Self Management and Mindset for Musicians - by Mike del Ferro

If you are struggling to break into the music business or connect with the right booking agents, this episode is for you. I am sharing one of the absolute easiest, most practical networking tricks I have ever used. I’ve been hosting this podcast for quite some time now, and I’m thrilled with the success it has achieved so far. However, I’ve noticed that some of my earlier episodes— which are still...

The answer in this short Episode will probably surprise you, but it will also save you a lot of hassle and disappointments. I’ve been hosting this podcast for quite some time now, and I’m thrilled with the success it has achieved so far. However, I’ve noticed that some of my earlier episodes— which are still highly relevant and evergreen—haven’t received as much attention as they deserve. So, I’ve...

In this episode, Mike del Ferro dives into the art of setting goals as a musician—how knowing the direction of your journey can lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling music career. Setting clear objectives can help guide your artistic choices, foster the right mindset, and inspire growth, regardless of where you are in your career. Tune in for practical advice, real-life examples, and...

In this episode, we unpack a truth that hits home for so many creatives: "If a great artist does not work, it's 95% because of a mentality problem." Join me as we explore why talent and skill alone aren’t enough and how the mindset of an artist can be the single biggest factor in their productivity and success. We’ll dive into the mental blocks that hold artists back, from fear of f...

A solo piano recording of mine that was featured on a major Spotify editorial playlist. The track reached nearly two million streams, and my monthly listener count soared to as many as 58,000. And then something happened...... Send me a text message with your comments, questions and requests for topics Find Mike's  Music, Schedule,  Podcasts, Sheet Music (PDF's)  and Socials on www.miked...

Today, I’m tackling one of the most frustrating things in the music business: sending the perfect email to a venue, festival, or booking agent and hearing absolutely nothing back. It's so easy to let your ego take over and convince you that your music just isn't good enough. But I'm here to tell you the first rule of self-management: do not take it personally . In this quick episode...

In this (replay) Episode:  Managing the business side of music can feel overwhelming for many artists, often putting a strain on their creative flow. In this short episode, I share two practical tips to help you strike the perfect balance—so you can stay focused on your art without sacrificing your music career. Tune in to keep both your creativity and your business thriving, I’ve been hosting thi...

A Note on This Episode:  I’ve also released this Episode on my personal Podcast (The Mike del Ferro Podcast) , but because I’m now also focusing on Mindset Episodes in this series, I felt it was useful to share it here as well. A big part of my musical identity and my approach to the "inner game" comes from the 10 years I spent with Toots Thielemans . I learned so much from Toots about m...

Hi Everybody, Mike del Ferro here. First off, I want to say that the success of Self Management for Musicians has been incredible, and I deeply appreciate every one of you who listens and shares the show. However, I have faced a challenge recently: I cannot be as productive as I want to be due to my heavy international touring schedule all year round. I want to keep providing the information you a...

In Dutch, but you can also watch this Episode on YouTube with English Subtitles or Listen with Automatic Translation.  Pianist en Wereldreiziger Mike del Ferro vertelt openhartig over muziek, discipline en creatief ondernemen. Hij wordt geïnterviewd door advocaat en jurist Edgar Stam van "Team Juridische Zaken". Dit gesprek is onderdeel van de podcast "Bulletproof Ondernemers",...

In a world dominated by streaming, the choice to release CDs is a decision that artists and creators grapple with. Join me as I delve into the heart of this dilemma, exploring the pros and cons of releasing CDs in a digital age. From the nostalgia and tangibility of physical copies and Vinyl to the convenience and reach of streaming platforms. Disclaimer: I’ve been hosting this podcast for quite s...

Picture this: You step into an elevator, and standing right beside you is the music industry heavyweight of your dreams. Let’s say it’s the artistic director of a big Music festival you always wanted to play. You’ve got 60 seconds to captivate their attention and make them believe in your musical vision. What would you say? An elevator pitch is a concise, compelling summary of a product, idea, or...

I know your time is precious, especially when you're eager to get back to creating your music! That's why most of my episodes are short and to the point, ensuring you get the valuable insights you need quickly:-) However, I also have some special episodes where I dive deep into conversations with fascinating individuals from the music business. This episode features the incredibly talent...

In this Episode I talk about a tough subject for many Musicians:  discussing MONEY. When it comes to discussing money, many of us find ourselves in uncharted waters, grappling with uncertainty, fear, and even imposter syndrome. I will give you some tips and tricks to make this much easier.  Let me know if you have any questions/comments, or would be interested in a private online session.  I’ve be...

In this episode, I want to talk about something that’s often overlooked but absolutely essential for any serious musician: having your own website. I know—social media is powerful. But platforms come and go, algorithms change, and relying solely on them means you're building your career on rented land. Your website, on the other hand, is your digital home. It’s the one place online that you f...

In this episode, I dive into a powerful yet often overlooked principle in building a sustainable music career: putting your own artist name out there first . Whether you're collaborating, producing, or performing, making sure your name is visible and credited is key to long-term recognition and growth. I’ll explain why this mindset shift is essential—not ego-driven, but career-smart—and how i...

In this episode, I’m diving into one of the simplest yet most powerful strategies for boosting your reach on social media: uploading videos natively on Facebook. I’ll share why Facebook’s algorithm heavily favors native uploads over external links like YouTube, and how this little shift can make a massive difference in your engagement. I’ve tested this myself, and the results are real—more views,...

How do you ensure that your emails to Music Promoters and Bookers are efficient and effective? In this Episode, I will explore the art of crafting emails that will catch the attention of music promoters and increase your chances of getting your music heard which can lead to getting bookings .  How to stand out in a crowded inbox and how to structure your email for maximum impact, and avoiding comm...

As a musician, your contact list is your lifeline, but how do you keep track when it grows into the thousands? With my method you will always find the person you are looking for, but you have to be persistent with writing down the details! The six elements /example: 1. John Fischer 2. Festival organizer - Blue Moon Jazzfestival 3. Festival takes place in October - contact him in November the year...

In this episode I sit down with renowned drummer and educator Philippe Lemm to explore the importance of giving workshops while touring—not just as a way to share knowledge, but also as a valuable income stream for musicians on the road. We discuss how workshops create deeper connections with local music communities, enhance both teaching and performance skills, and provide financial stability whi...

Two useful strategies to get your foot in the door at Venues and Music Festivals.  Are you an aspiring music artist who is struggling to land gigs because you're still relatively unknown? Well, fear not! In this podcast, we'll be exploring tried and true methods for getting gigs, even when you're just starting out. I will also be discussing creative ways to promote yourself, build y...

In this episode, I dive into one of the most valuable habits every musician should master: staying focused and making notes—without distraction! Ideas come at the most unexpected moments, but the trick is to capture them effortlessly and forget about them until you need them . By developing this habit, you can stay fully present in your creative process, without the constant mental clutter of tryi...

In this episode, I’m sharing one of the easiest and most effective networking strategies I’ve ever used to grab the attention of music promoters—and it works like magic in life too! Whether you're trying to break into the music business, connect with the right people, or just stand out in a sea of talent, this approach is practical, powerful, and surprisingly simple. Tune in to discover how t...

HOW TO FIND A MUSIC MANAGER: The answer in this short Episode will probably surprise you, but it will also save you a lot of hassle and disappointments. I’ve been hosting this podcast for quite some time now, and I’m thrilled with the success it has achieved so far. However, I’ve noticed that some of my earlier episodes— which are still highly relevant and evergreen—haven’t received as much attent...

In this episode, I dive into the challenges of connecting with music promoters who don’t seem to answer emails. Joined by drummer and bandleader Philippe Lemm, we share personal stories and practical tips on navigating the sometimes frustrating world of music networking. From crafting the perfect follow-up email to exploring alternative ways to grab a promoter’s attention, this episode is packed w...