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202 Lara St. John: Creating Change: Ensuring Safety & Equity in Classical Music

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

Release Date: 06/28/2024

222  When Practice Isn’t Fun Anymore - What to Do When Music Stops Feeling Inspiring show art 222  When Practice Isn’t Fun Anymore - What to Do When Music Stops Feeling Inspiring

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

In this episode, I share a personal story about preparing for a major event—and struggling to find joy in the process. We explore: Why it’s normal to feel disconnected from familiar repertoire How to stay motivated when the spark is gone A mindset shift to help you keep showing up Practical tools to bring freshness back into your practice How reconnecting to your purpose can carry you through challenging times   If you’re ready to build consistency, confidence, and performance readiness without the overwhelm, The Music Mastery Experience is for you. Inside this...

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The Mind Over Finger Podcast

In this episode, bassist and educator Nina DeCesare shares the mindset and strategies that have helped her build a confident and fulfilling career in music. We explore what it means to practice with purpose, prepare for high-stakes performances, and create lasting change in the industry. Nina also talks about the Artemis Bass Initiative and how it’s supporting women and non-binary bassists through mentorship, training, and community. You’ll hear about: Her take on representation, mentorship, and the need for change in the orchestral world, and her work with the Artemis Bass...

info_outline 220 Practice Isn’t Enough – The Real Reason Your Performances Feel Inconsistent show art 220 Practice Isn’t Enough – The Real Reason Your Performances Feel Inconsistent

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

You’re putting in the work, but something’s not clicking when it counts. Why does your playing still feel inconsistent—even though you’re practicing hard? In this episode, I’m bringing two essential mindset and training shifts to the forefront—because these are the mistakes that keep talented musicians stuck, and the changes that help them finally break through. We’ll cover: Why “more practice” isn’t the answer if you’re still struggling under pressure The missing piece in most musicians’ practice routines The real reason confidence feels out of reach—and how to...

info_outline 219 Jarrett McCourt: You Career, Your Rules – Creating a Life in Music That Works for You show art 219 Jarrett McCourt: You Career, Your Rules – Creating a Life in Music That Works for You

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

Many musicians feel stuck in a single career path, believing that success means following a traditional trajectory. But what if true success is about expanding, not staying locked into one role? In this episode, tubist Jarrett McCourt shares his journey from performing with world-class orchestras to building a career and life that align with his values. We discuss: Why career pivots aren’t about quitting but about growth How redefining success can lead to more fulfillment The role of mental health and self-acceptance in performance What musicians get wrong about hustle and...

info_outline 218 The Truth About Confidence - What Every Musician Needs to Know show art 218 The Truth About Confidence - What Every Musician Needs to Know

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

You practice, you prepare, but when it’s time to perform, your confidence vanishes. Why does this happen? In this episode, we break down the biggest myths about confidence that might be holding you back. You’ll learn: Why confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build How common misconceptions make confidence feel harder than it needs to be A simple mindset shift that can help you feel more secure in your playing Listen now and start building real confidence in your music-making.   If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence,...

info_outline 217 Nancy Zhou: Artistry Unlocked - Storytelling Through Sound show art 217 Nancy Zhou: Artistry Unlocked - Storytelling Through Sound

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

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info_outline 216 What’s Holding You Back in the Practice Room – And How to Fix It show art 216 What’s Holding You Back in the Practice Room – And How to Fix It

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

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...

info_outline 215 Beyond Potential: Re-Assess, Re-Define, & Re-Ignite your Career with Career & Mindset Coach Kate Kayaian show art 215 Beyond Potential: Re-Assess, Re-Define, & Re-Ignite your Career with Career & Mindset Coach Kate Kayaian

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

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...

info_outline 214 10x Your Practice Results—Without Practicing More show art 214 10x Your Practice Results—Without Practicing More

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

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info_outline 213 The Key to Confidence on Stage (It’s Not What You Think!) show art 213 The Key to Confidence on Stage (It’s Not What You Think!)

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

Why do you sound great in the practice room but struggle on stage? In this episode, we explore: Why performances feel so different from practice How your nervous system reacts under pressure The key mistake musicians make in preparation A five-step method to perform with confidence Learn how to bridge the gap between practice and performance so you can play your best when it matters most. Ready to take your playing to the next level? If you're tired of second-guessing yourself on stage and want to build lasting confidence in your performances, let’s talk. is designed to help...

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More Episodes

A particularly important episode of the Mind Over Finger Podcast with guest Lara St. John where we discuss the context and impact of sexual abuse, the lack of representation, and how women often don't get the support they need. 

Lara shares her own experiences and she stresses the need for institutions to step up and create a safe space for everyone by being transparent, and having clear steps to handle sexual harassment and assault. 

Finally, we touch on the power dynamics and gender issues in the classical music world and the difficulty of addressing these issues in a society that often prefers to stay silent 

**CLARIFICATION: During the conversation, it was inaccurately stated that the union reinstated the NY Phil musicians. The union brought the case to arbitration, and the arbitrator ultimately ruled in favor of reinstating them in their positions.**

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

 

MORE ABOUT LARA ST. JOHN

Resources

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): https://www.rainn.org/

  • Offers support, information, and a hotline for victims of sexual assault.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): https://www.nsvrc.org/

  • Provides resources and information on sexual violence prevention and support for survivors.

Me Too Movement: https://metoomvmt.org/

  • Advocacy and support network for survivors of sexual violence.

Time's Up: https://timesupnow.org/

  • An organization that addresses workplace sexual harassment and inequality.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): https://www.eeoc.gov/

  • Federal agency providing information and support on workplace discrimination and harassment.

National Women’s Law Center (NWLC): https://nwlc.org/

  • Provides legal information and resources related to sexual harassment and gender equality in the workplace.

Writers Guild of America’s “MYConnext” Tool: https://www.wga.org/members/employment-resources/know-your-rights

  • Resource for reporting workplace harassment and finding support.

The Black Orchestral Network: https://www.blackorchestralnetwork.org/

  • Advocacy for equity in orchestral settings, including addressing issues of harassment and discrimination.

American Federation of Musicians (AFM): https://www.afm.org/

  • Union providing support and resources for musicians, including initiatives against harassment.

Chicago Federation of Musicians’ #NotMe App: https://cfm10208.com/musician-resources/fair-employment-practices-and-notme

  • An app for reporting harassment within the music industry.

Change the Culture Committee – Proposal Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13f_eQl2VEaRF1pxIKkdsUcJr4mEmNy87/view?usp=sharing

Articles 

Lara St-John & The Curtis Institute – Articles catalog: https://larastjohn.club/ 

Sammy Sussman – Articles catalog: https://sammysussman.com/reporting?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0KtQ42ZfE7azBHCTWlp5ErasRAyAYWAjrdzwBOPPPAJmlCZcmwnH3kAlQ_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw 

A Hidden Sexual-Assault Scandal at the New York Philharmonic - Two musicians were fired for sexual misconduct. Why are they back with the orchestra?  https://www.vulture.com/article/new-york-philharmonic-sexual-assault-scandal.html

Abused, then mocked- acclaimed violinist says she was sexually assaulted by her renowned teacher at the Curtis institute, and then disregarded when she reported it  https://www.inquirer.com/news/a/lara-st-john-sexual-abuse-jascha-brodsky-curtis-institute-philadelphia-20190725.html

They Wouldn't Believe Me https://larastjohn.club/philadelphia-inquirer-subsequent-articles/they-wouldnt-believe-me-1

Top Music School Finds Sexual Abuse Allegations From Violinist 'Credible' https://www.npr.org/2020/09/23/916108440/top-music-school-finds-sexual-abuse-allegations-from-violinist-credible

Investigative Report 2020 - Statement from the Curtis Institute Board of Trustees https://www.curtis.edu/about/institutional-policies/investigative-report-2020/

The evolution of #MeToo https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/evolution-metoo/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR01peoxpx0nkteuYsbKRI7YGmItXKk-AmiymMtHSLFyOkcfexxLq8UH0BY_aem_WbvxwAylau31GKIPEcDNvw

Tainted History - Former Juilliard composition students share allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct https://van-magazine.com/mag/juilliard-sexual-harassment/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1p_C22c0w4D-YFUyxca3r-uDaaHapH5Ef9Lwbfejr4S4toB0ImL5vZP8o_aem_JvRLjIQ8FxqIBJdzJXQfnA

Cleveland Orchestra Fires Two Musicians for Sexual Misconduct https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/24/arts/music/cleveland-orchestra-sexual-harassment-misconduct.html#:~:text=The%20accusations%20first%20surfaced%20in,and%20making%20a%20lewd%20advance.%E2%80%9D

Calgary Philharmonic removes two musicians after month-long investigation over ‘troubling comments’ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/article-calgary-philharmonic-removes-two-musicians-after-month-long/

Assaults in dressing rooms. Groping during lessons. Classical musicians reveal a profession rife with harassment. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/assaults-in-dressing-rooms-groping-during-lessons-classical-musicians-reveal-a-profession-rife-with-harassment/2018/07/25/f47617d0-36c8-11e8-acd5-35eac230e514_story.html

Music professor retires from Rice following allegations of inappropriate conduct with female students https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/education-news/2024/05/29/488887/rice-william-vermeulen-allegations-inappropriate-conduct-female-students/

Demondrae Thurman no longer serving in Jacobs School of Music roles after sexual misconduct allegations https://www.idsnews.com/article/2024/05/demondrae-thurman-no-longer-serving-jacobs-school-of-music-sexual-misconduct-allegations

Music’s Perpetually Open Secret - 18 years after they were first reported, allegations of sexual harassment at the Butler School of Music have continued https://van-magazine.com/mag/open-secret/

Former students bring 40 years of misconduct allegations against SMTD professor - https://www.michigandaily.com/news/community-affairs/former-students-bring-40-years-misconduct-allegations-smtd-professor/

As sentencing nears for violinist, four women say he sexually abused them while at UNC school - https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article260382977.html

Violin professor who taught around the world is charged with sex attack  https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/royal-college-of-music-london-alfie-boe-south-africa-borough-b2285682.html

James Levine’s Final Act at the Met Ends in Disgrace  https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/12/arts/music/james-levine-metropolitan-opera.html

Opera Star David Daniels Pleads Guilty to Sexual Assault  https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/04/arts/opera-star-david-daniels-guilty-plea-sexual-assault.html

Royal College of Music investigating misconduct complaints https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/royal-college-of-music-investigating-misconduct-complaints-8nhkp0qx6

Senior professor at Royal College of Music quits over health issues after complaints of gross misconduct upheld  https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13305193/royal-college-music-senior-professor-quits-health-issues-gross-misconduct.html