The Mind Over Finger Podcast

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:

JOIN THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE HERE

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.

225 Beyond the Notes – Nikki Chooi on Musicality, Adaptability, and Artistic Growth May 16, 2025

Show notes

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 artistry, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.

The Music Mastery Experience is where we take ideas like these and turn them into transformation. It's a full year of coaching, structure, and deep support designed to help you perform with clarity, confidence, and joy. If this episode speaks to you, I invite you to apply today at mindoverfinger.com/mme25.

MORE ABOUT NIKKI CHOOI

Website: https://www.nikkichooi.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikkichooi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkichooi89/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkichooi/

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:

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

THANK YOU:

224 Stage Freeze – Why Everything You Know Disappears Under Pressure May 09, 2025

Show notes

You've practiced the techniques. You've done the mindset work. But when it's time to perform, everything seems to disappear.

In this episode, I explore why musicians often struggle to access what they know under pressure and what to do about it. You'll learn:

Why your tools vanish in performance, even when you know they work
How over-focusing on control can disconnect you from the music
The real difference between skill prep and pressure prep
One small, practical shift to help you reconnect with your strengths on stage

If you're done guessing, spinning your wheels, or second-guessing your ability on stage, I'd love to support you.

The Music Mastery Experience is where we turn these insights into lasting transformation. It's a full year of high-level coaching, structure, and community designed to help you go from inconsistent and overwhelmed to grounded, prepared, and confident every time you play. If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to apply today at mindoverfinger.com/mme25.

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:

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

THANK YOU:

223 Unlock Your Edge – Discover the Reflection Practice That Transforms How You Perform May 08, 2025

Show notes

If you've ever felt stuck, even though you know what to do, this episode is for you.

I'm sharing the five key prompts from The Musician's Edge Challenge that have helped hundreds of musicians gain clarity, uncover what's holding them back, and perform with more confidence.

In this episode, you'll explore:

A moment when your playing felt effortless and what it reveals about your potential
A strength you've been underestimating and how to lead with it
The real challenge that keeps showing up under pressure
A pattern that's been running in the background and how to change it
A simple blueprint for building the musician you want to be

If you're ready to perform with more trust, freedom, and intention, start here.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? The Music Mastery Experience is now open for enrollment through May 30. This is your opportunity to stop spinning your wheels and start building a practice and performance system that actually works.

Apply now at mindoverfinger.com - I'd love to see your name come through.

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:

Apply to join the new cohort of the Music Mastery Experience HERE

THANK YOU:

222 When Practice Isn't Fun Anymore - What to Do When Music Stops Feeling Inspiring Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

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 small group coaching program, I help committed musicians grow through intentional, inspired practice so they can reach their next level with clarity, ease, and joy.

The next cohort is starting soon and spots are limited, so now is the time to take the next step.

Visit mindoverfinger.com to apply and learn more. Let's get you the structure, support, and strategies you need to thrive, on stage and beyond.

Grab your Joyful Practice Guide 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:

221 Nina DeCesare: Beyond the Notes - Practicing with Purpose and Building a More Inclusive Future Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

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 Initiative
Simple tools to stay focused and motivated in the practice room
How injury deepened Nina's musicality and reshaped her approach
Why switching to "performance mode" is key to confidence
A practical tip you can implement today

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.

MORE ABOUT NINA DECESARE

Website: https://www.ninadecesare.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-18Idk_dit0drfsgodU7A

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina_decesare/?hl=en

Artemis Bass Initiative:

· Website: https://www.artemisbassinitiative.com/

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artemisbassinitiative/?hl=en

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:

THANK YOU:

220 Practice Isn't Enough – The Real Reason Your Performances Feel Inconsistent Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

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 start building it
How to stop waiting to "feel ready" and start showing up like the musician you want to become

If you're ready to move past stuck and into solid, confident performances—this one's for you.

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.

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:

THANK YOU:

219 Jarrett McCourt: You Career, Your Rules – Creating a Life in Music That Works for You Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

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 burnout

If you've ever questioned your path in music or wondered what's next, this episode is for you.

MORE ABOUT JARRETT MCCOURT

Website: https://jarrettmccourt.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JarrettMcCourt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarrett.mccourt/

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:

THANK YOU:

218 The Truth About Confidence - What Every Musician Needs to Know Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

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, 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.

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: