The Happy Musicians Podcast Tanner Guss

How to go from amateur/hobby/"not a real" musician to someone with a deep connect with making sound. Thank you to every single person who has listened to this show over the years. I'm so proud of what we've learned together. Here's to whatever comes next.

For over 35 years Elma Linz Kanefield has worked with performing artists as a psychotherapist and life coach and has one of the only private practices exclusively for them in the country. In 1986, she founded the Juilliard School's Counseling Service. Recently, she released her findings in Hamlet's Mirror a workbook for "reaching your performance potential onstage and off". It is the greatest mental health resource for artists I've ever found.
 
Hamlet's mirror: https://www.elmalinzkanefield.com/hamlets-mirror
Finding Frances: https://www.youtube.com/@FindingFrancesBand
Scotland (featured song): https://open.spotify.com/track/3fy6TrOb7U8HKGBWufaGbe?si=7bbb187ec9ce4b27

There's a wholesome way to get meaningful, fulfilling gigs. I'm talking about the best kinds of gigs. The ones you're so excited about you'd go to even if you weren't playing. The best part is there is no networking, sitting in, or jams sessions involved. 
If you enjoyed this episode definitely listen to the Trumpet Mafia episode for ideas on group practice and Ep. 80 for help connecting with potential mentors.

(REPOST) Brent Wallarab – acclaimed arranger and composer – joins me to discuss walking away from the trombone, making relationships work, rediscovering his self worth, and the expectations we tend to have as musicians that lead to misery.

Bethany Robinson–award winning high school band director and bassist–on building a wholesome band room culture. She built her program from 1 to *checks notes* 6 freakin’ jazz bands: she knows her stuff! What do students think makes a good teacher? How do you stay humble and curious as an educator? How do you avoid status games in a program with 6 bands? We also discuss work life balance and why education matters in light of Bethany’s recent battle with cancer. 

If you've found musicians who you resonate with on the deepest level, you also know it can be intimidating to approach them. It's easy to feel unworthy of their time, attention, and friendship. These are our creative heroes after all! Why should they care about little old us? What could we possibly have to offer? If I could just practice enough then we could be friends... If any of that sounds familiar this episode is for you!

Journal Prompts
1. All Musicians Are Nerds

What are the musicians I want work with nerdy about? Am I nerdy about that too?
2. Focus On Giving

How can you be of service to the musicians you look up to and want to work with?
3. Show Up and Be Patient

Where are these musicians and what are they doing? Are you showing up?