The Mind Over Finger Podcast

Latest Episodes:

236 Master Your Mind – The Framework Musicians Need to Break Through Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, you'll learn a simple and powerful mindset tool that helps you understand and shift the thoughts, feelings, and actions that shape your musical results.

· The five-part Self-Coaching Model explained

· Why your thoughts, not circumstances, drive your outcomes

· How to build awareness and take intentional action

· A clear method to create calm, clarity, and confidence

If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance 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 summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.

235 Sustainable Progress – 5 Practice Shifts That Prevent Burnout and Boost Results Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

This episode explores five mindset and strategy shifts that help you stay energized, focused, and motivated in your musical journey.

· How overcommitting drains progress

· Turning comparison into clarity

· Why trying to impress holds you back

· The value of giving yourself more prep time

· Simple ways to bring joy back into your practice

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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:

234 Clear the Block – 5 Mistakes That Derail Even Smart Musicians Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

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 self-trust and stay focused

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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:

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

Show notes

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

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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:

232 Grounded Practice – The Practice Strategy That Accelerates Real Growth Reset & Rise Series #4 Jul 23, 2025

Show notes

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

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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:

231 Practicing Isn't Working? – What You're Missing and How to Fix It Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

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

· Shift from "wishful practicing" to purposeful, data-driven improvement

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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:

230 Stuck in Practice? How Joy Unlocks Focus, Progress, and Consistency - Reset & Rise Series #2 Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

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.

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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:

229 Joy-Driven Practice – Reignite Your Practice with Curiosity, Calm, and Creativity - Your Reset & Rise Series #1 Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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:

228 Not Ready Yet? What Musicians Miss When They Wait to Leap May 27, 2025

Show notes

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

· Simple mindset shifts that lead to clarity, confidence, and momentum

The Music Mastery Experience is now open for enrollment. If you're tired of waiting and ready to grow with structure, support, and strategy, head to mindoverfinger.com and book your free discovery call.

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:

227 Hijacked by Fear – What to Do When Your Mind Turns Against You On Stage May 22, 2025

Show notes

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, structure, and support to help you retrain your performance response, build real trust in your preparation, and show up consistently, no matter the pressure.

The next cohort begins June 1. Spots are limited.

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/