The Mind Over Finger Podcast

Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier
The Mind Over Finger Podcast

Discussions on mindful music-making, efficient practice, and building a purposeful career with the performers, pedagogues, and innovators who are shaping the classical music world today! The Mind Over Finger Podcast is a resource for knowledge, insight, tips, tricks, and inspiration for musicians interested in learning more about practicing mindfully, performing optimally, and getting more intentional in creating a fulfilling musical career. We provide you with the tools to mindfully shift your musical practice from unconscious to deliberate, from paint-by-numbers to art by flow, from going through the motions to delightful play!

  1. Zlatomir Fung: Flow, Fundamentals, and Fearless Performance

    NOV 1

    Zlatomir Fung: Flow, Fundamentals, and Fearless Performance

    In this episode, I sit down with cellist Zlatomir Fung to explore the art of practice, mental resilience, and building a sustainable life in music. We discuss: The importance of mastering fundamentals and balancing them with complex repertoire How to achieve flow state on stage through curiosity and deliberate preparation Strategies for managing intrusive thoughts and staying grounded in high-pressure moments Insights into creating a fulfilling, purpose-driven career in music Tune in to gain practical tips and inspiration from Zlatomir’s journey.   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. Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE     MORE ABOUT ZLATOMIR FUNG Website:  https://www.zlatomirfung.com/ YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuZCNT8-PCgY1Md-ZzjvAUQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zfungcello Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zfungcello   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.

    55 min
  2. Sasha Romero: From Texas to the Met – Chat on Mastery, Mindfulness, and Advocacy

    OCT 4

    Sasha Romero: From Texas to the Met – Chat on Mastery, Mindfulness, and Advocacy

    In this inspiring episode, trombonist Sasha Romero, principal trombone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, shares her incredible musical journey from Texas to the Met. Sasha talks about her early musical memories, the challenges she faced along the way, and the importance of mindful practice. She opens up about managing ADHD, balancing work with life as a performer and educator, and her unique approach to audition preparation. Sasha also shares her advocacy for the transgender community and offers practical advice on how we can all be better allies. This episode is full of valuable insights for musicians at any stage of their journey, and Sasha’s wisdom on practice efficiency, emotional management, and living authentically is sure to inspire.   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. Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE     MORE ABOUT SASHA ROMERO Website:  https://www.sasharomeromusic.com/ YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRomeroMusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sasha.romero.music LGBTQ Resources: https://www.sasharomeromusic.com/lgbtq-resources Transgender - A guide: https://www.sasharomeromusic.com/trans-guide Being an ally: https://www.sasharomeromusic.com/being-an-ally Videos: https://www.sasharomeromusic.com/videos How to create practice tracks: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4i5T-ngjfo/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==   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.

    57 min
  3. Molly Gebrian: Learn Faster, Perform Better

    SEP 6

    Molly Gebrian: Learn Faster, Perform Better

    In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Molly Gebrian, who has just released her new book, Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing. We discuss: The science of learning and memory in music practice and performance The role of errors in learning Internal vs. external focus in performance The power of mental practice and personalized routines The benefits of using a timer and recording device in practice The importance of taking breaks Tune in for insights that can transform your practice and performance!   Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a purposeful and joyful life? 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.   Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE     MORE ABOUT MOLLY GEBRIAN Website:  https://www.mollygebrian.com/ YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/c/DrMollyGebrian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollygebrian/ Buy her book, Learn Faster, Perform Better here: https://amzn.to/4dTqSLK   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.

    48 min
  4. Lara St. John: Creating Change: Ensuring Safety & Equity in Classical Music

    JUN 28

    Lara St. John: Creating Change: Ensuring Safety & Equity in Classical Music

    A particularly important episode of the Mind Over Finger Podcast with guest Lara St. John where we discuss the context and impact of sexual abuse, the lack of representation, and how women often don't get the support they need.  Lara shares her own experiences and she stresses the need for institutions to step up and create a safe space for everyone by being transparent, and having clear steps to handle sexual harassment and assault.  Finally, we touch on the power dynamics and gender issues in the classical music world and the difficulty of addressing these issues in a society that often prefers to stay silent  **CLARIFICATION: During the conversation, it was inaccurately stated that the union reinstated the NY Phil musicians. The union brought the case to arbitration, and the arbitrator ultimately ruled in favor of reinstating them in their positions.** Download the transcript from this episode HERE   MORE ABOUT LARA ST. JOHN Website:  https://www.larastjohn.com/ YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnLara Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncalagonRecords Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stjohnlara/ Lara St. John & the Curtis Institute: https://larastjohn.club/  Resources RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): https://www.rainn.org/ Offers support, information, and a hotline for victims of sexual assault. National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): https://www.nsvrc.org/ Provides resources and information on sexual violence prevention and support for survivors. Me Too Movement: https://metoomvmt.org/ Advocacy and support network for survivors of sexual violence. Time's Up: https://timesupnow.org/ An organization that addresses workplace sexual harassment and inequality. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): https://www.eeoc.gov/ Federal agency providing information and support on workplace discrimination and harassment. National Women’s Law Center (NWLC): https://nwlc.org/ Provides legal information and resources related to sexual harassment and gender equality in the workplace. Writers Guild of America’s “MYConnext” Tool: https://www.wga.org/members/employment-resources/know-your-rights Resource for reporting workplace harassment and finding support. The Black Orchestral Network: https://www.blackorchestralnetwork.org/ Advocacy for equity in orchestral settings, including addressing issues of harassment and discrimination. American Federation of Musicians (AFM): https://www.afm.org/ Union providing support and resources for musicians, including initiatives against harassment. Chicago Federation of Musicians’ #NotMe App: https://cfm10208.com/musician-resources/fair-employment-practices-and-notme An app for reporting harassment within the music industry. Change the Culture Committee – Proposal Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13f_eQl2VEaRF1pxIKkdsUcJr4mEmNy87/view?usp=sharing Articles  Lara St-John & The Curtis Institute – Articles catalog: https://larastjohn.club/  Sammy Sussman – Articles catalog: https://sammysussman.com/reporting?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0KtQ42ZfE7azBHCTWlp5ErasRAyAYWAjrdzwBOPPPAJmlCZcmwnH3kAlQ_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw  A Hidden Sexual-Assault Scandal at the New York Philharmonic - Two musicians were fired for sexual misconduct. Why are they back with the orchestra?  https://www.vulture.com/article/new-york-philharmonic-sexual-assault-scandal.html Abused, then mocked- acclaimed violinist says she was sexually assaulted by her renowned teacher at the Curtis institute, and then disregarded when she reported it  https://www.inquirer.com/news/a/lara-st-john-sexual-abuse-jascha-brodsky-curtis-institute-philadelphia-20190725.html They Wouldn't Believe Me https://larastjohn.club/philadelphia-inquirer-subsequent-articles/they-wouldnt-believe-me-1 Top Music School Finds Sexual Abuse Allegations From Violinist 'Credible' https://www.npr.org/2020/09/23/916108440/top-music-scho

    1h 9m
  5. Why You're Stuck & How to Break Free

    MAY 17

    Why You're Stuck & How to Break Free

    Want to escape Stuckville? Unsure how to move forward?  Having trouble making decisions? This episode is for you! In this episode, I tackle the reasons why we often feel stuck and share strategies to get unstuck. We explore five core elements that keep us anchored in place: Lack of clear vision and goals Spiraling in regrets and fighting the present Fear of making decisions Worrying about judgment from others Perfectionism holding you back More importantly, I share actionable insights on how making decisions and taking steps can lead to clarity, personal growth, and fulfillment. Ready to break free and move forward? Tune in and let’s uncover the strategies to overcome these barriers together!   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: 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.

    27 min
4.9
out of 5
100 Ratings

About

Discussions on mindful music-making, efficient practice, and building a purposeful career with the performers, pedagogues, and innovators who are shaping the classical music world today! The Mind Over Finger Podcast is a resource for knowledge, insight, tips, tricks, and inspiration for musicians interested in learning more about practicing mindfully, performing optimally, and getting more intentional in creating a fulfilling musical career. We provide you with the tools to mindfully shift your musical practice from unconscious to deliberate, from paint-by-numbers to art by flow, from going through the motions to delightful play!

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