The Confident Musicianing Podcast

Join me for a cozy chat as we get ready for the school year and with some behind the scenes for setting up my space in the UK, as I prepare to start my studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Being a musician can mean a lot of things, but it also means preparing for your growth. Today we talk about how we can make space in our life for that musical growth. If you want to read about this (a...

When we start playing our instruments, it's the joy that catches us. But as we progress, that joy can sometimes fade. Let's get you experiencing that musical joy!  At Confident Musicianing, my mission is to fuel your confidence to help you achieve your musical goals. Through the podcast, different series, and guides, you are equipped with the resources you need. Today we are discovering...

 I sat down with Dr. Jason Worzbyt, an adjunct professor of bassoon at IUP.  We talked all about: Performing bassoon premieres - being in the right place at the right time 🏆  What younger musicians can do to prepare for auditions -- from a PMEA adjudicator  🎶   Staying mindful in performance 🧠  Networking in music  💪  And much more! Click here to listen to the full conversation. Sometimes we d...

Ever wondered why some musicians excel while others struggle despite putting in endless hours of practice? Let's get you practicing efficiently! At Confident Musicianing, my mission is to fuel your confidence to help you achieve your musical goals. Through the podcast, different series, and guides, you are equipped with the resources you need. Today we are discovering some of those resources...

When we audition, we need to prepare both mentally and physically. In this episode, we focus on how you can get into the zone for your audition. We focus first on mental ways, and then on physical. Get into the zone with this episode! This episode is available as a blog post. Click here to read. Click here to listen to episode 2: Transforming A Disaster Into A Music Conservatory Acceptance (ask me...

Working with a professional orchestral musician changed my oboe career... and my life. I learned so many valuable lessons. So today we are diving into 3 lessons I learned from working with Max Blair, the Associate Principal Oboist of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Click here for this episode's blog post Click here for the interview with Max Blair Celebrate yourself with the Standing Ovation Series!...

Can a simple smartphone and an affordable microphone transform your audition video into a professional masterpiece? Heck yeah! Today we dive into how you can take your audition videos to the next level and convey your professionalism! This episode is available as a blog post. Click here to read! Your Audition Guidebook? Click here. Click here for more about working with an accompanist with Dr. Nat...

Today we are chatting with Max Blair, the Associate Principal Oboist for the Pittsburgh Symphony.  We chat all about:  Auditioning for Julliard Playing in the Pittsburgh Symphony Surprising differences between youth symphony and professional orchestra Competing in the Tchaikovsky Competition (and loosing your reed equipment on the flight!) Effective practicing techniques What us younger musicians...

Listening is so important for us younger musicians. But how do we do it? In this episode, we dive into how a simple exercise helped my listening tremendously, and how you can do it too. This episode is available as a blog post. Click here to read. Click here for the episode show notes Click here for Maestro Joyce's podcast:  Attention to Detail: The Classical Listening Guide Click here to lis...

This is episode is a clip from an interview with Maestro Jacob Joyce, the associate conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony. To listen to the full interview, click here. Sometimes, we don't have time to listen to a full podcast interview. So this is a little snippet from my conversation with Maestro Jacob Joyce. In this clip, we discuss:  Switching instruments in the music world (Maestro went fr...

Imagine this: you are sitting in the audition room. Judging the contestants. One after another all day long. Then you see a contestant you know. They reached out to your beforehand and have made a connection with you. Don't you want to be that contestant? Today we dive into how. This episode is available as a blog post! Click here to read Click here for the episode show notes. Click here to l...

Do you know how to work with a collaborative pianist/accompanist? Are you sure you know all of things to remember? Check your knowledge with this conversation!  Today we are chatting with Dr. Nathália Kato Giordano, collaborative pianist and adjunct professor of voice at Duquesne University.  We dive into:  Studying music in both Brazil and America How you can be prepared studying abroad What do r...

Feeling stuck during your practice sessions? You're not alone. Today we are diving into what to do with frustration in practice. Because, let's be honest, we don't have time to carry it around! This episode is available as a blog post. Click here to read! How can musicians rest? Click here for episode 23 to learn how! Want some musical motivation? Sign up for the Spring Roundup and...

 We've all been there. OVERTHINKING that audition. It's totally normal! But how do we stay calm and not overthink ? By staying in the moment. Easier said than done, I know . So today we are diving into simple ways for you to stay in the moment and keep calm before that audition or performance. This episode is available as a blog post! Read all about it here. Want some musical motivation?...

Today we are speaking with Indiana University of PA professor, Dr. Jason Worzbyt! In this conversation, we are diving into how you can find your unique sound and perform well in concerts and auditions.  In this episode, we dive into:   Performing bassoon premieres - being in the right place at the right time 🏆  What younger musicians can do to prepare for auditions -- from a PMEA adjudicator  🎶 ...

We all know the feeling of feeling stuck in our practicing . It can feel so draining! Like, where is the motivation!? Look no further. Today we are diving into five quick ways to boost your motivation and get back on track in your practice! Click here for the episode show notes. Need that musical motivation? (cause we all do), get the Spring Roundup! Click here to get yours. This episode is availa...

Last summer, I was working myself way too hard. I had so many things on my plate, not only practicing, but also reed making, creating this podcast and so much more. The result? I got migraines every weekend. That was my body telling me to stop, and for a while I didn't listen to it. Flash forward, and I have found some crucial skills to make sure that I take care of my mental self as a musici...

I recently did a competition, and it went SO WELL. How did I do well? I envisioned the success. In every little detail -- showing my brain I can do it. That is what we dive into today. Get your practice playlist here! Click here Click here for the episode blogpost Click here for episode 19: Wanna Capture The Panel In An Audition? Tell Your Story Your Audition Guidebook? Click here.

This week's episode is a real treat because we are talking with the one-and-only Maestro Jacob Joyce! Maesto is a world-renowned conductor, working with orchestras including Pittsburgh Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, the London Symphony, the NDR-Sinfonieorchester, and many more! In the episode, we dive into: The power of networking 💪 Making a change in your music career (Maestro went from v...

Ever find yourself staring at the same four walls of your practice room, instrument in hand, utterly uninspired? You're not alone. I've been there too, and that's exactly why I'm sharing three game-changing strategies to reinvigorate your practice sessions and help you tap into your best musical self. From making simple changes to your environment—like standing up to play or ad...

 I remember the first time that I knew I wanted to become a professional oboist. I was in sixth grade and had just composed an oboe trio with a friend. When we played it in the school band concert and got a standing ovation, I felt it right there: the connection. The fact that I had just created something, performed something and through that something I had moved people  -- I had connected. Stand...

Say you could practice without your instrument (if you need to be quiet or don't have access to your instrument), and still make serious gains ? Heck freaking yeah! Well that is a real thing: it's called mental practice! In this episode, we dive right into the what, why, and how of mental practice so that you can start honing your brain for better performances! Let's up our practice...

We've talked about 5 things confident musicians do ( click here to listen to that episode! ), now we are going to dive into 5 MORE things confident musicians do. So that we can implement a few into our musical lives . Let's dive in and gain our musical confidence! Want to remember all 5 things? Here is a blog post about them! Click here to read. Listen to episode 2: Transforming A Disast...

Visiting music schools? How can you know which one is best for you? It can be really quite overwhelming trying to figure out where you  fit. I've been there. I get it. In this episode, we dive right into the top 6 things to keep in mind when visiting a music school, so that you can have a clearer picture of which ones are a good fit for you. Get trial-lessons episodes right in your inbox! Cli...

Who's the auditioner's best friend ? TIME MANAGEMENT. Especially when we are auditioning for music schools, setting boundaries with our academics can be the key to focusing on our auditions and making a lasting impression. In this episode, we dive right into three steps to set boundaries with school so that you can focus on applying and auditioning for music school. Ready to thrive in th...