207 Zlatomir Fung: Flow, Fundamentals, and Fearless Performance
Release Date: 11/01/2024
234 Clear the Block – 5 Mistakes That Derail Even Smart Musicians
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
This episode explores five common practice pitfalls that can quietly sabotage your progress — and how to overcome them with clarity and confidence. · Why self-awareness is key to real growth · How to set a plan that aligns with your goals · The role of time management in building momentum · When learning becomes avoidance · How to build...
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233 From Bully to Ally - Transform Your Inner Critic Into Your Strongest Tool in Practice and Performance
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
This episode explores how harsh self-talk holds you back and how practicing self-compassion can unlock real progress. · Why judgment creates tension and slows learning · The difference between helpful assessment and harmful self-criticism · Simple mindset shifts to quiet your inner critic · How to stay focused, clear, and motivated in the practice room If you're ready to hit the...
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232 Grounded Practice – The Practice Strategy That Accelerates Real Growth Reset & Rise Series #4
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this episode, we explore the overlooked superpower of patience and how slowing down can actually speed up your progress. · Learn how urgency can sabotage your practice · Discover the mindset that turns frustration into focus · Build stronger, more reliable skills under pressure · Use grounded practice to boost clarity, consistency, and confidence If you're ready to hit the...
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231 Practicing Isn’t Working? – What You’re Missing and How to Fix It
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this episode, we explore the concept of "Mind Over Finger" — aligning your mind before taking physical action. · Discover how mental, emotional, and intellectual alignment boosts progress · Learn how myelination impacts your practice outcomes · Replace mindless repetition with intentional, effective strategies · Apply the deep practice model with awareness and curiosity ...
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230 Stuck in Practice? How Joy Unlocks Focus, Progress, and Consistency - Reset & Rise Series #2
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this episode, I share powerful takeaways from 13 renowned performers and educators, including Rachel Barton Pine, Tom Hooten, Kim Kashkashian, Vijay Gupta, and Elizabeth Rowe. Discover how world-class musicians use joy, curiosity, and presence to stay focused, avoid burnout, and make meaningful progress. You’ll walk away with practical tips and mindset shifts you can apply to your own practice today. If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with...
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229 Joy-Driven Practice – Reignite Your Practice with Curiosity, Calm, and Creativity - Your Reset & Rise Series #1
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
This episode kicks off the Reset and Rise summer transformation series with the Joyful Practice Challenge. You’ll explore simple prompts designed to help you reconnect with presence, boost effectiveness, and bring more curiosity, calm, and creativity into your practice. If your playing has felt heavy or disconnected, this is the reset you’ve been looking for. If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this...
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228 Not Ready Yet? What Musicians Miss When They Wait to Leap
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this episode, we explore one of the biggest mindset blocks musicians face: the belief that you're not ready. I break down why waiting for readiness keeps you stuck and how taking action before you feel 100% prepared is often the key to growth. You'll learn: · Why “I’m not ready” is usually fear in disguise · What it really looks like to take action before you feel prepared · How top musicians move forward despite uncertainty ...
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227 Hijacked by Fear – What to Do When Your Mind Turns Against You On Stage
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this episode, we explore why overthinking and fear take over in performance, even when you’re fully prepared. You’ll learn what’s really happening in your brain under pressure, why trying to fight fear often makes it worse, and what you can do to build trust in yourself again. If you’ve ever felt like your own mind is your biggest obstacle on stage, this episode is for you. And if if you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and ready to start performing with confidence and calm, join us inside the Music Mastery Experience. MME is a full year of high-level coaching,...
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226 Stuck or Soaring? What Musicians Gain When They Bet on Themselves
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this episode, I explore one of the most important (and most avoided) questions musicians face: Is investing in yourself really worth it? You'll hear: How to tell the difference between an expense and an investment The hidden cost of staying stuck Why self-investment often leads to faster, deeper growth Real stories from clients who hesitated and what changed when they said yes The mindset shift that helps musicians build lasting progress If you’ve been feeling like you’re doing everything you can but still not moving forward, this episode offers a fresh perspective and a path toward...
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225 Beyond the Notes – Nikki Chooi on Musicality, Adaptability, and Artistic Growth
The Mind Over Finger Podcast
In this episode, violinist Nikki Chooi shares how he rebuilt trust in his playing after formal training, refined his approach to practicing, and found balance between precision and expression in performance. We talk about: How to blend slow and fast practice effectively The role of “adversity training” in audition preparation Practicing musicality with intention What changes when you stop chasing perfection and start trusting your process Why adaptability and balance are essential to long-term growth If you're in a season of transition or looking to reconnect with your...
info_outlineIn 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.