and piano work at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris and the Japanese premiere at the Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation.

Recent highlights include engagements with the Berliner Philharmoniker, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Washington’s National Symphony Orchestra, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich and Boston and Finnish Radio symphony orchestras. In summer 2019, Josefowicz took part in a special collaboration between Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Royal Ballet, and Company Wayne McGregor featuring the music of composer-conductor Thomas Adès.

Josefowicz has released several recordings, notably for Deutsche Grammophon, Philips/Universal and Warner Classics and was featured on Touch Press’s acclaimed iPadapp, The Orchestra. Her latest recording, released in 2019, features Bernd Alois Zimmermann’s Violin Concerto with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted byHannu Lintu. She has previously received nominations for Grammy Awards for her recordings of Scheherazade.2 with the St Louis Symphony conducted by David Robertson, and Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Violin Concerto with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by the composer.

 

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an exceptionally productive practice using the metronome.  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

You can check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday by visiting: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!

 

And click here for details on how to work with me:

https://www.mindoverfinger.com/workwithdrg

 

And don’t forget to join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing!

 

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

081 Effective Practice – Tips, Habits, & Mindsets: Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier & Eric Mrugala13 Nov 202000:55:51

Today I’m bringing you a conversation previously aired on the Violin Podcast, hosted by Eric Mrugala. 

On the Violin Podcast Eric interviews violinists worldwide on a bi-weekly basis discussing violin news, practice tips, career advice, and their journey with the violin.

Now, this was for the Violin Podcast, but it’s valuable information for all musicians, regardless of the instrument.

Eric and I talked about

  • How to solve problems in the practice room
  • How to prepare optimally for performances, auditions, and competitions
  • Effective mindful practice that yields results
  • The importance of knowing yourself when it comes to working efficiently
  • …and much more!

I hope you enjoy this conversation with Eric Mrugala from the Violin Podcast, and that you find some useful tips and inspiration for your work today! Let’s go to the show!

 

MORE ABOUT THE VIOLIN PODCAST

We interview violinists worldwide on a bi-weekly basis discussing violin news, practice tips, career advice, and their journey with the violin.

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to an outstanding practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights.

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing.

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

080 Lori Schiff: The Alexander Technique - At Home with Yourself06 Nov 202000:59:22

For this episode, I bring you a powerful conversation with world-renowned Alexander Technique teacher Lori Schiff.

As Lori shares on her website, the Alexander Technique “is a method for living better through your own mindfulness in action.”  It can help you gain confidence and reduce pain, tension and fatigue. It allows you to connect with yourself to nourish presence and mobility and, from there, leads to performing better in all areas of your life.

Lori expands on:

  • How Alexander Technique affected her life and her journey
  • Who the Alexander Technique is for
  • What the Alexander Technique is: a method for living that teaches us to pay attention and choose our reactions to stimuli
  • How the Alexander Technique encourages the connection with our self – our wholeness – and the development of conscious control (mind body connector)
  • How the Alexander Technique is a means to more freedom, for the whole person and their whole life
  • How it can help in class and in lessons, in the practice room, and on stage

This is an information and inspiration packed episode and I know you will appreciate Lori’s knowledge and wisdom and lover her energy as much as I did!

 

MORE ABOUT LORI SCHIFF:

Ms. Schiff is a full-time professor of The Alexander Technique at The Juilliard School and a guest teaching artist for various schools and organizations nationally and internationally. She has been a faculty member of The Juilliard School since 1991 and was in residence at The Aspen Music Festival and School from 1993 - 2015.

Ms. Schiff joined The Riverside Initiative for The Alexander Technique as Associate Director and Senior Teacher for Teacher Training in 2018.

Ms. Schiff was Certified as a Teacher of the Alexander Technique at ACAT-New York in 1987. She continued with years of postgraduate training with Walter and Dilys Carrington at the Constructive Teaching Centre in London.

She is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Music in Trumpet Performance and has her Masters in Music from Manhattan School of Music.

She served as the Alexander Technique Teacher for the Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artists Development Program, and at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. She also served on the senior faculty of the American Center for the Alexander Technique's Teacher Certification Program.

Institutions where she has been a guest teaching artist include: The New World Symphony, The U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point, The U.S. Army Field Band and U.S. Army Soldier's Chorus, The San Diego Symphony, ToneBank International Music Festival, National Youth Orchestra of China, University of Maryland Opera Studio, and The Internationale Meistersinger Akademie in Neumarkt, Germany.

She has presented Master Classes at institutions including The Metropolitan Opera, Opera America, West Point Military Academy, Fort Meade, The Academy (ACJW) at Carnegie Hall, Manhattan School of Music, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras, The National Orchestral Institute, The Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra and The New York Youth Symphony, Theater Aspen, MorseLife Senior Residences, and Holland and Knight, LLP.

In 2013, she assisted in organizing and taught the Alexander Technique for actress and playwright, Anna Deavere Smith's Acting and Empathy course in San Francisco. She returned to San Francisco in 2014 to work with Ms. Smith's course, Personal Narratives: Global Identities.

Ms. Schiff is a recognized senior teacher of the Alexander Technique by the American Society for the Alexander Technique and has presented master classes at the AmSAT Annual Meetings in San Francisco, Ann Arbor, Las Vegas, New York City, Boston, and Minneapolis. She was a guest lecturer on Teaching the Alexander Technique in schools of music for The International Congress for the Alexander Technique in Lugano, Switzerland.

Ms. Schiff served on the Board of Directors of the Aspen Music Festival and School as Chair of the Music Committee for nine years and was President and Chairman of the Board of The American Center for the Alexander Technique for five years. More recently, she completed two years on the Board of Directors of The American Society for the Alexander Technique.

Ms. Schiff has a private Alexander Technique practice in NYC. She is the founding director of Flight Feather Productions, LLC, an organization for creating and supporting uplifting educational experiences for corporate and artistic communities.

With composer Lance Horne, she is the Co-Director of Creativity Lab, a program for inspiring community and collaboration through collective creativity.

As a committed recreational runner, she has completed four marathons, several half marathons, and countless 10ks, 5 Milers, 4 Milers, and 5ks.

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

Don’t forget to visit the Mind Over Finger Resources’ page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday!  Find it here: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!

 

And don’t forget to join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing!

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

205 Sasha Romero: From Texas to the Met – Chat on Mastery, Mindfulness, and Advocacy04 Oct 202400:57:18

In this inspiring episode, trombonist Sasha Romero, principal trombone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, shares her incredible musical journey from Texas to the Met.

Sasha talks about her early musical memories, the challenges she faced along the way, and the importance of mindful practice. She opens up about managing ADHD, balancing work with life as a performer and educator, and her unique approach to audition preparation. Sasha also shares her advocacy for the transgender community and offers practical advice on how we can all be better allies.

This episode is full of valuable insights for musicians at any stage of their journey, and Sasha’s wisdom on practice efficiency, emotional management, and living authentically is sure to inspire.

 

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality.

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT SASHA ROMERO

 

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme:  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

079 Ira Gold: Practicing Wisdom30 Oct 202000:55:16

In this inspiring and motivating conversation, National Symphony double bass player Ira Gold shares his wisdom on practicing and on leading a meaningful musical life.

Ira expands on:

  • How the things he does are reflections of his passions
  • How serving the community and those who are following the artistic path has become vital part of his career
  • How his career grew out of him making the conscious decision of seriously dedicating himself to his musical education
  • The important of adopting a growth mindset and of being mindful of the information that is available to you and how you can apply it to nurture your long-term goals
  • The importance of being teachable
  • The new metrics he uses to define success
  • How the pandemic has allowed him to take a step back and reflect
  • Practicing strategies:
    • Constructing and deconstructing
    • Adding and subtracting
    • How to bring life experiences into your art – everything you experience and everything you are influences your playing
  • How to maximize your learning experience – in college and beyond

 

 

 

MORE ABOUT IRA:

  • Website: https://irajgold.com/
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BassRabbi

 

Ira Gold made his Carnegie Hall solo debut in 2011, performing the Vanhal Bass Concerto with the Catholic University of America Symphony Orchestra.

Prior to joining the National Symphony in 2005, he performed with several American orchestras, as Section Bass with the Minnesota Orchestra and as guest Principal Bassist with the San Francisco Symphony and Detroit Symphony.  He has attended festivals such as Grand Teton Music Festival, Domaine Forget Music Academy, Bach Festival Leipzig, Aspen, and Tanglewood.  Mr. Gold spent several summers at the International Festival Institute at Round Top both as a student and faculty.  He is continually in demand for recitals and masterclasses, including recent visits at The Colburn School, University of Southern California, The Moscow State Conservatory, Boston University, New England Conservatory, Boston Conservatory, University of Colorado (Boulder), The Juilliard School, Boston University Tanglewood Institute,  The International Society of Bassists Convention, and The Manhattan School of Music.   Mr. Gold maintains a studio of private students, has taught lessons and coached chamber music in the National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellowship program, and has been a Double Bass Faculty member of Peabody Conservatory since 2009.  He is also a co-founding member of Peabody Bass Works, a one week bass camp held every July at Peabody Conservatory.

Mr. Gold has been interviewed multiple times by Jason Heath for the podcast Contrabass Conversations, and more recently as a featured guest on The Audition Breakthrough Summit, which launched in March 2017. In 2016 he published an article for the ISB’s journal Bass World, in which he discusses the qualities of teaching that affect the relationship of teacher and student.

An active chamber musician, Mr. Gold has performed with East Coast Chamber Orchestra, the NSO Millenium Stage Prelude Series, Peabody Conservatory Faculty, and the New Orchestra of Washington.

He earned his Bachelor of Music degree at Boston University’s College of Fine Arts, and his Master of Music degree at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where he won the strings division of the 2005 Concerto Competition.  His primary teachers include Edwin Barker and Paul Ellison, and additional studies with Albert Laszlo, Kenneth Harper, Dennis Whittaker, Mark Shapiro, and Harry Lantz.

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

And don’t forget to join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing!

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Thank you to Susan Blackwell for the introduction!  You can find out more about Susan, her fantastic podcast The Spark File, and her work helping creatives of all backgrounds expand their impact by visiting https://www.susanblackwell.com/home.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

078 Finding Your Perfect Teacher: Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier16 Oct 202000:43:22

In this episode I share with you the conversation I had with Trevor Jones on his Podcast, the Scholarship Roadmap!  We cover a lot of ground in this 40-minute conversation including:

  • The importance finding the right teachers for your education.
  • Developing an efficient practicing system and excellent awareness
  • Why practicing slowly isn’t enough
  • A mini Music Mastery Experience lesson
  • Comfort and effectiveness in your performance
  • Reverse Engineering your audition preparation
  • Chunking, mapping, and learning - deep practice model
  •  
  • Spotlight Performing
  • Why finding the right teacher can be tricky.
  • Your relationship with constructive criticism
  • How to be teachable
  • Communicating with your teacher
  • Trust your own work and show them who you are.

I had a great time speaking with Trevor and I hope you find tons of value in our discussion

 

MORE ABOUT TREVOR AND THE SCHOLARSHIP ROADMAP:

 

The Scholarship Roadmap is an online program developed by bassist and educator, Trevor Jones. Trevor is the house bassist at the Marriott Theatre and was the instructor of double bass and bass guitar at Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music from 2012-2020.

Trevor developed The Scholarship Roadmap after a decade of guiding students through the music school preparation process. Student musicians who are pursuing a career in music will benefit from The Scholarship Roadmap. The program will assess the student's needs, align them with the right school and teacher, and focus the student's attention on the fundamentals of the music school preparation process.

"For years I have advocated for my students to attend colleges and universities that best serve their needs. That doesn't mean you need to attend a brand-name school. Many fine institutions will not only serve your musical needs but will pay for you to attend. It is my sincere belief, that a proactive approach can result in a stellar musical education that won't leave you saddled with debt."

 

I'm Trevor Jones, a bassist, and educator based in Chicago. I perform in symphony halls, clubs, and theaters. For the last five years, I have been the house bassist at The Marriott Theatre, where I have played in over 25 productions. I also perform on Broadway in Chicago, most notably as a substitute for the Chicago production of Hamilton. I have toured across the country and released a handful of recordings with my group Molehill. We have been been featured in online publications and the Chicago Tribune.

As an educator, I was the instructor of double bass and bass guitar for eight years at Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music. I also maintain a studio at Midwest Young Artists in Highwood, IL.

For years I have advocated for my students to attend colleges and universities that best serve their needs. That doesn't mean you need to attend a brand-name school. There are many fine institutions that will not only serve your musical needs but will pay for you to attend. It is my sincere belief, that a proactive approach can result in a stellar musical education that won't leave you saddled

 

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

Head over to the Mind Over Finger Resources’ page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday!  Find it here: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing!

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

077 David Cartolano: The Conditioned Musician09 Oct 202000:40:34

In this episode I’m talking health and wellness with David Cartolano, Host of the Conditioned Musician podcast!  David is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist and has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and he’s on a mission to build stronger, more resilient, and more creative musicians.

We cover the things that musicians can do to be healthier, practice better, perform more optimally, and, overall, be more happy, productive, and conditioned musicians!

David has a lot of great advice for us, so sit back, relax, and start thinking about the different ways you can improve your musical life

 

 

MORE ABOUT DAVID:

 

 

More Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes about injury recovery:

058 Stefan Jackiw: Overcoming Injury

044 Sarah Whitney: Thriving Through Injury

 

 

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com and sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

Head over to the Mind Over Finger Resources’ page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday!  Find it here: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe for additional resources on practice and performing!

If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes!  I truly appreciate your support!

 

 

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show’s musical theme!  Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Also a HUGE thank you to my fantastic producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

 

 

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