The Honesty Pill Podcast

Christopher Still
  • 4.7 (34)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

This is a podcast for classical musicians who want to practice smarter, perform better, and win auditions. Whether you're prepping for your first big audition, stuck in a practice rut, or trying to figure out why you keep choking when it counts — this show is for you. I'm Christopher Still, Second Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I went through over 40 auditions before I won my job, so I know what it's like to fail, adjust, and finally figure out what actually moves the needle. Now I coach musicians through the same gauntlet: building a practice system that works, performing under pressure, and navigating auditions without losing your mind. You'll hear from conductors, committee members, personal managers, and coaches who've seen it all — plus solo episodes where I cut through the noise and tell you what really matters when the stakes are high. No motivational garbage. No theory without application. Just honest, practical insight from someone who's been on both sides of the screen. Want more? Join the Audition Accelerator, my 16-week intensive coaching program, or become part of HPAC (Honesty Pill Accelerator Community) — a space for musicians who are serious about growth and done with spinning their wheels. Proudly sponsored by the Yamaha Corporation of America. Welcome to the Honesty Pill Podcast.

  1. FEB 22

    S5E46 Anna Handler: A Leading Voice in Classical Music on Joy, Vulnerability, and Community Building

    Anna Handler — "Don't show up to impress...show up to express." Today's Guest Anna Handler is a 29-year-old German-Colombian conductor and pianist currently serving as Kapellmeister at the Deutsche Oper Berlin and incoming Chief Conductor of the Ulster Orchestra. She's worked with the LA Philharmonic, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and orchestras around the world, and was the first conductor ever to receive the prestigious Kovner Fellowship at Juilliard. Episode Description In this conversation, we dig into what really happens on both sides of the audition screen, from Anna's experience taking auditions herself to now working with orchestras worldwide. We talk about visualization techniques, the power of "acting as if you've already won," what people are actually listening for beyond technical perfection, navigating the industry as a woman, and why the future of classical music depends on technology, youth engagement, and breaking down walls. Anna also shares her work with refugee musicians and why she believes classical music can be like a church — a place where we find solace. This Episode Is Brought to You By Yamaha Corporation of America — Bringing world-class craftsmanship to musicians at every level, from beginners to marquee players in symphony orchestras around the world. HPAC (Honesty Pill Accelerator Community) — A community of musicians who share the same passion, deal with the same challenges, and actually get what you're going through. Monthly coaching, real talk, and support for musicians serious about growth. Learn more at honestypill.com/acceleratorcommunity In This Episode We Discuss: Growing up with engineer parents "obsessed with math" and how Anna and her sister both ended up in music The path from piano to podium and winning the first-ever Kovner Fellowship for conducting at Juilliard What it's like to be a Dudamel Fellow with the LA Philharmonic Why Anna sometimes conducts from the piano and what it gives her musically Taking auditions as a young musician vs. evaluating musicians now — what's actually being assessed The biggest mistakes musicians make in auditions (hint: it's not about perfection) Visualization and mental performance: acting as if you've already won the job The "pretend to be asleep" principle — how everything in life works this way What people are really listening for: personality, fire, love for music Navigating the classical music world as a woman — the industry is "woefully behind" Finding mentors who believe in you and the importance of supportive communities Youth projects and working with refugee musicians on Eva und Adam at Bayerische Staatsoper What young musicians teach professionals that we sometimes forget Technology and the future of classical music — why we can't keep doing the same concerts for 300 years What the next generation of concertgoers actually wants Why classical music can be like a church: a place where we find solace The hard truth: keep fighting for music, for the sake of inviting more people in Memorable Quotes "I'm not looking for perfection. I'm looking for personality. And I want to see fire. I want to see love for life, for music. Because life is hard enough. We need to find some kind of joy, some hope every day." "If I had already won this audition, how would I walk on this stage? I wouldn't show up to prove myself. Maybe I would show up to express. I don't have to prove my worth to anybody. I can just show how much I love this music and who I am." "Think about this: if you want to go to sleep, the first thing you have to do is climb into bed and pretend to be asleep. Everything in life kind of works like that." "Classical music can be like a church. We find solace there." "Keep fighting for music. For the sake of inviting more people into our audience halls and making them feel welcome." Links & Resources Anna Handler's Website — Concert schedule and more Follow Anna on social media for updates on her work around the world Ready to Level Up Your Practice and Performance? Join Audition Accelerator — my 16-week intensive coaching program for musicians serious about winning auditions. We'll build a bulletproof practice system, work on performing under pressure, and get you ready to walk into that audition room with confidence. Join HPAC (Honesty Pill Accelerator Community) — a space for lifelong learning musicians who want to grow without the noise. Monthly coaching, community support, and real talk about what it takes to stay sharp. Learn more at honestypill.com

    1h 5m

  2. 11/24/2024

    S4E44: Kelly Riordan on Building a Thriving Music Studio

    Honesty Pill Podcast Episode 44: Kelly Riordan - Outside the Bachs Show Notes Episode Overview In this episode, Chris dives deep into the world of private music studios with Kelly Riordan, a powerhouse in music education, hybrid teaching, and marketing. Kelly shares her journey from building her own thriving private studio to helping over 3,000 teachers and students grow their music careers worldwide. This conversation explores everything from setting rates, avoiding burnout, and managing student anxiety, to leveraging marketing strategies for long-term success. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Key Sections Building a Thriving Studio Transitioning from a traditional "dollars-for-hours" model to flat-rate tuition. Managing a teaching schedule to avoid burnout. Understanding the importance of identifying and working with aligned students. Mastering Hybrid Teaching & Marketing Strategies for breaking out of local teaching into online, hybrid models. Effective, non-salesy ways to promote your studio using social media and local outreach. The importance of creating a balance between relatability and professionalism. Supporting Musicians Worldwide How Kelly helps music educators build sustainable studios. Using tools like the "nice file" for self-confidence and imposter syndrome. Offering scholarships while maintaining a thriving business. Mindset Shifts for Success Reframing performance anxiety as an opportunity for growth. Understanding the "portfolio career" as a way to create fulfilling, multifaceted music careers. Using self-belief and intentional thought patterns to shape your success. Memorable Quotes "Sales isn't a dirty word—it's about showing up authentically and serving others." "If you don't believe in yourself, how can you expect others to believe in you?" "Letting go of students who aren't the right fit isn't rejection; it's leading them toward better opportunities." "Raise your rates to lead with service—you can't help others if you're barely making ends meet." Key Takeaways Marketing Strategies: Start locally by building relationships with schools, community groups, and local music organizations. Use social media as a long-term strategy to showcase your teaching style and build credibility. Mindset for Growth: Don't let fear of pricing or imposter syndrome hold you back. Confidence in your value leads to stronger connections with aligned students. Studio Organization: Avoid burnout by streamlining admin tasks with software, creating structured tuition models, and focusing on your ideal student. The Power of Testimonials: Ask students and parents for testimonials after big wins and use them to attract more students. Links & Resources Kelly Riordan's Website: Outside the Bachs Join the Facebook Group: A supportive space for music teachers to share insights and advice. Free Strategy Call: Request Here Subscribe to Inbachs: Kelly's free weekly newsletter for actionable tips and mindset shifts. Call to Action If these topics resonate with you, subscribe to the Honesty Pill YouTube channel, and share this episode with your fellow musicians. Let's keep the conversation going—drop your thoughts or questions in the comments or on social media!

    1h 24m

  3. 09/19/2024

    S4E43: Angela Beeching: Music Career Coach, Speaker, Author

    Welcome to Episode 43: In this episode of the Honesty Pill Podcast, I sit down with career coach and author Angela Beeching. Angela, the author of Beyond Talent, has helped countless musicians break through the overwhelm and frustration of building a sustainable career in the music industry. We dive into goal setting, time management, and even overcoming fear and self-doubt to create a career that you not only enjoy but one that pays the bills—crazy, right? In this Episode: How to develop a "portfolio career" and balance multiple roles without burning out. Practical tools for managing fear and impostor syndrome. Strategies for moving beyond overwhelm to set goals that actually move your career forward. Mindset shifts that can help musicians tap into their full potential. Highlights: (00:33) Angela talks about how musicians can find jobs they're great at, that people need, and that they might actually love. (03:33) "What does it take for people to be happy?" Angela explores the balance between success and enjoying the journey. (07:01) The "Magic Index Card" exercise—how simple actions today can move you toward your career goals. (16:53) Angela guides me through her "Cosmic Rage" tool to quiet fear and resistance. (26:49) We discuss the importance of mindset and how to shift from a victim mentality to one of empowerment. Memorable Quotes: "What we think of as success in terms of our career is just one component, and not being so obsessed with the outcome that you can't enjoy the journey is key." "We are all capable of so much more than we realize, and we don't know how much we are standing in our own way." "Successful musicians engage in specific patterns of thinking and behavior. It's these habits, beyond talent, that help them move ahead despite the inevitable challenges." Connect with Angela: Website: AngelaBeeching.com Sign up for the Pathfinder Guide: A free guide to help musicians who feel stuck or unsure about their next career move. Follow Angela on social media for more tips and advice on managing your career in music. Additional Links: Angela's book: Beyond Talent – A must-read for musicians looking to take control of their careers. A Big Thank You: Big thanks to our sponsor, the Yamaha Corporation of America. Yamaha has been a huge supporter of my career and the Honesty Pill Podcast since day one. Their commitment to music education, from marquee artists to beginners, is truly inspiring. Check them out at usa.yamaha.com. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations and diverse perspectives on music, practice, performance, and the business behind it all. Honesty Pill Links: Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter Honesty Pill Podcast Visit Our Blog Follow Us on Instagram Like Us on Facebook Additional Programs: Audition Accelerator Program: Dive into our intensive course designed to unlock your audition potential, empowering you with strategies, feedback, and insights to nail those high-stakes auditions. Learn more & Enroll Online Business Accelerator Program: Elevate your musical career with our program geared to equip you with the essential tools, strategies, and insights to build and scale your online music business effectively. Learn more & Enroll

    1h 2m

  4. 04/06/2024

    S3E42 3_25_24 Nikki Abissi: Trombonist, Educator, Inventor, Entrepreneur.

    Guest: Nikki Abissi, professional trombonist Key Topics: Nikki's musical journey from growing up around NYC to attending Juilliard, New World Symphony, and becoming an orchestral musician Dealing with performance anxiety, negative self-talk, and the importance of mindset work The "3 envelope" audition preparation strategy Bringing a sense of "play" back into music practice Losing your professional identity and how to rebuild Nikki's invention of the "Extend Bone" slide extension device Being newly diagnosed with ADHD as an adult The value of normalizing struggles and being vulnerable Takeaways: Have strategies and techniques for audition prep beyond just the music Find ways to quiet the analytical brain and focus on performing Titles don't matter as much as value you provide - build an authentic platform Normalize discussing mental health, mindset, and personal struggles Read "Peak" by Anders Ericsson on developing expertise deliberatively Memorable Quotes: "My other superpower is I don't care about being vulnerable and honest." "Your title doesn't matter. What matters is can you solve a problem for someone."   Stay Connected with Us: Subscribe to the Honesty Pill YouTube Channel for the latest episodes and updates. Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and exclusive updates. Sponsor Message: This episode is brought to you by the Yamaha Corporation of America. Visit Yamaha Corporation of America to learn more about their products and services.

    1h 10m

  5. 03/12/2024

    S3E41 Cami McLaren: Founder of McLaren Coaching

    Episode Title: Productivity, Mindset and Overcoming Roadblocks with Cami McLaren Introduction: In this insightful episode, we explore strategies for productivity, mindset shifts, and overcoming roadblocks with our guest Cami McLaren, founder of McLaren Coaching. Cami shares her unique perspective as a former lawyer who transitioned into coaching musicians and professionals from various fields. Get ready to dive into practical tips, thought-provoking discussions, and personal insights that will empower you to unlock your full potential. Key Discussion Points: Mindset Matters Importance of beliefs in achieving goals Overcoming self-limiting beliefs and assumptions Discussing "The Art of Possibility" by Ben Zander Productivity Tips Effective to-do list management and prioritization Multitasking vs. being present and focused Taking ownership and accountability Coaching for Growth Distinctions between coaching and teaching Power of asking open-ended questions Becoming aware of unconscious patterns Building a Successful Business Mindset around making money as a musician/creative Appreciating your worth and value-based pricing Cami's "GameChanger" workshops Overcoming Roadblocks Cami's personal journey transitioning from law to coaching Redefining identity and following your passion The Passion Planner tool for aligning goals Conclusion: Cami McLaren's insights offer a fresh perspective on productivity, mindset, and overcoming obstacles. Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, or simply seeking personal growth, this episode provides valuable tools and strategies to help you thrive in your pursuits. Connect with Cami McLaren: Visit McLarenCoaching.com Follow Cami on social media @mclaren_coaching Additional Resources: Learn more about Cami's GameChanger workshops Explore the Passion Planner for goal alignment and productivity Stay Connected with Us: Subscribe to the Honesty Pill Podcast for more inspiring episodes Follow us on social media for updates and exclusive content

    1h 9m

  6. 02/26/2024

    S3E40 Emmanuel Ceysson: LA Phil Principal Harpist

    Show Notes: Episode Title: S3E40 - Emmanuel Ceysson: Mastering the Harp YouTube Video Link: Watch Here Introduction: In this captivating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of harp mastery with Emmanuel Ceysson. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey from starting the harp at the tender age of 7 to becoming a renowned professional harpist. Emmanuel shares insights into the challenges he faced as a male harpist, the intricacies of the pedal harp, and his unique approach to overcoming performance anxiety. Key Discussion Points: Early Beginnings and Unique Sound: Emmanuel's journey into the world of harp playing, starting at the age of 7. The allure of the harp's unique sound and its impact on Emmanuel's musical journey. Challenging Stereotypes: The obstacles faced by male harpists and the stereotypes associated with the instrument. Emmanuel's perspective on breaking through these stereotypes and carving his own path in the industry. Understanding the Pedal Harp: Detailed insights into how the pedal harp functions, including its unique tuning mechanism. Exploring the technical aspects of the pedal harp, with 7 strings per octave that can be altered with pedals. Historical Perspectives: A glimpse into the history and evolution of the harp, including the competition between pedal and chromatic harps in the late 19th century. Preparing for Auditions and Performance: Strategies for preparing for auditions on unfamiliar instruments and navigating inconsistent tuning. The visual impact of Emmanuel's iconic red Salzedo harp on stage. Orchestral Experience: Contrasting experiences of playing in symphony orchestras versus opera orchestras. Emmanuel's approach to learning orchestral repertoire, focusing on musicality over technical perfection. Overcoming Performance Anxiety: Insights into managing performance anxiety by focusing on personal growth rather than external validation. Emmanuel's journey in overcoming nerves and finding confidence in his craft. Conclusion: Emmanuel Ceysson's story is a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and passion in pursuing one's musical dreams. Whether you're an aspiring musician or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of harp performance and the art of mastering one's craft. Connect with Emmanuel Ceysson: Follow Emmanuel on Instagram @emmanuel_ceysson Visit Emmanuel's Website for more information and updates on his performances and projects. Additional Resources: Explore more of Emmanuel's performances and interviews on his YouTube Channel Acknowledgment: Special thanks to Emmanuel Ceysson for sharing his expertise and experiences with us. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more insightful conversations with talented musicians like Emmanuel. Stay Connected with Us: Subscribe to the Honesty Pill YouTube Channel for the latest episodes and updates. Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and exclusive updates. Sponsor Message: This episode is brought to you by the Yamaha Corporation of America. Visit Yamaha Corporation of America to learn more about their products and services.

    1h 10m

  7. 02/06/2024

    S3E39: Stephanie Thompson: Play Like an Artist, Fuel Like an Athlete

    In this episode of the Honesty Pill podcast, we sit down with Stephanie Thompson, a functional nutritionist with a unique background as both a musician and a nutrition expert. Stephanie shares invaluable insights on the pivotal role nutrition plays in a musician's performance, energy levels, and overall well-being. She delves into common dietary myths, offers practical advice for improving nutrition, and introduces her transformative program, "Play Like an Artist, Fuel Like an Athlete." Show Notes: Highlighting the Gap: Stephanie opens the discussion by addressing the often-overlooked aspect of nutrition in musicians' training compared to athletes. She emphasizes that musicians, much like athletes, require proper fueling of their bodies to perform at their best. Myth-Busting Diets: The conversation shifts to debunking popular diet trends, including keto and intermittent fasting, underscoring the importance of finding what genuinely works for each individual's unique needs. From Musician to Nutritionist: Stephanie shares her personal journey from being a professional orchestra musician to pursuing a career in functional nutrition. Her transition was motivated by her desire to help musicians navigate the complexities of food, energy, and nutrition. Introducing the Program: Stephanie introduces her upcoming program, "Play Like an Artist, Fuel Like an Athlete," a six-week deep dive designed to empower musicians with knowledge and strategies to optimize their nutrition, energy, and performance. The program aims to create a bridge between the worlds of music and athletics, highlighting the critical role of nutrition in artistic excellence. For more information and to enroll in the program, visit: Play Like an Artist, Fuel Like an Athlete  Conclusion: This episode sheds light on the crucial, yet often neglected, aspect of nutrition in the lives of musicians. Stephanie Thompson's expertise and personal journey inspire a holistic approach to musicians' health and performance, promising a path to not only excel in their craft but also improve their quality of life through better nutritional practices.

    1h 14m

  8. 11/02/2023

    S3E38: Elizabeth Rowe: Breaking Free From Limiting Beliefs

    S3E38 Elizabeth Rowe: How to Break Free from Limiting Beliefs Podcast Summary In this episode, host Christopher Still speaks with acclaimed flutist Elizabeth Rowe about redefining success, moving past harsh self-criticism, addressing implicit bias in classical music, coping with professional setbacks, and making hard choices to align with your values. Guest Bio Elizabeth Rowe is the principal flute of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. She is also an advocate for women's rights and gender equality in classical music and a career/leadership coach for musicians and other high achievers. Key Takeaways Don't reduce your identity solely to a job title or label. Figure out what success and fulfillment mean for you personally. Meet yourself with compassion instead of criticism. Friendliness enables lasting excellence more than harshly driving yourself. Acknowledge that everyone has implicit biases. Be honest about your limited experience with certain groups in leadership roles. Fall with awareness and acceptance. Reflect on what you can learn personally from setbacks while recognizing institutional problems. Make the uncomfortable choice you can understand and live with. Difficult experiences often prove to be immense gifts. Memorable Quotes "The way that we achieve sustained excellence is by meeting ourselves where we are with friendliness, with encouragement, with compassion." "We are all biased. Before we can advocate for structural changes, we need to own our individual roles and responsibilities." "Part of what is important to me as I'm moving through this myself is to be really clear that big feelings doesn't make something wrong." Resources Mentioned Elizabeth Rowe's website: https://iamelizabethrowe.com/ Book: "More Time to Think" by Nancy Kline Elizabeth's guide: "The High Achiever's Guide to Moving Past Failure" Connect with Elizabeth Rowe Website: https://iamelizabethrowe.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamelizabeth.rowe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamelizabethrowe/ Additional Links Elizabeth's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7lbT0485wI&t=367s

    1h 11m
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4.7
out of 5
34 Ratings

About

This is a podcast for classical musicians who want to practice smarter, perform better, and win auditions. Whether you're prepping for your first big audition, stuck in a practice rut, or trying to figure out why you keep choking when it counts — this show is for you. I'm Christopher Still, Second Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I went through over 40 auditions before I won my job, so I know what it's like to fail, adjust, and finally figure out what actually moves the needle. Now I coach musicians through the same gauntlet: building a practice system that works, performing under pressure, and navigating auditions without losing your mind. You'll hear from conductors, committee members, personal managers, and coaches who've seen it all — plus solo episodes where I cut through the noise and tell you what really matters when the stakes are high. No motivational garbage. No theory without application. Just honest, practical insight from someone who's been on both sides of the screen. Want more? Join the Audition Accelerator, my 16-week intensive coaching program, or become part of HPAC (Honesty Pill Accelerator Community) — a space for musicians who are serious about growth and done with spinning their wheels. Proudly sponsored by the Yamaha Corporation of America. Welcome to the Honesty Pill Podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Christopher Still
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022 Honesty Pill, Inc. All rights reserved. Respect.
  • Show Website
    The Honesty Pill Podcast