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273 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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022 David Eby: How Meditation & Consciousness Can Lead to Greater Performance
1 maart 2019 · 54 min
In this episode, I'm really excited to speak with cellist David Eby and to dive deeper with him in a topic that we've only mentioned a few times on the show so far and that I feel is so important and can be extremely powerful in our experience as musicians! I'm talking about pure mindfulness! Lees meer
We discuss the positive effects meditation and consciousness tools can have on our practice and performance. Among many things, you will hear about the importance of adopting unprejudiced mindsets, how you can bring more flow and joy in your playing, develop and effective automatic response mode when facing challenges in performance, and create inspired connection in your playing by accessing a higher consciousness using David's 4-step process.
We expand on:
Mindfulness and consciousness in our practice - how to use these powerful tools
How he got to experience that state of oneness with music in his youth
The transition to college and how difficult it was to keep that magic state of being while negotiating the demands and pressures of university
How harsh judgment of self and others influenced him and eventually led him to a crisis
The pivotal moment that led him to pursue meditation and how it changed his life and brought him back to experience pure joy and love of music again
How he studied and explored different consciousness techniques and started incorporating them in concerts, reaching a state of flow in his performance
How meditation and consciousness can help us reconnect with the joy and bliss in performance (and, as a result, improve our results)
Different methods of meditation
How training the mind to return to the breath in meditation is training our brain to focus
The automatic response mode that can help us overcome challenges in performance
Hush/Heart/Lift/Flow Technique for more inspired connection in performance:
o Hush: create dynamic stillness (inner and outer silence) to better hear and feel subtleties of music
o Heart: deepen intuitive perc…
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021 Dr. Immanuel Abraham: How Determination & Dedicated Work Lead to Success
22 februari 2019 · 1 uur 26 min
In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Dr. Immanuel Abraham. Immanuel talks to us about his path to a professional career, all things mindful and efficient practice, and the importance of learning to compose in enhancing your performance on your instrument! Lees meer
Immanuel has a wonderful approach to practicing and music-making and I hope you enjoy his story and find yourself inspired by his dedication and determination!
ALL ABOUT guest:
Website: https://www.immanuelabraham.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theviolindoctor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheViolinDoctor/
The Violin Guild: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheViolinGuild/
YouTube channels: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCddZDSbY6_Y4cIa-nMsY2oA
Biography
American violinist and composer, Dr. Immanuel Abraham, graduated Summa Cum Laude from both the University of Michigan (MM, 2015) and University of Arizona (DMA, 2018) with degrees in Violin Performance. He has earned numerous awards, recognitions, and is a sought-after composer. His most recent commissions have included complete scores for theatrical works, string quartets, and "The Abraham 24 Caprices for Solo Violin", which have premiered in 3 countries.
Dr. Abraham has performed in 7 countries, been featured on CBS Detroit, Buzzfeed, and Fiddlerman's exclusive blog series "Music Is For Everyone." His Instagram @TheViolinDoctor engages 20K followers.
Dr. Abraham began music studies at in 2004 under Chicago Civic Orchestra Concertmaster, Guillaume Combet. Only months later, he auditioned into the Merit School of Music Conservatory. In the next three years he placed 2nd in the institution's Annual Concerto Competition and became Concertmaster of the Merit Symphony Orchestra.
Simultaneously, he served as asst. concertmaster in the Chicago Youth Symphony (including the 2008 CYMI under Maestro Gustavo Dudamel) and was Concertmaster of the Blue Lake International Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Graduating with highest honors, …
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020 David Jalbert: Learning, Memorizing, & Finding Your Authentic Artistic Voice
15 februari 2019 · 1 uur 23 min
Today, I'm really excited to have Canadian pianist David Jalbert on the show! David is an extraordinary person, a brilliant artist, and a very dear friend! We have a great conversation and cover many topics, from finding yourself as an artist, to the importance of confidence in our progress, and how to learn and memorize music. Lees meer
David is incredible (and hilarious!) and I know you will really enjoy his approach to all things music and find tons of value in this episode!
In this episode, David talks about:
His musical journey, from a small town in the province of Quebec studying at the Conservatoire, the University of Montreal, the Toronto Royal Conservatory in Toronto, and Juilliard, leading to his professional career
The wonderful musical program he took part in at the Conservatoire de Musique du Quebec
The Canadian Music Competition and how competitions were a source of motivation for him
How his curiosity and the fact that he "thrived on the forbidden" really helped him develop his technical skills
How having many teachers taught him so much, but left him somewhat confused
How he found himself back
His learning process and how he realized that he could learn faster
The importance of confidence in the learning process
Memorizing music
The importance of being organized
How being interested in expanding our cultural horizon can positively affect our growth as an artist and give us "a leg up"
En français, nous discutons de :
Son parcours musical, des débuts à aujourd'hui, en touchant à ses moments au Conservatoire de Musique de Rimouski, ses expériences au Concours de Musique du Canada, et ses études à l'Université de Montréal, la Glenn Gould School, et à Juilliard
La motivation et l'inspiration qu'il a retiré de sa participation au Concours de Musique du Canada
L'approche de la technique de Marc Durand qui a eu une grande influence dans sa vie
Sa période à la Glenn Gould School et l'impact d'étudier avec plusieurs professeurs
Son expérience avec Jé…
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019 Amy Beth Horman: Success Mindsets & Practicing Habits
8 februari 2019 · 1 uur 10 min
In this episode, Amy Beth Horman discusses guiding young musicians toward a professional career and, more specifically, the mindsets and practicing habits she thinks they should acquire in order to reach their goals. Amy Beth has wonderful wisdom on the dispositions that can make a huge impact on the progress of young (and less young!) musicians and you will find this chat highly valuable! Lees meer
Amy Beth elaborates on:
Her journey from a budding violinist to an accomplished violinist and teacher and how it comes full circle with her nurturing her own daughter through her own musical endeavors
Beyond the Triangle – why she created the podcast and how she hopes it can help parents negotiate the demands and struggles of raising a young artist
The mindsets and habits that help rapid progress:
o The importance of growth mindset
o Healthy commitment to the fundamental work
o How to efficiently spread work over time and keep track to make sure we cover everything
o How using etudes as exercises can help fix specific issues in repertoire
How important our disposition is in our development and how prioritizing this can really positively affect progress and enjoyment of music making
Spaced repetition technique and how extremely effective it can be when established
What she noticed about Ava's development and how we can apply it to our own practice
The importance of performing a lot, seek out opportunities, in order to learn and get comfortable with performing
How to use a timer in our practice
The importance of grit
ALL ABOUT guest:
On Instagram (avaluwho): https://www.instagram.com/avaluwho/
Articles on violinist.com: https://www.violinist.com/directory/bio.cfm?member=hormanviolinstudio
Beyond the Triangle:
On iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-triangle-podcast/id1435435674?mt=2
On Podbean: https://beyondthetriangle.podbean.com/
A few YouTube performances:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbN78MIe6RQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgjA-4…
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018 Anthony McGill: Focus & Efficiency in Practice & Performance
1 februari 2019 · 53 min
In this episode, I chat with with Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist with the NY Philharmonic. Lees meer
We have a great conversation about attention and presence, in both practice and performance. Among other things, we discuss his journey to the NY Phil, the importance of absolutely loving music in choosing it as a career, how to nurture focus and make practice more efficient, and how to work towards having more flow in performance.
Anthony elaborates on:
His musical path, from the Southside of Chicago to the NY Phil
The various institutions he attended – the Merit School, the Interlochen Academy, and the Curtis Institute
How important the community that surrounds us is as we develop as musicians/artists/people
How to nurture focus:
The importance of how loving what you do is in fostering focus
The quote that really articulated that concept for him
How focus starts from figuring out if you truly love what you do
Cultivating quality presence, awareness, and curiosity in the practice room are the keys to solid focus
How to make practice efficient
How he primes and prepares for a practice session
How wanting to practice, having a plan, being aware, and being methodical are at the core of a good practice session
How he "tricks" himself to practice (which is similar to the trick I talk about in this blog entry: https://www.mindoverfinger.com/blog/commit-to-ten)
How listening to music is important
Focus in performance:
How to work towards flow and overcome mistakes
How important it is to develop our public speaking and self-marketing skills
Why we should develop an interest in a hobby outside of music
MORE ABOUT ANTHONY:
Website: http://www.anthonymcgill.com/
Find some YouTube videos about Anthony HERE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgillclarinet/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mcgillab/
Biography
Clarinetist Anthony McGill is one of classical music's most recognizable and brilliantly multifaceted figures. He serves as the principal clarin…
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017 Nick Platoff: Winning the Audition - Before, During, & After
25 januari 2019 · 1 uur 22 min
In this episode, I speak to Nick Plattoff, Associate Principal Trombone of the San Francisco Symphony since 2016. He and I talk about the audition process and how he went about to prepare for his SFS audition, how audition day was like, and how he prepared to step in to his new life as a professional musician in one of America's top orchestras. Lees meer
We cover:
His path, growing up with parents that fostered a culturally rich environment for their children
Why he says music is a form of love
How he came to choose the trombone and what was his motivation to keep playing
The influence on summer camp in his decision to become a musician
How he decided to put his multiple musical interests on hold while working on his trombone skills, and how that paid off
What New World Symphony brought him, outside of the practice room and stage
How deciding to focus solely on the audition process was crucial
His audition plan and how he prepared for the audition
ALL ABOUT NICK PLATOFF:
Nick's website: https://www.platoffmusic.com/
San Francisco Symphony – about Nick: https://www.sfsymphony.org/About-Us/Musicians-Conductors/Members-Of-Orchestra/Trombones#artist-30720
San Francisco Symphony – Profile of Nick Platoff: www.sfsymphony.org/nickplatoff
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT5z0tsqrLxgMFfyVuwaz8w
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sfsymphony/videos/308411646590076/
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/nickplatoff/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nickplatoff
Biography
In April 2016, Nicholas Platoff was appointed the Associate Principal Trombone of the San Francisco Symphony by Michael Tilson Thomas.
He has been recognized in both national and international competitions, as winner of the Aspen Music Festival and School Brass and Percussion Concerto Competition, National Brass Symposium Trombone Excerpt Competition and United States Coast Guard Band Young Artist Competition. In September 2015, he was the only American to advance to the second round of …
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016 Chloé Trevor: Practicing Efficiently & Enjoying Performing
18 januari 2019 · 1 uur 9 min
I'm so excited to start 2019 with a wonderful guest, violinist Chloe Trevor! Lees meer
Chloe and I discuss practicing and performing from several perspectives. We talk about dealing with injuries, practicing mindfully, how making practice videos can really help us progress faster, how to prepare for performances, and many other things!
She has many wonderful tips and tricks in store for you, and I know you will enjoy this episode!
We elaborate on:
Her musical journey, from childhood to professional life
Dealing with debilitating injuries and why having open discussions on this topic is important
The Chloé Trevor Music Academy
What mindful practice is to her
Her ideal practice session vs a more realistic one
Getting reacquainted with performing comfortably
How recording videos and posting them on social media can really help us progress faster (because it's another form of performing and it helps us get more focused)
How to practice efficiently
Have a plan – know what you want to accomplish
Keep a journal
Warm up properly
How she finds fun in practicing
Performance preparation
Why it's important to be a good person/colleague
ALL ABOUT CHLOÉ:
Website: http://www.chloetrevor.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV331I5OiYv6n4W72k1C9fQ
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chloetrevorviolin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloetrevor_violin/
Chloé Trevor Music Academy:
Website: http://www.chloetrevormusicacademy.org/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chloetrevormusicacademy/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chloetrevor_musicacademy/
Favorite books:
The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How. by Daniel Coyle
Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin
Biography
Quickly becoming one of the most talked about and sought after musical ambassadors to Generation Z, violinist Chloé Trevor has combined her technical brilliance, spirit for classical musi…
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015 Don Greene: Winning on Stage with Peak Performance Tools
14 december 2018 · 56 min
In this episode, I'm very excited to be talking to someone who's had a tremendous impact on my performance abilities: none other than Dr. Don Greene. If you don't know who Dr. Greene is (or you do but you've never checked out his work), this episode might just change everything about the way you prepare for concerts and auditions! He is THE authority on performance success for musicians! This is a value packed episode from the best of the best, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it! Lees meer
In this episode, we discuss about:
The performance preparation process
Why it's important to mentally center before a performance
Recovery strategies in performance
ALL ABOUT DR. DON GREENE:
Dr. Greene's website: Winning on Stage
The MUST HAVE book by Dr. Don Greene (my personal favorite book EVER about audition and performance preparation!): Performance Success: Performing Your Best Under Pressure
Other books by Dr. Greene:
Fight Your Fear and Win: Seven Skills for Performing Your Best Under Pressure--At Work, In Sports, On Stage
Audition Success
His viral TED Ed talk: How to practice effectively...for just about anything - Annie Bosler and Dr. Don Greene
Contrabass Conversations #340: Dr. Don Greene on peak performance
Sarah's Horn Hangouts : Mastering Performance Skills with Dr. Greene
About Dr. Greene.
Dr. Don Greene, a peak performance psychologist, has taught his comprehensive approach to peak performance mastery at The Juilliard School, Colburn School, New World Symphony, Los Angeles Opera Young Artists Program, Vail Ski School, Perlman Music Program, and US Olympic Training Center. During his thirty-two year career, he has coached more than 1,000 performers to win professional auditions and has guided countless solo performers to successful careers.
Some of the performing artists with whom Dr. Greene has worked have won jobs with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, San Francisco Opera, Montreal Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, National…
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014 Kaveh Rastegar: Hands-on Creative Practice & Music-Making
7 december 2018 · 56 min
This episode shows a different type of musical journey and approach to music-making outside of the classical world! I speak with bass player Kaveh Rastegar about his journey building a successful and varied international career, and his hands-on approach to creating music and to practicing. Lees meer
Kaveh is highly on-demand in the LA scene and collaborates with some of today's most popular artists like CeeLo Green and Bruno mars. Kaveh has a fascinating background, playing a wide range of genres, from classical to reggae and punk rock. He is a member of the Grammy nominated band Kneebody and is currently on tour with singer John Legend.
His story is a great reminder, especially for those at the starting stages, that a musical career is not just about big gestures and big decisions. It's built with the succession of little events that might seem inconspicuous at first, but end up adding up and can lead us to so many great opportunities and accomplishments. Whether it's a chance meeting, a conversation, or being exposed to something new - all of this can open a world of new possibilities.
Later in the episode, Kaveh delivers inspiring insight on how to continue growing after college, going after your dreams, and keeping your enthusiasm and spark for music alive.
Get ready to be inspired by Kaveh's story!
He elaborates on:
His story, from growing up in Colorado and learning to play by ear, to attending Eastman, and playing in the biggest stages in the world
How he was exposed to an incredibly wide range of music growing up and how that shaped him
How he came to choose the bass
The different things he learned from the many genres and experiences he had as a young musician
How he started playing gigs around his hometown and how that created the basis for the many strong connections and friendships that deeply influenced his career
His experience at Eastman
How practice becomes different after school – how we need to seek out teachers and seek our own answers
How hi…
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013 Jim Stephenson: How He Followed His Calling & Created His Dream Career
30 november 2018 · 1 uur 8 min
Today, I speak with composer Jim Stephenson. Among many other topics, we discuss his transition from performer to full-time composer, why it's important to look inside and listen to our instinct, why we need to have the right mindset in building a career we love, and how to harness focus in our work. Lees meer
Jim's story is a testament to the incredible things that can happen when one follows a calling and takes a leap of faith forward. His approach to following a path is highly inspirational and I know you'll love this discussion!
(Not only that, but Jim graciously agreed to let me use his Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra as the Mind Over Finger Podcast's musical theme! So his music has been greeting you at the beginning and end of each episode of the podcast!)
We elaborate on:
His journey, from trumpet player to composer
How and why he got started composing
How he moved forward with his new career
Why it's important to look inside and listen to our instinct
Why we need to have the right mindset in regards to building a career we love
How we are in charge of defining our lives and creating the passionate story that we want to tell
Why it's important to be genuine
His compositional process
How he has the audience and musicians in mind when he writes
How he learns his best lessons from performances of his works
How he harnesses focus in the work studio
The importance of figuring out when you do your best work and how to organize your day in a way that suits you
Why good stage presence is important
ABOUT JIM:
Website: https://composerjim.com
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC18hLfX0xDhRkaUaRcKyiUA
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Stephenson-Music-95151931586/
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/composerjim/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/ComposerJim
Leading American orchestras, instrumentalists, and wind ensembles around the world have performed the music of Chicago based composer James M. Stephenson, both to critic…
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012 Jason Haaheim: The Science, Power, and Joys of Deliberate Practice
23 november 2018 · 1 uur 11 min
In this episode, I speak with Jason Haaheim, principal timpanist with NY's Metropolitan Opera since 2013. We discuss his fascinating journey, going from working full-time as an engineer to holding one of the most coveted position in the world. He applied the principles of deliberate practice in his life in a way that will amaze and inspire you! Lees meer
Jason's experience and insight on deliberate practice and music-making are eye opening!
We elaborate on:
His unorthodox path – securing a position at the MET
How he was exposed to deliberate practice
What is "talent?" (Pssst! It's not what you think!)
How his playing soared once he figured out what type of practice works for him
How deliberate practice is, in essence, applying the scientific method to instrumental learning
How refining the technique in a scientific, methodical way, leads us to musicality and expression
Why feedback is so crucial in learning and growing as an artist
Why essential to be process-focused and how it impacts the end result
Why it's up to you and the decision you make over the years
Why it pays to be a tenacious loser
What the things you can control are
How the process never ends (and that's a good thing!)
Why we should keep asking questions and how they make us better
How his process continues in his career
How results are a by-product of the process
His audition preparation process – how he organized it and what it involved (have specific goals, a solid plan, record yourself, play mock auditions, get lots of feedback, etc.)
How he uses Anders Ericsson's Mental Representation concept
How recording ourselves transforms how we pay attention to our playing in real time
How he prepares for the opera repertoire
ALL ABOUT JASON:
Website: https://jasonhaaheim.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonhaaheim/
Metropolitan Opera: https://www.metopera.org/
Artful Timpani Auditioning Seminar: https://steinhardt.nyu.edu/music/summer/percussionworkshops/artful_timpani_auditionin…
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011 Marina Thibeault: Musicality & Mission in Music-Making
16 november 2018 · 1 uur 4 min
In this episode, I chat with Marina Thibeault, solo violist and chamber musician. We discuss mindfulness, presence, and efficiency in the practice room, the importance of letting the music sing when we play, and her upcoming new recording featuring works by women composers. Her and I also have a little surprise for our French speaking listeners: we will continue the discussion in French following the English! Lees meer
Marina's approach to music making is authentic and fresh, and her insight on musicality is spot on! I'm sure you will enjoy her point of view and get a lot of value from this episode!
Marina elaborates on:
Her beginnings on the violin, deeply rooted in French Canadian folk music
How yoga was an integral part of her violin routine from the very beginning
Her studies, from the Quebec Conservatory to the Curtis Institute, studying with Michael Tree
When and why she switched to viola
Her work with a sport psychologist
How she plans her practice
How knowing yourself is important in planning your work
How planning helps her being more present in her practice and keeps her focused
What being present in the practice room means to her: listening and singing
Her advice on how to start listening to ourselves
How working on musicality is more like "option adventure" rather than "problem-solving"
How it was to work with Michael Tree – how he trusted and nurtured all of his students, and how he was teaching "a lifestyle"
How she picked the pieces for her upcoming album: all written by female composers
How she feels there's a need for more room for female composers
How she practiced creativity and feeling free in the practice room in preparation for her first album
How being a good human is good! 😉
How finding balance between pursuing artistry and self-marketing is important, and how crucial it is to keep playing music for the right reasons
How her son is her secret weapon
How important it is to be selective with the advice we CHOOSE to listen to
ALL AB…
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010 Paul Merkelo: Developing Artistry & Creating Opportunities
9 november 2018 · 39 min
In this episode, Paul Merkelo, principal trumpet with the Montreal Symphony, active soloist, pedagogue, and philanthropist, talks about how, as musicians, we need to take ownership of our careers, nurture opportunities, focus on developing out artistry and our voice, and have a "quality over quantity" approach to practicing. Lees meer
Paul offers amazing insight, great practicing tips, and extremely valuable advice on how to take your playing and career to the next level.
He elaborates on:
His experience as principal trumpet of the New Orleans Symphony
How the orchestra's bankruptcy prompted his first ventures in the self-marketing world and opened the door for his entrepreneurial spirit
How social media can help promote artists, if done the right way and if one is offering high value
How, as musicians, we need to take ownership of our careers, nurture opportunies, and put together our own projects
The way he sees himself as an artist and why the different projects he pursues keep him energized and inspired
How he advises young artists to not just focus on their careers, but to focus on their artistry, their personality, and their voice
How we need to be proactive for our dream ideas to come to life – his own example of how he made a solo recording with the Montreal Symphony happen
How a "quality over quantity" approach to practicing is crucial
How he uses a timer to stay focused and organized in the practice room
How he selects his fundamental work to fit the needs of the repertoire he is working on
How he shapes a practice session/day
How he uses "PSP" when doing isolation work: 1) Precision 2) Speed 3) Power
How we need to "practice our nerves"
ALL ABOUT PAUL:
Paul Merkelo's website
Paul's YouTube channel
Facebook page
Instagram profile
Montreal Symphony Orchestra
Paul's recordings
Tomasi / Desenclos / Jolivet: French Trumpet Concertos with the Montreal Symphony
A Simple Song
Baroque Transcriptions: Trumpet & Organ
Tunable app
The Talent Code: G…
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009 Wallis Giunta: The Mindful Voice
2 november 2018 · 58 min
Mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta is a multi-faceted artist with a variety of interests, a great take on mindful practice, and a truly wonderful personality. In our conversation, we discuss, among other things, the importance of making choices that will allow you to thrive, how she prepares for a role, and how she uses mental practice to learn and memorize music at a deeper level. Lees meer
We elaborate on:
Her journey from Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) to Toronto, New York, and, more recently Leipzig as a member of Oper Leipzig
Her experience as a young girl in the Ottawa Youth Choir, and the importance it had in her becoming a professional singer
Her experience at the Glenn Gould School and the Canadian Opera Company and the various opportunities she found there
How making choices that fit her well were very important in her development and allowed her to thrive
Her life as a member of Oper Leipzig
Her fun, mindful way of curating a recital program that is meaningful to her
How she prepares for a role
How she went from a more repetitive form of working on songs to a more mindful and mental approach to practicing as she evolved as an artist
o Translate the text and understand the meaning
o Listen to various recordings and interpretations
o Break it down
o Memorize it
How practicing mentally first thing in the morning and last thing before bed is tremendously effective for her and helps her cement the repertoire to memory
How she has developed the skill to learn repertoire mentally, now that that is in a place where she feels confident about her technique
How singers practice difficult passages
How she brings operatic characters to life
ALL ABOUT WALLIS:
Wallis Giunta's website
Wallis' YouTube channel
Wallis' Facebook page
Wallis on Instagram
The Complete Sherlock Holmes (Knickerbocker Classics)
The Complete Sherlock Holmes (2 Volumes)
Irish-Canadian mezzo, Wallis Giunta, has been named "Young Singer of the Year" in the 2018 International Opera Awards, and was …
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008 Marc Gelfo: Peak Performance & Peak Practice: Science, Tech, & Mindfulness (There's an app for this!)
26 oktober 2018 · 45 min
This week on the podcast, I talk with neuro-symphonic hornist and creator of the practice app, Modacity. Marc brings an incredible versatility to music making and has an inspiring holistic approach to practicing and living music. Lees meer
We discuss:
Hi versatile background, developing skills and acquiring knowledge in many areas – music, neuroscience, coding, meditation, wisdom traditions
What being a neuro-symphonic hornist means
What do we define "success" as
What is positive focus
How he came up with Modacity
The features of Modacity
The importance of priming
Join Marc and I for a month of mindful practice during the month of November!
DETAILS INCLUDED AT THE END OF THE EPISODE AND BELOW HERE!
ALL ABOUT MARC:
Marc's webiste: http://marcgelfo.com/
Modacity: https://www.modacity.co/
Challenge Participants: Download the Modacity app and visit https://www.modacity.co/mindful-music-upgrade/ for access to all the app's premium features for FREE for the whole month of November!
Marc's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/practicelivingmusic/
Marc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcgelfo/
Modacity's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ModacityApp/
Modacity on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modacityapp/
Why You Should Use Modacity to Practice Music
How To: Deliberate Practice for Musicians & How to Use Modacity's Improvement Feature
The art of breathing: http://www.jessicawolfartofbreathing.com/for-purchase/
Research on the advantages of recording practice - "When audience members were played recordings of both types of performance, a significant majority expressed a preference for the performances that were created in a mindful state." http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0305735607086053
Contrabass Conversation episode #515: Practice better with Modacity – Jason Heath interviews Marc
Jason Heath's blog: How I'm practicing music better using Modacity and forScore
Jason Heath's video Modacity: my favorite new tool for better …
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007 Nathan Cole: Mindful and Efficient Practice Tips from the LA Phil's First Associate Concertmaster
19 oktober 2018 · 51 min
First Associate Concertmaster with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the creative mind behind Natesviolin, Nathan Cole has incredible insight on practice and performance preparation! In this episode, he discusses: Lees meer
His path, from Suzuki beginner, to Curtis student, to the LA Phil, via the St-Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony
How he organizes his time for productivity
The importance of scheduling
Utilize small pockets of time
Know when you are the most productive
How he prepares for practice – the importance of
having the right environment
Not separating the warm up from "playing"
Not separating practicing from performing
The importance of paying attention every time you are about to start a note
The importance of choosing repertoire suited to our level
How he takes a piece from start to ready
The importance of practicing etudes and to understand what the point of each etude is so we can focus on the proper skill to be worked on
How he problem-solves difficult passages
The importance of paying close attention to how things sound and feel – being present
Why it's important to develop good communication skills with colleagues
ALL ABOUT guest:
Website: https://www.natesviolin.com/
Podcast Stand Partners for Life: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stand-partners-for-life/id1328799919?mt=2
Nathan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natesviolin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natesviolin/
The Inner Game of Golf by W. Timothy Gallwey
The Inner Game of Tennis, also by Gallwey
The Inner Game of Music by Barry Green
Nathan Cole, First Associate Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has appeared as guest concertmaster with the orchestras of Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Houston, Ottawa, Seattle, and Oregon. He was previously a member of the Chicago Symphony and Principal Second Violin of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. A native of Lexington, KY, he made his debut with the Louisville Orchestra at the age of ten while studying w…
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006 Matthew Lipman: How Learning to Listen Well Lead Him to Great Heights & How he Prepares for Competitions and Performances
12 oktober 2018 · 47 min
International viola soloist Matthew Lipman can be heard on the best stages around the world! In this episode he discusses his road to success, how to practice and get ready for a competition, and the importance of mental preparation before a performance. Lees meer
He elaborates on:
The importance of music education in the schools and the important of funding for music an arts programs in our public schools
Studying with Roland Vamos and how he directed his attention got directed in the right way early on in his training
Studying with Heidi Castelman and how she got him to focus on tone production
Studying with Tabea Zimmermann and how she got him to listen ever more to himself
How learning to listen to ourselves is so important and why feeling like we sound bad can be good: "when you are experiencing growth, you think that you sound horrible, and it helps you reach a new level"
How being consistent is key in progressing
How listening to the sound and tone can completely lead the way to huge progress
How you have to take a step back and understand how our body works and how the instrument responds instead of trying to push the sound
How preparing for competition can be hard, but focusing on the process and adopting the right mindset can really lead you to new heights
The process of preparing for an international competition
o Choosing repertoire that "lets you shine"
o Practice performing your repertoire a lot before the competition
o Be organized – using chart and planning properly
o Have clear and specific goals
How to efficiently work with metronome: how you can reach freedom through working with one
How preparing mentally for a performance is a long but important process
How you have to be able to zoom in on the details, and also zoom out and see the big picture
ABOUT MATTHEW:
Website: http://www.matthew-lipman.com/index.php
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: https://www.chambermusicsociety.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melodiousmat…
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005 Denise Tryon: How She Created Her Meaningful Career and Combines Technique and Artistry in Music-Making
5 oktober 2018 · 1 uur 1 min
Denise Tryon, Associate Professor of Horn at the College Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinatti and former Fourth Horn with the Philadelphia Orchestra, has built a wonderful career which combines teaching, performing, and expanding the repertoire of her instrument through active commissions. Denise is a trail blazer in our field! She has asked herself the hard questions and has not been afraid to step off the beaten path and shape her unique, meaningful, and impactful career. Lees meer
In this episode, we discuss:
Her journey from student, to top-five orchestra member, soloist, and pedagogue
The distinction between warmup and daily routine (hint: a warmup is a small part of a daily routine)
What a good routine covers – the various fundamentals of your instrument as well as extended techniques
How to set up your own routine – something that works really well for you
What mindful, efficient, practice is to her:
o Be demanding but kind with yourself
o How to organize it (I'm loving the "55 and out" technique!)
o How to problem solve
o What "swear" words she will not allow in her studio (and they are not what you're thinking!)
o How we need to let go and go with the flow
o The four elements we need to address in the practice room – technical, physical, musical, and mental
Audition Mode and audition preparation
How musicians need to figure out how to find our own voice and market themselves
How we must strive for excellence, not perfection
"Change your mind and your body will follow"
"Be demanding and caring" when you practice
"Give to yourself first"
ALL ABOUT guest:
Website: http://denisetryon.com/
Low Horns Unite: http://denise-tryon.thinkific.com/courses/low-horns-unite
Audition Mode: http://auditionmode.com/
YouTube channels: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-NXdXmBOZ08O4ijSX6wTzg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dt_lowhorn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeniseTryonHorn/
Her album, So Low
Doctor Beat Metronome by Boss
Mech…
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004 Holly Mulcahy: How She is Transforming the Music Business by Pursuing Authentic Connection with the Audience and Championing Modern Composers
28 september 2018 · 44 min
Concertmaster of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and new music champion, Holly Mulcahy redefines the profile of the 21st century musician. Through her purposeful approach of music-making, she is able to genuinely connect and bring people together, and have powerful and positive impact in the music world and the community at large. Lees meer
In this episode, we discuss:
How going with the flow and being adaptable shaped her career
How her parents helped her establish a strong base that has stayed with her throughout the years
How she defined and found her own success and what made her happy
How being honest with oneself is key
How letting go of a full-time job and challenging the traditional route lead her to a fulfilling life
How she reaches out and engages with her audience in a meaningful way
How understanding our audience and getting them curious can help us "find a way in" and help us create authentic connections with concert goers
How a concert in a prison turned into a powerful project that positively affects prisoners' lives
How she prepares and practices for an orchestra season as a concertmaster
How being unprepared takes away the joy from the job
How studying a score is important when preparing for a concert
How spreading the work over several days is key in helping the brain absorbing the material and is important to solidify the preparation
How she learns music by contemporary composers
How she is mindful in her practice
How adaptability is an important skill in a music career
How keeping a notebook nearby helps her stay focus during a practice session
Holly Mulcahy: https://www.hollymulcahy.com/
Holly's blog, Neo Classical: https://www.insidethearts.com/neoclassical/
Chattanooga Symphony & Opera: http://chattanoogasymphony.org/
Drew McManus: "There is a difference in creating a musical market and a musical community" https://adaptistration.com/2018/04/20/there-is-a-difference-in-creating-a-musical-market-and-a-musical-community/
Arts Capac…
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003 Mimi Stillman: How a Child Prodigy Grew Combining Artistry and Scholarship in a Brilliant Career as Solo and Chamber Flutist
21 september 2018 · 50 min
International flute soloist, Mimi Stillman has a gift to make classical music current, relevant, and exciting. In this episode, we discuss different ways to make practice more fun, efficient, and effective. Lees meer
We elaborate on:
Why learning how to practice is so important
How important it is for parents to reinforce what is said in the lessons at home
Key elements of efficient practice:
Practicing slowly
Using a metronome
Monitoring the basics
Good posture
Monitoring the breath and body tension
Practicing with challenging modifications such as different rhythm, accents, etc.
A healthy balance of technique exercices vs repertoire in the practicing
How playing in chamber music helps elevating awareness in our playing
How being creative in our practice keeps in more engaging, more, and efficient
How legendary flutist Julius Baker taught
How we are our own best teacher and we need to take ownership of our practice and learning experience
How being interested in other art forms and history complements our musical approach
Websites:
Mimi www.mimistillman.com
Dolce Suono Ensemble www.dolcesuono.com
YouTube channels:
www.youtube.com/mimistillman
www.youtube.com/dolcesuonoensemble
Facebook pages:
www.facebook.com/MimiStillmanFlute/
www.facebook.com/dolcesuonoensemble/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mimistillmanflute
Twitter: @mimistillman @dolcesuonoe
Music in the Castle of Heaven by John Eliot Gardiner
A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver by E. L. Konigsburg
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
Biography
Flutist Mimi Stillman, acclaimed by The New York Times as "not only a consummate and charismatic performer, but also a scholar whose programs tend to activate ear, heart, and brain", is renowned for her virtuosity, insightful interpretation, and adventurous programming. As soloist, she has appeared with orchestras including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Bach Collegium Stuttgart, Ch…
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002 Jason Heath: How he Built a Vibrant Port-Folio Career and Became a Podcasting Icon by Asking the Hard Questions and Listening to Himself
14 september 2018 · 1 uur 20 min
Bass player Jason Heath has built a vibrant career as a performer, educator, entrepreneur, and host of one of the most important classical music podcasts. Through this experience, he has accumulated a vast knowledge on how to practice and grow a career into something that is authentic and rewarding. Lees meer
In this episode, Jason discusses:
How Contrabass Conversations goes beyond the bass community is a show which brings value to all instrumentalists
His book, Winning the Audition: Turbocharge Your Orchestral Audition: Advice from Leaders in the Field
His story building a truly unique portfolio career, from growing up in North Dakota, to going to school in Chicago, joining several orchestras, teaching full-time in high-school, starting a blog, creating the podcast, and creating a vibrant career in San Francisco, CA
Not being afraid to ask yourself the hard questions about where you want to be in your career and listen to the answers
Practicing mindfully –
o how there are no shortcuts
o how audition winners come to develop the skills to win by finding the answers for themselves, believing in the themselves, and playing authentically
o the importance of falling in love with practicing
The Modacity App – a tool to practice more mindfully
The relevance of music in today's world
An ideal practice session for him
Problem solving: Macro. Micro. Macro – "Think big, and go to the smallest possible chunk."
How he uses ForScore
His strategy to stay enthusiastic about performances
Jason's Doublebass blog: https://doublebassblog.org/
Contrabass Conversations: https://contrabassconversations.com/
Jason's Double Bass Community Online Music Library: https://doublebassblog.org/music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/contrabassconversations/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason__heath/
Contrabass Conversations on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contrabassconversations/
Jason's book: Winning the Audition: Turbocharge Your Orchestral Audition: Advice from Le…
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001 James Ehnes: The Essence of Mindful Practice
7 september 2018 · 1 uur 2 min
In this episode, international violin soloist James Ehnes talks about what the essence of mindful instrumental practice is: having a clear goal, work efficiently, listen intently, and connect with others. Lees meer
He elaborates on:
His artistic journey – growing up in Brandon Manitoba, the practicing habits he developed as a child that helped him succeed, and the mentors that helped shape his career
Practicing efficiently – how practicing should be goal oriented, how we should practice practicing, the importance of identifying and analyzing problems
Competitions – how they can be beneficial for one's career
How we should have a performance mindset while practicing
Figuring out how to find balance in our life and career
His process to learn a work and to prepare for a performance
The importance of developing the skill to truly listen to ourselves objectively while we play
How music really addresses our humanity and brings us together
Website: http://www.jamesehnes.com/james/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesehnes/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesehnes/
James' discography: http://www.jamesehnes.com/james/index.php?id=62
His recording of the Aaron Jay Kernis Concerto
Beethoven Celebrations – Recital with Andrew Armstrong at Northwestern University on January 13, 2019
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Biography
James Ehnes has established himself as one of the foremost violinists of his generation. Gifted with a rare combination of stunning virtuosity, serene lyricism and an unfaltering musicality, Ehnes is a favourite guest of many of the world's most respected conductors including Ashkenazy, Alsop, Sir Andrew Davis, Denève, Dutoit, Elder, Ivan Fischer, Gardner, Paavo Järvi, Noseda, Robertson and Runnicles. Ehnes's long list of orchestras includes, amongst others, the Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, New York, London Symphony, Philharmonia, BBC Philharmonic, Czech Philharmonic, DSO Berlin and the NHK Symp…
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000 Welcome to The Mind Over Finger Podcast!
27 augustus 2018 · 3 min
Introducing The Mind Over Finger Podcast! Your resource for knowledge, insight and inspiration on practicing mindfully, performing optimally, and getting more intentional in creating a fulfilling musical career! Lees meer
Subscribe now to receive our very first episode, featuring superstar violinist James Ehnes, in your podcast feed!