Discussions on mindful music-making, efficient practice, and building a purposeful career with the performers, pedagogues, and innovators who are shaping the cl...
217 Nancy Zhou: Artistry Unlocked - Storytelling Through Sound
In this episode, violinist Nancy Zhou shares her deep, thoughtful approach to music-making. She explores: How interpretation goes beyond technique to storytelling The importance of score study and stepping into the composer’s mind How body awareness and movement shape musical expression What musicians can learn from dancers and storytellers The philosophy behind her upcoming album, Stories (Re)Traced Nancy’s insights will challenge the way you think about practice, performance, and artistic growth. 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 NANCY ZHOU Website: https://www.nancyzhouviolin.com YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaRXhb0sinvhGN4GzuTetg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyzhouviolin 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.
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48:22
216 What’s Holding You Back in the Practice Room – And How to Fix It
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.
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19:48
215 Beyond Potential: Re-Assess, Re-Define, & Re-Ignite your Career with Career & Mindset Coach Kate Kayaian
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.
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55:44
214 10x Your Practice Results—Without Practicing More
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: NSDR 10 minutes - Andrew Huberman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKGrmY8OSHM NSDR 20 minutes - Andrew Huberman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEypv90GzDE NSDR 20 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL02HRFk2vo Yoga Nidra: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGpHpcp0O8tDEEDI6J4wcPiTZviJAQyQy 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.
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213 The Key to Confidence on Stage (It’s Not What You Think!)
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. The Music Mastery Experience is designed to help musicians like you perform with ease, focus, and joy. Book a free call at mindoverfinger.com to create a plan for your most confident performances yet. Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery 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.
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!
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