The Mind Over Finger Podcast

What if practicing more isn't the answer? And what if the key to a great performance isn't playing every note perfectly? In this episode, San Francisco Symphony principal harpist Katherine Siochi shares what she's learned about practicing smarter, performing under pressure, and building a meaningful music career while navigating perfectionism, self doubt, and comparison. We explore: · How to make your practice sessions more focused and effective. · How to prepare for auditions and perform well, even when you're nervous. · Why musical expression can make the difference between a good audition and a winning one. · How to recover from mistakes without getting stuck in self criticism. · How to let go of comparison and define success on your own terms. A conversation full of practical ideas to help you play your best and enjoy the music you're 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE KATHERINE SIOCHI Website: http://www.katherinesiochi.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinesiochi/ 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.

Ever finish practicing with tight shoulders, a sore neck, or the feeling that something just shouldn't be this hard? What if the answer isn't more practice, but a better understanding of how your body moves? In this episode, flutist and Body Mapping educator Jolene Madewell shares how small changes in movement and awareness can make a remarkable difference in your sound, comfort, and confidence. In this conversation, we explore: · How Body Mapping helps you release unnecessary tension and play with less effort. · Why trying to maintain "good posture" might actually be making your playing harder. · How understanding your ribs, shoulders, and breathing can unlock technical passages that have felt impossible. · Simple movement experiments you can try in the practice room to play with greater freedom. · How feeling your feet, widening your awareness, and reconnecting with your body can quiet your mind when performance nerves kick in. If you've been working harder and harder without getting the results you want, this conversation might change the way you approach your instrument. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Music Mastery Experience. Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE GUEST Website: https://www.joleneharju.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joleneflute/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/practiceroomrevelations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JoleneHarjuMadewell 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.

What if the dream job you've worked so hard for isn't the life you actually want? In this candid, funny, and inspiring conversation, internationally acclaimed violinist Anthea Kreston shares the lessons behind her extraordinary career and new memoir, Crescendo: Chronicles of an Adventurous Violinist . From burnout at Curtis to performing with the renowned Artemis Quartet, Anthea reminds us that thriving in music means more than collecting achievements. In this episode, we explore: · Overcoming perfectionism and reconnecting with the joy of making music. · Knowing when to push through challenges and when it's time to change direction. · Setting bold goals and creating a music career that reflects your priorities. · Creative practice strategies that make learning more effective and enjoyable. · Embracing failure, redefining success, and building a fulfilling life on your own terms. A refreshing reminder that you can pursue excellence without losing yourself along the way. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician's Edge Challenge. Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE GUEST Website: https://antheakreston.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antheakreston GRAB HER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3WcVlQZ 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.

You spent weeks, maybe months, preparing for an audition. And then, suddenly, it's over. Whether you won, advanced, or didn't get the result you wanted, there's so much more to take away from the experience than a committee's decision. In this episode, I'm sharing six practical steps to help you learn from every audition and turn that experience into valuable preparation for your next win. In this episode, you'll learn: · What to do immediately after an audition to capture valuable information without overanalyzing. · How to recover emotionally and physically, regardless of the result. · Why acknowledging your effort and progress helps you become a better musician. · How to evaluate your audition objectively and separate facts from assumptions. · How to distinguish preparation problems from difficulties performing under pressure. · How to turn what you've learned into a stronger plan for your next audition. Every audition has something valuable to offer. Let's make sure you get all of it! 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call 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.

What happens when the goals you set no longer fit the life you're actually living? In this first episode of Season 9, we're exploring how to pursue meaningful musical goals while making space for rest, relationships, health, and the things that make you feel fully alive. In this episode: • Reassessing your priorities as your life changes • Creating boundaries around practice and work • Making real space for rest and recovery • Staying process oriented when a project feels overwhelming • Building a schedule that supports both the musician and the human Because the musician will thrive more when the human is thriving. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? 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 your free consultation with Renée HERE Scientific links from the episode: · Goals aligned with personal interests and values Sheldon & Elliot, Goal Striving, Need Satisfaction, and Longitudinal Well-Being: The Self-Concordance Model https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10101878/ · Psychologically disconnecting from work Wendsche & Lohmann-Haislah, A Meta-Analysis on Antecedents and Outcomes of Detachment from Work https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.02072/full · Process, performance, and outcome goals in sport The Performance and Psychological Effects of Goal Setting in Sport: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1750984X.2022.2116723 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.

Ben Ullery, Principal Viola of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, joins me for a thoughtful conversation about curiosity, lifelong learning, and what it takes to keep growing as a musician while performing at the highest level. In this episode, we explore: Why curiosity is one of a musician's greatest assets What happens after you land your dream job The role of visualization in performance Why perfection isn't the goal How to keep growing throughout your musical career If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE GUEST Website: https://benullery.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bullerbot/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@benullery 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.

What if the goal isn't to work harder, but to find the right pace? In this episode, I talk with science writer Elizabeth Svoboda, author of The Art of Pacing , about flow, energy management, recovery, and the habits that help high performers sustain excellence without burning out. You'll hear about: • Why pacing matters more than most people realize • How to create the conditions for flow in practice and performance • What elite performers understand about recovery, resilience, and long term success If you're tired of feeling like your performances don't consistently reflect what you're capable of, let's talk. Whether you're preparing for auditions, navigating performance pressure, rebuilding confidence, or looking for more freedom and consistency on stage, I'd love to help. Book a free discovery call HERE and let's explore what support would serve you best. Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE GUEST Grab the Art of Pacing here: https://amzn.to/4ewVAMa Website: https://elizabethsvoboda.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svobodster/reels/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.a.svoboda 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.

What happens when the audition is closer than you expected and the preparation feels impossible? In this episode, I'm talking about how to handle high pressure performance situations when time is short, nerves are high, and your brain keeps telling you it's not enough. We dive into mindset, performance psychology, nervous system regulation, and the surprising ways urgency can actually work in your favor. In this episode: • Why resisting the situation drains the energy you need to perform • How to stop spiraling and start preparing effectively • What short timelines can teach you about trust, resilience, and performance under pressure 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call 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.

What does it actually take to win a major orchestra audition? In this deeply personal episode, I take you behind the scenes of my winning audition for the Lyric Opera Orchestra at 47 years old. I'm sharing the real preparation process, the mental work, the conditioning, and the mindset shifts that carried me through 90 days of intense preparation and into the audition room. In this episode: • How I prepared mentally, physically, and musically while working full time and raising a family • Why trust under pressure matters more than "feeling confident" • The surprising gap between how a performance feels and how it actually sounds If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and win that next audition, join me inside The Music Mastery Experience. 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call 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.

What if confidence is not the absence of doubt? In this deeply honest conversation, violinist Robert Sanders shares what changed internally as he navigated auditions, pressure, comparison, and eventually won a full time position with the Bruckner Orchestra Linz. This episode is not about becoming fearless. It's about learning how to stop fighting yourself so aggressively underneath the pressure. In this episode: • Why self doubt does not disappear even at a high level • How Robert shifted from battling doubt to "dancing" with it • The surprising mindset shift that changed his audition experience • Why learning to work with yourself changes everything under pressure 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. 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE Robert Sanders Website: www.robertsandersviolin.com 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.

You know that feeling when you walk off stage thinking, "I can play so much better than this"? In this episode, I unpack three powerful patterns I saw during the Musicians Edge Challenge with more than 300 musicians and why so many performers lose access to themselves under pressure even when they've prepared brilliantly. In this episode: • Why your best playing can feel impossible to recreate on demand • What really happens when a different version of you shows up on stage • Why many musicians keep trying to solve the wrong problem If you're ready to close the gap between how you play in the practice room and who you become under pressure, the Music Mastery Experience is open for enrollment now. Inside MME, we work on performance preparation, self trust, mindset, nervous system regulation, and the hidden patterns that shape your performances. Enrollment closes May 20 and we begin June 1. Learn more at mindoverfinger.com/mme Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE 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.

If you've ever stood in the wings before a performance and wondered how you got there — not in a good way — this episode is for you. Marie-Michel Beauparlant is an accomplished cellist, a mom of twins, and one of the most honest guests we've had on the show. She talks about the years she spent hiding behind section playing because solo performing felt impossible, the guilt of chasing an audition with six-month-old twins at home, and what it actually took to go from dreading the spotlight to being, as she puts it herself, a little addicted to it. This is a real conversation about the inner life of a working musician — and it will stay with you. In this episode you will discover: Why perfectionism and stage fright so often go hand in hand and what Marie-Michel did to start untangling them How she went from barely advancing in auditions to winning two orchestra positions and making finals consistently The mindset shift that led her to remove the word failure from her vocabulary entirely How finding a community of musicians facing similar challenges made her feel less alone and normalized the struggles she had been carrying quietly for years The simple question she asks herself before every practice session that keeps her grounded and motivated What winning really looks like when you stop making it only about the outcome Want to experience this kind of transformation in your own musical life? The doors to the Music Mastery Experience open June 1st. Visit mindoverfinger.com/mme to learn more and book your free call today. Spots are limited. Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Clarity Call 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.

You know that feeling when you nail a passage in rehearsal, and then the harder you try to repeat it, the faster it falls apart? In this solo episode, Dr. Renée-Paule reveals why the desire to play well is often the very thing getting in your way. This one hits close to home for any musician who has ever spiraled mid-performance wondering why their preparation suddenly feels like it vanished. · The reason a passage that felt effortless on the first attempt can completely unravel by the third, and why it has nothing to do with your technique. · How monitoring your own performance in real time activates the wrong part of your brain and turns you into a spectator of your own playing. · Why high expectations belong in the practice room and become an obstacle the moment you walk on stage. · A simple 60-second ritual to do right before you perform that shifts your entire relationship with the moment. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician's Edge Challenge. Join the Musician's Edge Challenge HERE 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. 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE 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.

You've prepared the excerpts. You've done the mock auditions. You've done everything right — and something still slips when it matters most. In this episode, Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier gets to the heart of what's actually separating the players who walk off feeling like themselves from the ones who walk off wondering what just happened. The answer isn't what you think — and it's more within your reach than you realize. In this episode: · Why the problem is almost never the excerpts · The difference between preparing your excerpts and preparing yourself · What attentional narrowing does to your musicality under pressure · The one question that begins to change everything Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician's Edge Challenge . Join the Musician's Edge Challenge HERE 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. 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE 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.

You practiced it a thousand times. You knew it cold. And then you walked on stage and something vanished. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Renee breaks down one of the most frustrating and misunderstood experiences in a musician's life: the gap between how you play in the practice room and how you play under pressure. More importantly, she explains exactly why it happens and why practicing more is often not the answer. In this episode: · Why the practice room and the stage are literally different brain states, and what that means for how you prepare · The Yerkes-Dodson law and what it reveals about pressure, performance, and the sweet spot most musicians blow right past · Why cortisol is not your enemy but why it makes you blank on passages you know perfectly well · The concept of context-dependent memory and why your hard-earned skills can feel strangely out of reach the moment the context changes · The question most musicians never ask after a disappointing performance, and why asking the wrong one keeps the gap firmly in place · A simple but powerful reflection to try before your next practice session that begins to close the gap for good Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician's Edge Challenge. Join the Musician's Edge Challenge HERE 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. 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE 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.

What if the thing holding back your performance had nothing to do with how many hours you practice? Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt, clarinetist with "The President's Own" United States Marine Band and fitness coach for musicians, has spent years performing at the highest level without a single performance-related injury. In this conversation, she shares exactly how fitness transforms not just your body, but your sound, your confidence, and your career. In this episode: · Why posture and physical imbalances affect the way you sound · The truth about weightlifting and musicians · How fitness builds endurance, focus, and mental resilience on stage · What a realistic fitness routine looks like for a musician's unpredictable schedule · How competing in a bodybuilding show helped Shannon conquer performance anxiety · One simple thing you can start doing today Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician's Edge Challenge. Join the Musician's Edge Challenge HERE Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE SHANNON KIEWITT Bio: https://www.marineband.marines.mil/About/Members/Article/2605066/gunnery-sgt-shannon-kiewitt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefitclarinetist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@shannonfitwit Work with Shannon: https://www.trainerize.me/profile/getfitwithshannonkiewitt/Shannon.Kiewitt?fbclid=IwAR0nBm45UVE4SSUWHRaaAJVgCYpp4rmNFNkxqqTrGmUe9sd37fOreyP1P5A&utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio 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.

You're putting in the hours. You're showing up. So why does it still feel like nothing is moving? This episode gets right to the heart of that frustration and offers a way out. In this episode: · Why repetition without intention reinforces the problem, not the solution · The real difference between practicing notes and practicing performance · How the inner critic silently derails your practice session · The one thing to write down before you pick up your instrument Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician's Edge Challenge. Join the Musician's Edge Challenge HERE 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.

If you've ever felt your body work against you in a performance, if tension, fear, or a loss of control has crept into your playing and you don't know why, and if you've wondered whether it can actually get better, this episode is for you. Gabriel Radford, Third Horn of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, was diagnosed with focal dystonia at the height of his career. He came back playing better than before, and co-founded the Embouchure Project to help other musicians do the same. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of things musicians rarely hear spoken out loud. What you'll take away: · Why fear can show up long before a playing problem becomes visible, and what that early signal means · What neuroscience tells us about why the body stops cooperating, and how to reverse it · Why rigid practice routines may be working against you · The one daily habit that can rewire your relationship with your instrument · What the Embouchure Project is · And much more! 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. 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE GABRIEL RADFORD AND THE EMBOUCHURE PROJECT Bio: https://www.tso.ca/about/orchestra/members-of-the-orchestra/gabriel-radford Website: https://www.theembouchureproject.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theembouchureproject/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881319796540674/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEmbouchureProject Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6jOd5wjakuvJmZuiaGoKqP 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.

You walk out of a rehearsal replaying every mistake. You sit down to practice and the voice in your head says, it should be better by now. You open Instagram and somehow everyone else seems more confident, more established, further along. This episode is for that moment. Renée shares a short, honest pep talk for musicians navigating doubt and the uncomfortable gap between where they are and where they wish they were. What you'll take away: · Why accepting where you are is not the same as giving up and how that distinction changes everything about how you move forward · The arrival fallacy: why telling yourself "I'll feel better when I reach that level" is a trap that keeps postponing your peace indefinitely · A simple gratitude practice for when doubt shows up mid-practice not as a feel-good exercise, but as a way to literally retrain your brain's attention · How to receive difficult feelings without sinking into them, using the same returning-to-breath logic you already know from practice · Why the doubts will come back even after a good day and why that means nothing is broken · The one question worth asking yourself when your mind starts to spiral: what will I do with this next precious minute? 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. 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE 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.

Concertmaster Juliana Athayde shares the mindset shifts and life choices that shaped her career, from betting on herself early on to leading an orchestra and building a full life beyond the practice room. In this conversation, we explore: • The leap of faith that led her to turn down a dream job and invest in herself • What great orchestral leadership actually looks like beyond playing well • Why "perfect or disaster" thinking traps so many musicians • The powerful idea that performance needs no rear view mirror • How audition panels are often rooting for you more than you think • The difference between practicing mindfully and "punching the time card" in the practice room • Why recording yourself and actually listening can transform your progress • How motherhood reshaped her priorities, practice efficiency, and perspective • Why a richer life outside music ultimately deepens your artistry • The simple but powerful question that can change everything: What if things went right? A thoughtful conversation about leadership, performance, growth, and choosing the bigger life in music. 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. 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE JULIANA ATHAYDE Eastman: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/directory/athayde-juliana/ Chamber Music Rochester: https://www.chambermusicrochester.org/artistic-directors 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.