The Mind Over Finger Podcast

Discussions on mindful music-making, efficient practice, and building a purposeful career with the performers, pedagogues, and innovators who are shaping the classical music world today! The Mind Over Finger Podcast is a resource for knowledge, insight, tips, tricks, and inspiration for musicians interested in learning more about practicing mindfully, performing optimally, and getting more intentional in creating a fulfilling musical career. We provide you with the tools to mindfully shift your musical practice from unconscious to deliberate, from paint-by-numbers to art by flow, from going through the motions to delightful play!

262 From Battling Doubt To Dancing With It -How Robert Sanders Learned To Trust Himself Under Pressure 05/09/2026

261 You Can Play Better Than This - Why You Don’t Sound Like Yourself Under Pressure 05/08/2026

260 The Journey to Winning — How Marie-Michel Beauparlant Reclaimed Her Confidence and Her Career 05/01/2026

260 The Journey to Winning — How Marie-Michel Beauparlant Reclaimed Her Confidence and Her Career If you've ever stood in the wings before a performance and wondered how you got there — not in a good way — this episode is for you. Marie-Michel Beauparlant is an accomplished cellist, a mom of twins, and one of the most honest guests we've had on the show. She talks about the years she spent hiding behind section playing because solo performing felt impossible, the guilt of chasing an audition with six-month-old twins at home, and what it actually took to go from dreading the spotlight to being, as she puts it herself, a little addicted to it. This is a real conversation about the inner life of a working musician — and it will stay with you. In this episode you will discover: Why perfectionism and stage fright so often go hand in hand and what Marie-Michel did to start untangling them How she went from barely advancing in auditions to winning two orchestra positions and making finals consistently The mindset shift that led her to remove the word failure from her vocabulary entirely How finding a community of musicians facing similar challenges made her feel less alone and normalized the struggles she had been carrying quietly for years The simple question she asks herself before every practice session that keeps her grounded and motivated What winning really looks like when you stop making it only about the outcome Want to experience this kind of transformation in your own musical life? The doors to the Music Mastery Experience open June 1st. Visit mindoverfinger.com/mme to learn more and book your free call today. Spots are limited. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/41116385

259 Why Trying Harder Makes It Worse - The Hidden Cognitive Habit That's Sabotaging Your Best Work 04/23/2026

259 Why Trying Harder Makes It Worse - The Hidden Cognitive Habit That's Sabotaging Your Best Work You know that feeling when you nail a passage in rehearsal, and then the harder you try to repeat it, the faster it falls apart? In this solo episode, Dr. Renée-Paule reveals why the desire to play well is often the very thing getting in your way. This one hits close to home for any musician who has ever spiraled mid-performance wondering why their preparation suddenly feels like it vanished. · The reason a passage that felt effortless on the first attempt can completely unravel by the third, and why it has nothing to do with your technique. · How monitoring your own performance in real time activates the wrong part of your brain and turns you into a spectator of your own playing. · Why high expectations belong in the practice room and become an obstacle the moment you walk on stage. · A simple 60-second ritual to do right before you perform that shifts your entire relationship with the moment. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician’s Edge Challenge. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40988330

258 The Audition You've Been Capable of All Along - The Missing Piece Most Audition Prep Completely Skips 04/17/2026

258 The Audition You've Been Capable of All Along - The Missing Piece Most Audition Prep Completely Skips You've prepared the excerpts. You've done the mock auditions. You've done everything right — and something still slips when it matters most. In this episode, Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier gets to the heart of what's actually separating the players who walk off feeling like themselves from the ones who walk off wondering what just happened. The answer isn't what you think — and it's more within your reach than you realize. In this episode: · Why the problem is almost never the excerpts · The difference between preparing your excerpts and preparing yourself · What attentional narrowing does to your musicality under pressure · The one question that begins to change everything Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the . If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40908800

257 The Practice Room Lie: Why Pressure Hijacks Your Performance, and What to Do About It 04/10/2026

257 The Practice Room Lie: Why Pressure Hijacks Your Performance, and What to Do About It You practiced it a thousand times. You knew it cold. And then you walked on stage and something vanished. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. Renee breaks down one of the most frustrating and misunderstood experiences in a musician's life: the gap between how you play in the practice room and how you play under pressure. More importantly, she explains exactly why it happens and why practicing more is often not the answer. In this episode: · Why the practice room and the stage are literally different brain states, and what that means for how you prepare · The Yerkes-Dodson law and what it reveals about pressure, performance, and the sweet spot most musicians blow right past · Why cortisol is not your enemy but why it makes you blank on passages you know perfectly well · The concept of context-dependent memory and why your hard-earned skills can feel strangely out of reach the moment the context changes · The question most musicians never ask after a disappointing performance, and why asking the wrong one keeps the gap firmly in place · A simple but powerful reflection to try before your next practice session that begins to close the gap for good Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician’s Edge Challenge. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40790810

256 Strong Body, Fearless Stage - Shannon Kiewitt on How Movement Builds the Confidence to Perform at Your Best 04/04/2026

256 Strong Body, Fearless Stage - Shannon Kiewitt on How Movement Builds the Confidence to Perform at Your Best What if the thing holding back your performance had nothing to do with how many hours you practice? Gunnery Sergeant Shannon Kiewitt, clarinetist with "The President's Own" United States Marine Band and fitness coach for musicians, has spent years performing at the highest level without a single performance-related injury. In this conversation, she shares exactly how fitness transforms not just your body, but your sound, your confidence, and your career. In this episode: · Why posture and physical imbalances affect the way you sound · The truth about weightlifting and musicians · How fitness builds endurance, focus, and mental resilience on stage · What a realistic fitness routine looks like for a musician's unpredictable schedule · How competing in a bodybuilding show helped Shannon conquer performance anxiety · One simple thing you can start doing today Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician’s Edge Challenge. SHANNON KIEWITT Bio: Instagram: YouTube: Work with Shannon: Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40731225

255 Working Hard and Going Nowhere? How to break the cycle that's keeping you stuck. 03/27/2026

254 Finding Your Way Back to Playing - Gabriel Radford on rebuilding after fear, injury, and loss of control 03/20/2026

254 Finding Your Way Back to Playing - Gabriel Radford on rebuilding after fear, injury, and loss of control If you've ever felt your body work against you in a performance, if tension, fear, or a loss of control has crept into your playing and you don't know why, and if you've wondered whether it can actually get better, this episode is for you. Gabriel Radford, Third Horn of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, was diagnosed with focal dystonia at the height of his career. He came back playing better than before, and co-founded the Embouchure Project to help other musicians do the same. This conversation is honest, practical, and full of things musicians rarely hear spoken out loud. What you'll take away: · Why fear can show up long before a playing problem becomes visible, and what that early signal means · What neuroscience tells us about why the body stops cooperating, and how to reverse it · Why rigid practice routines may be working against you · The one daily habit that can rewire your relationship with your instrument · What the Embouchure Project is · And much more! If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. GABRIEL RADFORD AND THE EMBOUCHURE PROJECT Bio: Website: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Spotify: Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40556780

253 Your Pep Talk for When Things Feel Heavy - A reminder for musicians navigating comparison, doubt, and the ups and downs of growth 03/13/2026

253 Your Pep Talk for When Things Feel Heavy - A reminder for musicians navigating comparison, doubt, and the ups and downs of growth You walk out of a rehearsal replaying every mistake. You sit down to practice and the voice in your head says, it should be better by now. You open Instagram and somehow everyone else seems more confident, more established, further along. This episode is for that moment. Renée shares a short, honest pep talk for musicians navigating doubt and the uncomfortable gap between where they are and where they wish they were. What you'll take away: · Why accepting where you are is not the same as giving up and how that distinction changes everything about how you move forward · The arrival fallacy: why telling yourself "I'll feel better when I reach that level" is a trap that keeps postponing your peace indefinitely · A simple gratitude practice for when doubt shows up mid-practice not as a feel-good exercise, but as a way to literally retrain your brain's attention · How to receive difficult feelings without sinking into them, using the same returning-to-breath logic you already know from practice · Why the doubts will come back even after a good day and why that means nothing is broken · The one question worth asking yourself when your mind starts to spiral: what will I do with this next precious minute? If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40423615

252 Learning to Trust Yourself as a Musician: Juliana Athayde on betting on yourself, leading with humanity, and performing without fear. 03/06/2026

252 Learning to Trust Yourself as a Musician: Juliana Athayde on betting on yourself, leading with humanity, and performing without fear. Concertmaster Juliana Athayde shares the mindset shifts and life choices that shaped her career, from betting on herself early on to leading an orchestra and building a full life beyond the practice room. In this conversation, we explore: • The leap of faith that led her to turn down a dream job and invest in herself • What great orchestral leadership actually looks like beyond playing well • Why “perfect or disaster” thinking traps so many musicians • The powerful idea that performance needs no rear view mirror • How audition panels are often rooting for you more than you think • The difference between practicing mindfully and “punching the time card” in the practice room • Why recording yourself and actually listening can transform your progress • How motherhood reshaped her priorities, practice efficiency, and perspective • Why a richer life outside music ultimately deepens your artistry • The simple but powerful question that can change everything: What if things went right? A thoughtful conversation about leadership, performance, growth, and choosing the bigger life in music. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. JULIANA ATHAYDE Eastman: Chamber Music Rochester: Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40339570

251 Your Heart Is Racing. Now What? The “Yes, And” trick that turns nerves into focus 02/26/2026

251 Your Heart Is Racing. Now What? The “Yes, And” trick that turns nerves into focus When your heart is racing and your brain starts whispering “don’t mess this up,” it’s easy to think the goal is to shut the thoughts down. But that fight is often the thing that turns normal pre performance activation into full anxiety. In this short episode, I borrow the first rule of improv, “Yes, and,” and show you how to use it as a musician. Not to become fearless, but to stay in the music even when doubt is in the room. In this episode, you’ll hear: · The difference between normal activation and anxiety, and how the “second layer” of thoughts creates the spiral · Why denial and forcing yourself to “stop thinking” usually backfire right before performance · How to use “Yes, and” as validation, so your nervous system feels supported instead of bullied · Real scripts for the moments musicians actually struggle with, feeling behind in practice, tight in the warmup room, or rattled by a mistake on stage · A one minute breath reset you can do anywhere, 4 count inhale, 6 count exhale, paired with “Yes” and “And” · A simple challenge for today, catch one scary thought, validate it, and keep going If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40240085

250 Yoga for All Musicians: Brianne Borden and Claire Howard on nervous system care, the power of community, and a more humane way to make music 02/20/2026

250 Yoga for All Musicians: Brianne Borden and Claire Howard on nervous system care, the power of community, and a more humane way to make music When the world feels heavy and your body is bracing, it is weirdly easy to start treating music like it has to justify itself. You practice anyway. You show up anyway. But inside, you are carrying pressure, tension, and that quiet question most musicians do not say out loud: how do I keep doing this without burning out or breaking down? In Episode 250, I sit down with Dr. Brianne Borden and Claire Howard, co-owners of Yoga for All Musicians, for a conversation that is equal parts grounding, honest, and immediately useful. · Why “just focus on the music” is not always possible, and what to do when the world follows you into the practice room · The simple check in skill most musicians never learn, and why it changes everything from practice choices to injury prevention · How classical music culture trains disconnection, and what trauma informed teaching and cueing can actually feel like · A reframing of expectations that sounds small, but hits hard once you try it in real life · A short centering plus neck and shoulder reset you can do before you play, especially if you live in jaw and shoulder tension If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Yoga for All Musicians · Website: · Instagram: · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YogaforAllMusicians · Their podcast on Spotify: · Their app: o Android: o Apple: Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40174045

249 You’re Not Behind. You’re Overloaded. How Unrealistic Expectations Hijack Your Brain and What to Do Instead 02/13/2026

248 Bill Denton: Forget the Timeline - The Path Is Yours to Build - What Every Musician Needs to Hear About Age, Timing, and the Long Game 02/06/2026

248 Bill Denton: Forget the Timeline - The Path Is Yours to Build - What Every Musician Needs to Hear About Age, Timing, and the Long Game What if your path takes longer than you thought it would? What if you don’t win the job straight out of school. Or even straight out of your twenties? And what if that’s not failure, but just a different kind of success? In this episode, I sit down with Bill Denton, Principal Trumpet of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, to talk about what it really means to stay in the game. Bill won his job at 50. Before that? He taught high school band, drove to gigs, kept showing up, and stayed connected to his playing through real life, not a perfect timeline. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever wondered: · Am I too late? · Is it still worth it? · What if my career doesn’t look like theirs? Tune in to hear what long-term commitment really looks like, how to stay ready without burning out, and why your timeline doesn’t have to match anyone else’s. Whether you’re navigating auditions, comparison, or just the quiet pressure of being “on time,” this one’s for you. Find out more information about Bill on his website: If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/40004350

247 Tired of Forcing Yourself to Practice? The Mental Reset That Gets You Back Into Practice Gently 01/31/2026

246 Brad Stulberg: The Way of Excellence - The Secret to What It Really Takes to Thrive 01/23/2026

246 Brad Stulberg: The Way of Excellence - The Secret to What It Really Takes to Thrive What does it really take to grow as an artist without burning out? In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by bestselling author and performance expert Brad Stulberg to explore what excellence actually means, and how we can pursue it in a way that feels deeply fulfilling, not exhausting. Brad’s new book, , offers a grounded and practical roadmap for anyone looking to sustain high-level work over time. Whether you’re navigating auditions, refining your craft, or questioning how to stay connected to music in a chaotic world, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to: · Redefine excellence as a process of becoming, not a fixed destination · Align your ambition with your core values for a stronger sense of purpose · Balance self-discipline with self-kindness, especially when motivation is low · Use the "brave new world" mindset to face fear and uncertainty · Build emotional resilience so you can keep showing up when it counts · Stay consistent without getting stuck in hustle or burnout · Create progress that’s sustainable, satisfying, and deeply your own This episode is a must-listen for musicians who want to stay inspired, grounded, and intentional in the way they grow. Brad brings wisdom from elite performers across fields — and his insights will help you rethink what excellence can look like in your own musical life. Tune in and take away practical tools to support your artistry, your mindset, and your well-being. Grab ! If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Brad Stulberg Grab The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World HERE: Website: Instagram: X: LinkedIn: Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/39848535

245 Long-Term Growth vs. Short-Term Pressure: Why Trying to Master Everything Is Slowing You Down and How to Fix It 01/16/2026

245 Long-Term Growth vs. Short-Term Pressure: Why Trying to Master Everything Is Slowing You Down and How to Fix It Are you juggling big technique goals and an upcoming performance? Struggling to fix your vibrato while also cramming notes for an audition? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. In this episode, we unpack why chasing long-term mastery and short-term perfection at the same time can leave you overwhelmed, stuck, and second-guessing everything. You’ll learn: · How to separate growth work from prep work without sacrificing either · Why perfectionism in your “big goal” might be sabotaging your current deadline · A smarter way to structure your practice when everything feels important · One essential mindset shift to help you stay grounded and actually make progress This is for you if you’ve ever felt like no matter how hard you work, you’re not getting better fast enough, or worse, like you’re falling behind. Let’s fix that. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/39756785

244 One Sentence to Change Your Year: How to turn resistance into real momentum 01/02/2026

244 One Sentence to Change Your Year: How to turn resistance into real momentum If you’ve ever had one of those days where you know what you should do, but everything in you wants to procrastinate, avoid, or zone out... this episode is for you. I’m sharing one of my favorite mindset tools: a simple sentence structure you can use when motivation is low, when self-doubt is loud, or when you just feel stuck. It’s a trick I return to again and again to get myself into action and back into alignment with who I want to become. Inside, you’ll hear exactly how it works, why it helps you make progress without needing a massive pep talk, and how to use it right away in your practice, performance prep, or daily habits. This might be the shift that changes everything. Tune in and try it for yourself. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. · Self‑Efficacy: The Exercise of Control · Identity‑Based Motivation and Health · Identity‑Based Motivation and Health Disparities (Journal of Social Issues) · Identity‑Based Motivation and Core Processes · Identity‑Based Motivation and the Motivational Consequences of Difficulty https://dornsife.usc.edu/daphna-oyserman/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2024/12/Social-Personality-Psych-2024-Oyserman-Identity-Based-Motivation-and-the-Motivational-Consequences-of-Difficulty.pdf /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/39558575

243 You’re Closer Than You Think: The Mindset Shift That Will Move the Needle 12/29/2025

243 You’re Closer Than You Think: The Mindset Shift That Will Move the Needle In this solo episode, Dr. Gauthier breaks down a powerful mindset shift that can transform your musical growth and career. If you're tired of working harder and still feeling stuck, this is the episode for you. 🎯 In this episode, you'll learn: · Why the “do, have, be” model keeps musicians burned out and unfulfilled · What the “be, do, have” approach looks like in real practice · How your identity is the hidden lever that drives lasting results · Why showing up as your future self leads to more confidence and consistency · What to do when you're tempted to fall back into old patterns · The research behind identity-based motivation and how to use it · A simple prompt to shift your mindset today and take meaningful action · Why your next breakthrough starts now, not later 🎁 Plus: There’s a free worksheet that walks you through this process step by step. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. · Self‑Efficacy: The Exercise of Control · Identity‑Based Motivation and Health · Identity‑Based Motivation and Health Disparities (Journal of Social Issues) · Identity‑Based Motivation and Core Processes · Identity‑Based Motivation and the Motivational Consequences of Difficulty https://dornsife.usc.edu/daphna-oyserman/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2024/12/Social-Personality-Psych-2024-Oyserman-Identity-Based-Motivation-and-the-Motivational-Consequences-of-Difficulty.pdf /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/39556790

242 Tim Higgins: The Long Game Every Musician Needs to Play - Winning the Job, Finding Your Sound, and Staying Inspired 12/19/2025

242 Tim Higgins: The Long Game Every Musician Needs to Play - Winning the Job, Finding Your Sound, and Staying Inspired In this inspiring backstage pass conversation, Tim Higgins, principal trombone of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed composer, arranger, and educator, shares the real work behind long-term success in music. Whether you're preparing for auditions or building artistic depth in your playing, this episode offers mindset shifts and practical tools you can apply today. In this episode, you’ll learn: · What Tim believes is at the core of audition success and how to train it with consistency · How to build and refine your sound concept over time · The surprising mindset that keeps him inspired after years in the job · Why technique is only part of the equation and how to think like an artist · How he navigates vulnerability, identity, and self-worth in a high-pressure career · The one thing he’d tell any musician working toward a big goal this year · Why long-term growth is not just possible, but powerful Whether you're chasing a job, deepening your artistry, or trying to stay motivated in the middle of it all this is a conversation you’ll want to revisit. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/39466820

241 Beyond the Practice Room: What Four Top Experts Want You to Know About Performance 11/17/2025

241 Beyond the Practice Room: What Four Top Experts Want You to Know About Performance In this special episode, recorded live at New World Symphony’s Wellness Week, four leading voices in musician wellness come together to share powerful strategies for navigating the mental, physical, and emotional demands of a music career. You’ll learn: · How to recover from a tough performance without spiraling into shame or self-doubt · The mindset shift that separates your identity from your results · Why your body holds the key to emotional regulation and performance ease · How to build self-trust by understanding your nervous system · Tools to manage your inner critic and perfectionist tendencies · Practical ways to bring more awareness and intention into your practice · Why real growth requires both mental flexibility and physical freedom · How collaborative wellness approaches are changing the future of classical music Featuring insights from: · Dr. Noa Kageyama – Performance psychologist, Juilliard faculty, and creator of The Bulletproof Musician - · Lori Schiff – Master Alexander Technique teacher and long-time Juilliard faculty member - · Dr. Coree Levy – Performance medicine and recovery expert working with elite musicians and athletes - · Renée-Paule Gauthier – Violinist, performance coach, and host of the Mind Over Finger Podcast - This conversation is packed with tools and insights you can start using right away to show up with more freedom, confidence, and clarity in your musical life. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/39063150

240 You’re Not Unmotivated, You’re Believing the Wrong Thing: How to Reclaim Your Focus, Confidence, and Momentum 11/05/2025

240 You’re Not Unmotivated, You’re Believing the Wrong Thing: How to Reclaim Your Focus, Confidence, and Momentum In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your current beliefs—not your ability—might be the real reason behind lack of motivation or progress How to spot the subtle thoughts that quietly shape your practice habits and performance results A powerful mindset shift that helps musicians move from self-doubt to self-trust The truth about where limiting beliefs come from—and how to start letting them go The difference between repeating affirmations and actually practicing belief How to use “bridge thoughts” to shift your mindset when a positive belief still feels out of reach A step-by-step exercise to anchor your new identity as a focused, confident performer Why sometimes you have to “be before you believe”—and how to start doing that today If you've been feeling stuck, distracted, or not quite like yourself in the practice room, this episode will help you uncover what’s really going on—and give you the tools to shift it. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to get you there. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/38921935

239 Randall Goosby: Play With Purpose - Expression, Identity, and Musical Impact 10/17/2025

239 Randall Goosby: Play With Purpose - Expression, Identity, and Musical Impact In this inspiring conversation, violinist Randall Goosby shares how he balances technical mastery with deep artistic purpose. He offers insight into the mindset, values, and strategies that have shaped his unique approach to music-making—and how you can bring more meaning into your own playing. In this episode, you’ll hear about: · The shift from performance perfection to performance purpose · How Randall connects with his "why" to stay grounded and inspired · Lessons learned from studying with Itzhak Perlman about authenticity and expression · The importance of honoring underrepresented voices in classical music · How to cultivate intention in the practice room—even on difficult days · Strategies for building connection with audiences beyond the stage · Why vulnerability is essential to making music that matters Whether you’re refining your technique or rediscovering your voice as an artist, this episode offers thoughtful takeaways to help you grow with more clarity, confidence, and connection. Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let’s connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click to schedule your free consultation, and let’s start turning your goals into reality. If you’re ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let’s talk! MORE ABOUT RANDALL GOOSBY Website: YouTube channel: Facebook: Instagram: Mind Over Finger Click to book your free consultation with me. Visit for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance. Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to . Connect: THANK YOU: Most sincere thank you to composer 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. /episode/index/show/mindoverfinger/id/38562800

238 Calm Under Pressure – The 3-Pillar Strategy to Beat Performance Anxiety and Play Your Best 08/14/2025

237 Shift Your Results - The Simple Tool That Transforms Your Practice and Performance 08/07/2025

236 Master Your Mind – The Framework Musicians Need to Break Through 08/06/2025

235 Sustainable Progress – 5 Practice Shifts That Prevent Burnout and Boost Results 07/31/2025

234 Clear the Block – 5 Mistakes That Derail Even Smart Musicians 07/28/2025

233 From Bully to Ally - Transform Your Inner Critic Into Your Strongest Tool in Practice and Performance 07/25/2025

The Mind Over Finger Podcast

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