MindfulOpus

Jo Zakany | Coach for Classical Musicians
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The MindfulOpus podcast is where we switch from Grind to Kind in our artistic process – so that artists like you can avoid burnout, ditch performance anxiety, and create a thriving, healthy life - on and off stage. The podcast is hosted by Jo Zakany, violist with The Cleveland Orchestra, yoga teacher, and coach for classical musicians.

  1. 7 APR

    Finding Alignment: Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir on Creativity, Authenticity & Change

    S2 Ep #4: There comes a point in any creative life where pushing harder stops working. Where the effort that once felt necessary begins to feel depleting, and the question starts to shift from "How do I make this work?" to "Is this actually aligned with who I am?" This conversation explores that turning point—what it means to return to yourself, and the courage it takes to choose that path even when it comes with uncertainty. Host Jo Zakany is joined by cellist Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir, whose career has spanned some of the world's most renowned stages, including Carnegie Hall, Suntory Hall, and the Barbican Centre. After years within the traditional classical music path, she began to listen more deeply to her own inner compass—ultimately stepping away from misaligned structures to build a more meaningful, self-directed creative life. Together, they explore the difference between grind and alignment, the body's role in recognizing what isn't working, and how small moments of authenticity can begin to reshape everything. From improvisation and deep listening to creating music as a form of connection and reflection, this conversation offers a grounded and honest look at what it means to trust yourself—and create from that place. YOU'LL DISCOVER • Why authenticity can feel risky, even when it's true • How the body signals misalignment before the mind understands it • The difference between pushing through and actually being aligned • How small moments of truth can shift your entire creative path • Why improvisation can reconnect you to your voice and intuition • How deep listening transforms both creativity and connection • The role alignment plays in attracting the right people and opportunities Timestamps: (02:10) authenticity, fear, and showing up as yourself (06:35) early career pressure, fitting expectations in music (11:20) fear of losing opportunities, choosing yourself anyway (16:45) academia path, stability versus alignment (22:10) burnout, resistance, and the body saying no (27:55) leaving academia, uncertainty and trust (33:40) why you cannot find the new while in the old (39:15) starting small, finding moments of meaning (44:05) improvisation as a turning point (49:30) rediscovering creativity through play and sound (55:10) three levels of listening, self, others, and environment (01:01:25) creating from truth instead of judgment (01:07:40) soul resonance sessions and meaningful music (01:14:10) alignment versus grind, expectation versus fulfillment ABOUT THE GUEST Saeunn Thorsteinsdottir is a cellist, improviser, and curator who has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared on stages such as Carnegie Hall, Suntory Hall, and the Barbican Centre, and has been praised for her "riveting" performances by The New York Times. Today, she creates deeply meaningful music through her online offerings, The Music Portal and Soul Resonance sessions, and serves as the Artistic Director of Tertulia in New York City—a series that brings world-class chamber music into intimate drinking, dining, and art spaces. CONNECT WITH SAEUNN Website: www.saeunn.com Instagram: @saeunncello Music Portal: www.saeunn.com/music Soul Resonance: www.saeunn.com/soul Interested in diving deeper into this work with me? Visit mindfulopus.com to learn how we can work together. MindfulOpus has a video podcast! Visit our YouTube channel to watch: youtube.com/@mindfulopus Come say hi over on Instagram @mindfulopus

    55 min

  2. 24 MAR

    Grit Over Grind: How To Work Hard Without Burning Out

    S2 Ep #3: How To Work Hard Without Beating Yourself Up    Hard work is something most artists know intimately. But the way we relate to that hard work can make the difference between sustainable growth and eventual burnout.   In this solo episode, I take a deeper look at a concept that sits at the heart of MindfulOpus: shifting from grind to kind. For many of us, the word grind has become synonymous with ambition and dedication. But over time I began to realize that the internal energy behind that effort matters just as much as the work itself.   I share a personal story from an audition preparation moment that helped me recognize the difference between pressure-driven grind and purpose-driven grit. That shift led me to explore research from Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, Edward Deci and Richard Ryan, and Kristin Neff, whose work on mindset, motivation, grit, and self-compassion helped me better understand what healthy perseverance actually looks like.   This episode explores how we can pursue excellence while also supporting the human behind the art. Because the goal is not to avoid hard work, but to approach it from a place of curiosity, purpose, and self-support rather than fear and pressure.   You'll discover: • Why grind and grit can look similar from the outside but feel very different internally • How shifting from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset can change the way we experience mistakes • What Angela Duckworth's research reveals about grit and long-term commitment • The difference between controlled motivation and autonomous motivation • How burnout can develop when pressure becomes the primary driver • Why self-compassion is essential for sustainable excellence • How fierce self-compassion can become the inner coach that helps you keep going   Timestamps: (00:00) season theme: the human behind the art (01:45) what I mean by shifting from grind to kind (04:30) audition preparation and recording anxiety (07:10) hearing mistakes in real time and the fear response (09:35) shifting from fixed mindset to growth mindset (12:00) experimenting with uncomfortable practice strategies (15:25) the moment grind started to become grit (18:00) letting go of outcome and focusing on the work (21:10) Angela Duckworth's research on grit (24:30) self determination theory and healthy motivation (28:00) burnout and stepping away to rest (31:20) discovering self-compassion during recovery (34:40) fierce self-compassion and the inner coach (38:30) a simple exercise to shift from grind to grit   Interested in diving deeper into this work with me? Visit mindfulopus.com to learn how we can work together.   MindfulOpus has a video podcast! Visit our YouTube channel to watch: youtube.com/@mindfulopus   Come say hi over on Instagram @mindfulopus!

    19 min

  3. 10 MAR

    Jonathan Biss: "Perfection Is Stagnation"

    S2 Ep #2: On Perfectionism, Performance Anxiety, and the Purpose of Music   Perfectionism and performance anxiety are two forces that so many artists struggle with, often quietly and alone. In this conversation, I sit down with concert pianist, author, and New York Times contributor Jonathan Biss to explore the powerful connection between perfectionism, control, and anxiety in the lives of performers. Jonathan shares openly about his own experiences with perfectionism and how the pressure to never show weakness shaped his life both on and off stage.   In our conversation, we talk about why vulnerability is essential to meaningful performance, why perfectionism can lead to stagnation, and how learning to accept what we feel can create a profound sense of freedom as artists and as human beings. This conversation is honest, reflective, and deeply human. We explore what it means to pursue excellence without falling into the trap of perfectionism and how letting go of control can actually expand our artistry rather than limit it. I took so much away from this discussion and I hope you will too.   You'll discover: Why perfectionism and anxiety are deeply connected for many musicians and performers. How the fear of exposing weakness can fuel both perfectionism and performance anxiety. Jonathan's personal experience having a panic attack in the middle of a concert and what it taught him. How practicing acceptance can transform your relationship with anxiety on and off stage. Why vulnerability is essential for truly compelling performances. The difference between pursuing excellence and chasing perfection. How letting go of perfectionism can actually expand your artistry and creative freedom.   Learn more about Jonathan Biss, his book, and his upcoming album here: www.jonathanbiss.com   Interested in diving deeper into this work with me? Visit mindfulopus.com to learn how we can work together.   MindfulOpus has a video podcast! Visit our YouTube channel to watch: youtube.com/@mindfulopus   Come say hi over on Instagram @mindfulopus!

    45 min

  4. 24 FEB

    Let Your Values Guide You, On and Off Stage

    S2 Ep #1: As artists, it's easy to get caught up in the pressure to meet others' expectations, which can lead us to create in ways that feel disconnected from our true selves. In this episode, I'll guide you through a practical framework for discovering your personal values- the foundation for creating authentic, fulfilling, and sustainable art, both on and off stage. By uncovering and aligning with your values, you can shift from surviving to thriving in your artistry.   This episode will show you how to identify your values and use them as a guide to make decisions that feel true to who you are, both in your personal life and creative practice. Your artistry shouldn't come at the cost of your humanity, and by the end, you'll have the tools to create a life and art that truly reflect your authentic self.   You'll discover: Why values are essential for creating art that is authentic and aligned with who you truly are. How to identify what truly matters to you and use that clarity to guide your decisions, both on and off stage. How disconnecting from your values can lead to burnout and anxiety, and how aligning with them helps you thrive. How identifying and living by your values can help you break free from toxic grind culture. A step-by-step framework for discovering your core values.   Interested in diving deeper into this work with me? Visit mindfulopus.com to learn how we can work together.   MindfulOpus has a video podcast! Visit our YouTube channel to watch: youtube.com/@mindfulopus   Come say hi over on Instagram @mindfulopus!

    13 min

  5. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Welcome to Season 2 of The MindfulOpus Podcast!

    In this season, we're diving even deeper into the human behind the art, exploring how mindfulness, well-being, and authenticity are essential for creatives like you. If you're ready to move away from toxic grind culture and embrace a more balanced, empowered life, you're in the right place.   I'm Jo Zakany, violist with The Cleveland Orchestra, yoga teacher, and coach for classical musicians. Together, we'll explore how to create an inner compass that guides your artistic journey, empowering you to perform with purpose and clarity.    Over the next 10 episodes, we'll be exploring concepts, steps, and frameworks that help you create a life on your own terms. You'll learn how to stop shaping your life around other people's expectations and feel truly empowered in how you live and perform. I'm so excited to explore this next season with you!   New episodes drop every other Tuesday, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts.   And now, MindfulOpus has a video podcast! Visit our YouTube channel to watch: youtube.com/@mindfulopus   Come say hi! Follow us on Instagram @mindfulopus or visit mindfulopus.com for more updates and resources.

    2 min

  6. 27 JAN

    Stay in Your Boat: Stories on Life and Music with Ron Patterson

    S1 Ep #10: A concertmaster's perspective on perfectionism, nerves, and the permission to be human In the season 1 finale of The MindfulOpus Podcast, I'm joined by my dad, Ron Patterson — world-class violinist, former concertmaster of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, and Miami Philharmonic (among others), member of Duo Patterson, and recently retired professor of violin at the University of Washington School of Music. In this conversation, we reflect on his life in music shaped by high standards, old-school training, and decades of high-stakes performance — and how Ron's relationship to perfectionism, nerves, and mistakes evolved over time.   In this episode, you'll hear: How his early musical training fueled his perfectionism — and how witnessing his idol make a mistake on stage released him and helped him find freedom.   The difference between high standards and perfection, and why confusing the two causes so much suffering   Ron's personal approach to handling nerves and pressure on stage   How meditation supported his mind, body, playing and health   The meaning behind his life philosophy, "stay in your boat" — and why rolling with life's obstacles makes for a better life, on and off stage   This episode is an invitation to take music seriously without seeing yourself so harshly — and to remember that your artistry doesn't have to come at the cost of your humanity. Timestamps: (04:15) early years: student, old school training (11:45) old vs. new school ideas around perfectionism (18:45) high vs. perfect standards, fear of failure, human moments (20:15) Heifetz "go for it" (22:50) nerves support, excited vs. nervous (27:12) meditation story, training with the Beatles Guru, relaxation (33:05) meditation for health support and pain management (35:26) flow of life/stay in your boat (39:17) being more than "just a musician" (44:00) choosing between Harvard math and USC violin with Heifetz (46:20) It's ok to have a hobby and turning your brain off (50:00) inner-critic, being on your own team (53:30) Piatagorsky, and suggestion to leave Heifetz story (59:45) favorite performance nerves trick 🙂 (61:30) Shit happens, roll with it (62:42) Rapid fires Thanks for being here for Season 1, and I'm happy to announce: Season 2 returns February 24th! Make sure you've added the show to your library so you get notified when our first episode drops, and to stay in touch in the meantime, come find me at: mindfulopus.com Instagram: @mindfulopus

    1hr 9min

  7. 13 JAN

    Befriending Performance Nerves

    S1 Ep #9: 7 tools to help you actually enjoy performing again In this episode, I share a compassionate, practical, and research-informed approach to one of the biggest challenges we face as performers: what to do when the nerves show up — on stage, in auditions, in big meetings, and in any moment that really matters. Building on the personal performance framework from last week's episode, I walk you through 7 powerful tools drawn from my decades as a performing artist and my work coaching high-level musicians. Each tool comes with a concrete exercise so you can begin shifting your relationship with nerves immediately — not by eliminating them, but by befriending them. In this episode, I share: (04:01) How to reconnect with your artistic "why" (05:38) How to reframe nervousness into excitement/pr> (06:45) How your core values can anchor your performance(08:04) How breathwork regulates your nervous system (10:37) How to use playfulness to soften anxiety (11:52) How to free yourself from perfectionism (13:09) And how befriending difficult emotions can actually improve your performance under pressure By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with seven tangible tools you can start using right away. So go apply these and make the most of that big moment coming up – Or, if you've simply found that nerves have taken away your love of performing on any scale, it's time to change that and bring that freedom of music-making back into your life. And, if you want some more individualized support, click the link below for a free consult: https://mindfulopus.com/#contact

    19 min

  8. 30/12/2025

    Stuck, Scattered, or Overthinking Your Prep?

    S1 Ep #8: My two-part process to help you find clarity, confidence, and calm before any big artistic event What if preparing for a big performance didn't have to feel overwhelming, rigid, or all-consuming? In this episode, I'm sharing the exact framework I use with my coaching clients to help them create their own personal process — one that supports not just their playing, but supports them as a whole human — both leading up to a big event and on the day itself. Whether you're preparing for an audition, competition, recital, solo or orchestral feature, or any meaningful creative project, this episode will help you find more clarity, ease, and confidence in how you prepare — without defaulting to burnout or grind. In this episode, you'll learn: How to identify a target feeling to guide your preparation (instead of letting anxiety run the show) What to intentionally bring into your process — and what to leave out How to structure your prep using a whole-person approach, not just more practice How to build a supportive day-of plan that helps you feel grounded and ready, regardless of outcome What to include in your personal performance toolkit This episode is for you if: You're going for something important and feel unsure on how to best support yourself in your preparation You tend to overpractice, overthink, or obsess leading up to a bit event You want a process that supports both your standards AND your well-being You want a calmer, clearer, more enjoyable experience  — both on and off stage This is a practical, reflective episode — so you may want to grab a pen and paper, or save it to revisit later as needed. And if you decide you don't want to navigate this process alone: https://mindfulopus.com/#contact

    18 min
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About

The MindfulOpus podcast is where we switch from Grind to Kind in our artistic process – so that artists like you can avoid burnout, ditch performance anxiety, and create a thriving, healthy life - on and off stage. The podcast is hosted by Jo Zakany, violist with The Cleveland Orchestra, yoga teacher, and coach for classical musicians.

Information

  • Creator
    Jo Zakany | Coach for Classical Musicians
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 - 2026 MindfulOpus
  • Show Website
    MindfulOpus

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