Ask Dave How to Music

Looking for ways to improve your musical life? Want some suggestions on previous episodes to check out from the 15 Minutes with Dave Goodrich podcast archive? In this episode, we take a quick look back at the first fifty episodes of 15 Minutes with Dave Goodrich and explore an overview of the topics covered in those episodes. We discuss upcoming changes as the podcast moves from weekly to monthly,...

Feeling limited by past experiences and traumas? Wondering how your nervous system affects your musical abilities and your performance? In this episode, we explore how the past interferes with our current musical experiences. We look at the effects that the nervous system has on our ability to perform. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/producer, and personal music coach. My life is...

Feeling as though you’re at the mercy of your social media accounts? Wondering how to maintain your fan relationships when social media platforms are constantly changing their rules? In this episode, we explore the audience you own. We discuss online and offline strategies for maintaining fan relationships in an age of social media uncertainty. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/pro...

Feeling a money squeeze and wanting to increase your music income? Wondering how to give yourself a raise? In this episode, we explore perspectives on navigating the world of negotiations in the music world. We discuss evaluating the value each party provides in a relationship, knowing when to move on from a venue or music opportunity, and increasing the value of our offerings. I’m Dave Goodrich,...

Wondering how to create a more fulfilling life in music? Curious about what it takes to flourish in your musical career? In this episode, we explore five elements considered to be essential to flourishing as a human and look at them from the perspective of a musical life. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/producer, and personal music coach. My life is an adventure in song and sound...

Debating whether or not to accept a gig that pays less than your usual rate? Wondering whether it might offer other possibilities that you never expected? In this episode, we explore the idea of booking gigs that might not initially appear to be the most financially rewarding, yet may offer other benefits and lead to unexpected opportunities that could never have been imagined. I’m Dave Goodrich,...

Wondering how to navigate the transition from pre-performance to the moment the first note is played? Looking for a ritual to serve as a bridge as you move between the different phases that make up a gig from start to finish? In this episode, we explore the idea of making a smooth transition between the necessary—and often mundane—pre-gig tasks and the act of performing. These two phases of a show...

Ready for your next evolution as a musician? Feeling the urge to move in a new direction? In this episode, we explore the idea of “The Musician’s Second Act”—the transition from one stage in your music career to another. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/producer, and personal music coach. My life is an adventure in song and sound, and I am excited to share what I collect along the...

Ready to add a little something extra to your music life? Want to make space for the magic of the unexpected? In this episode, we explore the importance of leaving some room for the element of surprise in your musical life. We look at the sweet spot between imagining everything down to the finest details and leaving space for life to bring forth the surprises that you could never have imagined. I’...

Wondering about the role of imagination in your musical life? Ready to use your imagination to transform your identity and create your next creative project? In this episode, we explore how using the power of imagination can help you take your music life to the next level. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/producer, and personal music coach. My life is an adventure in song and soun...

Good at giving, but not so good at receiving? Feeling like things aren’t flowing the way you would like in your musical life? In this episode, we explore the role of receptivity in various scenarios, whether it’s when receiving applause during a performance, compliments after the show, monetary compensation for sharing your talents, or kind offers for help. We also look at interesting research in...

Ready for a bigger life in music? Want to create a legacy that enriches the lives of others? In this episode, we take time to honor the iconic life of Dolly Parton and explore how we can follow her example of giving back to humanity in meaningful ways. We also explore research on the benefits of sustainable giving. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/producer, and personal music coac...

Ready to examine your musical relationship with money and change the script? Wondering how to make music and money play well together? In this episode, we explore the concept of plutophobia and the interesting origins behind the word itself. We also delve into the archetypal “starving artist” identity and the internal money scripts that define our relationship with money and wealth. We also take a...

Wondering whether it’s time to move on from something in your music life? Feeling uncertain about whether to continue on your current path or create a new one? In this episode, we explore when it’s time to let go of something—even if it has been successful for you—in order to make room to grow. We’ll discuss how to decide whether it’s time to persevere or time to let it go and find a new path. Thi...

Wondering about the ingredients of a great voice? Curious about how to take care of your most important instrument? In this episode, we explore the impact and power of your voice and lay out some quick tips on vocal care. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/producer, and personal music coach. My life is an adventure in song and sound, and I am excited to share what I collect along th...

Wondering what makes listening to live music with others so important and why humans feel the need to come together around sound? In this episode, we explore the significance of listening to live music with others and we take a look at the concept of collective effervescence. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/producer, and personal music coach. My life is an adventure in song and s...

Ready for a new perspective on focus and performance? Curious about what you can learn from performers in other fields that can help improve your music life? For quite a while, I’ve explored what musicians can learn from other high-performance disciplines. This episode brings some golden wisdom to listeners all over the world. In this special extended episode, two-time Olympic gold medalist and in...

Are you searching for more simplicity in your musical life? Wanting to focus on the most essential aspects of your musical endeavors ? In this episode, we explore the power of elegant solutions created through simplification, rather than through adding complexity. We focus on the concepts of essentialism and structural clarity as well as the mastery of knowing what to leave out. I’m Dave Goodrich,...

Feeling challenged in your ability to focus? Wondering how to find balance in your musical endeavors? In this episode, we explore how to find the balance between deep work, distraction, and real life. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/producer, and personal music coach. My life is an adventure in song and sound, and I am excited to share what I collect along the way. From the begin...

Ready for a reframe or a new perspective? Wondering how to get unstuck from negativity? In this episode, we explore how to use positive framing and the Primacy Effect to move beyond negativity and nonproductive patterns in our music lives. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/producer, and personal music coach. My life is an adventure in song and sound, and I am excited to share what...

Wondering about what creates a musician? Curious about how to create environments where musicians want to keep becoming musicians? In this episode, we explore the concept of “Educational Blue Zones”—schools that nurture the development of musicians and other creatives, fostering lifelong relationships with creativity. We discuss the educational environments that lay strong foundations for pursuing...

Ready to dive into the mystery of songwriting? Seeking a melody, a lyric, a rhythm that brings a song to life? In this episode, we explore the ways songs come to us and contemplate humanity’s reasons for making music. We’ll talk about how some well-known songwriters often approach the art of songwriting, and I will offer up some of the ways songs have revealed themselves to me over the years. I’m...

Looking to add more stillness to your music life? Searching for tools to gain focus, increase creativity, and enhance musical performance? In this episode, we explore the benefits of adding a meditation practice to your musical toolkit. We discuss some of the types of meditation methods available, the potential rewards of engaging in meditative practices, and ways to adapt your practice to your sp...

Wondering what great artists understand about their audiences? Ready for a new perspective on how to relate to your audience? In this episode, we explore the nuances and paradoxes that great artists understand regarding captivating and sustaining their audiences. We discuss the types of connective experiences that audience members are seeking. I’m Dave Goodrich, a performing singer/songwriter/prod...

Wondering about the best place for you to thrive as a musician? Seeking a location that supports longevity in your music career? In this episode, we explore the concept of “Music Blue Zones”—places where musicians thrive on a holistic level. We look at: the psychology of place music scene architecture artistic sustainability nervous system health identity-based creativity competition vs. inspirati...