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273 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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271 Practice Smarter, Perform Freer, Play Your Best: Katherine Siochi on audition success, managing perfectionism, and making music under pressure.
30 oktober 2026 · 56 min
What if practicing more isn't the answer? And what if the key to a great performance isn't playing every note perfectly? Lees meer
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 Lak…
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270 Play Better With Less Effort: Jolene Madewell on Body Mapping, Releasing Tension, and Finding Freedom in Your Playing
23 oktober 2026 · 53 min
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. Lees meer
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.…
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269 Chronicles of an Adventurous Violinist: Anthea Kreston on Building a Thriving Life and Music Career on Your Own Terms
16 oktober 2026 · 58 min
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. Lees meer
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.in…
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268 The Audition Is Over. Now What? 6 Steps to Turn Every Audition into Your Next Advantage
12 oktober 2026 · 41 min
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. Lees meer
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 Jeff…
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267 Make Space for What Matters: How to pursue your musical goals while creating space for a life you love
2 oktober 2026 · 32 min
What happens when the goals you set no longer fit the life you're actually living? Lees meer
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 humanBecause 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.2022.2116723Download 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.fac…
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266 The Long Game of Musical Growth - Ben Ullery on Curiosity, Learning, and Performing at the Highest Level
17 juli 2026 · 50 min
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. Lees meer
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.
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265 The Art of Pacing - Elizabeth Svoboda on Flow, Recovery, and Sustainable Excellence
19 juni 2026 · 54 min
What if the goal isn't to work harder, but to find the right pace? Lees meer
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.
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264 You Don't Need More Time - How To Perform Under Pressure When Preparation Feels Impossible
22 mei 2026 · 18 min
What happens when the audition is closer than you expected and the preparation feels impossible? Lees meer
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.
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263 What Winning The Audition Actually Took - My 90 Days of Preparation, Performance Training, And Building Trust Under Pressure
15 mei 2026 · 46 min
What does it actually take to win a major orchestra audition? Lees meer
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.
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262 From Battling Doubt To Dancing With It -How Robert Sanders Learned To Trust Himself Under Pressure
9 mei 2026 · 1 uur
What if confidence is not the absence of doubt? Lees meer
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 O…
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261 You Can Play Better Than This - Why You Don't Sound Like Yourself Under Pressure
8 mei 2026 · 21 min
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. Lees meer
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.
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260 The Journey to Winning — How Marie-Michel Beauparlant Reclaimed Her Confidence and Her Career
1 mei 2026 · 57 min
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. Lees meer
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.…
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259 Why Trying Harder Makes It Worse - The Hidden Cognitive Habit That's Sabotaging Your Best Work
23 april 2026 · 17 min
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. Lees meer
· 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…
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258 The Audition You've Been Capable of All Along - The Missing Piece Most Audition Prep Completely Skips
17 april 2026 · 23 min
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. Lees meer
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/mi…
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257 The Practice Room Lie: Why Pressure Hijacks Your Performance, and What to Do About It
10 april 2026 · 22 min
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. Lees meer
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 …
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256 Strong Body, Fearless Stage - Shannon Kiewitt on How Movement Builds the Confidence to Perform at Your Best
4 april 2026 · 59 min
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. Lees meer
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.
…
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255 Working Hard and Going Nowhere? How to break the cycle that's keeping you stuck.
27 maart 2026 · 17 min
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. Lees meer
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.
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254 Finding Your Way Back to Playing - Gabriel Radford on rebuilding after fear, injury, and loss of control
20 maart 2026 · 58 min
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. Lees meer
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: ht…
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253 Your Pep Talk for When Things Feel Heavy - A reminder for musicians navigating comparison, doubt, and the ups and downs of growth
13 maart 2026 · 22 min
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. Lees meer
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 f…
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252 Learning to Trust Yourself as a Musician: Juliana Athayde on betting on yourself, leading with humanity, and performing without fear.
6 maart 2026 · 57 min
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. Lees meer
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 consu…
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251 Your Heart Is Racing. Now What? The "Yes, And" trick that turns nerves into focus
26 februari 2026 · 13 min
When your heart is racing and your brain starts whispering "don't mess this up," it's easy to think the goal is to shut the thoughts down. But that fight is often the thing that turns normal pre performance activation into full anxiety. In this short episode, I borrow the first rule of improv, "Yes, and," and show you how to use it as a musician. Not to become fearless, but to stay in the music even when doubt is in the room. Lees meer
In this episode, you'll hear:
· The difference between normal activation and anxiety, and how the "second layer" of thoughts creates the spiral
· Why denial and forcing yourself to "stop thinking" usually backfire right before performance
· How to use "Yes, and" as validation, so your nervous system feels supported instead of bullied
· Real scripts for the moments musicians actually struggle with, feeling behind in practice, tight in the warmup room, or rattled by a mistake on stage
· A one minute breath reset you can do anywhere, 4 count inhale, 6 count exhale, paired with "Yes" and "And"
· A simple challenge for today, catch one scary thought, validate it, and keep going
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 downl…
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250 Yoga for All Musicians: Brianne Borden and Claire Howard on nervous system care, the power of community, and a more humane way to make music
20 februari 2026 · 59 min
When the world feels heavy and your body is bracing, it is weirdly easy to start treating music like it has to justify itself. You practice anyway. You show up anyway. But inside, you are carrying pressure, tension, and that quiet question most musicians do not say out loud: how do I keep doing this without burning out or breaking down? Lees meer
In Episode 250, I sit down with Dr. Brianne Borden and Claire Howard, co-owners of Yoga for All Musicians, for a conversation that is equal parts grounding, honest, and immediately useful.
· Why "just focus on the music" is not always possible, and what to do when the world follows you into the practice room
· The simple check in skill most musicians never learn, and why it changes everything from practice choices to injury prevention
· How classical music culture trains disconnection, and what trauma informed teaching and cueing can actually feel like
· A reframing of expectations that sounds small, but hits hard once you try it in real life
· A short centering plus neck and shoulder reset you can do before you play, especially if you live in jaw and shoulder tension
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
Yoga for All Musicians
· Website: https://www.yogaforallmusicians.com/
· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogaforallmusicians/
· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YogaforAllMusicians
· Their podcast on Spotify: htt…
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249 You're Not Behind. You're Overloaded. How Unrealistic Expectations Hijack Your Brain and What to Do Instead
13 februari 2026 · 37 min
In this episode, we unpack how unrealistic expectations quietly overload your brain, tighten your body, and slow your progress. And more importantly, how to reset them so they actually work for you. Lees meer
You'll learn:
• Why high standards are not the problem but misaligned expectations are
• How pressure and perfectionism interfere with learning
• A simple expectation audit you can use before practice or performance
• How to shift from "I should" to "What can I do today?"
• A powerful on stage reframe that turns anxiety into expressionIf you've been pushing hard but not feeling better, this one will help you breathe, refocus, and move forward with clarity.
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, tr…
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248 Bill Denton: Forget the Timeline - The Path Is Yours to Build - What Every Musician Needs to Hear About Age, Timing, and the Long Game
6 februari 2026 · 50 min
What if your path takes longer than you thought it would?
What if you don't win the job straight out of school. Or even straight out of your twenties?
And what if that's not failure, but just a different kind of success? Lees meerIn this episode, I sit down with Bill Denton, Principal Trumpet of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, to talk about what it really means to stay in the game. Bill won his job at 50. Before that? He taught high school band, drove to gigs, kept showing up, and stayed connected to his playing through real life, not a perfect timeline.
This conversation is for anyone who's ever wondered:
· Am I too late?
· Is it still worth it?
· What if my career doesn't look like theirs?
Tune in to hear what long-term commitment really looks like, how to stay ready without burning out, and why your timeline doesn't have to match anyone else's.
Whether you're navigating auditions, comparison, or just the quiet pressure of being "on time," this one's for you.
Find out more information about Bill on his website: https://dentonliumusicacademy.com/bios/
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.
Con…
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247 Tired of Forcing Yourself to Practice? The Mental Reset That Gets You Back Into Practice Gently
1 februari 2026 · 19 min
When practicing feels impossible, it's not because you're lazy or undisciplined. In this episode, I walk you through the simple mindset shifts and practical strategies that help you stop pushing and start showing up with more ease, clarity, and self-respect. Lees meer
You'll learn:
· Why waiting for motivation doesn't work
· A five-step mental reset to ease into practice
· How to reduce friction and make your routine feel lighter
· A quick trick to spark momentum on low-energy days
· How to leave a session feeling proud—even when it wasn't perfect
If you've been feeling stuck or resistant, this episode will help you reconnect with your purpose and make practicing feel more doable again.
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, …
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246 Brad Stulberg: The Way of Excellence - The Secret to What It Really Takes to Thrive
23 januari 2026 · 54 min
What does it really take to grow as an artist without burning out? Lees meer
In this powerful conversation, I'm joined by bestselling author and performance expert Brad Stulberg to explore what excellence actually means, and how we can pursue it in a way that feels deeply fulfilling, not exhausting.
Brad's new book, The Way of Excellence, offers a grounded and practical roadmap for anyone looking to sustain high-level work over time. Whether you're navigating auditions, refining your craft, or questioning how to stay connected to music in a chaotic world, this episode is for you.
You'll learn how to:
· Redefine excellence as a process of becoming, not a fixed destination
· Align your ambition with your core values for a stronger sense of purpose
· Balance self-discipline with self-kindness, especially when motivation is low
· Use the "brave new world" mindset to face fear and uncertainty
· Build emotional resilience so you can keep showing up when it counts
· Stay consistent without getting stuck in hustle or burnout
· Create progress that's sustainable, satisfying, and deeply your own
This episode is a must-listen for musicians who want to stay inspired, grounded, and intentional in the way they grow. Brad brings wisdom from elite performers across fields — and his insights will help you rethink what excellence can look like in your own musical life.
Tune in and take away practical tools to support your artistry, your mindset, and your well-being.
Grab The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World 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…
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245 Long-Term Growth vs. Short-Term Pressure: Why Trying to Master Everything Is Slowing You Down and How to Fix It
16 januari 2026 · 30 min
Are you juggling big technique goals and an upcoming performance? Struggling to fix your vibrato while also cramming notes for an audition? You're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong. Lees meer
In this episode, we unpack why chasing long-term mastery and short-term perfection at the same time can leave you overwhelmed, stuck, and second-guessing everything.
You'll learn:
· How to separate growth work from prep work without sacrificing either
· Why perfectionism in your "big goal" might be sabotaging your current deadline
· A smarter way to structure your practice when everything feels important
· One essential mindset shift to help you stay grounded and actually make progress
This is for you if you've ever felt like no matter how hard you work, you're not getting better fast enough, or worse, like you're falling behind.
Let's fix that.
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 y…
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244 One Sentence to Change Your Year: How to turn resistance into real momentum
2 januari 2026 · 10 min
If you've ever had one of those days where you know what you should do, but everything in you wants to procrastinate, avoid, or zone out... this episode is for you. Lees meer
I'm sharing one of my favorite mindset tools: a simple sentence structure you can use when motivation is low, when self-doubt is loud, or when you just feel stuck. It's a trick I return to again and again to get myself into action and back into alignment with who I want to become.
Inside, you'll hear exactly how it works, why it helps you make progress without needing a massive pep talk, and how to use it right away in your practice, performance prep, or daily habits.
This might be the shift that changes everything. Tune in and try it for yourself.
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 – …
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243 You're Closer Than You Think: The Mindset Shift That Will Move the Needle
29 december 2025 · 14 min
In this solo episode, Dr. Gauthier breaks down a powerful mindset shift that can transform your musical growth and career. Lees meer
If you're tired of working harder and still feeling stuck, this is the episode for you.
🎯 In this episode, you'll learn:
· Why the "do, have, be" model keeps musicians burned out and unfulfilled
· What the "be, do, have" approach looks like in real practice
· How your identity is the hidden lever that drives lasting results
· Why showing up as your future self leads to more confidence and consistency
· What to do when you're tempted to fall back into old patterns
· The research behind identity-based motivation and how to use it
· A simple prompt to shift your mindset today and take meaningful action
· Why your next breakthrough starts now, not later
🎁 Plus: There's a free worksheet that walks you through this process step by step. DOWNLOAD 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/mindoverfin…
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242 Tim Higgins: The Long Game Every Musician Needs to Play - Winning the Job, Finding Your Sound, and Staying Inspired
19 december 2025 · 55 min
In this inspiring backstage pass conversation, Tim Higgins, principal trombone of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed composer, arranger, and educator, shares the real work behind long-term success in music. Whether you're preparing for auditions or building artistic depth in your playing, this episode offers mindset shifts and practical tools you can apply today. Lees meer
In this episode, you'll learn:
· What Tim believes is at the core of audition success and how to train it with consistency
· How to build and refine your sound concept over time
· The surprising mindset that keeps him inspired after years in the job
· Why technique is only part of the equation and how to think like an artist
· How he navigates vulnerability, identity, and self-worth in a high-pressure career
· The one thing he'd tell any musician working toward a big goal this year
· Why long-term growth is not just possible, but powerful
Whether you're chasing a job, deepening your artistry, or trying to stay motivated in the middle of it all this is a conversation you'll want to revisit.
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…
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241 Beyond the Practice Room: What Four Top Experts Want You to Know About Performance
17 november 2025 · 1 uur 32 min
In this special episode, recorded live at New World Symphony's Wellness Week, four leading voices in musician wellness come together to share powerful strategies for navigating the mental, physical, and emotional demands of a music career. Lees meer
You'll learn:
· How to recover from a tough performance without spiraling into shame or self-doubt
· The mindset shift that separates your identity from your results
· Why your body holds the key to emotional regulation and performance ease
· How to build self-trust by understanding your nervous system
· Tools to manage your inner critic and perfectionist tendencies
· Practical ways to bring more awareness and intention into your practice
· Why real growth requires both mental flexibility and physical freedom
· How collaborative wellness approaches are changing the future of classical music
Featuring insights from:
· Dr. Noa Kageyama – Performance psychologist, Juilliard faculty, and creator of The Bulletproof Musician - https://bulletproofmusician.com/
· Lori Schiff – Master Alexander Technique teacher and long-time Juilliard faculty member - https://www.lorischiff.com/
· Dr. Coree Levy – Performance medicine and recovery expert working with elite musicians and athletes - https://www.drcoreelevy.com/
· Renée-Paule Gauthier – Violinist, performance coach, and host of the Mind Over Finger Podcast - https://www.mindoverfinger.com/
This conversation is packed with tools and insights you can start using right away to show up with more freedom, confidence, and clarity in your musical life.
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, a…
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240 You're Not Unmotivated, You're Believing the Wrong Thing: How to Reclaim Your Focus, Confidence, and Momentum
5 november 2025 · 35 min
In this episode, you'll learn: Lees meer
Why your current beliefs—not your ability—might be the real reason behind lack of motivation or progress
How to spot the subtle thoughts that quietly shape your practice habits and performance results
A powerful mindset shift that helps musicians move from self-doubt to self-trust
The truth about where limiting beliefs come from—and how to start letting them go
The difference between repeating affirmations and actually practicing belief
How to use "bridge thoughts" to shift your mindset when a positive belief still feels out of reach
A step-by-step exercise to anchor your new identity as a focused, confident performer
Why sometimes you have to "be before you believe"—and how to start doing that today
If you've been feeling stuck, distracted, or not quite like yourself in the practice room, this episode will help you uncover what's really going on—and give you the tools to shift 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.
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/mindove…
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239 Randall Goosby: Play With Purpose - Expression, Identity, and Musical Impact
17 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 4 min
In this inspiring conversation, violinist Randall Goosby shares how he balances technical mastery with deep artistic purpose. He offers insight into the mindset, values, and strategies that have shaped his unique approach to music-making—and how you can bring more meaning into your own playing. Lees meer
In this episode, you'll hear about:
· The shift from performance perfection to performance purpose
· How Randall connects with his "why" to stay grounded and inspired
· Lessons learned from studying with Itzhak Perlman about authenticity and expression
· The importance of honoring underrepresented voices in classical music
· How to cultivate intention in the practice room—even on difficult days
· Strategies for building connection with audiences beyond the stage
· Why vulnerability is essential to making music that matters
Whether you're refining your technique or rediscovering your voice as an artist, this episode offers thoughtful takeaways to help you grow with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
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.
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
Download the transcript from this episode HERE
MORE ABOUT RANDALL GOOSBY
Website: https://randallgoosby.com/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RandallGoosbyViolin
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmgviolin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgooz/
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 ww…
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238 Calm Under Pressure – The 3-Pillar Strategy to Beat Performance Anxiety and Play Your Best
14 augustus 2025 · 30 min
Learn a clear, actionable framework to help you manage performance anxiety and play with confidence. Lees meer
· The 3 pillars: preparation, conditioning, and mind management
· Why traditional advice doesn't work
· How to train your nervous system to support you
· What to include in your practice for real performance readiness
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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237 Shift Your Results - The Simple Tool That Transforms Your Practice and Performance
7 augustus 2025 · 23 min
Discover how to use the Self-Coaching Model to better understand your mindset, manage your emotions, and create lasting progress in your music. Lees meer
· Why mindset shapes your practice results
· How to break the cycle of overwhelm and procrastination
· The link between thoughts, feelings, actions, and outcomes
· A clear tool to move from stuck to focused
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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236 Master Your Mind – The Framework Musicians Need to Break Through
6 augustus 2025 · 22 min
In this episode, you'll learn a simple and powerful mindset tool that helps you understand and shift the thoughts, feelings, and actions that shape your musical results. Lees meer
· The five-part Self-Coaching Model explained
· Why your thoughts, not circumstances, drive your outcomes
· How to build awareness and take intentional action
· A clear method to create calm, clarity, and confidence
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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235 Sustainable Progress – 5 Practice Shifts That Prevent Burnout and Boost Results
31 juli 2025 · 20 min
This episode explores five mindset and strategy shifts that help you stay energized, focused, and motivated in your musical journey. Lees meer
· How overcommitting drains progress
· Turning comparison into clarity
· Why trying to impress holds you back
· The value of giving yourself more prep time
· Simple ways to bring joy back into your practice
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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234 Clear the Block – 5 Mistakes That Derail Even Smart Musicians
28 juli 2025 · 21 min
This episode explores five common practice pitfalls that can quietly sabotage your progress — and how to overcome them with clarity and confidence. Lees meer
· Why self-awareness is key to real growth
· How to set a plan that aligns with your goals
· The role of time management in building momentum
· When learning becomes avoidance
· How to build self-trust and stay focused
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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233 From Bully to Ally - Transform Your Inner Critic Into Your Strongest Tool in Practice and Performance
25 juli 2025 · 12 min
This episode explores how harsh self-talk holds you back and how practicing self-compassion can unlock real progress. Lees meer
· Why judgment creates tension and slows learning
· The difference between helpful assessment and harmful self-criticism
· Simple mindset shifts to quiet your inner critic
· How to stay focused, clear, and motivated in the practice room
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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232 Grounded Practice – The Practice Strategy That Accelerates Real Growth Reset & Rise Series #4
23 juli 2025 · 15 min
In this episode, we explore the overlooked superpower of patience and how slowing down can actually speed up your progress. Lees meer
· Learn how urgency can sabotage your practice
· Discover the mindset that turns frustration into focus
· Build stronger, more reliable skills under pressure
· Use grounded practice to boost clarity, consistency, and confidence
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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231 Practicing Isn't Working? – What You're Missing and How to Fix It
16 juli 2025 · 15 min
In this episode, we explore the concept of "Mind Over Finger" — aligning your mind before taking physical action. Lees meer
· Discover how mental, emotional, and intellectual alignment boosts progress
· Learn how myelination impacts your practice outcomes
· Replace mindless repetition with intentional, effective strategies
· Apply the deep practice model with awareness and curiosity
· Shift from "wishful practicing" to purposeful, data-driven improvement
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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230 Stuck in Practice? How Joy Unlocks Focus, Progress, and Consistency - Reset & Rise Series #2
8 juli 2025 · 40 min
In this episode, I share powerful takeaways from 13 renowned performers and educators, including Rachel Barton Pine, Tom Hooten, Kim Kashkashian, Vijay Gupta, and Elizabeth Rowe. Lees meer
Discover how world-class musicians use joy, curiosity, and presence to stay focused, avoid burnout, and make meaningful progress. You'll walk away with practical tips and mindset shifts you can apply to your own practice today.
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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229 Joy-Driven Practice – Reignite Your Practice with Curiosity, Calm, and Creativity - Your Reset & Rise Series #1
1 juli 2025 · 26 min
This episode kicks off the Reset and Rise summer transformation series with the Joyful Practice Challenge. You'll explore simple prompts designed to help you reconnect with presence, boost effectiveness, and bring more curiosity, calm, and creativity into your practice. If your playing has felt heavy or disconnected, this is the reset you've been looking for. Lees meer
If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.
Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE
Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.
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228 Not Ready Yet? What Musicians Miss When They Wait to Leap
27 mei 2025 · 20 min
In this episode, we explore one of the biggest mindset blocks musicians face: the belief that you're not ready. I break down why waiting for readiness keeps you stuck and how taking action before you feel 100% prepared is often the key to growth. Lees meer
You'll learn:
· Why "I'm not ready" is usually fear in disguise
· What it really looks like to take action before you feel prepared
· How top musicians move forward despite uncertainty
· Simple mindset shifts that lead to clarity, confidence, and momentum
The Music Mastery Experience is now open for enrollment. If you're tired of waiting and ready to grow with structure, support, and strategy, head to mindoverfinger.com and book your free discovery call.
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.
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227 Hijacked by Fear – What to Do When Your Mind Turns Against You On Stage
22 mei 2025 · 22 min
In this episode, we explore why overthinking and fear take over in performance, even when you're fully prepared. You'll learn what's really happening in your brain under pressure, why trying to fight fear often makes it worse, and what you can do to build trust in yourself again. Lees meer
If you've ever felt like your own mind is your biggest obstacle on stage, this episode is for you.
And if if you're tired of second-guessing yourself and ready to start performing with confidence and calm, join us inside the Music Mastery Experience.
MME is a full year of high-level coaching, structure, and support to help you retrain your performance response, build real trust in your preparation, and show up consistently, no matter the pressure.
The next cohort begins June 1. Spots are limited.
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.
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226 Stuck or Soaring? What Musicians Gain When They Bet on Themselves
19 mei 2025 · 18 min
In this episode, I explore one of the most important (and most avoided) questions musicians face: Is investing in yourself really worth it? Lees meer
You'll hear:
How to tell the difference between an expense and an investment
The hidden cost of staying stuck
Why self-investment often leads to faster, deeper growth
Real stories from clients who hesitated and what changed when they said yes
The mindset shift that helps musicians build lasting progress
If you've been feeling like you're doing everything you can but still not moving forward, this episode offers a fresh perspective and a path toward momentum.
Enrollment is now open for The Music Mastery Experience, my signature yearlong coaching program. If this episode resonated with you, MME is designed to give you the exact support, structure, and strategy to stop spinning your wheels and start growing with clarity and confidence. Learn more and apply at www.mindoverfinger.com/mme25.
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.
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225 Beyond the Notes – Nikki Chooi on Musicality, Adaptability, and Artistic Growth
16 mei 2025 · 45 min
In this episode, violinist Nikki Chooi shares how he rebuilt trust in his playing after formal training, refined his approach to practicing, and found balance between precision and expression in performance. Lees meer
We talk about:
How to blend slow and fast practice effectively
The role of "adversity training" in audition preparation
Practicing musicality with intention
What changes when you stop chasing perfection and start trusting your process
Why adaptability and balance are essential to long-term growth
If you're in a season of transition or looking to reconnect with your artistry, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.
The Music Mastery Experience is where we take ideas like these and turn them into transformation. It's a full year of coaching, structure, and deep support designed to help you perform with clarity, confidence, and joy. If this episode speaks to you, I invite you to apply today at mindoverfinger.com/mme25.
JOIN THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE HERE
Download the transcript from this episode HERE
MORE ABOUT NIKKI CHOOI
Website: https://www.nikkichooi.com/
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikkichooi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkichooi89/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkichooi/
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…
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224 Stage Freeze – Why Everything You Know Disappears Under Pressure
9 mei 2025 · 26 min
You've practiced the techniques. You've done the mindset work. But when it's time to perform, everything seems to disappear. Lees meer
In this episode, I explore why musicians often struggle to access what they know under pressure and what to do about it. You'll learn:
Why your tools vanish in performance, even when you know they work
How over-focusing on control can disconnect you from the music
The real difference between skill prep and pressure prep
One small, practical shift to help you reconnect with your strengths on stage
If you're done guessing, spinning your wheels, or second-guessing your ability on stage, I'd love to support you.
The Music Mastery Experience is where we turn these insights into lasting transformation. It's a full year of high-level coaching, structure, and community designed to help you go from inconsistent and overwhelmed to grounded, prepared, and confident every time you play. If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to apply today at mindoverfinger.com/mme25.
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.
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223 Unlock Your Edge – Discover the Reflection Practice That Transforms How You Perform
9 mei 2025 · 25 min
If you've ever felt stuck, even though you know what to do, this episode is for you. Lees meer
I'm sharing the five key prompts from The Musician's Edge Challenge that have helped hundreds of musicians gain clarity, uncover what's holding them back, and perform with more confidence.
In this episode, you'll explore:
A moment when your playing felt effortless and what it reveals about your potential
A strength you've been underestimating and how to lead with it
The real challenge that keeps showing up under pressure
A pattern that's been running in the background and how to change it
A simple blueprint for building the musician you want to be
If you're ready to perform with more trust, freedom, and intention, start here.
Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? The Music Mastery Experience is now open for enrollment through May 30. This is your opportunity to stop spinning your wheels and start building a practice and performance system that actually works.
Apply now at mindoverfinger.com - I'd love to see your name come through.
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.
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222 When Practice Isn't Fun Anymore - What to Do When Music Stops Feeling Inspiring
18 april 2025 · 21 min
In this episode, I share a personal story about preparing for a major event—and struggling to find joy in the process. Lees meer
We explore:
Why it's normal to feel disconnected from familiar repertoire
How to stay motivated when the spark is gone
A mindset shift to help you keep showing up
Practical tools to bring freshness back into your practice
How reconnecting to your purpose can carry you through challenging times
If you're ready to build consistency, confidence, and performance readiness without the overwhelm, The Music Mastery Experience is for you.
Inside this small group coaching program, I help committed musicians grow through intentional, inspired practice so they can reach their next level with clarity, ease, and joy.
The next cohort is starting soon and spots are limited, so now is the time to take the next step.
Visit mindoverfinger.com to apply and learn more. Let's get you the structure, support, and strategies you need to thrive, on stage and beyond.
Apply to join the new cohort of the Music Mastery Experience HERE
Download the transcript from this episode HERE
Grab your Joyful Practice Guide 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/