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Pub. DateTitleDuration
14 Feb 2025214 10x Your Practice Results—Without Practicing More00:13:49

More hours in the practice room don’t always lead to better results. In this episode, discover a simple, science-backed 3-step method to make every practice session more effective—without adding extra time.

You'll learn how to:

  • Use priming to sharpen focus and set clear intentions
  • Implement micro rests to improve retention and prevent mental fatigue
  • Leverage Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) to lock in learning and maximize progress

Try this approach for just one week and see how much more you accomplish.

Want personalized strategies to optimize your playing? Book a free discovery call at www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching and let’s make sure your practice is truly working for you.

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

  

Mind Over Finger

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

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

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

Connect:

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

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

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

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

 

NSDR-Yoga Nidra Resources:

 

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.

25 Feb 2022121 Mary Elizabeth Bowden: A Driving Force00:46:43

Welcome to today’s episode with award-winning trumpet soloist, Mary Elizabeth Bowden.  Mary is an artist with a profound, genuine approach to music-making.

In our conversation, we covered:

  • How her artistic path has unfolded (3:45)
  • Mary’s creative journey to a soloist career, and a discussion of the age limit on competitions (7:05)
  • What her life looks like now, as someone who wears so many hats (14:26)
  • Her approach to staying in playing shape, practicing, and learning new pieces through mental preparation (19:02)
  • Advice for how to show up as the best musician you can be (29:25)
  • How Mary deals with doubt, and continues to craft her own path (35:40)
  • Habits that contributed to her success, suggested skills for young musicians to acquire outside of musicianship, and Mary’s favorite tool in the practice room (39:24)

 

LINKS:

 

Website: https://www.maryelizabethbowden.com/

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MaryElizabethBowden

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



JOYFUL PRACTICE CHALLENGE:

Join me March 7-18, 2022 for the Joyful Practice Challenge: A motivating FREE 10-Day Challenge for Musicians.

Take 10 minutes a day to transform your practice:

  • Reconnect with your love of playing and making music
  • Revive your motivation and your joy of practicing 
  • Bring more mindfulness and efficiency in the practice room 

 

Get ready to be inspired by wisdom from:

Rachel Barton Pine, Mimi Zweig, Brian Lewis, Laurie Niles, Vijay Gupta, Kim Kashkashian, Tom Hooten, Elizabeth Rowe, Jennifer Montone, Mary Elizabeth Bowden, and Ralph Skiano!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The JOYFUL PRACTICE CHALLENGE includes:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

🔷 10 days

🔷 10 actionable tips

🔷 Amazing guests

🔷 PDF worksheets

🔷 Accountability & support

🔷 ... and PRIZES!

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/226ccc5528ff/jpc22



MIND OVER FINGER:

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

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



THANK YOU:

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

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

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



02 Feb 2024187 Planning for YOUR Ideal Performance00:29:55

Everything you need to plan for a stellar performance:

  • Dive into the secrets of dream performance planning
  • Uncover why we sometimes fall short of our best
  • Explore the power of crystal-clear vision and how to get it
  • How to organize your preparation process

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit MindOverFinger.com for all things peak performance – including impactful online courses and free resources on peak performance.

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.

20 Mar 2020065 Kimberlee Dray: Adaptability & Mission in Music Making01:09:56

065 Kimberlee Dray: Adaptability & Mission in Music Making

I’m incredibly happy that my guest today is violinist and composer Kimberlee Dray!  Kimberlee is an incredible example of adaptability, resourcefulness, and courage in the face of adversity, and I can’t think of a better message to share today than her story!

In this episode, Kimberlee talks about her return to music – how she answered the call and how she let no obstacles stand in the way of her following her dream path.

Kimberlee strives to wake others who have allowed their music to lapse, inviting them back and standing as witness of the power of music to heal. She hopes her music will illustrate the potential of motivated work and the possibilities when one answers an inner call.

I drew so much inspiration from my conversation with Kimberlee, and I know you will too!  Let’s go to the show!

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe  HERE!

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get

your free guide to a super productive practice

using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

Visit the Mind Over Finger Resources’ page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use every day!

 

 

More about Kimberlee:

 

Website: http://kimberleedray.com/

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

The Share Music Society on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/611434913027504/

 

Kimberlee in the news:

https://fiddlershop.com/blogs/fiddlershop-blog/fiddlershops-music-is-for-everyone-series-kimberlee-dray

https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/a-vision-and-a-violin-yakima-woman-takes-a-non/article_06d9cfad-22c5-5ed5-9534-142a87b43f99.html

 

 

As the eldest of twelve children, family was always a central theme for violinist Kimberlee Dray. When music dreams naturally gave way to parenthood, Kimberlee followed the rhythm until she was diagnosed with Menieres Disease. Healing took the form of a highly motivated return to the violin; her subsequent dedication eventually lessened symptoms and brought on a remission.

Kimberlee’s offbeat path led to performances in masterclass for luminaries such as Joseph Silverstein and Elmar Oliveira, to study with Aaron Rosand at Summit Music Festival and Sherry Kloss at the Heifetz Symposium, culminating in a three-year commute from Seattle to New York City to train with Nina Beilina of the Mannes School of Music. Juggling four children and advanced violin study required healthy doses of negotiating and creativity, bribes, begging, freezer meals.

Prior to her ten-year hiatus, Kimberlee was honored with the Clark Mathesius music scholarship, studying with Nell Gotkovsky at Brigham Young University, ultimately graduating in English literature.

Kimberlee has been honored to solo with orchestras and perform for recital series throughout the United States. She has premiered her own composition for solo violin at The Salon in Philadelphia and completed a commission for violin and piano premiered by Sherry Kloss at the Jascha Heifetz Symposium. She recorded a work for solo violin by Christopher Lacy and seeks opportunities to collaborate with other contemporary composers. An active recitalist, Kimberlee is particularly fond of lesser known works from twentieth-century American composers.

Kimberlee strives to wake others who have allowed their music to lapse, inviting them back and standing as witness of the power of music to heal. She hopes her music will illustrate the potential of motivated work and the possibilities when one answers an inner call.

 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

26 Feb 2021092 John Bruce Yeh: Storyteller of Sound01:32:50

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021

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

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

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

 

MORE ABOUT JOHN BRUCE YEH:

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

04 Oct 2024205 Sasha Romero: From Texas to the Met – Chat on Mastery, Mindfulness, and Advocacy00:57:18

In this inspiring episode, trombonist Sasha Romero, principal trombone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, shares her incredible musical journey from Texas to the Met.

Sasha talks about her early musical memories, the challenges she faced along the way, and the importance of mindful practice. She opens up about managing ADHD, balancing work with life as a performer and educator, and her unique approach to audition preparation. Sasha also shares her advocacy for the transgender community and offers practical advice on how we can all be better allies.

This episode is full of valuable insights for musicians at any stage of their journey, and Sasha’s wisdom on practice efficiency, emotional management, and living authentically is sure to inspire.

 

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

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT SASHA ROMERO

 

Mind Over Finger

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

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

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

Connect:

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

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

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

01 Nov 2024207 Zlatomir Fung: Flow, Fundamentals, and Fearless Performance00:55:03

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

We discuss:

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

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

 

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

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT ZLATOMIR FUNG

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

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

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

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

 

Mind Over Finger

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

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

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

Connect:

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

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

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

11 Mar 2022123 Joseph Alessi: Clarity & Vision00:48:45
Welcome to today’s conversation with Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombone with the New York Philharmonic.

In our conversation, Joe shares wonderful wisdom on many topics, including the importance of fundamentals, the types of mindset that are helpful to nurture, tips on performance preparation, helpful habits to adopt, and so much more.  I know that you're going to find this discussion really interesting and will take a lot of Joe’s insight with you in the practice room today!

We covered:

  • How Joseph’s artistic journey has unfolded (3:53)
  • What his mindful, efficient practice looks like (07:58)
  • The importance of having a clear image before you play, using skills like conducting and emotive singing (13:17)
  • Consistently bringing a performance mindset into your practice room (19:18)
  • Joseph’s approach to teaching (25:26)
  • Additional skills musicians should hone (33:30)
  • How Joseph’s habit of planning contributed to success (37:37)

LINKS:

 

WATCH JOSEPH TALK ABOUT THE TROMBONE & PRACTICING:

 

 THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE:

Enrollment for THE life-changing, highly personalized group coaching program for musicians is now open! You will go beyond just strategies and methods by getting to the root cause of issues and unlock everything that’s keeping you stuck to help you experience amazing results (in every level of your music-making and life).

We cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

So if you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at MindOverFinger.com and let’s make it happen.

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

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

Don’t forget to join the Join the Mind Over Finger Community  for access to my live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians.

14 Dec 2018015 Don Greene: Winning on Stage with Peak Performance Tools00:56:05

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! 

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:

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 Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, to name just a few. Of the Olympic track and field athletes he worked with up until and through the 2016 Games in Rio, 14 won medals, including 5 gold.

Dr. Greene has authored eight books including Audition Success, Fight Your Fear & Win, and Performance Success. In 2017, Dr. Greene was named a TED Educator and collaborated with musician Dr. Annie Bosler to produce the TED-Ed  How to practice effectively…for just about anything. The video went viral receiving over 25 million views across Facebook and YouTube.

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

 

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps cover some of the costs associated with the production of the podcast.  Thank you for your support.)

22 Feb 2019021 Dr. Immanuel Abraham: How Determination & Dedicated Work Lead to Success01:26:00

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!

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, he continued violin studies at the University of Michigan under Naumberg Award-Winner, Andrew Jennings. There he began to compose and explore the Electric Violin as well.

In 2013, he won the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Concerto Competition, soloing the Conus Violin Concerto for a live audience of over 1,500 and airing live on FM Radio.  In 2014, he placed 2nd in the Stamp.FM Online Music Awards, and opened for world-class bands We The Kings and HelloGoodbye at the Michigan Theater.

His first year in Arizona, he won the University of Arizona 2015 Concerto Competition with the Brahms Violin Concerto. He premiered his own cadenza, replacing the 1867 standard by Joseph Joachim.  Dr. Abraham also served as the Arizona Symphony Orchestra concertmaster for two years under Maestro Thomas Cockrell, and the Arizona Contemporary Ensemble ("ACE") under Maestro Daniel Asia.  He  also is a recipient of the Fred Fox School of Music​ Graduate Fellowship.

​Dr. Abraham has enjoyed work as the concertmaster of the Michigan Pops Orchestra, sub-anchor for Blue Lake Public Radio, Violin Specialist for the Sphinx Organization, Violin; Viola; Cello; faculty at the Chicago Music Store, Allegro School of Music, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and as the United States Consultant for the 1st Oskar Rieding International Competition for Young Violinists. He also served two years as an assistant teacher for the University of Arizona, giving weekly lectures in music history.

Today, Dr. Abraham directs his own private studio of two-dozen local Arizonan students (sign up here!) He plays on a modern violin by renown Japanese luthier, Tetsuo Matsuda.  He is also the creator of Facebook’s most popular bowed-string forum, The Violin Guild™, comprising over 30,000 members worldwide!

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

THANK YOU:

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

Also, a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

07 Sep 2018001 James Ehnes: The Essence of Mindful Practice01:02:00

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.

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 Symphony orchestras.

Ehnes has an extensive discography and has won many awards for his recordings including a Gramophone Award for his live recording of the Elgar Concerto with Sir Andrew Davis and the Philharmonia Orchestra. His recording of the Korngold, Barber and Walton violin concertos won a Grammy Award for ‘Best Instrumental Soloist Performance’ and a JUNO award for ‘Best Classical Album of the Year’. His recording of the Paganini Caprices earned him universal praise, with Diapason writing of the disc, “Ehnes confirms the predictions of Erick Friedman, eminent student of Heifetz: ‘there is only one like him born every hundred years’.” Ehnes’s recent recording of the Bartók Concerti was nominated for a Gramophone Award in the Concerto category. Recent releases include concertos by Britten, Shostakovich, Prokofiev and Khachaturian and sonatas by Debussy, Elgar and Respighi, and his recording of the Beethoven Violin Concerto with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Andrew Manze will be released in October 2017 (Onyx Classics).

Ehnes began violin studies at the age of four, became a protégé of the noted Canadian violinist Francis Chaplin aged nine, made his orchestral debut with Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal aged 13 and graduated from The Juilliard School in 1997, winning the Peter Mennin Prize for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Music.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and in 2010 was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada and the Artistic Director of the Seattle Chamber Music Society.

James Ehnes plays the "Marsick" Stradivarius of 1715. He currently lives in Bradenton, Florida with his family.

 

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to producer, Bella Kelly!

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

Visit the website and the facebook page for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

01 Apr 2022126 Teaching Mastery – Try it at Home with Dr. Gauthier00:12:36

This week in the Try it at Home series we unpack and apply in our lives the wisdom of world-renowned double bass player and pedagogue Paul Ellison. 

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

Catch Paul’s conversation with me on the Mind Over Finger Podcast in episode 125 at https://mindoverfinger.libsyn.com/

16 Feb 2024189 Austin Pancner: The Functional Musician01:00:25

In this episode, Austin Pancner, founder of The Functional Musician, discusses musician injuries—why they happen, prevention strategies, and recovery steps. Gain insights into holistic wellness tailored for musicians.

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT AUSTIN PANCNER

 

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.

Connect:

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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.

12 Apr 2019028 Joshua Roman: Working Purposefully & Building a Meaningful Career00:50:03

 

Today, I’m so happy to bring you the incredible cellist Joshua Roman!  Joshua is a multifaceted artist with a remarkably vibrant career as a soloist, chamber musician, composer, curator, artistic director, and philanthropist!  In this episode, we discuss practicing purposefully and building a meaningful career, and he tells about the impact and mission of his popular Popper Etude Project and Challenge.

As you’ll see Joshua’s journey and approach to music-making are rooted in authenticity and a sense of purpose and are highly inspiring!  I know you’ll find value and a source for a deeper reflection in this conversation!

In our discussion, Joshua elaborates on:

  • How he feels that the multiple facets of his career are all parts of being a complete musician
  • His beginnings in Oklahoma and his studies at the Cleveland Institute
  • How it’s we should follow our heart and use our skills to explore what we love - pushing passed the bounds of what we were “taught” and explore further
  • What he thinks about building a meaningful career – how we get the career that we build
  • Why it’s important to figure out what we want and focus on that
  • The importance of questioning ourselves, getting to know ourselves, exploring our passions, and see if and how we can incorporate them into our career
  • “Find your voice and build your career around your voice”
  • Why there is no luck: “it’s a series of things that you build on”
  • Why we need both to be prepared and get opportunities
  • Some of the challenges he faced on the way to his dream career
  • How important it was for him to feel like what he did mattered
  • The Popper Project and the Popper Challenge – what and why
  • How it turned into a way for cellists to come together and created a supportive and inspiring community
  • “Why do we need to practice etudes at all”
  • How he maximizes practice

 

MORE ABOUT JOSHUA:

Website: https://www.joshuaroman.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFT1OzgeBtU69e5v6sIwSag

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/joshuaroman

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

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

 

Biography

Cellist / Composer / Curator

Joshua Roman has earned an international reputation for his wide-ranging repertoire, a commitment to communicating the essence of music in visionary ways, artistic leadership and versatility. As well as being a celebrated performer, he is recognized as an accomplished composer and curator, and was named a TED Senior Fellow in 2015.

Recent seasons have seen Roman perform recitals and concert with orchestras around the US and the world, including performances of Mason Bates’s Cello Concerto (which was written for him) and his very own concerto.  Roman is also a very active chamber musician and shares the stage with today’s finest musicians.

Roman has demonstrated inspirational artistic leadership throughout his career. As Artistic Director of TownMusic in Seattle he has showcased his own eclectic musical influences and chamber music favorites, while also promoting newly commissioned works. Under his direction, the series has offered world premieres of compositions by some of today’s brightest young composers and performances by cutting-edge ensembles. In the 2015-16 season at TownMusic he presented his own song cycle, … we do it to one another, based on Tracy K. Smith’s book of poems Life on Mars, with soprano Jessica Rivera. He has also recently been appointed the inaugural Artistic Advisor of award-winning contemporary streaming channel Second Inversion, launched by Seattle’s KING-FM to cultivate the next generation of classical audiences. The cellist additionally took on a new curatorial role last summer, as Creative Partner of the Colorado Music Festival & Center for Musical Arts. The same organization sponsored him in April 2016 at the 68th Annual Conference on World Affairs on the University of Colorado campus, where he contributed his innovative ideas about how classical music is conceived and presented.  Roman performed at the Kennedy Center Arts Summit that same month and is a member of the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors artists committee.

Roman’s cultural leadership includes using digital platforms to harness new audiences. In 2009 he developed “The Popper Project,” performing, recording and uploading the complete etudes from David Popper’s High School of Cello Playing to his dedicated YouTube channel. In his latest YouTube project, “Everyday Bach,” Roman performs Bach’s cello suites in beautiful settings around the world. He has collaborated with photographer Chase Jarvis on Nikon video projects, and Paste magazine singled out Roman and DJ Spooky for their cello and iPad cover of Radiohead’s “Everything in Its Right Place,” created for the Voice Project. For his creative initiatives on behalf of classical music, Roman was named a TED Fellow in 2011, joining a select group of next-generation innovators who show potential to positively affect the world. He acted as curator for an outdoor amphitheater performance at the TED Summit in Banff in the Canadian Rockies this past summer.

Beyond these initiatives, Roman’s adventurous spirit has led to collaborations with artists outside the music community, including his co-creation of “On Grace” with Tony Award-nominated actress Anna Deavere Smith, a work for actor and cello which premiered in February 2012 at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral. His outreach endeavors have taken him to Uganda with his violin-playing siblings, where they played chamber music in schools, HIV/AIDS centers and displacement camps, communicating a message of hope through music.

Before embarking on a solo career, Roman spent two seasons as principal cellist of the Seattle Symphony, a position he won in 2006 at the age of 22. Since that time, he has appeared as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Mariinsky Orchestra, New World Symphony, Alabama Symphony, and Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional del Ecuador, among many others. An active chamber musician, Roman has collaborated with established artists such as Andrius Zlabys, Cho-Liang Lin, Assad Brothers, Earl Carlyss, Christian Zacharias and Yo-Yo Ma, as well as other dynamic young soloists and performers from New York’s vibrant music scene, including the JACK Quartet, Talea Ensemble, Derek Bermel and the Enso String Quartet.

A native of Oklahoma City, Roman began playing the cello at the age of three on a quarter-size instrument, and gave his first public recital at age ten. Home-schooled until he was 16, he then pursued his musical studies at the Cleveland Institute of Music with Richard Aaron. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance in 2004, and his Master’s in 2005, as a student of Desmond Hoebig, former principal cellist of the Cleveland Orchestra. Roman is grateful for the loan of an 1899 cello by Giulio Degani of Venice.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

24 May 2019040 The Fischoff Experience: In Conclusion00:25:56

The conclusion of this series covering the Fischoff Competition, including a summary of some of my favorite takeaways, tips, and advice, and with a conversation with my fellow podcaster friend, Nathan Cole, on what it was like for us there!

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 46TH FISCHOFF NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION

 

Grand Prize

  • Aruna Quartet – Texas Tech University

Senior Division Strings/Piano

  • Gold Medal Winner: Merz Trio – New York City
  • Silver Medal Winner: Abeo Quartet – Juilliard School
  • Bronze Medal Winner: Dior Quartet – Indiana University ; Jacobs School

Senior Division Winds/Brass

  • Gold Medal Winner: Aruna Quartet – Texas Tech University
  • Silver Medal Winner: Khroma Quartet – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
  • Bronze Medal Winner: Catharsis Winds – Cleveland Institute

 Junior Division Strings/Piano

  • Gold Medal Winner: Fervida Trio – Young Chamber Musicians, Burlingame CA
  • Silver Medal Winner: Éclatante String Quartet – Starling Preparatory String Project, Cincinnati OH
  • Bronze Medal Winner: Meraki Quartet – Crowden Music Center, Berkeley CA

Junior Division Winds/Brass

  • Gold Medal Winner: Golden Melody Saxophone Quartet – Middle School of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China
  • Silver Medal Winner: Quantum Quartet – Hebron High School, Carrollton Texas
  • Bronze Medal Winner: The Bone Rangers – Merit School of Music

 

 

Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition: https://www.fischoff.org/

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

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

 

Nathan Cole: https://www.natesviolin.com/

Stand Partners for Life: https://www.natesviolin.com/the-stand-partners-for-life-podcast/

 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

 

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

07 Oct 2022145 Ten "Mistakes" Smart Musicians Make and How to Avoid Them – Part 100:20:58

Ten "Mistakes" Smart Musicians Make and How to Avoid Them

Reflection:

  • If my success was inevitable and I could not fail, what would I go for?
  • If I knew that I have the insight to come up with the best plan for myself, what would it look like?
  • If I knew the answer, the solution to this problem, what would it be?
  • If I knew I can't mess it up, what would I try next?

 

>> DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE <<

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

 

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.

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

22 Mar 2019025 Jean-François Rivest: The Incredible Artistic Powers of Passion & Imagination01:27:37

I’m really excited about today’s episode and I think it’s a particularly inspiring one! As a performer and a teacher, I constantly feel the presence and the influence of the musicians that have helped shape me as an artist – with their knowledge, wisdom, skills, and with their examples! There are too many to interview them all, but there are three that I consider as the main pedagogical influences in my life, and you will get to meet them in the coming weeks!

I begin today with Canadian violinist, teacher, and conductor, Jean-François Rivest who was my teacher from the age of 9, when I began Conservatory, all the way to the age of 20, when I graduated from the University of Montreal!

Jean-François and I have an amazing conversation about learning to listen to ourselves, paying attention, nurturing our imagination, live passionately, and broadening our horizons as humans and musicians!

We elaborate on:

  • His artistic journey, from gifted violinist to passionate teacher, conductor, and artistic administrator
  • Why we need to grow and enrich parts of ourselves who are not specifically related to music in order to become a better musician
  • Why we must pursue, at least, some of our dreams and how that requires action and difficult decisions
  • How he taught me to PAY ATTENTION and nurture curiosity in my life
  • The extreme importance of imagination
  • Ways we can tune our radar to learn to listen and hear better
    • Opening our “musical eyes” to how the music is constructed – theory, harmony, etc.
    • Develop our inner ear through “ear training”
  • How we can develop more awareness with the help of mentors, guides, and teachers who will teach us where to “look,” and introduce us to the tools and skills we should acquire
  • How he thinks that music is an exchange of imagination between the composer, artist, and listener and, therefore, why we must develop our imagination in order to fully grow as a musician
  • How growth is a lifelong pursuit and becoming a “better” artist involves growing as a person
  • Why EVERY GESTURE COUNTS
  • Why practice is “management”

 

More about Jean-François

Biography

‘Rivest is a magician: with a touch of his magic wand he always transforms any concert into an extraordinary and unique event’ (Le Soleil, Québec, 2010)

Québec conductor Jean-François Rivest is renowned for his energy, his extremely precise technique, his style, which is passionate, moving and deeply involved, and his great communication skills. His discography serves as proof to the ease with which he masters a large variety of musical genres ranging from the baroque era up to today.

He has been Artistic Director of the Orchestre Symphonique de Laval, (10 years) and of Ottawa's Thirteen Strings Ensemble, (5 years), as well as Conductor in Residence of the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, (OSM) from 2006 to 2009, where his tenure has been particularly significant.

Jean-François Rivest firmly believes that the next generation of musicians must rely on performers that are also active as pedagogues. He has worked for several institutions and has been teaching orchestral conducting as well as a variety of advanced performance classes at Université de Montréal since 1993. He is the founder, Artistic Director and principal conductor of the Orchestre de l'Université de Montréal (OUM).

From 2009 to 2015, he has been Artistic Director of the Orford Arts Centre, (now Orford Music), nearby Montréal where he presided over the destiny of Orford’s prestigious International Academy and Festival. His period at the head of the Arts Center is unanimously seen as a time of tremendous artistic renewal and growth. In the 2012 Opus Prizes Awards ceremony, he was given the Opus Prize for the Artistic Director of the year (2011).

Mr. Rivest, who trained at the Conservatoire de Montréal and at the Juilliard School in New York, quickly established himself as one of the foremost Quebec violinists of his generation. His main teachers were Sonia Jelinkova, Ivan Galamian and Dorothy DeLay.

Being the father of four children, family is at the center of his life. He is passionate about nature and outdoor activities, such as scuba diving, kayak, climbing, trekking and photography. He has even participated in several expeditions of a challenging level. Jean-François Rivest believes that the many facets of nature are a vital source of artistic inspiration!

 

Biographie

Le chef d'orchestre québécois Jean-François Rivest est réputé pour son énergie, sa technique d’une extrême précision et son style passionné, émouvant et profondément engagé. Il maîtrise naturellement une très grande variété de langages musicaux (du baroque au répertoire d’aujourd’hui). Invité régulier de nombreux grands orchestres, au Canada comme à l’étranger, il a été chef en résidence à l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM), de 2006 à 2009, où son passage a été particulièrement significatif, ainsi que directeur artistique de l’Orchestre symphonique de Laval, (10 ans), et du Thirteen Strings Ensemble d’Ottawa, (5 ans).

Jean-François Rivest croit fermement que la carrière d’interprète doit se doubler d’une action pédagogique afin de former les prochaines générations de musiciens. Il a œuvré au sein de plusieurs institutions et, tout particulièrement depuis 1993, à la Faculté de musique de l’Université de Montréal où il enseigne la direction d’orchestre et divers cours d’interprétation avancés. Il est le fondateur, directeur artistique et chef principal de l'Orchestre de l'Université de Montréal (OUM).

À titre de directeur artistique du Centre d’arts Orford, (maintenant Orford Musique), de 2009 à 2105, il a présidé à la destinée de son Académie prestigieuse et de son Festival international. Ses années à la tête du Centre d’arts ont été un franc succès et considérées par tous comme des années de grand renouveau artistique. Il s’est d’ailleurs vu décerner le Prix Opus du Directeur artistique de l’année 2011, lors du gala 2012 du Conseil québécois de la musique. Formé au Conservatoire de Montréal et à la Juilliard School de New York, il a étudié principalement avec Sonia Jelinkova, Ivan Galamian et Dorothy DeLay, et s'est imposé rapidement comme l'un des meilleurs violonistes québécois de sa génération.

Il est père de quatre enfants et la famille est au cœur de sa vie. Il est passionné de plein air et de nature (plongée sous-marine, kayak de mer, escalade, trekking, photographie) et a de nombreuses expéditions importantes à son actif. Jean-François Rivest croit que la nature, dans toutes ses manifestations, constitue une inspiration vitale dans la profession artistique !

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here! https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

27 Oct 2023180 Overcome Overwhelm00:13:27

In this episode, I dive into the common experience of feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, offering powerful insights on transitioning from an emotional perspective to a logical one. Discover how to replace subjective self-criticism with objective problem-solving to conquer challenges with confidence and clarity. Join me as I explore real-world examples and actionable steps to transform your mindset and achieve greater success.

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit MindOverFinger.com for all things peak performance – including impactful online courses and free resources on peak performance.

Connect:

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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.

29 Jan 2021089 Leon Bosch: Musical Ambassador00:53:44

089 Leon Bosch: Musical Ambassador

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

We covered a wide variety of topics, including:

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

 

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

 

ABOUT LEON BOSCH:

 

Leon Bosch on Contrabass Conversations

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

13 Mar 2020064 Karen Bulmer: Music, Mind, & Movement00:49:57

064 Karen Bulmer: Music, Mind, & Movement

I’m really happy to welcome Karen Bulmer, Associate Professor of Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba, at memorial University, and host of the Music, Mind, and Movement Podcast to the show!

In our conversation, with cover many topics, including:

  • How our feelings towards practice affects our attitude about performance
  • Attention, intention, playfulness, and exploration in practice
  • How mindfulness helps us relate in a positive way to stress and stimuli
  • Some tools musicians can develop to get more connected with their body & exercises that can help us engage our mind/body connection
  • What lead her to the mindfulness path
  • The Music, Mind, & Movement Podcast
  • What happens when someone undertakes meditation and how it affects their practice and performance
  • The balance she’s created in her life (so inspiring!!!) & the importance of finding balance in our lives

 

I’m a huge fan of the Music, Mind, and movement podcast, and I hope all of you will check it out!  Karen is a wise host, with so much knowledge and experience in the field of mindful music-making, and I’ve found so much inspiration from her words!

At a time when things seem to be getting only more stressful and hectic, Karen brings us a message of very much needed mindful attention, and I think you will really resonate with our discussion!

 

 

Visit the Mind Over Finger Resources’ page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use every day!

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe  HERE!

 

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

 

 

More about Karen:

 

Website: https://musicmindandmovement.com/

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

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

 

Karen Bulmer is a versatile tuba player, educator, and writer. She is active as a tuba soloist and improviser and has performed her original one-woman show, Girl Meets Tuba, which chronicles her on-again off-again relationship with the tuba, in venues across Canada. Her radio piece, Joined at the Lip, which first aired on CBC’s Outfront in 2001, continues to be featured at radio festivals around the world, most recently at the Copenhagen Radio Cinema. Karen has presented at the annual inter-disciplinary ideaCity conference in Toronto and has recorded and performed with some of the finest classical, folk, and pop artists in Newfoundland.

In recent years, Karen’s research and creative interests have expanded to include the exploration of various mind-body practices and their particular relevance to musicians. Her unique Mind/Body Tools for Musicians program combines mindfulness with movement and self-regulation strategies to help musicians access a greater sense of their innate capacity for expression, presence, and resilience. Karen is also the creator and host of the Music, Mind, and Movement Podcast, a show that explores holistic approaches to music training and performance through in-depth conversations with educators, health professionals, somatic practitioners, and more. To listen to the podcast or to find out more about Karen’s work, including tips and tools to implement in your own practice, visit her website: www.musicmindandmovement.com

Karen holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts from the University of Western Ontario, a Professional Studies Diploma from the HARID Conservatory, and both a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from Yale University. Karen trained in meditation facilitation under the mentorship of Michael Stone and is a certified yoga instructor with additional training in biomechanics, anatomy, and movement for trauma.

 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

01 Nov 2019049 Marc Damoulakis: Thoughtful Learning Through Strong Fundamentals & Sound Conception00:46:21

In this episode, Marc Damoulakis, principal percussionist with the Cleveland Orchestra, discusses the importance of mindful exploration, flexibility, and patience in the learning process, time management, how to create a connection between our concept of sound and the motions necessary to execute that vision successfully, and he sends us off with very wise parting words!

He elaborates on:

  • How being competitive with himself helped him get to the next level in his career and how a healthy competitive mindset can be helpful to grow as a musician
  • The learning process behind mastering so many instruments
  • How learning other instruments can help us make new neural connections and expand our skills on our main instrument
  • The Importance of not skipping over fundamentals and developing the patience to go through the necessary process
  • Time management skills for students
  • Incorporating a solid routine for daily practice
  • Physical connection that learning entails: understanding “when it feels like this, it sounds like this”
  • Why students need to take responsibility for their own learning
  • The holistic approach to playing his teachers taught him
  • What a typical daily regimen looks like for him today
  • Handling a lot of repertoire
  • Focus – timeline = create timeline of your own – prioritization
  • The importance of knowing how quickly you can learn and push yourself to learn faster than you think
  • His favorite tools in the practice room
  • How the Feldenkrais Method helped him
  • Why he believes that there’s always room at the top

 

GET YOUR FREE METRONOME GUIDE TODAY AT www.mindoverfinger.com!!!!  TURN THE METRONOME ON AND START PRACTICING BETTER AND LEARNING FASTER RIGHT NOW!

 

MORE ABOUT MARC:

The Cleveland Orchestra: https://www.clevelandorchestra.com/About/Musicians-and-Conductors/Meet-the-Musicians/A-L-Musicians/Damoulakis-Marc/

The Cleveland Institute: https://www.cim.edu/faculty/marc-damoulakis

 

Marc Damoulakis joined The Cleveland Orchestra in August 2006 and was appointed to the principal percussion chair in 2013.  He currently also teaches as a faculty member at the Cleveland Institute of Music.  He also presents clinics, masterclasses, and workshops at institutions and festivals worldwide, and performs as a soloist in a wide variety of performance settings.

 

Throughout his career, he has performed and recorded as a guest artist, including engagements with the New York Philharmonic, Atlanta Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Sarasota Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic.  He performed and recorded with the National Brass Ensemble at Skywalker Ranch and Orchestra Hall in Chicago in 2015.  An active chamber musician, Mr. Damoulakis plays regularly with the Strings Music Festival, ChamberFest Cleveland, and the Sun Valley Summer Symphony “In Focus” Series, where he is also the principal percussionist.  He has performed with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Gilmore Festival, New Music Consort, and the Pulse Percussion Ensemble.  In addition, Mr. Damoulakis is a founding member of the Time Table Percussion Quartet.

 

As a teacher, Marc Damoulakis has students holding positions in major symphony orchestras throughout the world and has led masterclasses and clinics throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.  He is committed to a biannual week-long teaching residency at the University of Colorado at Boulder, and is a regular participant in the North Western Percussion Symposium, and the National Youth Orchestra.  In addition, he serves as a judge of the annual Modern Snare Drum Competition.  In addition to his current work at CIM, he taught for seven years as a faculty member at DePaul University.  As a collaborative three-year project, he developed the K symphonic line of cymbals with the Zildjian Cymbal Company, instruments that are an important part of his sound collection with The Cleveland orchestra.

 

Prior to coming to Cleveland, Mr. Damoulakis lived and worked in New York, where he performed and recorded with the New York Philharmonic (2003-2006), served as principal timpani of the Long Island Philharmonic (1998-2006), and held the position of assistant principal percussion of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (2003-2006).  He also performed as an active freelancer in New York, including playing in the orchestra for Phantom of the Opera on Broadway.

 

A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Damoulakis was exposed to music at a young age by his parents, who were both educators and musicians, in piano and tuba respectively.  He later spent four summers at Tanglewood, in addition attending the Spoleto Festival and Pacific Music Festival.  Marc Damoulakis holds a bachelor’s degree in percussion performance from the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied under Chris Lamb (New York Philharmonic), Duncan Patton (Metropolitan Opera Orchestra), and James Preiss (Steve Reich ensemble).  He continued his studies for four years with the New World Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas (1999-2003).

 

Marc and his wife, Samantha, currently reside in Cleveland Heights with their son George, daughter Helen, and their dog Rocky.

 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

04 Mar 2022122 The Power of Gratitude – Try it at Home with Dr. Gauthier00:10:02
This week in the Try it at Home series we unpack the wisdom of Mary Elizabeth Bowden together and apply it in our lives.  just for you, I’ve created a free resource that has all the steps I’m about to share.  Download it here to follow along and continue the reflection after the episode.  You can also find the link in www.mindroverfinger.com/resources.  

SIGN UP FOR THE JOYFUL PRACTICE CHALLENGE AT WWW.MINDOVERFINGER.COM

 

Catch Mary’s conversation with me in its entirety on the Mind Over Finger Podcast in episode #121

 

Share a screen shot of the episode on social before March 7 and tag me for a chance to win your very own set of my favorite Mala beads.  Find Mind Over Finger on Instagram (here) and Facebook (here).

28 Jan 2022117 Jesus Sáenz & Kelley McGarry: Musicians for the World00:41:04

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

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

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

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

In our conversation, we discuss:

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

 

LINKS:

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

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

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

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

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

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

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

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

19 Mar 2021094 Warming Up with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier00:21:38

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

I also offer you another priming guided visualization exercise.

Enjoy!

 

 

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

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

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE is back in June 2021

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

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

30 Apr 2019032 The Fischoff Effect: Dorival Puccini – Axiom Brass00:30:50

Today’s guest in this second episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Dorival Puccini, trumpet player and founding member of Axiom Brass.

In this series, I bring you five former winners of the competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win!

My guests this week are Blaise Magniere from the Avalon String Quartet, Dorival Puccini from Axiom Brass, Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet , Christopher Whitley from the Thalea String Quartet, and Lydia Reah from the former Kairos String Quartet! 

Whether you are a musician about to compete at the competition, or a music lover looking for a fresh approach to practicing and preparing for a concert, make sure to subscribe and tune in everyday, because those conversations are bursting with inspiration and EXTREMELY useful information!  Each group has a unique and motivating story and my guests are so generous with their insightful tips and advice! 

 

About Fischoff

Founded in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has grown to become the largest chamber music competition in the world, attracting the finest and most talented young musicians from around the globe. and is one of the most prestigious classical music prizes attainable today. Since its founding, more than 6,000 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.  The Fischoff is also deeply committed to music education and partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative Arts-in-Education programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, nearly 50,000 children, youth and adults have received free educational programming of the highest order.

Website: http://www.fischoff.org/

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

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

 

 

Meet Axiom Brass – 2010 Senior Wind Division Bronze Medal & 2011 Fischoff Educator Award

Dorival Puccini, Jr. , Michael Hawes | Matthew Bronstein, horn | Corey Sansolo, trombone |           Kevin Harrison, tuba

 

http://www.axiombrass.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AxiomBrass5

 

Praised for their “high level of musicality and technical ability” and for their “clean, clear and precise sound,” the award-winning Axiom Brass Quintet has quickly established itself as “one of the major art music groups in brass chamber music.” As the only Brass Quintet in 27 years to ever win the prestigious Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition (2012), and the only American ensemble to ever win the Preis der Europa-Stadt Passau in Germany (2012), Axiom has also been named winners of the 2008 International Chamber Brass Competition and prize-winners of the 2016 M-Prize,  2010 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, the Plowman Chamber Music Competition, and the Jeju City International Brass Quintet Competition in South Korea. Axiom Brass is dedicated to enhancing the musical life of communities across the globe and educating the next generation of musicians.

Axiom’s commitment to education and their blend of virtuosic performances and dynamic teaching have inspired young audiences around the nation, earning the ensemble the 2011 Fischoff Educator Award.  Their educational concert “Let’s Make Music” has captivated thousands of elementary and middle school students in the U.S.  Since 2011 the ensemble has been featured as brass quintet-in-residence for the National Brass Symposium, sharing the stage with principal brass players from the Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic and Atlanta Symphony.

Internationally recognized for their groundbreaking programming, their repertoire ranges from jazz and Latin music to string quartet transcriptions, as well as original compositions for brass quintet.  Axiom Brass’ performances have captured the hearts and imaginations of their audiences, leading the ensemble to national radio and television appearances as well as concerts in Asia, Europe and across the U.S. Axiom’s dedication to brass repertoire has led the ensemble to commission and premiere several new works, including Avian Capriccio by Augusta Read Thomas, Axiom by Liduino Pitombeira, A Martyred Village by David Faleris, Celestial Suite by James Stephenson and For Then and Now by Laurence Bitensky. For Celestial Suite, Axiom Brass partnered with the New York Philharmonic Brass Quintet, the Chicago Symphony Brass Quintet, the Chicago Chamber Musicians and the Fischoff Chamber Music Society, as well as with the Digital Visualization Theater of the University of Notre Dame and Professor Keith Davis.

Highlights of Axiom’s past seasons have included concerts in the Dominican Republic, Germany, Portugal, Spain, China, South Korea and Japan; a four-week residency at the Grand Tetons Music Festival; the release of their début album New Standards, clinics and performances at the 2010, 2012 and 2015 Midwest Clinic, their New York debuts at Symphony Space and Merkin Hall, masterclasses at The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music, as well as recitals, masterclasses and solo appearances with orchestras and bands around the U.S. In October of 2013, Axiom gave the American premiere of Fantasia Flamenca and the world premiere of Raimundo Penaforte’s Concertice for brass quintet and orchestra under the baton of David Lockington and the Modesto Symphony, followed by the 2015 midwest premieres of Bernard Rands’ Adieu for quintet and strings, and the Midwest premiere of Fantasia Flamenca with the Grand Rapids Symphony. During the 2016/17 season Axiom commissioned and premiered ten new works as a celebration of the ensemble's 10th anniversary.

Axiom Brass performs exclusively with the Blackbinder automatic scroll app for iPads.

Axiom Brass performs exclusively on Mutec Mutes.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

26 Mar 2021095 Eli Epstein: Music Making from the Inside Out01:15:01

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

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

Eli elaborates on:

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

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

MORE ABOUT Eli Epstein

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

12 May 2023171 Mastery Pitfalls00:20:26

In this episode, we explore the common pitfalls that can arise on the path to mastery. 

From conflicting ways of life to obsessive goal orientation, over competitiveness, injuries, and more, we discuss how to recognize and overcome these challenges on the road to success.

 

EXCITING NEWS! ®®®

 

Enrollment for the Music Mastery Experience, the most comprehensive, life-changing, highly personalized group coaching program for musicians is now open!

In the, Music Mastery Experience we cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

BUT: you will go beyond just strategies and methods.  You will get to the root cause of issues and unlock everything that’s keeping you stuck.  You will experience amazing results at every level of your music-making and of your life.

If you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at MindOverFinger.com and let’s make it happen.

 

DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE

 

Join my mailing list HERE and become a Mind Over Finger VIP member!

 

As a VIP member, you will you receive my free guide to a highly productive practice, a transcript of each new podcast episode delivered to your inbox every week, and all the insider information about my coaching programs, including VIP prices on most of them.  March bonus: get 10$ off the Performance Anxiety Solution when you join the mailing list HERE!

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

 

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.

13 Oct 2023178 The Cost of Scarcity00:35:49

In this episode, I dive with you into the world of scarcity mentality: what it is, where it comes from, and how it impacts our lives, and I bring you practical strategies to shift into an abundance mindset.

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit MindOverFinger.com for all things peak performance – including impactful online courses and free resources on peak performance.

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.

04 Dec 2020083 Jenny Clift: Emotional Freedom Technique01:04:28

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

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

MORE ABOUT JENNY CLIFT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Book your free 30 minute call today!

 

 

Frustrated with your playing?  Unsatisfied with you career? 

Ready for a change?

Whatever you’re facing, I can help. 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

01 Feb 2019018 Anthony McGill: Focus & Efficiency in Practice & Performance00:52:53

In this episode, I chat with with Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist with the NY Philharmonic. 

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 clarinet of the New York Philharmonic — that orchestra’s first African-American principal player — and maintains a dynamic international solo and chamber music career. Hailed for his “trademark brilliance, penetrating sound and rich character” (The New York Times), as well as for his “exquisite combination of technical refinement and expressive radiance” (The Baltimore Sun), McGill also serves as an ardent advocate for helping music education reach underserved communities and for addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in classical music. McGill was honored to take part in the inauguration of President Barack Obama, premiering a piece written for the occasion by John Williams and performing alongside violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist Gabriela Montero.

 

McGill’s 2018-19 season includes performances of concertos by Bolcom, Copland, Mozart, and Strauss with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony, Vermont Symphony, and Austin Symphonic Band. He will also collaborate together with soprano Miah Persson in a performance of Schubert’s “The Shepherd on the Rock” together with Iván Fischer and the New York Philharmonic. Additional performances include a collaboration with the Dover Quartet for the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and a recital with soprano Julia Bullock for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, along with collaborations with the Brentano Quartet for Princeton University and a tour of Asia with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

 

McGill appears regularly as a soloist with top orchestras around North America including the New York Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera, Baltimore Symphony, San Diego Symphony, and Kansas City Symphony. As a chamber musician, McGill is a favorite collaborator of the Brentano, Daedalus, Guarneri, JACK, Miró, Pacifica, Shanghai, Takacs, and Tokyo Quartets, as well as Emanuel Ax, Inon Barnatan, Gloria Chien, Yefim Bronfman, Gil Shaham, Midori, Mitsuko Uchida, and Lang Lang. He has led tours with Musicians from Marlboro and regularly performs for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. Festival appearances include Tanglewood, Marlboro, Mainly Mozart, Music@Menlo, and the Santa Fe, Seattle, and Skaneateles Chamber Music Festivals.

 

In January 2015, McGill recorded the Nielsen Clarinet Concerto together with Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic, which was released on DaCapo Records. He also recorded an album together with his brother Demarre McGill, principal flute of the Seattle Symphony, and pianist Michael McHale; and one featuring the Mozart and Brahms Clarinet Quintet with the Pacifica Quartet that were both released by Cedille Records.

 

A dedicated champion of new music, in 2014, McGill premiered a new piece written for him by Richard Danielpour entitled “From the Mountaintop” that was commissioned by the New Jersey Symphony, Kansas City Symphony, and Orchestra 2001. McGill served as the 2015-16 Artist-in-Residence for WQXR and has appeared on Performance Today, MPR’s St. Paul Sunday Morning, and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. In 2013, McGill appeared on the NBC Nightly News and on MSNBC, in stories highlighting the McGill brothers’ inspirational story.

 

A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, McGill previously served as the principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera and associate principal clarinet of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. In-demand as a teacher, he serves on the faculty of the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, Bard College’s Conservatory of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. He also serves as the Artistic Advisor for the Music Advancement Program at the Juilliard School, on the Board of Directors for both the League of American Orchestra and the Harmony Program, and the advisory council for the InterSchool Orchestras of New York.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

18 Mar 2022124 The Three-Note Exercise – Try it at Home with Dr. Gauthier00:10:11

This week in the Try it at Home series we unpack the wisdom of Joe Alessi together and apply it in our lives. 

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

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE:

Enrollment for THE life-changing, highly personalized group coaching program for musicians is now open! You will go beyond just strategies and methods by getting to the root cause of issues and unlock everything that’s keeping you stuck to help you experience amazing results (in every level of your music-making and life).

We cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

So if you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at MindOverFinger.com and let’s make it happen.


Catch Joe’s conversation with me in its entirety on the Mind Over Finger Podcast in episode #123

11 Dec 2020084 The Musician's Toolbox with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier00:52:23

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

ANGELA EZEONYEKA

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

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

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

 

ANDREW COLEMAN

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

29 Mar 2024195 Katherine Emeneth: Build & Grow Your Music Career00:56:34

Today's discussion features Dr. Katherine Emeneth, a multifaceted artist in flute performance, collaboration, education, and pedagogy. Key points include:

  • Being intentional about your choices when you’re building your career
  • The future of musicians' careers with a portfolio approach.
  • The need to develop multiple skills to grow your career
  • Overcoming self-doubt as you go about your journey
  • The importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing your health and well-being to build a more fulfilling and sustainable career.

 

Sign up now for the brand-new FREE workshop – Mastering the Stage

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT KATHERINE EMENETH

 

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.

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.

10 Sep 2021107 Mimi Zweig: Teaching from the Heart00:39:19

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

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

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

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

In our conversation, we covered...

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

 

MORE ON MIMI ZWEIG:

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

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

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

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

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

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

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

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

 

PPP alumnus Karmen Palusoo has this to say about it:

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

 

MUSIC MASTERY CIRCLE:

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

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

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

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

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

 

06 Aug 2021106 Brandon Acker: Q&A Session00:57:54

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

 

Sign up today for

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

 

MORE ABOUT BRANDON ACKER:

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

29 Apr 2019031 The Fischoff Effect: Blaise Magnière – Avalon String Quartet00:33:37

Today’s guest in this first episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Blaise Magnière, first violin of the Avalon String Quartet.  I could not be more excited to be on site at the University of Notre-Dame as one of the official podcasters covering the 46th Annual Fischoff Competition from May 10 to 12, And, I thought it would be really fun to bring you guys 5 former winners of the competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win!

So, this week, you will hear all about the Fischoff Effect with my guests - Blaise Magniere from the Avalon String Quartet, Dorival Puccini from Axiom Brass, Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet , Christopher Whitley from the Thalea String Quartet, and Lydia Reah from the former Kairos String Quartet! 

Whether you are a musician about to compete at the competition, or a music lover looking for a fresh approach to practicing and preparing for a concert, make sure to subscribe and tune in everyday, because those conversations are bursting with inspiration and EXTREMELY useful information!  Each group has a unique and motivating story and my guests are so generous with their insightful tips and advice! 

About Fischoff

Founded in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has grown to become the largest chamber music competition in the world, attracting the finest and most talented young musicians from around the globe. and is one of the most prestigious classical music prizes attainable today. Since its founding, more than 6,000 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.  Fischoff is also deeply committed to music education and partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative Arts-in-Education programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, nearly 50,000 children, youth and adults have received free educational programming of the highest order.

Website: http://www.fischoff.org/

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

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

 

Meet the Avalon String Quartet - Grand Prize 1998

Blaise Magnière & Mary Wang, violin | Tony Devroye, viola | Chen-Hou Lee, cello

 

https://avalonquartet.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/avalonstringquartet/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=avalon+string+quartet

 

Described by the Chicago Tribune as “an ensemble that invites you — ears, mind, and spirit — into its music”

The Avalon has performed in major venues including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, the 92nd St Y, Merkin Hall, and Bargemusic in New York; the Library of Congress and National Gallery of Art in Washington DC; Wigmore Hall in London; and Herculessaal in Munich. Other performances include appearances at the Bath International Music Festival, Aldeburgh Festival, Caramoor, La Jolla Chamber Music Society, NPR’s St. Paul Sunday, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Dame Myra Hess Concerts, Los Angeles Music Guild, and the Ravinia Festival. The quartet is performing an annual concert series at historic Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University. In recent seasons, the Avalon presented the complete quartet cycles of Beethoven, Bartok, and Brahms at Fullerton Hall at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The Avalon is quartet-in-residence at the Northern Illinois University School of Music, a position formerly held by the Vermeer Quartet. Additional teaching activities have included the Icicle Creek Chamber Music Institute, Interlochen Advanced Quartet Program, Madeline Island Music Camp, and the Britten-Pears School in England, as well as masterclasses at universities and conservatories throughout the United States. Additionally, they have given numerous performances and presentations to young audiences in under-resourced schools and communities.

 

 

28 Feb 2020062 Howard Herring: The 21st Century Musician00:45:24

I’m incredibly happy to welcome someone I admire and respect profoundly to the show this week: Howard Herring, President and CEO of the New world Symphony!

In our conversation, Howard talks about the many aspects of NWS, including the first rate musical training , the incredible programs and initiatives that they have, the support they offer to their musicians, the richness they bring to their community, how they train future leaders in our industry, and how we can all be powerful agents of artistic innovation in our communities.

He also elaborates on:

  • Their formula for audience building
  • How they create programs tailored for their audience
  • The importance of creating an experience for the audience and getting feedback from the public

 

NEW ON THE WEBSITE: A Resources page!

You can find my favorite websites, cds, as well as the other podcasts I like to listen to and the amazing books recommended by my podcast guests!

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!

 

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

TURN THE METRONOME ON AND START PRACTICING BETTER AND LEARNING FASTER RIGHT NOW!  GET YOUR FREE METRONOME GUIDE TODAY AT www.mindoverfinger.com!!!!

 

MORE ABOUT HOWARD AND ABOUT THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY:

Website: https://www.nws.edu/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nwsymphony

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0U8vgodeDz9pL16A_eBTA

 

Howard Herring

Howard Herring is a native of Oklahoma, a pianist by training, and now President and CEO of the New World Symphony. After his academic work at Southern Methodist University and Manhattan School of Music, he was pianist of the Claremont Trio, a winner of the Artists International Competition, and an active musician and teacher in New York City. In 1986, he became Executive Director of the Caramoor Music Festival. Mr. Herring led that institution’s development of the Rising Stars program for young instrumentalists, Bel Canto at Caramoor for young singers, and a curriculum-based arts program integrating music and visual art into K-12 studies. During his fifteen-year tenure, Caramoor celebrated its 50th anniversary and established its first endowment.

 

In 2001, Mr. Herring assumed leadership of the New World Symphony – America’s Orchestral Academy, a three-year post-graduate fellowship program for aspiring classical musicians and leaders. He was given the charge of energizing the institution’s national and international profile and developing a new building designed to explore its unique experiential curriculum and cutting edge digital work. The building was completed on time and on budget and opened to national and international acclaim in January 2011. The New World Center, designed by Frank Gehry, enables New World Symphony to exploit the global reach of broadband technology for education and digital capabilities for artistic expression. New World Fellows are exploring the establishment of an online music education community, integration of music and video, and engagement of new audiences through alternate performance formats. Dynamic partnerships with professional orchestras and distinguished music schools have been formed around these experiments.

 

New World Symphony

 

The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), prepares graduates of music programs for leadership roles in professional orchestras and ensembles. In the 32 years since its co-founding by Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas and Lin and Ted Arison, NWS has helped launch the careers of more than 1,100 alumni worldwide.

A laboratory for the way music is taught, presented and experienced, the New World Symphony consists of 87 young musicians who are granted fellowships lasting up to three years. The fellowship program offers in-depth exposure to traditional and modern repertoire, professional development training and personalized experiences working with leading guest conductors, soloists and visiting faculty. Relationships with these artists are extended through NWS’s extensive distance learning via the internet.

MISSION

The mission of the New World Symphony is to prepare highly-gifted graduates of music programs for leadership roles in orchestras and ensembles around the world.

VISION

The New World Symphony envisions a strong and secure future for classical music and will redefine, reaffirm, express and share its traditions with as many people as possible.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The New World Symphony is dedicated to the artistic, personal and professional development of outstanding instrumentalists. The NWS fellowship program provides graduates of music programs the opportunity to enhance their musical education with the finest professional training. A laboratory for musical education and expression, the New World Symphony, through a wide range of performance and instructional activities, seeks to develop in its participants the full complement of skills and qualifications required of 21st-century first-class musicians. Under the artistic direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, the program offers in-depth exposure to traditional and modern repertoire, with the active involvement of leading guest conductors, soloists and visiting faculty. The relationships with these artists are extended through NWS's pioneering experimentation with distance learning and performance.

CULTURE

The New World Symphony is committed to maintaining an educational, working, and living environment founded on civility and mutual respect.  We have a philosophy of continuous improvement and are committed to strengthening this environment for the benefit of our Fellows, employees, and entire community.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

12 Feb 2021090 Dr. Frank Diaz: Mindful Musician01:01:55

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

In our conversation, Frank elaborates on:

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

  

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

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

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE will be back in June 2021

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

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

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

 

MORE ABOUT FRANK DIAZ:

Some fun YouTube videos featuring Frank:

Frank’s book recommendation:

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

12 Oct 2018006 Matthew Lipman: How Learning to Listen Well Lead Him to Great Heights & How he Prepares for Competitions and Performances00:46:40

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.

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/melodiousmatt1/

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

His recording of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with Rachel Barton Pine and the Academy of St-Martin in the Fields conducted by Sir Neville Marriner

Carl Fischer Foundation Studies for the Viola - Book 2 (from Opp. 45 and 74) performed by Matthew

Playing the Viola: Conversations with William Primrose, by David Dalton

Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for Violin, Viola and Orchestra - featuring Erin Keefe and Matthew Lipman with the Minnesota Orchestra.

 

The recipient of a prestigious 2015 Avery Fisher Career Grant, 25-year-old American violist Matthew Lipman has been hailed by the New York Times for his "rich tone and elegant phrasing" and by the Chicago Tribune for his "splendid technique and musical sensitivity.” In demand as a soloist, he has recently performed concertos with the Minnesota, Illinois Philharmonic, Grand Rapids Symphony, Wisconsin Chamber, Juilliard, Ars Viva Symphony, Montgomery Symphony, Innsbrook and Eggenfelden Festival orchestras and recitals at the WQXR Greene Space in New York City and the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC.

Highlights this season include a debut solo album on Cedille Records, which will include his own transcription of Waxman’s Carmen Fantasy and a world premiere by Brazilian composer Clarice Assad, and several performances of the Telemann Viola Concerto in Alice Tully Hall. The Telegraph praised Mr. Lipman as “gifted with poise and a warmth of timbre” on his Avie recording of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante with violinist Rachel Barton Pine and the Academy of St Martin in the

Fields with Sir Neville Marriner, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard classical charts. He was the only violist featured on WFMT Chicago’s list of "30 Under 30" top classical musicians and has been profiled by The Strad and BBC Music magazines. Mr. Lipman performs internationally as a chamber musician with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center as a member of CMS Two, at the Music@Menlo, Marlboro, Bad Kissingen, Malaga, and Ravinia Festivals, and regularly with distinguished artists like Itzhak Perlman, Mitsuko Uchida, and Pinchas Zukerman.

A top prizewinner of the Primrose, Tertis, Washington, Johansen, and Stulberg International Viola Competitions, he received his bachelor's and master's degrees as an inaugural Kovner fellow from The Juilliard School, where he continues to serve as teaching assistant to Heidi Castleman, and is currently mentored by Tabea Zimmermann in Kronberg, Germany. A native of Chicago, Mr. Lipman performs on a fine 1700 Matteo Goffriller viola loaned through the generous efforts of the RBP Foundation and an 1845 Dominque Peccatte viola bow.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

 

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

 

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps cover some of the costs associated with the production of the podcast.  Thank you for your support.)

06 Sep 2019041 Marin Alsop: Forging Your Own Path00:29:47

To start Season 2, I’m really honored to bring you a conversation with the incredible Marin Alsop, who’s someone I’ve admired so much for so many years!

In this episode, we discuss Making things happen for yourself, finding balance between pushing yourself to grow and not becoming overly self-critical, bringing a score to life, how she nurtures focus in her work by planning carefully, and the importance of becoming our own best teacher!

 

ALL ABOUT MARIN ALSOP:

Website: https://www.marinalsop.com/

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: https://www.bsomusic.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinalsop.conductor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marin.alsop.conductor/

 

Marin Alsop is one of the world’s great orchestral conductors. She’s described as an inspiring and powerful voice in the international music scene, and a Music Director of vision and distinction who passionately believes that “music has the power to change lives”. She is recognized across the world for her innovative approach to programming and for her deep commitment to education and to the development of audiences of all ages.

Upon her appointment as Music Director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in 2007, Maestro Alsop became the first woman to head a major American orchestra, and was the first woman to conduct last night of the Prom in its 100 year history.

Among her many awards and academic positions, Marin Alsop is the only conductor to receive the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, she’s an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music and Royal Philharmonic Society, and was recently appointed Director of Graduate Conducting at the Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute. She attended the Juilliard School and Yale University, who awarded her an Honorary Doctorate in 2017. Her conducting career was launched in 1989, when she was the first woman to be awarded the Koussevitzky Conducting Prize from the Tanglewood Music Center.

As part of her artistic leadership in Baltimore, Mastro Alsop has created several bold initiatives: including ‘OrchKids’, for the city’s most deprived young people, and the BSO Academy and Rusty Musicians for adult amateur musicians.

Maestro Alsop conducts all of the world’s major orchestras, and in addition to her position with the Baltimore Symphony, she is Principal Conductor and Music Director of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, Chief Conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of California’s Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music.

Her extensive discography has led to multiple Gramophone awards and includes highly praised recordings with all of the major labels, including Naxos, Decca Classics, Harmonia Mundi and Sony Classical.

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

15 Mar 2024193 Conditioning for YOUR Ideal Performance00:39:41

In this episode of the Mind Over Finger Podcast, we explore the art of conditioning for optimal musical performance. Join us as we uncover practical strategies to bridge the gap between practice and stage, empowering musicians to excel in high-pressure situations. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your musical journey, these insights will help you unleash your full potential on stage. Tune in now to elevate your performance game!

Sign up now for the brand-new FREE workshop – Mastering the Stage

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.

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.

22 Nov 2019052 Demarre McGill: The Master Keys - Discipline, Spirit, Energy, Beauty & Patience00:47:10

In this week’s episode, Demarre McGill, principal flute with the Seattle Symphony, discusses the building blocks of efficient and mental practice: having discipline, nurturing energy, focusing on beauty, and applying patience in our approach.

Demarre also elaborates on the importance of:

  • The “starter teachers” and the diverse support system a young musician needs to blossom
  • Combining discipline, spirit, and energy
  • Being an excellent colleague
  • Patience in slow practice, and how it helps us learn faster
  • Finding the soul of the music & focusing on beauty
  • Providing musical context to fix technical issues
  • Focusing on the music to get in the right headspace for a performance
  • Confronting the things we are not comfortable with in preparation for performances
  • Contributing to your community
  • Not giving up in the face of rejection
  • Staying hungry in order to grow

 

The Mind Over Finger Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtQSB1IVNJ4a2afT1iUtSfA/videos

 

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

TURN THE METRONOME ON AND START PRACTICING BETTER AND LEARNING FASTER RIGHT NOW!  GET YOUR FREE METRONOME GUIDE TODAY AT www.mindoverfinger.com!!!!  

 

MORE ABOUT DEMARRE:

Website: https://www.demarremcgill.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVTwhPRg3lnSTSWxTROWz2w

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

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

 

The Chamber Music Society of Fort Worth - Learning with the Masters featuring DSO flutist Demarre McGill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK_dsbJsw0o

 

Demarre McGill has gained international recognition as a soloist, recitalist, chamber and orchestral musician. Winner of an Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, he has appeared as soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Seattle, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Grant Park, San Diego and Baltimore symphony orchestras and, at age 15, the Chicago Symphony.

Now principal flute of the Seattle Symphony, he previously served as principal flute of the Dallas Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Florida Orchestra, and Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. He recently served as acting principal flute of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and earlier with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

As an educator, Demarre has performed, coached and presented master classes in South Africa, Korea, Japan, Quebec and throughout the United States. With his brother Anthony, he was a speaker and performer at the 2018 League of American Orchestras Conference. He has also served on the faculties of the National Youth Orchestra of the United States, the National Orchestral Institute (NOI) at the University of Maryland, the Orford Music Festival, and participated in Summerfests at the Curtis Institute of Music. In August of 2019, he was named Associate Professor of Flute at Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and is an artist-faculty member of the Aspen Music Festival and School.

A founding member of The Myriad Trio, and former member of Chamber Music Society Two, Demarre has participated in the Santa Fe, Marlboro, Seattle and Stellenbosch chamber music festivals, to name a few.  He is the co-founder of The Art of Élan and, along with clarinetist Anthony McGill and pianist Michael McHale, founded the McGill/McHale Trio in 2014. Their first CD, "Portraits," released in August 2017, has received rave reviews, as has "Winged Creatures," his recording with Anthony McGill and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. In 2019-20 the McGill/McHale Trio performs at New York City's 92nd Street Y, as well as in Washington D.C. and on chamber music series throughout the Midwest.

Media credits include appearances on PBS's Live from Lincoln Center, A & E Network's The Gifted Ones, NBC's Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and, with his brother Anthony when they were teenagers, on Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.

A native of Chicago, Demarre McGill began studying the flute at age 7 and attended the Merit School of Music. In the years that followed, until he left Chicago, he studied with Susan Levitin. Demarre received his bachelor’s degree from The Curtis Institute of Music and a Master's degree at The Juilliard School.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

09 Nov 2018010 Paul Merkelo: Developing Artistry & Creating Opportunities00:38:52

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.

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

 

Tunable app

The Talent Code: Greatness Isn't Born. It's Grown. Here's How.  by Daniel Coyle

 

Renowned as one of the finest trumpet players of his generation, Paul Merkelo is recognized for his ’pure technical prowess’’ (Rochester Democrat & Chronicle) as well as his ‘’unusual lyrical gifts’’ (Gramophone). Principal trumpet with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal since 1995, Mr. Merkelo is regularly praised by the Montreal press as ‘’a spectacular soloist… a most impressive master of his instrument’’ (Montreal Gazette), a “great virtuoso… dazzling’’ (La Presse). He has been featured frequently with the OSM, including tours to South America and Lincoln Center in New York.

He has been featured with orchestras, and in recital, throughout the United States, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, Portugal, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, France and Thailand.

He has been featured with orchestras, and in recital, throughout the United States, Canada, Russia, China, Japan, Portugal, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, France and Thailand.

In 1999, he was appointed Canadian musical ambassador to China for the inauguration of the Montreal Park in Shanghai, and as soloist with the Shanghai Broadcast Orchestra in a national telecast. Mr. Merkelo made his New York debut at Lincoln Center with the New World Symphony Orchestra and Michael Tilson Thomas in 1998. He has also worked with conductors Leonard Bernstein, Charles Dutoit, Lorin Maazel, Sir Georg Solti and Valery Gergiev.

Mr. Merkelo’s first solo recording, A Simple Song was ranked #1 in Quebec’s classical recording chart in 2000. In 2004, Analekta released a highly praised second CD, Baroque Transcriptions, which was nominated by ADISQ for Best Classical Album of the Year.

Previously, he was Principal Trumpet with the Rochester Philharmonic and New Orleans Symphony and gained early orchestral experience as an extra with the New York Philharmonic and Pittsburgh Symphony.

Paul Merkelo attended the University of Illinois and Eastman School of music, where he was awarded the Speth Scholarship for outstanding orchestral musician. Mr. Merkelo is on the faculty at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, and McGill University. He is on the board of directors for the Youth Orchestra of the Americas (Canada), and is the founder of the Paul Merkelo scholarship.

Paul Merkelo is a Yamaha artist.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

 

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps cover some of the costs associated with the production of the podcast.  Thank you for your support.)

21 May 2019037 The Fischoff Experience: The Team01:10:07

Experience the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition from the perspective of the team of incredibly supportive, loving, and dedicated people that are essential in making all of this magic happen: the coaches, the parents, the many organizations involved and, of course, the Fischoff team itself.

 

Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition: https://www.fischoff.org/

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

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

               

Rodolpho Vieira – Music Institute of Chicago Academy - https://www.musicinst.org/rodolfo-vieira

  • Coach of the Xena & Fiero string quartets

Scott Tegge – Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra - https://cyso.org/

  • Screening Committee member for the Senior Winds/Brass Division & coach of the Fab Five brass quintet

Joseph Maile – San Francisco Conservatory pre-college - https://sfcm.edu/pre-college

Tom Snidacker – Merit School of Music - https://meritmusic.org/

  • Coach of the Precipice Saxophone Quartet

Brayer Teague

  • Parent and Fine Arts Department Chair at Downers Grove North High School & Past State President of the Illinois Music Education Association

Parents of the Fiero String Quartet from the Music Institute of Chicago https://www.musicinst.org

  • Isabella Brown & Kaylin Liu, violin; Elena Galentas, viola; Alon Hayut, cello

Scott Linder

Allan Dennis – Midwest Young Artist Conservatory - https://mya.org/

  • President & Founder

Deborah Price - Chamber Music Connection - https://cmconnection.org/

  • Founder & Artistic Director

Si-Yan Darren Li - Cleveland Institute of Music - https://www.cim.edu/

  • String chamber music coordinator & Chamber music faculty

Tom Rosenberg – Artistic Director of Fischoff & Director of the Chamber Music Academy at the St-Paul Conservatory of Music  https://thespcm.org/faculty-tom-rosenberg

 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

 

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

25 Mar 2022125 Paul Ellison: The Essence of Pedagogy01:00:15

For this episode, I’m delighted to bring you one of the world's leading teachers and performers of the Double Bass, the legendary Paul Ellison.

This is a really powerful conversation that I know will have you walk away feeling completely inspired! Paul shares with us his wisdom on practicing, learning, and teaching.  Wherever you are in your musical journey, there is something for you in this interview.

 

MORE ABOUT PAUL:

 

Books Paul Recommends: (henri, please keep those links – they’re my associates links, thanks!)

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE:

Enrollment for THE life-changing, highly personalized group coaching program for musicians is now open! You will go beyond just strategies and methods by getting to the root cause of issues and unlock everything that’s keeping you stuck to help you experience amazing results (in every level of your music-making and life).

We cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

So if you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at MindOverFinger.com and let’s make it happen.

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

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

Don’t forget to join the Join the Mind Over Finger Community  for access to my live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians.

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

14 Sep 2018002 Jason Heath: How he Built a Vibrant Port-Folio Career and Became a Podcasting Icon by Asking the Hard Questions and Listening to Himself01:20:28

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.

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 Leaders in the Field

Leon Bosch on Contrabass Conversations, episode 213: https://contrabassconversations.com/2016/05/16/cbc-213-leon-bosch-the-sherlock-holmes-of-the-double-bass/

Modacity app: https://www.modacity.co/

Dr. Don Greene, sport psychologist : https://www.winningonstage.com/

forScore app: https://forscore.co/

 

Biography

Jason Heath is the host of Contrabass Conversations, a podcast devoted to exploring music and ideas associated with the double bass.

His blog and podcast are highly regarded in the music world and have been featured as top offerings in the world of arts and culture for the past decade. He is the author of Winning the Audition and Road Warrior Without an Expense Account and his work has been featured in International Musician, TimeOut Chicago, Adaptistration, ArtsHacker, The Scroll, Bass World, Double Bassist, and Bass Musician Magazine.

Jason serves on the Board of Directors for the International Society of Bassists and is the Double Bass Product Manager for Eastman Strings. He also serves on the advisory boards of Musician’s Toolkit and Be Part of the Music, and he is internationally active as a clinician and consultant.  Jason is past president of the Illinois chapter of the American String Teachers Association and past orchestra representative for District VII of the Illinois Music Educators Association.

A highly decorated veteran teacher, Jason is a past faculty member at DePaul University, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Trinity International University.  He currently works with the San Francisco Symphony’s Music and Mentors program and teaches internationally at various bass events, clinics, and master classes.

Jason’s former students hold positions in the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Symphony, and Philharmonie Sudwestfalen. As a high school orchestra director, Jason’s orchestras had many notable performances, including the Midwest Clinic in Chicago and tours in Peru, Spain, and Cuba.

A graduate of Northwestern University, Jason performs with the IRIS Orchestra in Memphis Tennessee and ensembles in the San Francisco Bay Area. He was a member of the Elgin Symphony for 16 seasons and has also performed with the San Francisco Symphony, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Symphony, and numerous other professional ensembles.

 

THANK YOU:

Huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

Also, 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.

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps cover some of the costs associated with the production of the podcast.  Thank you for your support!)

24 Jan 2020057 Robert deMaine: On Practicing00:52:49

Robert deMaine, principal cellist with the LA philharmonic, talks to us about his view on the various facets of practicing. He elaborates on:

  • The importance of courage, presence, and joy in practice
  • How to improve your playing at any time, in any circumstances
  • Practicing for auditions
  • Incorporating two aspects of preparation
    • Polishing all the nitty gritty
    • Letting go
  • How he gets himself in “Olympian” shape for auditions
  • The importance of “seeing the forest”
  • His view on devices – recorders, tuners, metronome, etc.
  • The cumulative effect of preparing for audition
  • The mental preparation
  • A strategy to “find” the motivation to start practicing (Read my own blog post on the topic , Commit to Ten, here: https://www.mindoverfinger.com/post/commit-to-ten)
  • His technique routine
  • How to make practicing excerpts personal and enjoyable

 

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

 

And join the Mind Over Finger Book Club in the Tribe!  We meet HERE, and we’ll begin 2020 with The Inner Game of Golf by Tim Gallwey!

 

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

TURN THE METRONOME ON AND START PRACTICING BETTER AND LEARNING FASTER RIGHT NOW!  GET YOUR FREE METRONOME GUIDE TODAY AT www.mindoverfinger.com!!!!

 

 

MORE ABOUT ROBERT DEMAINE:

Website: http://www.robertdemaine.com/index.php

Los Angeles Philarmonic: https://www.laphil.com/musicdb/artists/1440/robert-demaine

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=robert+demaine+cello

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

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

 

Robert deMaine is an American virtuoso cellist who has been hailed by The New York Times as “an artist who makes one hang on every note.” He has distinguished himself as one of the finest and most versatile instrumentalists of his generation, performing to critical acclaim as soloist, recitalist, orchestra principal, recording artist, chamber musician, and composer / arranger. In 2010, deMaine was a founding member of the highly acclaimed Ehnes String Quartet and completed several world tours and recordings with the ensemble. In 2012 he was invited to join the Los Angeles Philharmonic as Principal Cello. He collaborates often in a piano trio with violinist Hilary Hahn and pianist Natalie Zhu.

A first-prize winner in many national and international competitions, deMaine was the first cellist ever to win the grand prize at San Francisco’s Irving M. Klein International Competition for Strings. As soloist, he has collaborated with many distinguished conductors, including Neeme Järvi, Peter Oundjian, Joseph Silverstein, and Leonard Slatkin, and has performed nearly all the major cello concertos with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where he served as principal cello for over a decade.

His recording of the John Williams Cello Concerto (Detroit Symphony, Leonard Slatkin conducting) is available on Naxos. His forthcoming recordings include the complete works of Beethoven for piano and cello with pianist Peter Takács, the Haydn Cello Concertos with the Moravian Philharmonic of the Czech Republic, and a recital CD of Grieg and Rachmaninoff sonatas with pianist Andrew Armstrong.

 

DeMaine studied at the Juilliard School, the Eastman School of Music, the University of Southern California, Yale University, and the Kronberg Academy in Germany.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

06 Nov 2020080 Lori Schiff: The Alexander Technique - At Home with Yourself00:59:22

For this episode, I bring you a powerful conversation with world-renowned Alexander Technique teacher Lori Schiff.

As Lori shares on her website, the Alexander Technique “is a method for living better through your own mindfulness in action.”  It can help you gain confidence and reduce pain, tension and fatigue. It allows you to connect with yourself to nourish presence and mobility and, from there, leads to performing better in all areas of your life.

Lori expands on:

  • How Alexander Technique affected her life and her journey
  • Who the Alexander Technique is for
  • What the Alexander Technique is: a method for living that teaches us to pay attention and choose our reactions to stimuli
  • How the Alexander Technique encourages the connection with our self – our wholeness – and the development of conscious control (mind body connector)
  • How the Alexander Technique is a means to more freedom, for the whole person and their whole life
  • How it can help in class and in lessons, in the practice room, and on stage

This is an information and inspiration packed episode and I know you will appreciate Lori’s knowledge and wisdom and lover her energy as much as I did!

 

MORE ABOUT LORI SCHIFF:

Ms. Schiff is a full-time professor of The Alexander Technique at The Juilliard School and a guest teaching artist for various schools and organizations nationally and internationally. She has been a faculty member of The Juilliard School since 1991 and was in residence at The Aspen Music Festival and School from 1993 - 2015.

Ms. Schiff joined The Riverside Initiative for The Alexander Technique as Associate Director and Senior Teacher for Teacher Training in 2018.

Ms. Schiff was Certified as a Teacher of the Alexander Technique at ACAT-New York in 1987. She continued with years of postgraduate training with Walter and Dilys Carrington at the Constructive Teaching Centre in London.

She is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Music in Trumpet Performance and has her Masters in Music from Manhattan School of Music.

She served as the Alexander Technique Teacher for the Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artists Development Program, and at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. She also served on the senior faculty of the American Center for the Alexander Technique's Teacher Certification Program.

Institutions where she has been a guest teaching artist include: The New World Symphony, The U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point, The U.S. Army Field Band and U.S. Army Soldier's Chorus, The San Diego Symphony, ToneBank International Music Festival, National Youth Orchestra of China, University of Maryland Opera Studio, and The Internationale Meistersinger Akademie in Neumarkt, Germany.

She has presented Master Classes at institutions including The Metropolitan Opera, Opera America, West Point Military Academy, Fort Meade, The Academy (ACJW) at Carnegie Hall, Manhattan School of Music, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras, The National Orchestral Institute, The Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra and The New York Youth Symphony, Theater Aspen, MorseLife Senior Residences, and Holland and Knight, LLP.

In 2013, she assisted in organizing and taught the Alexander Technique for actress and playwright, Anna Deavere Smith's Acting and Empathy course in San Francisco. She returned to San Francisco in 2014 to work with Ms. Smith's course, Personal Narratives: Global Identities.

Ms. Schiff is a recognized senior teacher of the Alexander Technique by the American Society for the Alexander Technique and has presented master classes at the AmSAT Annual Meetings in San Francisco, Ann Arbor, Las Vegas, New York City, Boston, and Minneapolis. She was a guest lecturer on Teaching the Alexander Technique in schools of music for The International Congress for the Alexander Technique in Lugano, Switzerland.

Ms. Schiff served on the Board of Directors of the Aspen Music Festival and School as Chair of the Music Committee for nine years and was President and Chairman of the Board of The American Center for the Alexander Technique for five years. More recently, she completed two years on the Board of Directors of The American Society for the Alexander Technique.

Ms. Schiff has a private Alexander Technique practice in NYC. She is the founding director of Flight Feather Productions, LLC, an organization for creating and supporting uplifting educational experiences for corporate and artistic communities.

With composer Lance Horne, she is the Co-Director of Creativity Lab, a program for inspiring community and collaboration through collective creativity.

As a committed recreational runner, she has completed four marathons, several half marathons, and countless 10ks, 5 Milers, 4 Milers, and 5ks.

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

21 Feb 2020061 Violaine Melançon: Becoming a Well-Rounded Artist00:42:38

I’m really honored to have violinist Violaine Melançon on the show this week to discuss her views on the skills young musicians need to develop to become well-rounded artists.

As you’ll get to hear, Violaine is an artist of great depth and a dedicated pedagogue with wonderful wisdom and empathy.  I’m certain that you will resonate with her message and walk away inspired and motivated

In our conversation, Violaine expands on:

  • The importance of choosing a teacher that will be a good fit
  • The wonderful teaching philosophies of Isadore Tinkleman, which created “searching musicians” and fostered thinking and creativity in his students
  • The importance of learning to listen and trust your ear
  • Becoming a “Searching Musician”
  • The importance of being versatile
  • How and how long we should practice
  • What summer festivals can bring to a young musician’s development
  • How much we learn when we teach
  • The importance of having a good balance between routine, consistency, and variety
  • Listening to yourself as if you were your own best student (which will help you listen better and assess what is objectively)
  • Her main “engines:” curiosity, creativity in problem-solving, and yoga
  • Her wise advice to students
  • Her beautiful actionable tip: find a way to be inspired every day

 

 

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

 

And join the Mind Over Finger Book Club in the Tribe!  We meet HERE, and we’ll begin 2020 with The Inner Game of Golf by Tim Gallwey!

 

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

TURN THE METRONOME ON AND START PRACTICING BETTER AND LEARNING FASTER RIGHT NOW!  GET YOUR FREE METRONOME GUIDE TODAY AT www.mindoverfinger.com!!!!

 

 

MORE ABOUT VIOLAINE MELANÇON:

Website: https://www.violaineMelançon.com/

 

 

An artist deeply dedicated to the range of violin and chamber music repertoire, violinist Violaine Melançon is Associate Professor of Violin at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, and serves on the violin and chamber music faculties of the Peabody Conservatory. She was for thirty years the founding violinist of the Peabody Trio which was ensemble-in-residence at the Peabody Conservatory from 1987 to 2016. After winning the prestigious Naumburg Chamber Music Award in 1989, the Peabody Trio established itself as an important presence in the chamber music world as vivid interpreters of the classics of the repertoire, advocates for new music, and dedicated teachers and mentors to a generation of young musicians. As a member of the Peabody Trio, Ms. Melançon gave a New York debut in 1990 at Alice Tully Hall and has performed in the most important chamber music series in North America, including New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, Denver, Vancouver, Montreal, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Indianapolis, Dallas, Honolulu, Memphis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Portland, St. Louis, Boston and Philadelphia. With them, Ms. Melançon toured internationally, frequently performing in England, making repeat appearances at London’s Wigmore Hall, and in Japan and Israel.

 

She has a special affection for the music of today and is a serious interpreter of works of Gyorgy Kurtag, Mauricio Kagel and Zhou Long. The Israeli composer Shulamit Ran wrote a violin concerto for her and she has premiered several works by other leading composers. Among the artists with whom she enjoys collaborating are pianists Leon Fleisher, Gilbert Kalish and Peter Frankl, soprano Phyllis Bryn-Julson, and violist Roger Tapping.

 

During the spring of 2012, she presented the complete works for solo violin by J.S. Bach. She performs recitals annually, exploring unusual gems of the solo and violin-piano duo repertoire. Ms. Melançon is from Québec, Canada. After receiving First Prize in violin at the Conservatoire de Musique, she continued her studies with Ivan Galamian at the Curtis Institute of Music, with Isadore Tinkleman at the San Francisco Conservatory and with Arthur Grumiaux in Belgium. While at Curtis, she was a member of the Nisaika Quartet, prize winner of the 8th International String Quartet competition in Evian, France. Ms. Melançon is also the recipient of many awards for solo performance including the 1984 Prix d’Europe. In 1983, she formed the Knopp-Melançon Duo, an artistic collaboration which would eventually expand to become the Peabody Trio. In 1987, as a result of having been appointed USIA Artistic Ambassadors, the duo toured abroad extensively and made their Washington, DC debut at the Kennedy Center. Since then, her activities as a chamber musician, soloist with orchestras, and teacher have taken her to major music centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Japan.

 

She has participated in many summer festivals as violinist, teacher and guest artists, including those of Tanglewood, Ravinia, Skaneateles, Rockport, Orford, and Domaine Forget. She gives yearly masterclasses at the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, and teaches regularly at NOI, the National Orchestral Institute and Festival. For many years, she has served on the faculty of Yellow Barn

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

14 Apr 2023167 The 5 Keys to Mastery00:24:29

Join me in this episode as bring you the 5 essential keys to achieving mastery in any field. Discover practical insights and actionable tips to unlock your full potential and master your craft. Don't miss this episode if you're seeking excellence and long-term success in your pursuits.

 

 

Enrollment for the Music Mastery Experience, the most comprehensive, life-changing, highly personalized group coaching program for musicians is now open!

 

In the, Music Mastery Experience we cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

 

BUT: you will go beyond just strategies and methods.  You will get to the root cause of issues and unlock everything that’s keeping you stuck.  You will experience amazing results at every level of your music-making and of your life.

 

If you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at mindoverfinger.com and let’s make it happen.

 

 

DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE

 

Join my mailing list HERE and become a Mind Over Finger VIP member!

 

As a VIP member, you will you receive my free guide to a highly productive practice, a transcript of each new podcast episode delivered to your inbox every week, and all the insider information about my coaching programs, including VIP prices on most of them.  March bonus: get 10$ off the Performance Anxiety Solution when you join the mailing list HERE!

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit mindoverfinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

 

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.

15 Mar 2019024 Cameron Leach: Communicating Through Intentional & Empathetic Performing00:56:36

Percussionist Cameron Leach and I have a great show for you today!  In addition to some great practice tips, Cameron elaborates on some very important topics, including how to clearly communicate to our audience through intentional and empathetic performing, why students must take ownership of their own learning experience, and why musicians need to be great friends to each other!

I love Cameron’s perspective on those topics, and I hope you enjoy our discussion!

Cameron elaborates on:

  • His journey to a solo career – starting in drumcor, doing a music education degree, and transitioning to performance after a chance encounter
  • How he organizes his practice – having to handle so many instruments
  • Why he likes to practice hungry
  • What it is like to have to learn a wide variety of percussion instruments
  • Ho he transfers the sound concepts from one instrument to the next
  • Different practice modes in practice:
    • Learning mode
    • “Emoting” mode
  • Why he thinks it’s important to consider how you are sending your musical message and how it is received by your listeners
  • Clear emotional communication
  • How documenting his practice on video helped him release stress and was a creative outlet
  • Why it’s important to keep the sound of the hall in mind when we practice
  • How recording ourselves helps us narrow our focus on specific elements in our practice
  • His 3 key words – inquisitive, intentional, empathetic
  • How students must take ownership of their learning experience (SCHOOLS CAN’T TECH YOU EVERYTHING!) during their degree and remain inquisitive AFTER they’ve graduated (Pssst! We’re all lifelong learners!!!!)

 

 

More about Cameron:

Website: www.cleachmusic.com

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVIL-V9LiebwHS_XbuRbTsw

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cleachmusic/

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

 

Beyond Talent: Creating a Successful Career in Music by Angela Myles Beeching

The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield

 

BIOGRAPHY

American percussionist Cameron Leach is a bold, high-energy performer acclaimed for his expressive virtuosity, musical athleticism, and daring interpretations. An engaging and thoughtful soloist, Leach has concertized across the United States, Canada, and Europe. He frequently appears as a guest artist at some of the world’s finest institutions, including the Royal Danish Academy of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre, and Norwegian Academy of Music. Leach recently won both the Percussive Arts Society International Solo Artist Competition and Yamaha Young Performing Artist Competition, in addition to receiving the prestigious Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music. Along with his active touring schedule, he regularly performs with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and serves on the faculty of Kent State University. Leach is endorsed by Black Swamp Percussion, Beetle Percussion, Sabian Cymbals, and Malletech.

Highlights from the 2017-2018 season include the debut of his new electroacoustic solo show ELISION, a European Tour as Co-Principal of the World Percussion Group, the world premiere of Paul Lansky’s Metal Light for the Percussive Arts Society, and a performance of Jennifer Higdon’s Percussion Concerto with the Eastman Wind Ensemble. Additionally, he performed Peter Maxwell Davies’ seminal Eight Songs for a Mad King with Ensemble id, a Rochester, NY-based chamber collective. His latest project, the Leach | Peters Percussion Duo, debuted on the Eastman Summer Concert Series in July 2018.

Leach’s 2018-2019 season is marked by a diverse array of solo appearances, guest artist engagements, and world premieres. Kicking off with a performance at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China, Leach then embarks on recital and clinic tours of California, Florida, and the Midwest, featuring newly commissioned solo works by David Skidmore and Matt Curlee. In March 2019, Leach will give the world premiere of Dave Maric’s Percussion Concerto, commissioned for him by the Capital University Conservatory of Music. To close out the season, Leach will serve on faculty at the MalletLab Summer Intensive in West Palm Beach, FL, and will spend a week in residence as the featured artist for the Space City New Music Festival in Houston, TX.

Devoted to the creation and performance of new music, Leach continues to commission diverse works for solo percussion, with a focus on the inclusion of electronics. During his time at the Eastman School of Music, the institution supported his vision through the Eastman/ArtistShare Partnership, allowing Leach to organize a commissioning consortium for Decay No. 2, a massive electroacoustic solo work by Matt Curlee. Other premieres include pieces by composers Michael Burritt, Paul Lansky, Jeff Tyzik, Alejandro Viñao, Annie Gosfield, Tim Feeney, Jon Lin Chua, and Frédéric Chiasson.

Leach makes regular appearances at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, having performed with the Eastman Percussion Ensemble and on the Competition Winner’s Showcase Concert in 2017, on the Focus Day Series and as a member of the All-Star International Percussion Ensemble in 2015, and with the Rhythm X Indoor Percussion Ensemble in 2011. In addition to his work as a concert artist, Leach also has a strong background in marching percussion, having won world titles with the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps and Rhythm X.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

06 Dec 2019054 Jerome Lowenthal: Developing Your Authentic Artistic Voice00:39:06

Pianist Jerome Lowenthal’s active solo and teaching career has shaped the pianistic landscape of today!  It is such a pleasure to welcome this legendary musician to the show! 

Through his incredible story, Jerome talks to us about how the varied sources of influence he was exposed to as a young musician lead him to search within himself and find his own artistic voice, how he helps students do the same today, and he gives out wonderful wisdom and advice for young musicians.

There’s so much to learn and so much inspiration to be found through his story and I hope you love this conversation with Jerome Lowenthal!

 

 

NEW ON THE WEBSITE: A Resources page!

You can find my favorite websites, cds, as well as the other podcasts I like to listen to and the amazing books recommended by my podcast guests!

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!

 

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

TURN THE METRONOME ON AND START PRACTICING BETTER AND LEARNING FASTER RIGHT NOW!  GET YOUR FREE METRONOME GUIDE TODAY!

Click HERE or visit www.mindoverfinger.com!

 

MORE ABOUT JEROME:

Websites:

 

YouTube videos: CLICK HERE

 

Jerome Lowenthal is an American classical pianist. He is chair of the piano department at the Juilliard School in New York.  Additionally, Lowenthal is on the faculty at Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, California.

Lowenthal was born in Philadelphia. He made his debut as a solo pianist at the age of 13 with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Returning to the United States from Jerusalem in 1963, he made his debut with the New York Philharmonic, playing Bartók's Piano Concerto No. 2. Since then, he has performed with famous conductors such as Daniel Barenboim, Seiji Ozawa, Michael Tilson Thomas, Yuri Temirkanov, Leonard Slatkin, Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy, Pierre Monteux, Josef Krips,[3] and Leopold Stokowski. He has played sonatas with Itzhak Perlman, piano duos with Ronit Amir, and with Ursula Oppens,[4] as well as quintets with the Lark Quartet, Avalon Quartet, and Shanghai Quartet.

His studies included lessons with Olga Samaroff in Philadelphia, William Kapell and Eduard Steuermann at the Juilliard School in New York, and Alfred Cortot at the École Normale de Musique de Paris in Paris, France. A prizewinner at Queen Elisabeth Music Competition in Brussels (1960) and Busoni Competition, he is a frequent judge in international piano competitions.

He is recognized as a specialist of Franz Liszt, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Béla Bartók, and more generally of virtuoso and late romantic music. His recordings include piano concertos by Liszt with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the complete Tchaikovsky concerto cycle with the London Symphony Orchestra. He has an extensive repertoire, including 59 performed piano concerti. He is the dedicatee of many new works, such as Ned Rorem's Piano Concerto (No. 3) in Six Movements, and has unearthed some rare romantic piano works, such as the Liszt Third Piano Concerto edited by his former student Jay Rosenblatt.

 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

08 Apr 2022127 Jennet Ingle: The Happiest Musician00:52:24

I'm so happy to bring you someone phenomenal and highly inspiring on the podcast this week: I'm speaking with oboe player, teacher, entrepreneur, coach, and author Jennet Ingle.

We had a great time covering of variety of topics in our conversation, including what shaped her career and got her where she is today, what it looks like to be a multi passionate performer entrepreneur, how to start taking agency in your career, her fantastic book, The Happiest Musician, and so much more!

I know you're going to walk away with so many ideas and find yourself really inspired by Jennet’s wisdom!

Jennet elaborated on:

  • How she got started (04:09) and what lead her to a portfolio career she loves (06:18)
  • The various hats she wears in her career (08:00)
  • How she transformed her teaching career and created a new impactful way to reach oboists (13:44)
  • Her awesome new book, The Happiest Musician (22:05)
  • Her thoughts on the Tall Poppy Syndrome (33:57)
  • The habit that contributed to her success, the skill she thinks young musician should acquire, what balance looks like for her, and her actionable tip for the listeners (38:44) 

MORE ABOUT JENNET:

 

 

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We cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

So if you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at MindOverFinger.com and let’s make it happen.

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

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

Don’t forget to join the Join the Mind Over Finger Community  for access to my live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians.

18 Nov 2022151 The Joy of Movement00:14:41

Moving our body is extremely powerful in impacting every aspect of practicing-from how we feel to how we think.  In this last of our three episodes focusing on joy, we how we can use our body to spark positive feelings prior to practicing.

 

Kelly McGonigal:

 

Reflection – Questions that could help you figure out what type of movement would work for you:

  • What is something that I would look forward to?
  • What would be very convenient for me?
  • How do I want to feel and what type of movement would help me achieve that?

 

DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

Practicing for Peak Performance: Your Step-by-step Roadmap to Optimal Performance!

Get you self-paced program HERE and transform how you perform TODAY!

 

Mind Over Finger

 

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

 

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.

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

13 Oct 2022146 Ten “Mistakes” Smart Musicians Make and How to Avoid Them – Part 200:20:40

Ten Mistakes Smart Musicians Make and How to Avoid Them – Part 2

Reflection - Here are questions to increase your awareness of the topics I cover in the episode:

  • How can I make choices that benefit me right now AND support me long term?
  • How can I honor both my commitments AND myself today?
  • How can I become more connected to my internal joy and creativity in the practice room?

 

Audition coming up? Big concert? Degree recital? Feeling stuck and wanting a new way to approach practicing that will give you THE RESULTS YOU WANT? ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Click HERE join me live or to access the replay.
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>> DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE <<

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

 

Mind Over Finger

 

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

 

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.

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

20 May 2019036 The Fischoff Experience: The Performers00:52:07

 

Experience the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition from the perspective of the musicians participating.  Hear conversations about their experience at Fischoff, their preparation process, and the dedication and many sacrifices that go along with entering a national chamber music competition.

 

Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition: https://www.fischoff.org/

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

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

 

Featuring:

Dajj String Quartet - Chamber Music Connection , Worthington, OH - https://cmconnection.org/

Anna Linder & Mathias Koo, violin; Julian Tugaoen, viola; Jackson Tomsic, cello

Catharsis Winds – Cleveland Institute of Music, OH - https://www.cim.edu/

Jessica Chancey, flute; Isaac Ripple, oboe; Shihao Hugh Zhu, clarinet; Willem Crone, horn; Corbin Krebs, bassoon

Chiave Trio – Music Institute of Chicago Academy, IL - https://www.musicinst.org/academy

Esme Arias-Kim, Kelly Kim, violin & viola; Yerin Yang, piano

Fab Five Brass Quintet – Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra - https://cyso.org/

Nick Szoblik & Louis Vacha, trumpet; Miles Teague, horn; Megan Martin, trombone; Christjovan Massao, tuba

Fiero String Quartet – Music Institute of Chicago Academy, IL - https://www.musicinst.org/academy

Isabella Brown & Kaylin Liu, violin; Elena Galentas, viola; Alon Hayut, cello

Galvin Trio – Northwestern University, Evanston IL - https://www.music.northwestern.edu/

Nanao Yamada, violin; Jasmine Pai, cello; Nansong Huang, piano

Lafontaine Quartet – McGill University, Montréal QC - https://www.mcgill.ca/music/

Aaron Chan & Astrid Nakamura, violin; Emily Rekrut-Pressey, viola; Fiona Robson, cello

Precipice Saxophone Quartet- Merit School of Music, Chicago IL -  https://meritmusic.org/

Emmett Connolly, Cole Moorhead, Christopher Li, Taki Salameh, saxophone

Éclatante String Quartet – Starling Preparatory Project, Cincinatti OH - http://www.starling.org/

Christina Nam & Skye Park, violin; Jennifer Armor, viola; Meagan Hipsky, cello

Avanzare String Quartet – Cleveland Institute of Music, OH - https://www.cim.edu/

Rebecca Benjamin & Yu-Ming Ma, violin; Serena Hsu, viola; Wei-An Hung, cello

The Bone Rangers – Merit School of Music, Chicago IL - https://meritmusic.org/

Liam Coyne, Jonah Blake, Christopher Tam, Rafael Noriega, trombone

Merz Trio, New York NY - https://www.merztrio.com/

Brigid Coleridge, violin; Julia Yang, cello; Eric (Lee) Dionne, piano

 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

 

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

09 Sep 2022141 Practice Room Superpower: Mind Over Finger00:17:47

How complete alignment over unnecessary, mindless effort will transform your results in the practice room.

Reflection:

  • What happens and what am I thinking when I engage in mindless practicing?
  • What does being fully present in the practice room look and feel like for me?
  • What keeps me engaged while I practice?

 

 >> DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE <<

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

Information on the myelination process:

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

Don’t forget to join the Join the Mind Over Finger Community  for access to my live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians.

 

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.

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

19 Apr 2024197 How to Create Anything You Want01:10:54

In this transformative episode, I share powerful strategies that will revolutionize your planning and goal pursuit:

 

  • Discover what’s been missing in your planning.
  • Learn the key elements that will change everything for you.
  • Understand what works and what doesn't in achieving your goals.
  • Find out how to create real, lasting motivation.

 

Get access the entire workshop - including detailed worksheets, Q&A session insights, presentation slides, and a powerful visualization exercise HERE.

 

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience strategy 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.

01 May 2019033 The Fischoff Effect: Matt Landry – Akropolis Reed Quintet00:28:54

Today’s guest in this third episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet.  In this series, I bring you five former winners of the Fischoff competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win!

My guests this week are Blaise Magniere from the Avalon String Quartet, Dorival Puccini from Axiom Brass, Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet , Christopher Whitley from the Thalea String Quartet, and Lydia Reah from the former Kairos String Quartet! 

Whether you are a musician about to compete at the competition, or a music lover looking for a fresh approach to practicing and preparing for a concert, make sure to subscribe and tune in everyday, because those conversations are bursting with inspiration and EXTREMELY useful information!  Each group has a unique and motivating story and my guests are so generous with their insightful tips and advice! 

 

About Fischoff

Founded in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has grown to become the largest chamber music competition in the world, attracting the finest and most talented young musicians from around the globe. and is one of the most prestigious classical music prizes attainable today. Since its founding, more than 6,000 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.  Fischoff is also deeply committed to music education and partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative Arts-in-Education programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, nearly 50,000 children, youth and adults have received free educational programming of the highest order.

Website: http://www.fischoff.org/

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

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

 

 

Meet the Akropolis Reed Quintet – 2012 Senior Wind Division Silver Medal, 2014 Senior Wind Division Gold Medal, & 2015 Fischoff Educator Award

Kari Landry, clarinet | Andrew Koeppe, bass clarinet | Ryan Reynolds, bassoon | Matt Landry, saxophone | Tim Gocklin, oboe

 

https://akropolisquintet.org/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akropolis5tet/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGAiaA8x7b3W_OpBKgg7eXg

 

Hailed for their “imagination, infallible musicality, and huge vitality” (Fanfare Magazine), Akropolis was founded in 2009 at the University of Michigan and has won seven national chamber music prizes since 2011, including the 2014 Fischoff Gold Medal and the 2015 Fischoff Educator Award. Akropolis is an alumnus of APAP’s prestigious Young Performer’s Career Advancement Program and is generously supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, CultureSource, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Chamber Music America, Alice M. Ditson Fund, Amphion Foundation, High Wire Lab, and Quicken Loans.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary, Akropolis’ 19/20 season features 10 commissions for the ensemble including the first concerto for reed quintet and wind band by Roshanne Etezady, a chamber concerto by Jenni Brandon with guest bassoonist Monica Ellis of Imani Winds, a work for reed quintet and rideable percussion bicycle by Steven Snowden, and more. The season also features a 10-show, choreographed and staged production with BodyVox Dance in Portland, OR and Akropolis’ 3rd annual Together We Sound festival in Detroit featuring a multimedia collaboration with Detroit projection artist, L05 (Carlos Garcia).

Akropolis’ recent and upcoming appearances includes stops at Caramoor, Chamber Music Northwest, the Oneppo Series at Yale University, the Chautauqua Institution, Artist Series of Sarasota, Chamber Music Abu Dhabi, Chamber Music Columbus, and more. Akropolis has been awarded a juried showcase at APAP (YPCA), Chamber Music America twice, Performing Arts Exchange, Western Arts Alliance, and the Mid-Atlantic Performing Arts Market. With three studio albums, including its March 2017 release of The Space Between Us, called “pure gold” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Akropolis has recorded 17 original reed quintet works.

Akropolis’ 2018 Together We Sound festival featured an improvisatory new work with YAK and a concert with acclaimed soprano Shara Nova. Akropolis premiered the first work for reed quintet and string quartet by David Schiff with the Dover Quartet in 2015 and has performed with artists like the Miró Quartet and renowned clarinetist David Shifrin. Akropolis has even performed with HarperCollins published author and scientist, Vic Strecher. In April 2017, Akropolis’ residency in Abu Dhabi featured a performance of Marc Mellits’ Splinter with original Arabic poetry performed by Khalifa University students, written around Mellits’ music.

Establishing Akropolis WORKS in 2016, Akropolis’ members teach an annual 7-week music business mini-course at the University of Michigan as well as two semester-long courses at Michigan State University. They have delivered WORKS lectures to university musicians around the United States on marketing, financial planning, brand identity, and more. Equally committed to students K-12, Akropolis reached over 10,000 K-12 students in 2018. They conduct an annual school year long residency with students at three Detroit high schools including chamber music and music composition.

Winner of a coveted Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Grant, Akropolis has premiered more than 50 works from composers in 7 countries and was selected to adjudicate and premiere the 2018 Barlow Prize funded by the Barlow Endowment, the first time the prize was given for a reed quintet work. Akropolis’ members are the first of any reed quintet to judge major chamber music competitions including the Fischoff (2018) and Chamber Music Yellow Springs (2019) competitions. Akropolis produces a YouTube Web Premiere Series with more than 50,000 views, showcasing new works, arrangements, and composer interviews for a live Internet audience. In 2012 Akropolis created Akropolis Collection and has now sold over 400 original and arranged sheet music works to more than 100 new and established reed quintets.

Akropolis regularly appears in unconventional settings, including performances in office spaces in Detroit as part of its Corporate-to-Corner Tour in January 2017. In May 2016 Akropolis conducted a live recording session featuring audience participation for John Steinmetz’s Sorrow and Celebration for reed quintet and audience, which Akropolis commissioned in 2014. Akropolis presents its annual Together We Sound festival in Detroit each June, bringing together multidisciplinary collaborators, new works, and educational outreach to increase arts access throughout the city.

Akropolis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization generously supported by individuals around the world. All Akropolis events include informative musical introductions and a chance to greet the artists. Originating at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Akropolis remains its founding members: Tim Gocklin (oboe), Kari Landry (clarinet), Matt Landry (saxophone), Andrew Koeppe (bass clarinet), and Ryan Reynolds (bassoon).

Akropolis is represented exclusively by Ariel Artists. Contact Matthew Kulas at matthew@arielartists.com for booking.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

25 Oct 2019048 Julian Rachlin: The Path to Mastery00:35:54

Today, I’m very excited to have the brilliant violinist, violist, and conductor Julian Rachlin on the show!

At the end of this very busy week, playing with and conducting the Chicago Symphony, Julian graciously took the time to sit with me and discuss meticulous practicing, mindful music-making, and his deep love of the art form!

He covers many topics, including studying with Boris Kuschnir and Mr. Kuschnir’s thorough approach to mastering the instrument, his views on the lifelong path that is growing as an artist, his daily practice regimen, and how playing the viola and conducting have allowed him to explore music from different angles.

Julian elaborates on:

  • How he believes we are never done learning
  • How the fact that his parents never made him practiced helped foster his deep love of music
  • His daily practice regimen
  • Why the responsibility to grow as an artist lies with the student
  • How musicians are a community
  • How playing the viola and conducting allow him to explore music from different angles
  • Why we should brush our taste as often as we brush our teeth
  • Finding the right balance between being completely open-minded and fully convinced (and when to be which)

 

MORE ABOUT JULIAN RACHLIN:

Website: http://www.julianrachlin.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm_Eyb3YAt3m7_ic4VTA84A

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

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

Elisabeth Gilels: Daily Exercises for the Violinist

Boris Kuschnir: http://www.boriskuschnir.com/

 

Violinist, violist and conductor Julian Rachlin is one of the most exciting and respected musicians of our time. In the first thirty years of his career, he has performed as soloist with the world's leading conductors and orchestras. Mr. Rachlin is Principal Guest Conductor of the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Turku Philharmonic Orchestra and Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra. He also leads the "Julian Rachlin & Friends Festival" in Palma de Mallorca.

Highlights of Mr. Rachlin's 2018/19 season include performances with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic and Mariss Jansons, Montreal Symphony Orchestra and Christoph Eschenbach, Boston Symphony Orchestra and Juanjo Mena, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and Manfred Honeck, as well as the KBS Symphony Orchestra and Myung-Whun Chung. Alongside soloist Sarah McElravy and the Royal Northern Sinfonia, he will perform the UK premiere of Penderecki's Double Concerto for Violin and Viola, which is dedicated to him. Additionally, Mr. Rachlin will conduct among others the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Konzerthaus Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic, Moscow Philharmonic, St. Petersburg Symphony, Essen Philharmonic, Strasbourg Philharmonic, Slovenian Philharmonic, Zagreb Philharmonic and Trondheim Symphony Orchestra.

Julian Rachlin's recent highlights include a residency at the Prague Spring Festival and his own cycle at the Vienna Musikverein. He also performed with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra and Yuri Temirkanov, Filarmonica della Scala and Riccardo Chailly, Munich Philharmonic and Zubin Mehta, Philharmonia Orchestra and Jakub Hrůša, Orchestra del Maggio Musicale and Vladimir Ashkenazy, as well as the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and Lahav Shani. As conductor, he toured Europe with the English Chamber Orchestra, and led the Royal Northern Sinfonia across South America and Japan. Additionally, he conducted the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of Russia, Hungarian National Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana, National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, Prague Philharmonia, and made his USA conducting debut at the Grand Teton Music Festival.

In recital and chamber music, Mr. Rachlin performs regularly with Itamar Golan, Denis Kozhukhin, Denis Matsuev, Mischa Maisky, Sarah McElravy, Vilde Frang and Janine Jansen.

Born in Lithuania, Mr. Rachlin immigrated to Vienna in 1978. He studied violin with Boris Kuschnir at the Vienna Conservatory and with Pinchas Zukerman. After winning the "Young Musician of the Year" Award at the Eurovision Competition in 1988, he became the youngest soloist ever to play with the Vienna Philharmonic, debuting under Riccardo Muti. At the recommendation of Mariss Jansons, Mr. Rachlin studied conducting with Sophie Rachlin. Since September 1999, he is on the violin faculty at the Music and Arts University of Vienna. His recordings for Sony Classical, Warner Classics and Deutsche Grammophon have been met with great acclaim. Mr. Rachlin, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, is committed to educational outreach and charity work.

Julian Rachlin plays the 1704 "ex Liebig" Stradivari and a 1785 Lorenzo Storioni viola, on loan to him courtesy of the Dkfm. Angelika Prokopp Privatstiftung. His strings are kindly sponsored by Thomastik-Infeld.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

13 Nov 2020081 Effective Practice – Tips, Habits, & Mindsets: Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier & Eric Mrugala00:55:51

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

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

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

Eric and I talked about

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

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

 

MORE ABOUT THE VIOLIN PODCAST

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

06 May 2020071 Motivation with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier00:12:53

Everything you need to get you in the cycle of motivation!

And for the best practicing summer of your life:

 

Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier invites you to join :

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE

A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY TO LOVING THE PRACTICE ROOM, ROCKING THE STAGE, WINNING THE JOB, AND TAKING YOUR CAREER TO NEW HEIGHTS

A 3-month experience for all musicians, starting June 1st, 2020

BOOK A CALL AND LET’S SEE HOW WE CAN GET YOU RESULTS!

 

Commit to Ten blog: https://www.mindoverfinger.com/post/commit-to-ten

 

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

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

15 Dec 2023185 Paul Lueders: Backstage Pass00:21:48

Backstage conversation with Paul Lueders, Principal Oboist of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra.

We chat about:

  • The challenges of performing multiple shows a day
  • The audition process
  • Overcoming performance anxiety
  • Paul’s specific warm-ups and mindset to prepare for long opera performances
  • His approach to phrasing and musicality
  • Some of his practicing tips
  • And much more!

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT PAUL

Website: https://www.lyricopera.org/about/company/artists-musicians/lyric-opera-orchestra/paul-lueders/  

YouTube links: 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.

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.

02 May 2019034 The Fischoff Effect: Christopher Whitley – Thalea String Quartet00:32:05

Today’s guest in this fourth episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Christopher Whitley from the Thalea String Quartet.  In this series, I bring you five former winners of the Fischoff competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win!

My guests this week are Blaise Magniere from the Avalon String Quartet, Dorival Puccini from Axiom Brass, Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet, Christopher Whitley from the Thalea String Quartet, and Lydia Reah from the former Kairos String Quartet! 

Whether you are a musician about to compete at the competition, or a music lover looking for a fresh approach to practicing and preparing for a concert, make sure to subscribe and tune in everyday, because those conversations are bursting with inspiration and EXTREMELY useful information!  Each group has a unique and motivating story and my guests are so generous with their insightful tips and advice! 

 

About Fischoff

Founded in 1973 in South Bend, Indiana, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition has grown to become the largest chamber music competition in the world, attracting the finest and most talented young musicians from around the globe. and is one of the most prestigious classical music prizes attainable today. Since its founding, more than 6,000 musicians have participated, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in music performance and education.  Fischoff is also deeply committed to music education and partners with competition alumni to bring free, innovative Arts-in-Education programs directly to children in their own schools and community centers. Since 1995, nearly 50,000 children, youth and adults have received free educational programming of the highest order.

Website: http://www.fischoff.org/

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

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

 

 

Meet the Thalea String Quartet – 2018 Senior String Division Bronze Medal

Christopher Whitley & Kumiko Sakamoto, violin | Luis Bellorín, viola | Titilayo Ayangade, cello

 

https://www.thaleastringquartet.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfTPRC93tPtKd1zb2OAKnSg

 

“Thalea never failed to deliver a stirring performance” - Calgary Herald

 

The Thalea String Quartet is dedicated to bringing timeless music to audiences from all walks of life. From living rooms to concert stages around the world, the Thalea String Quartet aims to connect with audiences on a musical, emotional and personal level, from first time listeners to string quartet aficionados. They are devoted to building a new and diverse audience for chamber music through innovative programming and community engagement.

Formed in 2014 at the Zephyr International Chamber Music Festival in Courmayeur, Italy, the Thalea String Quartet has been praised for their “vibrant performance” and “sincere expressivity” (SF Classical Voice). The quartet has performed recitals across Europe, the United States, and Canada, and has appeared at the Kennedy Center, Massey Hall, and Weill Hall. They were the first quartet-in-residence at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music from 2015-17. They were recently named the Young Professional String Quartet at the Butler School of Music, where they are mentored by the highly acclaimed Miró Quartet. They also serve as Associated Artists at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo, Belgium, where they are mentored by the Artemis Quartet. The Thalea String Quartet were top prize winners at both the 2018 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and the 2018 Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition. They were appointed as the Sphinx Ensemble at the 2018 Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, and will return this coming summer as a Shouse Ensemble. They were ensemble-in-residence at the Bear Valley Music Festival for the summers of 2018 and 2019.

The Thalea String Quartet prides itself on the diversity of its collaborations. They have performed Mendelssohn’s Octet in its original manuscript form with the award-winning Borromeo Quartet and shared the stage with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw in performances of works for voice and string quartet. They have performed alongside Geoff Nuttall of the St. Lawrence String Quartet, violist Jodi Levitz and composer Mason Bates. They were invited to participate in the 2017 KRONOS Festival, where they performed works from the Kronos Quartet’s “50 for the Future” Project. Committed to collaborating with artists of all backgrounds, the Thalea String Quartet has collaborated with San Francisco-based dance theatre company the Joe Goode Performance Group at the Yerba Buena Center, appeared with acclaimed Canadian band BADBADNOTGOOD at the iconic Massey Hall.

The members of the Thalea String Quartet are dedicated educators and bring their commitment to teaching and community engagement to their frequent educational and community performances. They have performed educational concerts to students of all ages and regularly perform at care facilities and schools across the United States.

Christopher Whitley (violin) is originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Kumiko Sakamoto (violin) is from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; Luis Bellorín (viola) is from Naperville, Illinois, and Titilayo Ayangade (cello) is from Cincinnati, Ohio. Christopher performs on the 1700 “Taft” Stradivari, generously on loan by the Canada Council for the Arts Musical Instrument Bank.

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

30 Apr 2021100 Q&A with Dr. Mom: Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier & friends00:23:07

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

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

Enjoy!

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

Also…

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

20 Dec 2024211 From Struggle to Success in 2 Minutes: The Power Reset Ritual00:14:40

In this episode, I introduce the Power Reset Ritual—a simple, 5-step tool to help you calm your mind, regain focus, and reconnect with your power when you feel stuck or overwhelmed.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How the Power Reset Ritual was created and how it works.
  • The 5 steps to calm your nervous system, ground yourself, and take actionable steps.
  • Why this ritual can transform your moments of frustration into clarity and empowerment.

Try the ritual today and see how it works for you!

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

Mind Over Finger

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

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

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

Connect:

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

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

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

28 Apr 2023169 Susanna Klein – Empowered Music Making01:09:49

In this episode, I bring you violinist, pedagogue, tech entrepreneur, practice researcher, and author Susanna Klein.

We covered many topics, including performance training, empowerment, a mindful approach to practicing and making music, as well as her work and research in the field. 

 

DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE

 

MORE ABOUT Susanna Klein

 

And, if you’re on a personal journey to greater mastery, to growing your career, to win that job, I HAVE GREAT NEWS FOR YOU!

 

🎉 🎉 Enrollment for the Music Mastery Experience, the most comprehensive, life-changing, highly personalized group coaching program for musicians is now open! 🎉 🎉

In the, Music Mastery Experience we cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

BUT: you will go beyond just strategies and methods.  You will get to the root cause of issues and unlock everything that’s keeping you stuck. 

You will experience amazing results at every level of your music-making and of your life.

⚡ If you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at mindoverfinger.com and let’s make it happen.

 

 

Join my mailing list HERE and become a Mind Over Finger VIP member!

As a VIP member, you will you receive my free guide to a highly productive practice, a transcript of each new podcast episode delivered to your inbox every week, and all the insider information about my coaching programs, including VIP prices on most of them.  March bonus: get 10$ off the Performance Anxiety Solution when you join the mailing list HERE

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit mindoverfinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

08 Mar 2024192 Lynn Kuo: Positivity, Resilience, & Musical Mastery00:59:51

In this episode, I bring you a conversation with violinist Lynn Kuo, Assistant Concertmaster of the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra and Founder/CEO of Violin with Dr. Lynn.  We covered topics such as:

  • The impact a supportive teacher has on a student
  • Performance psychology
  • Improving our playing through mindfulness and self-awareness
  • Practicing with a scientific approach
  • Cultivating positivity and success through gratitude and resilience
  • How to overcome self-doubt in musicians

 

Sign up now for the brand-new FREE workshop – Mastering the Stage

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT LYNN KUO

 

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.

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.

 

15 Jan 2021087 Dr. Kimberly Hankins: Breathe Your Way to Better Musicianship00:57:21

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

MORE ABOUT KIMBERLY HANKINS:

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

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

 

 

 

SOME PRANAYAMA & BREATHWORK PRACTICES:

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

23 Nov 2018012 Jason Haaheim: The Science, Power, and Joys of Deliberate Practice01:10:46

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! 

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_auditioning

Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin

Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by Anders Ericsson

 

 

Jason Haaheim (pronounced HAW-heim) was appointed a Principal Timpanist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2013. In addition to performances at New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, Mr. Haaheim can be seen and heard performing with the MET Orchestra on television, international radio, and Live in HD movie theater broadcasts. Mr. Haaheim is on faculty at the NYU Steinhardt School of Music and the Bard Conservatory of Music. A sought-after clinician, Mr. Haaheim gives masterclasses both nationally and internationally, and is the founder of the Northland Timpani Summit. He is also a frequent coach for The Orchestra Now (TON), the Carnegie Hall National Youth Orchestra (NYO), and the New York Youth Symphony (NYYS).

Mr. Haaheim’s guest principal timpanist engagements have included the Seoul Philharmonic, the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and the Milwaukee Symphony. He has also been principal timpanist of the Lakes Area Music Festival, and a resident artist of the Twickenham Festival. Prior to the Met, Mr. Haaheim was principal timpanist of the Southwest Michigan Symphony and the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, and he performed regularly as timpanist with the Madison Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Peoria Symphony, and the Illinois Philharmonic. Mr. Haaheim has also been invited to perform as guest principal timpanist with the Chicago Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), the Glimmerglass Festival, the Auckland Philharmonia, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic.

Mr. Haaheim began studying piano in 4th grade, adding percussion studies in 5th grade. He holds a bachelor of arts degree with a double major in honors-music-performance and physics from Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, MN); he also holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from UC-Santa Barbara. Influential teachers have included John Tafoya (Indiana University, National Symphony), Dean Borghesani (Milwaukee Symphony), Jonathan Haas (Aspen Music Festival, NYU), and Robert Adney (Gustavus Adolphus College, MacPhail Music School). While auditioning and freelancing, Mr. Haaheim worked as “Senior Research and Development Engineer” at NanoInk, a Chicago-area tech company. In this capacity, he gave invited talks on nanotechnology, authored multiple peer-reviewed publications, and was granted numerous patents. In 2017, this dual-career path was highlighted in an interview with Melissa Block on NPR’s Weekend Edition.

Active in all musical areas, Mr. Haaheim has also performed extensively as a chamber musician and jazz drummer. He collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma in a Civic Orchestra / Silk Road Ensemble performance, and recorded the premiere of Augusta Read Thomas’s “Terpsichore’s Dream” with members of the Chicago Symphony. Mr. Haaheim has performed with Chicago’s ensemble dal niente, and premiered Ryosuke Yagi’s “Mirrors…for timpani” with the UCSB Ensemble of Contemporary Music. Other projects have included drumming for the jazz-fusion quartet “The J3 Intent” and the alt-country band “The Lost Cartographers.” At Gustavus, Mr. Haaheim was selected for the honors recital and won first place in the orchestra’s concerto competition. Extra-musical interests include backpacking and hiking, rock climbing, and both downhill and cross-country skiing.

 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps cover some of the costs associated with the production of the podcast.  Thank you for your support.)

07 Dec 2018014 Kaveh Rastegar: Hands-on Creative Practice & Music-Making00:56:08

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.

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 his practice today involves a mix of methodical exercises and creative experimenting
  • His creation process, involving collaboration with friends and artists he admires, improvisation, and experimentation
  • How easy it is to start comparing ourselves and how it is important to celebrate all the small victories
  • How important it is to set goals

 

 

ALL ABOUT KAVEH:

Website: http://kavehrastegar.com/home.html

His discography: https://www.discogs.com/artist/538980-Kaveh-Rastegar

YouTube Light of Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIgWIgmC_t8

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/kavehrastegarmusician/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kavehrastegar/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kavehrastegar

 

Kaveh Rastegar is a Grammy nominated Electric and Upright bassist. In the years since moving to Los Angeles, California from Rochester New York where he graduated from the Eastman School of Music, Kaveh has enjoyed success playing, writing and recording music for a wide array of artists, projects and films.

 Kaveh is a founding member of the Grammy Nominated Jazz quintet Kneebody. Kneebody has toured the world and recorded a number of albums. Most recently they have signed to Concord records and have toured Australia, Japan, Europe and the States in support of their new album “The Line”.  Kaveh is also bassist for acclaimed singer songwriter John Legend and has accompanied him on tours worldwide since the summer of 2014. Kaveh is also bassist and musical director for singer and smash songwriter Sia.

 As a writer, in addition to his own songs and music for Kneebody, Kaveh has written songs with other artists such as Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, Kimbra, Meshell Ndegeocello, De La Soul and others. His song “Conviction” co written with Meshell Ndegeocello was chosen as the lead single from her latest release “Comet Come To Me”.

 Kaveh was recognized in the 2010, 2011 , and 2012 Downbeat Magazine Readers Polls and the 2015 Critics Poll for Electric Bass.

 Kaveh is also a member of the Seattle based power trio THRUSTER! featuring guitarist Timothy Young and drummer Matt Chamberlain. A founding member of 70 piece hip hop orchestra Dakah, Kaveh has also recorded and played with Cee Lo Green, Bruno Mars, Sia, John Legend, Kimbra, De La Soul, Luciano Ligabue, Laura Pausini, The Ditty Bops, Colin Hay, Beck, Jesca Hoop, Nels Cline, Sam Sparro, Esthero, Noemi, Giusy Ferreri, Antibalas Afro Beat Orchestra, Joshua Radin, Melissa Ferrick, guitarist Arik Marshall, Keaton Simons, Greg Kurstin's Action Figure Party, The Calling, Dave Fiuczynski, Carla Bozulich and Wayne Horvitz.

Kaveh is also endorsed by Aguilar Amplification, GHS Strings, Tonecraft Audio and Roland/Boss Pedals. 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

 

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps cover some of the costs associated with the production of the podcast.  Thank you for your support.)

24 Feb 2023160 Robyn Bollinger: Artistry & Leadership00:43:21

You will love this conversation with Robyn Bollinger, Concertmaster of the Detroit Symphony

She shares incredible tools, strategies and tips, including:

  • Her audition preparation process
  • How she handles her role as concertmaster
  • How she keeps track of her practicing
  • Her favorite tool in the practice room

And so much more!

 

Where to find Robyn:

 

DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE

 

Don’t wait and sign up for my brand new workshop – THE PERFORMANCE ANXIETY SOLUTION!

Find all the info at www.performanceanxietysolution.com   

 

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

 

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.

21 Feb 2025215 Beyond Potential: Re-Assess, Re-Define, & Re-Ignite your Career with Career & Mindset Coach Kate Kayaian00:55:44

Have you ever felt like you’ve outgrown the career path you once dreamed of? In this episode, I sit down with Kate Kayaian—career and mindset coach, podcast host, and author of Beyond Potential.

We explore how musicians and creatives can reassess their careers, redefine success, and reignite their passion for their craft. Kate shares her own journey of stepping away from a traditional classical music career, debunking limiting beliefs, and creating a career aligned with her values.

We discuss:

  • The stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck
  • How to rethink what success means for you
  • Practical strategies for setting goals and taking action
  • The “yes if” mindset shift that unlocks new possibilities

If you’re feeling stuck or wondering what’s next for you, this conversation is full of insights to help you gain clarity and take action.

 

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

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT KATE KAYAIAN

Website:  https://katekayaian.com/

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

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

Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers: https://amzn.to/4bdL5f2

 

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.

18 Dec 2020085 Kenny Werner: Effortless Mastery01:14:24

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

In our conversation, Kenny expands on:

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

 

MORE ABOUT KENNY WERNER:

 

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

 

Biography

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

10 Dec 2021113 Elizabeth Rowe: Shaping the Future00:41:34

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

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

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

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

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

LINKS:

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

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

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

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



MIND OVER FINGER:

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

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

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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




10 Apr 2020068 Lauren Pierce: Bassically Fabulous00:56:52

This week, I’m speaking with fabulous double bass player, Lauren Pierce!

Known for her hugely popular YouTube channel, which features her virtuosic performances and has more than 13 thousand followers and 1.3 million views, Lauren is a highly regarded soloist, musical innovator, and educator.

As you’ll hear in our conversation, Lauren is an amazingly thoughtful musician, who has put a great amount of effort in refining the process of practicing and expanding her skills and artistry. 

Among many things, we discuss her highly intentional and effective approach practicing and learning new repertoire, how our habits and our rituals create the life we have, and the importance of having clarity in building a career.

Lauren also talks about

  • How her musical path unfolded
  • How the repertoire for the double bass is evolving these days
  • How her deep love of the instrument, her passion for music, and her profound interest for the process fuel her enthusiasm for practicing
  • Her amazing program - The Virtuosity Blueprint

 

 

Join my FREE 3-Day TRAINING:
The Performance Makeover Masterclass

Monday 4/20 through Wednesday 4/22
11 am CT / 12pm ET

I can’t wait to discuss optimal performance with you!

Sign up here: https://mailchi.mp/f2552e4cb885/performancemakeover

 

 

MORE ABOUT LAUREN PIERCE:

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXd5tle97L70_79yl72c32g

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bassicallyfabulous/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bassicallyfab?lang=en

Lauren’s amazing Virtuosity Blueprint program: https://laurenpierce.lpages.co/the-virtuosity-blueprint/

 

Lauren Pierce is one of those generational instrumentalists with not only the technique necessary to excel on her instrument, but with a flair and presentation that amazes everyone who watches her musically navigate on the double bass. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Lauren began her musical studies at the age of seven on piano and voice. Later, she was introduced to the Double Bass and soon began lessons with the late Douglas Sommer, section bassist for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

She continued her studies at the University of South Carolina under the tutelage of Dr. Craig Butterfield. During her studies at USC, Lauren was given the Presser Scholar Award, named a Magellan Scholar, and in 2010, performed a concerto with the University of South Carolina Symphony as the winner of that years USC Concerto Competition. After graduating from USC, Lauren moved to Denton, Texas to study with Jeffrey Bradetich and work as his Teaching Fellow. As a Teaching Fellow, she was in charge of maintaining a studio of college-aged double bassists and often running master classes for the full double bass studio at UNT. During this period, Lauren competed in the American String Teachers Association Competition and the International Society of Bassists Competition. In 2016, she was named a Pirastro Strings Artist, sponsored by the largest bowed string company in the world, Pirastro Strings.

Her popularity through performance videos on YouTube is unparalleled in the classical music world. Lauren is regarded as a musical innovator through her performing and teaching, and is famous for playing works for instruments other than the double bass with ease and virtuosity.

Lauren has worked in many different genres and artistic mediums. She has worked as a section member for many orchestras, including the South Carolina Philharmonic, the Austin Symphony, the Austin Lyric Opera, and the Laredo Philharmonic. Lauren appeared as a soloist in the 2011 film "Luz," by Los Angeles filmmaker Ellie Ann Fenton. She has recorded as a soloist on multiple albums, including singer-songwriter Collin Hauser's debut album Collin Hauser, Fall River Footman's Mullen Road, and R&B artist Mikaela Kahn's Milk And Honey.

Lauren brings an impressive performance repertoire to the table, exceptional for the double bass, where she takes many a risk playing works designed for more versatile and manageable smaller instruments. Most critics find her flair and presentation almost magical. Her music has been featured many times on sites such as Classic FM, MusicOff, The Entreprenurial Musician Podcast, Discover Double Bass, Jason Heath's Double Bass Blog, Patternroot, and more.

Lauren is a frequent clinician at several workshops, including the Bradetich Summer Bass Camps, the Austin Bass Workshop, and Bassmania at Columbus State University. She resides in Austin, Texas, where she enjoys teaching, performing, and working on her zombie romance novel, The Loving Dead.

Lauren plays on a small Italian instrument, built by an unknown maker, ca. 1850s.

 

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

22 Apr 2022128 More Joyful Practice - Try It At Home with Dr. Gauthier00:43:19

This is a special episode where I offer you a recap of the concepts we’ve covered during the Joyful Practice Challenge in March of 2022. Focusing on joy in practice is a powerful tool in becoming more efficient, and you’re in for a treat because I have everything you need to get started in this episode! You’re going to hear insight from Rachel Barton Pine, Mary Elizabeth Bowden, Vijay Gupta, Tom Hooten, Kim Kashkashian, Brian Lewis, Jennifer Montone, Laurie Niles, Elizabeth Rowe, Ralph Skiano, Mimi Zweig, and yours truly, and we will cover a wide variety of topics, from presence, to rewards, exploration, discovery, using technology, recording yourself, observing your thoughts, and many more.

This episode is going to help you bring more awareness, presence, engagement, fun, and results in your practice.

 

GRAB YOUR FREE COMPANION GUIDE AND ACCESS ALL LIVE VIDEO LINKS TO THIS CURRENT AND TO THE PAST CHALLENGES HERE.

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE - YOUR LIFE CHANGING MUSICAL EXPERIENCE: BOOK A CALL AT www.mindoverfinger.com/musicmasteryexperience

24 Mar 2023164 Practice Room Superpower: Joy00:30:18

In this episode, I cover ways to incorporate more joy, presence, variety, and creativity in your practice.

Infusing joy and purpose in your preparation journey – having it alongside you day after day – will have a profound impact on both how well you prepare and how confident you feel on stage.

  

Joyful Practice Resources:

 

- Handout for this episode: Download Here

·         - Episode 72 – Joyful Practice – Joyful Practice Challenge 2020

o    Handout: Download Here

·         - Joyful Practice Challenge 2021 – Live video replays in the Mind Over Finger Facebook Community

·        -  Episode 128 - More Joyful Practice: – Joyful Practice Challenge 2022

o    Handout: Download Here

 

 

Sign up for my brand-new workshop – THE PERFORMANCE ANXIETY SOLUTION!

Find all the info at www.performanceanxietysolution.com  

 

DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE

 

Join my mailing list HERE and become a Mind Over Finger VIP member!

 

As a VIP member, you will you receive my free guide to a highly productive practice, a transcript of each new podcast episode delivered to your inbox every week, and all the insider information about my coaching programs, including VIP prices on most of them.  March bonus: get 10$ off the Performance Anxiety Solution when you join the mailing list HERE!

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit mindoverfinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

 

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.

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

30 Nov 2018013 Jim Stephenson: How He Followed His Calling & Created His Dream Career01:07:37

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.  

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 critical acclaim and the delight of audiences.  The Boston Herald raved about “straightforward, unabashedly beautiful sounds,” suggesting “Stephenson deserves to be heard again and again!”  A formal sense of melody and tonality characterize his music, each embedded in a contemporary soundscape.  These qualities, coupled with the composer’s keen ability to write to each occasion, have led to a steady stream of commissions and ongoing projects.

Other upcoming premieres also include his 3rd symphony in April at the Frost School at University of Music, a piece based on model trains for the River Oaks Chamber Orchestra in February, and a multi-media tone poem for the Quad City Symphony also in April.

Additionally, Compose Yourself!, Stephenson’s landmark young-audience work has now been performed over 300 times since its creation in 2002, engaging children in New Zealand and Canada and across the U.S. Additional  premieres include Carnegie Hall in May, 2017 (Chamber Music Charleston) and in the summer, 2017, a Music Academy of the West premiere of “Martha Uncaged” – with the composer conducting – and a west-coast premiere of his violin concerto at the famed Cabrillo Music Festival. The 2017-18 season will see a new “Low brass concerto” with the Minnesota Orchestra and Osmo Vänskä.

The Devil’s Tale (2013), a sequel to Stravinsky’s famous “Soldier’s Tale” has become a highlight of Stephenson’s extensive chamber music output, having already garnered much critical praise for its recent recording (“a most remarkable work” – Fanfare Magazine) and numerous performances, including at noteworthy venues such as Ravinia and Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center.

James M. Stephenson came late to his full-time composing career, having first earned a degree from the New England Conservatory in trumpet performance, and then going on to perform 17 seasons in the Naples Philharmonic in Florida.  As such, the composer is largely self-taught, making his voice truly individual and his life’s work all the more remarkable.  Colleagues and friends encouraged his earliest efforts and enthusiasm followed from all directions.  As his catalog grew, so did his reputation.  That catalog now boasts concertos and sonatas for nearly every instrument, earning him the moniker “The Concerto King” from Chicago Symphony clarinetist John Yeh. 

The vast majority of those compositions came through commissions by and for major symphony principal players, in Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Washington DC, St. Louis, Oregon, Milwaukee, and Dallas, among others.  A major break came from the Minnesota Commissioning Club, which led to two works (violin concertos) receiving premieres in 2012—by Jennifer Frautschi with the Minnesota Orchestra under Osmo Vänskä and by Alex Kerr with the Rhode Island Philharmonic under Larry Rachleff.  Other international soloists for whom Stephenson has composed include saxophonist Branford Marsalis and trumpeter Rex Richardson, whose concerto has been performed on five continents.  With such prolific output, Stephenson’s music is well represented in recordings.  Nearly all of his solo brass works (over 50) have been professionally recorded, and in total, his extensive catalog for all instruments can be heard on over 30 CDs.

James Stephenson is also a highly sought-after arranger and conductor, rounding out his constantly busy schedule.  His arrangements have been performed/recorded/broadcast by virtually every major orchestra in the country, including the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, New York Pops and more.  On the podium, Stephenson has led orchestras in Chattanooga, Bozeman, Charleston, Ft. Myers, Modesto, and Wyoming, in addition to numerous concert bands.  With the Lake Forest Symphony, near his Illinois home, he has not only conducted but also has served for seven years as Composer-in-Residence.

Jim originally hails from the Greater Chicago area, as does his wife Sally.  In 2007 the couple, along with their four children, returned to the region to pursue the life they now share.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

 

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, which helps cover some of the costs associated with the production of the podcast.  Thank you for your support.)

29 Sep 2023177 Kristin Leitterman: Answers from Within00:45:34

In this episode, I speak with Kristin Leitterman, Assistant Professor of Oboe at Arkansas State University.  We discuss pedagogy, Bert Lucarelli's approach and philosophies about music making, and her journey writing her recently released book, “Relax and Take a Deep Breath: The Lucarelli Approach to Oboe Playing.

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

MORE ABOUT KRISTIN LEITTERMAN

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit MindOverFinger.com for all things peak performance – including impactful online courses and free resources on peak performance.

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.

13 May 2022131 Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier & Davina Shum: Dealing with Performance Anxiety - from The Strad Podcast00:22:40

A conversation from The Strad Podcast about performance anxiety and nerves, self-compassion, assessment vs judgement when playing, and dealing with inner battles when the stakes are so high.

The Strad Magazine & Strad Podcast:

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE:

Enrollment for THE life-changing, highly personalized group coaching program for musicians is now open! You will go beyond just strategies and methods by getting to the root cause of issues and unlock everything that’s keeping you stuck to help you experience amazing results (in every level of your music-making and life).

We cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

So if you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at MindOverFinger.com and let’s make it happen.

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

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

Don’t forget to join the Join the Mind Over Finger Community  for access to my live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians.

 

27 May 2022133 Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier & Christine Smith: Mindfulness for Musicians from the Musicians VS the World Podcast00:45:10
Many musicians have found that adjusting back to normal life after the pandemic has been difficult in surprising ways. The stress from the transition back to the hustle of musician life has affected musicians on the stage, in the practice room, and in life balance. In today’s episode, Christine Smith, host of the Musicians vs The World Podcast speaks with Dr. Renee-Paule Gauthier, from “Mind Over Finger,” on how practicing mindfulness can increase quality of practice, quality of musicianship, and quality of life for all musicians. Dr. Gauthier also takes the time to give important advice for young musicians to get the most out of their musical training.  

MORE ABOUT THE MUSICIANS VS THE WORLD PODCAST:

Join professional musician, Christine Smith, as she discusses topics that face the day-to-day lives of those responsible for making the music we all love. Together, with experts and fellow musicians, Christine dives into everything from the business to the personal and even the social/political side of being a musician. It is a refreshing and honest look into the lives of those responsible for performing and creating the music in our lives.

CHRISTINE SMITH

Christine Smith Christine Smith is the Sound & Music Director/Composer-in-Residence for RPR Studios, and Founding Partner of Frosted Lens Entertainment.  Her work has been heard in award-winning films, commercials, and promotional videos. In 2019 she became co-founder and co-owner of Frosted Lens Entertainmentan entertainment and informational content development company.  She is currently the host and editor of the podcast "Musicians vs the World" where she explores the many aspects of Musician life. 

A classically trained pianist, Christine studied with concert pianists Adelina Krivoshena and Asya Markova in her youth.  She continued her studies in Piano Performance at Brigham Young University studying with Dr. Jeffrey Shumway and Dr. Scott Holden.  

Since then Christine has enjoyed performing in solo recitals and in collaboration with various musicians, bands, and ensembles across the country. Though her first love is classical music, she has had the pleasure of working and learning from great musicians of all genres. She has performed as soloist, collaborator, and conductor. And because she loves teaching almost as much as she loves performing, she coaches a few favorite piano students in her home-town studio.

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE:

Enrollment for THE life-changing, highly personalized group coaching program for musicians is now open! You will go beyond just strategies and methods by getting to the root cause of issues and unlock everything that’s keeping you stuck to help you experience amazing results (in every level of your music-making and life).

We cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

So if you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at MindOverFinger.com and let’s make it happen.

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

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

Don’t forget to join the Join the Mind Over Finger Community  for access to my live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians.

 

09 Apr 2021096 Uri Vardi: The Feldenkrais Method: Awareness Through Movement00:54:52

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

MORE ABOUT URI VARDI:

 

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

In recent years, Vardi has initiated four major projects.

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

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

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

My Teaching Philosophy

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

23 Feb 2024190 Practicing for YOUR Ideal Performance00:47:38

In this episode, we're diving deep into the art of "Practicing for YOUR Ideal Performance." 

We explore crucial concepts and ideas surrounding effective practice, tackle common practicing problems, uncover the basic principles of mindful and efficient practice, and you'll get four effective practicing techniques to start implementing today. 

 

Sign up now for the brand-new FREE workshop – Mastering the Stage

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.

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.

13 Dec 2024210 Overwhelm Solved: Your New Productivity Superpower00:44:52

Feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks and to-do lists? In this episode, I introduce the Eisenhower Matrix, a simple yet powerful framework to help you prioritize effectively and regain control of your time and energy.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why not all tasks are created equal and how to focus on what truly matters.
  • The four categories of the Eisenhower Matrix: Do Now, Schedule, Delegate, and Delete.
  • Practical examples to help you apply this framework in your career, personal life, and musical journey.
  • How deleting non-essential tasks is a strategic move, not a failure.

If you're ready to create clarity in your life and focus on what moves you forward, this episode is for you! Tune in to discover how this tool can help you finish the year strong and step into 2025 with intention and purpose.

 

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/

 

17 Nov 2023182 Njioma Grievous: Backstage Pass00:22:34

Conversation with the versatile and dynamic violin soloist and chamber musician Njioma Grievous , winner of the Robert F. Smith First Prize and the Audience Choice awards of the Sphinx Competition.  Topics including

  • ·         Her performance preparation and pre-performance routines
  • ·         The importance of Receiving and following advice
  • ·         The skills she thinks are important to develop
  • ·         Her favorite tool in the practice room and the great way she uses it
  • ·         How she gets herself to practice when she doesn’t feel like it
  • ·         Her no. 1 advice for people taking auditions
  • ·         The changes she would like to see in the classical music world
  • ·         And her actionable tip on how to memorize music

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

MORE ABOUT NJIOMA GREVIOUS

Abeo Quartet: 

 

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.

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.

 

06 Sep 2024203 Molly Gebrian: Learn Faster, Perform Better00:47:35

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Molly Gebrian, who has just released her new book, Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing.

We discuss:

  • The science of learning and memory in music practice and performance
  • The role of errors in learning
  • Internal vs. external focus in performance
  • The power of mental practice and personalized routines
  • The benefits of using a timer and recording device in practice
  • The importance of taking breaks
  • Tune in for insights that can transform your practice and performance!

 

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

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

 

MORE ABOUT MOLLY GEBRIAN

 

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.

31 Aug 2022139 How to Warm Up - Gear Up for Fall 22 Part 400:24:10

Welcome to Gear Up for Fall 22, a special series of five episodes that brings you everything you need to gear up for an amazing new season of music-making!

We cover everything from setting goals to getting you set up for success by helping build your amazing practice regimen.

 

PART 4 – Warming Up

In this episode, I share my favorite tips on how to create an effective warm up regimen.

>> DOWNLOAD THE RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE HERE <<

 

 

Mind Over Finger

 

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice using a metronome and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

Don’t forget to join the Join the Mind Over Finger Community  for access to my live videos and to exchange with a community of like-minded musicians.

 

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

08 Oct 2021109 Brian Lewis: Empowering Pedagogy00:54:01

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

In our conversation we touched on...

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

 

MORE ON BRIAN LEWIS:

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

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

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

 

PRACTICING FOR PEAK PERFORMANCE:

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

With the purchase of PPP, you gain:

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

PPP alumnus Karmen Palusoo has this to say about PPP:

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

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

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

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

18 Sep 2020075 Practicing from the Beginning: Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier & David Cartolano00:50:09

Today is a special episode:  I’m bringing you a conversation I had on another podcast, the awesome Conditioned Musician Podcast hosted by the equally awesome David Cartolano!  

David is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist and has a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, and he’s on a mission to build stronger, more resilient, and more creative musicians.

Among many things, David and I talk about my own injury experience, how having a sense of introspection can prolong and save your career, how to stay motivated in your work, and we discuss how starting with your fundamentals and with a beginner’s mind can be crucial to getting past a rut.

 

 

MORE ABOUT THE CONDITIONED MUSICIAN:

The podcast: https://anchor.fm/david-cartolano

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/464238111031975

The Conditioned Musician on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-conditioned-musician/id1474021826

 

And for

 THE BEST PRACTICING AND PERFORMING SEASON OF YOUR LIFE

Dr. Gauthier invites you to join:

 

THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE

A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY TO LOVING THE PRACTICE ROOM, ROCKING THE STAGE, WINNING THE JOB, AND TAKING YOUR CAREER TO NEW HEIGHTS

A 3-month experience for all musicians, starting September 21, 2020

BOOK A CALL AND LET’S SEE HOW WE CAN GET YOU RESULTS!

 

 

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

13 Sep 2019042 Arnaud Sussman: Fluency & Music Making00:44:53

In this episode, I discuss with solo violinist Arnaud Sussmann.  He elaborates on the mindsets and strategies to adopt when working on sound quality, the importance of having a strong concept of phrasing and of bow distribution in musicality, the importance of creating fluency in his playing and how he achieves it, the importance of purpose in our practice, warming up during busy periods, the value of recording ourselves when we practice, and why he believes it’s important to work hard.

Nous avons aussi une discussion en francais!  Nous vous offrons un retour sur certains point abordés en anglais en ce qui a trait à la production du son et du phrasé, et une conversation sur l’importance de la curiosité dans la pratique et sur comment il aborde une œuvre nouvelle.

 

MORE ABOUT ARNAUD SUSSMAN:

Website: http://arnaudsussmann.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/violinice

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

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

Boris Garlitsky: http://www.talentmusicmasters.it/boris-garlitsky

 

Winner of a 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Arnaud Sussmann has distinguished himself with his unique sound, bravura and profound musicianship. Minnesota’s Pioneer Press writes, “Sussmann has an old-school sound reminiscent of what you'll hear on vintage recordings by Jascha Heifetz or Fritz Kreisler, a rare combination of sweet and smooth that can hypnotize a listener. His clear tone [is] a thing of awe-inspiring beauty, his phrasing spellbinding.”

A thrilling young musician capturing the attention of classical critics and audiences around the world, Arnaud Sussmann has appeared with the American Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, New World Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Paris Chamber Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Further solo appearances have included a tour of Israel and concerts at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Dresden Music Festival in Germany and at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. Mr. Sussmann has been presented in recital in Omaha on the Tuesday Musical Club series, New Orleans by the Friends of Music, Tel Aviv at the Museum of Art and at the Louvre Museum in Paris. He has also given concerts at the OK Mozart, Chamber Music Northwest and Moritzburg festivals and appears regularly at the Caramoor, Music@Menlo, La Jolla SummerFest, Seattle Chamber Music, Moab Music and Saratoga Springs Chamber Music festivals.

Recent concerto appearances include performances with Maestro Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra at the White Nights Festival in St Petersburg, the Santa Rosa Symphony, the Albany Symphony, the Jacksonville Symphony and the Grand Rapids Symphony. This past season, chamber music performances included tours with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center to Korea’s LG Arts Center, Shanghai’s Oriental Center and Hong Kong’s Music Academy.

Arnaud Sussmann has performed with many of today’s leading artists including Itzhak Perlman, Menahem Pressler, Gary Hoffman, Shmuel Ashkenazi, Wu Han, David Finckel, Jan Vogler and members of the Emerson String Quartet. He has worked with conductors such as Cristian Macelaru, Marcelo Lehninger, Rune Bergmann and Leon Botstein. A dedicated chamber musician, he has been a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center since 2006 and has regularly appeared with them in New York and on tour, including a recent concert at London’s Wigmore Hall.

A frequent recording artist, Arnaud Sussmann has released albums on Deutsche Grammophon’s DG Concert Series, Naxos, Albany Records and CMS Studio Recordings labels. His solo debut disc, featuring three Brahms Violin Sonatas with pianist Orion Weiss, was released in December 2014 on the Telos Music Label. He has been featured on multiple PBS’ Live from Lincoln Center broadcasts alongside Itzhak Perlman and the Perlman Music Program and with musicians of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

Born in Strasbourg, France and based now in New York City, Arnaud Sussmann trained at the Conservatoire de Paris and the Juilliard School with Boris Garlitsky and Itzhak Perlman. Winner of several international competitions, including the Andrea Postacchini of Italy and Vatelot/Rampal of France, he was named a Starling Fellow in 2006, an honor which allowed him to be Mr. Perlman’s teaching assistant for two years. Mr. Sussmann now teaches at Stony Brook University on Long Island and was recently named Co-Artistic Director of Music@Menlo’s International Music Program.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

21 Apr 2023168 Why Resolutions Fail00:17:54

 

Exploring why resolutions often fail and how we can overcome challenges on this road to mastery.

 

 

Enrollment for the Music Mastery Experience, the most comprehensive, life-changing, highly personalized group coaching program for musicians is now open!

In the, Music Mastery Experience we cover everything from practice methods that work, to performance preparation strategies that have you perform with confidence, and mind management techniques that will remove all the obstacles and self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.

BUT: you will go beyond just strategies and methods.  You will get to the root cause of issues and unlock everything that’s keeping you stuck.  You will experience amazing results at every level of your music-making and of your life.

If you’re ready to make big dreams, plans, and more happen in your musical life, book a call today at MindOverFinger.com and let’s make it happen.

 

 

DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE

 

Join my mailing list HERE and become a Mind Over Finger VIP member!

 

As a VIP member, you will you receive my free guide to a highly productive practice, a transcript of each new podcast episode delivered to your inbox every week, and all the insider information about my coaching programs, including VIP prices on most of them.  March bonus: get 10$ off the Performance Anxiety Solution when you join the mailing list HERE!

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

Mind Over Finger

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

 

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.

27 Feb 2025216 What’s Holding You Back in the Practice Room – And How to Fix It00:19:48

Struggling to see results from your practice? In this episode, we uncover why traditional practice methods often fall short and how a simple mindset shift can unlock real progress.

What you’ll learn:

  • The biggest mistake musicians make in the practice room
  • How judgment blocks improvement and what to do instead
  • A mindset shift that makes practice more effective
  • What top musicians do differently to gain an edge

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want a practice approach that actually works, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to help you break through and reach your goals.

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.

17 Jan 2020056 Hans Jørgen Jensen: Musical Mind00:38:59

I’m beyond excited to begin 2020 with a brilliant pedagogical mind and someone that I respect tremendously, cellist and pedagogue Hans Jørgen Jensen! 

Professor Jensen shares incredible insight on how to approach practicing and performing!  Among several topics, he talks to us about:

  • His journey from growing up in Denmark to today
  • Why he quit his solo and chamber music career to dedicate himself to teaching
  • How being a performer made him a better teacher and what being a teacher taught him about performing
  • The habits that help his students be successful
  • Why we must develop great discipline and practicing habits in order to maximize our progress
  • How we can expand our musicianship
  • His wonderful books: CelloMind and ViolinMind
  • Focus in the practice room
  • The new book he’s working on, which is about practicing (I know I’ll be buying that!)
  • The importance of setting short goals and the mindset to adopt when practicing
  • The power of focusing on the *result* of a movement (the sound/the music you hear in your mind) rather than the movement itself
  • Why he likes “block practice”

 

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

 

And join the Mind Over Finger Book Club in the Tribe!  We meet HERE, and we’ll begin 2020 with The Inner Game of Golf by Tim Gallwey!

 

Don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter to get your free guide to a super productive practice using the metronome!  This guide is the perfect entry point to help you bring more mindfulness and efficiency into your practice and it’s filled with tips and tricks on how to use that wonderful tool to take your practicing and your playing to new heights!

TURN THE METRONOME ON AND START PRACTICING BETTER AND LEARNING FASTER RIGHT NOW!  GET YOUR FREE METRONOME GUIDE TODAY AT www.mindoverfinger.com!!!!

 

MORE ABOUT PROFESSOR JENSEN:

CelloMind: Have you ever doubted your intonation? Have you experienced the need to place pitches differently from one piece to another, or even from one measure to another? If so, you are not alone. Trying to decipher intonation is often frustrating and undermines the confidence of some of the most accomplished and talented musicians.

 

CelloMind is a two-part, pedagogical method book that has been written to help musicians understand HOW intonation works and, more importantly, WHY it works the way it does. Purchase of the book includes exclusive access to an online resource portal with supplemental videos and audio.

ViolinMind: ViolinMind is a pedagogical method book that has been written to help musicians understand HOW intonation works and, more importantly, WHY it works the way it does. It is an adaptation of the acclaimed book CelloMind.

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cellomind

 

Hans Jørgen Jensen is professor of cello at the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University. From 1979 to 1987 he was professor of cello at the Moore’s School of Music at the University of Houston. During the summer, he is a faculty member at The Meadowmount School of Music and The Young Artist Program at the National Arts Center in Ottawa Canada under the direction of Pinchas Zukerman. He has been a guest professor at the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, The Oberlin College Conservatory, The Eastman School of Music, The Academy of Music in Sydney, The Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen, the Tokyo College of Music and the Musashino Academy of Music in Japan, the Festival de Musica de Santa Catarina in Brazil, The Jerusalem Music Center, and the PyeongChang International festival and School in Korea.

 

Mr. Jensen has performed as a soloist in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan including solo appearances with the Danish Radio Orchestra, the Basel Symphony Orchestra, the Copenhagen Symphony, and the Irish Radio Orchestra under the baton of conductors such as: Simon Rattle, Mistislav Rostropovich and Carlo Zecchi. He has given numerous workshops and master classes across the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, Brazil, Korea, Australia, and Israel.

 

His former students have been and are members of major orchestras including The New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony, the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, the Kansas City Symphony, the Colorado Symphony, the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Portugal, the Graz Philharmonic in Austria and the Montreal Symphony. Mr. Jensen’s former students are currently the principal cellists in the Toronto Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, the Kansas City Symphony, the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Symphony Nova Scotia. His former students hold teaching positions at Northwestern University, the University of California at Berkeley, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the San Francisco Conservatory, the Cincinnati College Conservatory, the Royal Academy of Music in Copenhagen, the Desautels Faculty of Music at the university of Manitoba and numerous other music schools.

 

Hans Jørgen Jensen’s students have been first prize winners in competitions such as the 2017 Klein Competition, the 2017 Sphinx Competition, the Casado International Competition in Japan, the Johansen International Competition, the MTNA National Competition, the ASTA National Competition, the Stulberg International Competition, the Chicago Symphony Young Performers Competition, the WAMSO Young Artist Competition, and numerous other competitions. His students have also been prizewinners in the 2017 Queen Elisabeth Inaugural Cello Competition, the Naumburg International Competition, the Lutoslawski Cello Competition, and the Klein Competition.

 

Mr. Jensen was awarded the prestigious 2010 Artist Teacher Award from the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), as well as the Copenhagen Music Critics Prize, the Jacob Gades Prize, the Danish Ministry of Cultural Affairs Grant for Musicians, the Northwestern Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence award, and the U.S. Presidential Scholar Teacher Recognition Award by the U.S. Department of Education. He was named the outstanding studio teacher of the year by Illinois ASTA. He was also the winner of the Artist International Competition that resulted in three New York Recitals. E.C. Shirmer, Boston, published his transcription of the Galamian Scale System for Cello Volume I and II and Shar Products Company published his cello method book, Fun in Thumb Position. A new pedagogy book “CelloMind” was published in November 2017 by OvationPress.

 

Jensen studied at the royal Academy of Music in Denmark with Asger Lund Christiansen at the Juilliard School with Leonard Rose and Channing Robbins and pursued  private studies with Pierre Fournier, also appearing in his master classes.

 

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

18 Feb 2022120 Plan Your Practice – Try it at Home with Dr. Gauthier00:10:18
Rachel Barton Pine’s advice on how to efficiently plan for practicing. "Write down what you plan to do, but don't judge yourself!  Write down what you actually did, and that will help you refine as you go... so the next week you can have a plan that you want, but also closer to reality."  - Rachel Barton Pine, Mind Over Finger Podcast Episode 119 This week in the Try it at Home series we unpack the wisdom of Rachel Barton Pine together and apply it in our lives. 

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

 

SIGN UP FOR THE JOYFUL PRACTICE CHALLENGE AT WWW.MINDOVERFINGER.COM

 

Catch Rachel’s conversation with me in its entirety on the Mind Over Finger Podcast in episode #119

08 Feb 2019019 Amy Beth Horman: Success Mindsets & Practicing Habits01:10:26

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!

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:

A few YouTube performances:

Her book recommendation: Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance Angela Duckworth

 

Biography

Amy Beth Horman’s appearances are always eagerly anticipated. The Washington Post has described her as being both a "winter tonic" and “having the stuff of greatness.”

A graduate of the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique in Paris, Ms. Horman won the highly coveted Premier Prix. A winner of both the high school and college divisions of the National Symphony Orchestra’s Young Soloists Competition, she debuted with the NSO at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall at the age of sixteen, performing the third movement of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto. Among many other awards, Ms. Horman received the Deane Sherman Award (2000) as one of Maryland’s most promising young artists and the Amadeus Career Grant (2001) from the Amadeus Orchestra.

She has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras including The Fairfax Symphony, Piedmont Symphony, Bay Atlantic Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Orchestre de Meudon, Washington Sinfonietta, Symphony of the Potomac, McLean Symphony, Northwest Indiana Symphony, Amadeus Orchestra, Loudoun Symphony, Ars Nova Chamber Orchestra, and The New Mexico Symphony among others. Amy Beth served as resident soloist in The PanAmerican Symphony for four years. Other engagements in the Metropolitan area include those at the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater and on its Millennium Stage, Constitution Hall and at the Strathmore Hall for the Performing Arts. She has been featured on French-Swiss television and on American cable television and radio broadcasts.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

 

THANK YOU:

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

Also a huge thank you to my awesome producer, Bella Kelly!

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

28 Oct 2022148 Timothy Chooi: Intentionality & Dedication00:43:45

In this episode, Timothy Chooi shares wonderful wisdom and applicable tips, and he answers listeners’ questions.  He discusses his journey to an international career, including the obstacles he overcame, his approach to practicing, and his thoughts on the importance of having clear intentions.

 

MORE ABOUT TIMOTHY CHOOI

 

Practicing for Peak Performance: Your Step-by-step Roadmap to Optimal Performance!

Get you self-paced program HERE and transform how you perform TODAY!

 

>> DOWNLOAD THE TRANSCRIPT FROM THIS EPISODE HERE <<

 

Do you have specific questions for me or my guests you would like answered on the podcast? Share them with me HERE!

 

 

Mind Over Finger

 

Visit MindOverFinger.com for resources on mindful practice and information on how to work with me.

Sign up for my newsletter to receive your free guide to a highly productive mindful practice and to get the transcripts of the Mind Over Finger Podcast episodes delivered to your inbox.

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

 

 

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.

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

20 Oct 2023179 David Cooper: Passion, Purpose, and Dedication in Music as a Performer – Backstage Pass Series00:31:51

In this Backstage Pass Series episode, I speak with LA Phil Associate Principal Horn, David Cooper.

We discuss how he handles maintaining a large repertoire and the importance of practicing fundamentals, how he likes to learn music through creative interpretation, his views on passion, purpose, and dedication in music, his pre performance rituals and how he practices self-care as a high-level artist, and redefining success in music performance.

 

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

MORE ABOUT DAVID COOPER

 

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.

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.

16 Oct 2020078 Finding Your Perfect Teacher: Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier00:43:22

In this episode I share with you the conversation I had with Trevor Jones on his Podcast, the Scholarship Roadmap!  We cover a lot of ground in this 40-minute conversation including:

  • The importance finding the right teachers for your education.
  • Developing an efficient practicing system and excellent awareness
  • Why practicing slowly isn’t enough
  • A mini Music Mastery Experience lesson
  • Comfort and effectiveness in your performance
  • Reverse Engineering your audition preparation
  • Chunking, mapping, and learning - deep practice model
  •  
  • Spotlight Performing
  • Why finding the right teacher can be tricky.
  • Your relationship with constructive criticism
  • How to be teachable
  • Communicating with your teacher
  • Trust your own work and show them who you are.

I had a great time speaking with Trevor and I hope you find tons of value in our discussion

 

MORE ABOUT TREVOR AND THE SCHOLARSHIP ROADMAP:

 

The Scholarship Roadmap is an online program developed by bassist and educator, Trevor Jones. Trevor is the house bassist at the Marriott Theatre and was the instructor of double bass and bass guitar at Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music from 2012-2020.

Trevor developed The Scholarship Roadmap after a decade of guiding students through the music school preparation process. Student musicians who are pursuing a career in music will benefit from The Scholarship Roadmap. The program will assess the student's needs, align them with the right school and teacher, and focus the student's attention on the fundamentals of the music school preparation process.

"For years I have advocated for my students to attend colleges and universities that best serve their needs. That doesn't mean you need to attend a brand-name school. Many fine institutions will not only serve your musical needs but will pay for you to attend. It is my sincere belief, that a proactive approach can result in a stellar musical education that won't leave you saddled with debt."

 

I'm Trevor Jones, a bassist, and educator based in Chicago. I perform in symphony halls, clubs, and theaters. For the last five years, I have been the house bassist at The Marriott Theatre, where I have played in over 25 productions. I also perform on Broadway in Chicago, most notably as a substitute for the Chicago production of Hamilton. I have toured across the country and released a handful of recordings with my group Molehill. We have been been featured in online publications and the Chicago Tribune.

As an educator, I was the instructor of double bass and bass guitar for eight years at Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music. I also maintain a studio at Midwest Young Artists in Highwood, IL.

For years I have advocated for my students to attend colleges and universities that best serve their needs. That doesn't mean you need to attend a brand-name school. There are many fine institutions that will not only serve your musical needs but will pay for you to attend. It is my sincere belief, that a proactive approach can result in a stellar musical education that won't leave you saddled

 

 

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

 

Head over to the Mind Over Finger Resources’ page to check out amazing books recommended by my podcast guests, as well as my favorite websites, cds, the podcasts I like to listen to, and the practice and podcasting tools I use everyday!  Find it here: www.mindoverfinger.com/resources!

 

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

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

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

 

 

18 Jan 2019016 Chloé Trevor: Practicing Efficiently & Enjoying Performing01:09:21

I’m so excited to start 2019 with a wonderful guest, violinist Chloe Trevor!

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 music and her passion for mentoring the youth of today to connect with audiences in exciting and innovative ways. Silver medalist of the Ima Hogg Competition, critics have acclaimed Chloé for her “dazzling technique”, “excellent musicianship”, “huge tone”, “poise and professional grace”, and “bold personality unafraid to exult in music and ability”. She has appeared as a soloist with orchestras worldwide, including the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Latvian Chamber Orchestra, Slovak State Philharmonic, Plano Symphony, and the Knoxville Symphony. She made her New York concerto debut in 2013 and Avery Fisher Hall debut in 2014.

Chloé was the Grand Prize winner at the 2006 Lynn Harrell Competition and the 2005 Lennox Competition. She has been a featured soloist with the Dallas Symphony at the Meyerson Symphony Center, and with the Missouri Symphony on tour throughout the state. At age thirteen she appeared on the nationally syndicated radio program From the Top.

 

More recent performances included Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto with the Dallas Symphony and Prokofiev's 2nd Concerto both at Sala São Paulo in Brazil and with the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra as a result of winning the Cleveland Institute of Music's Concerto Competition.

Having recently concluded her first tours of Australia, Singapore, Spain, and Mexico, Chloé’s upcoming engagements include multiple recitals in North America and appearances with Filarmonia Xalapa, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, the Midland Symphony Orchestra, the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, and the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.

Dedicated to music education and outreach, Chloé regularly connects with students and teachers through interactive performances, masterclasses, and lectures, both in person and online. With an extensive and ever-growing following via social media, Chloé enjoys spreading her message of positivity and encouragement to hundreds of thousands of people on a daily basis in order to influence present and future generations of classical musicians. Summer 2018 marks the inaugural year of the Chloé Trevor Music Academy, an intensive two-week program for string players and pianists offering one-on-one instruction, chamber music coaching, masterclasses, orchestral training, and career guidance by the world's premier soloists, teachers, and conductors.

Chloé was introduced to the violin at age 2 by her mother, Heidi Trevor Itashiki, Dallas Symphony violinist. She later studied with Arkady Fomin, Dallas Symphony violinist and Artistic Director of the New Conservatory of Dallas. Chloé has made numerous appearances on the concert stage with her father, internationally recognized conductor and teacher, Kirk Trevor. She completed her undergraduate degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music studying with David and Linda Cerone, and her graduate degree as a scholarship student at Rice University studying with Kenneth Goldsmith. Chloé plays on a Carlo Landolfi violin made in Italy in 1771 and bows by Etienne Pajeot and Émile-Auguste Ouchard.

 

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

Visit www.mindoverfinger.com for information about past and future podcasts, and for more resources on mindful practice.

Join the Mind Over Finger Tribe here!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfingertribe/

 

 

THANK YOU:

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

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

 

MIND OVER FINGER:

www.mindoverfinger.com

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

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

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