The Mind Over Finger Podcast

In this episode, you'll learn: Why your current beliefs—not your ability—might be the real reason behind lack of motivation or progress How to spot the subtle thoughts that quietly shape your practice habits and performance results A powerful mindset shift that helps musicians move from self-doubt to self-trust The truth about where limiting beliefs come from—and how to start letting them go The d...

In this inspiring conversation, violinist Randall Goosby shares how he balances technical mastery with deep artistic purpose. He offers insight into the mindset, values, and strategies that have shaped his unique approach to music-making—and how you can bring more meaning into your own playing. In this episode, you'll hear about: ·          The shift from performance perfection to performance purp...

Learn a clear, actionable framework to help you manage performance anxiety and play with confidence. ·          The 3 pillars: preparation, conditioning, and mind management ·          Why traditional advice doesn't work ·          How to train your nervous system to support you ·          What to include in your practice for real performance readiness     If you're ready to hit the ground running...

Discover how to use the Self-Coaching Model to better understand your mindset, manage your emotions, and create lasting progress in your music. ·          Why mindset shapes your practice results ·          How to break the cycle of overwhelm and procrastination ·          The link between thoughts, feelings, actions, and outcomes ·          A clear tool to move from stuck to focused   If you're r...

In this episode, you'll learn a simple and powerful mindset tool that helps you understand and shift the thoughts, feelings, and actions that shape your musical results. ·          The five-part Self-Coaching Model explained ·          Why your thoughts, not circumstances, drive your outcomes ·          How to build awareness and take intentional action ·          A clear method to create calm, cl...

This episode explores five mindset and strategy shifts that help you stay energized, focused, and motivated in your musical journey. ·         How overcommitting drains progress ·         Turning comparison into clarity ·         Why trying to impress holds you back ·         The value of giving yourself more prep time ·         Simple ways to bring joy back into your practice   If you're ready to...

This episode explores five common practice pitfalls that can quietly sabotage your progress — and how to overcome them with clarity and confidence. ·          Why self-awareness is key to real growth ·          How to set a plan that aligns with your goals ·          The role of time management in building momentum ·          When learning becomes avoidance ·          How to build self-trust and s...

This episode explores how harsh self-talk holds you back and how practicing self-compassion can unlock real progress. ·          Why judgment creates tension and slows learning ·          The difference between helpful assessment and harmful self-criticism ·          Simple mindset shifts to quiet your inner critic ·          How to stay focused, clear, and motivated in the practice room     If yo...

In this episode, we explore the overlooked superpower of patience and how slowing down can actually speed up your progress. ·          Learn how urgency can sabotage your practice ·          Discover the mindset that turns frustration into focus ·          Build stronger, more reliable skills under pressure ·          Use grounded practice to boost clarity, consistency, and confidence     If you'r...

In this episode, we explore the concept of "Mind Over Finger" — aligning your mind before taking physical action. ·          Discover how mental, emotional, and intellectual alignment boosts progress ·          Learn how myelination impacts your practice outcomes ·          Replace mindless repetition with intentional, effective strategies ·          Apply the deep practice model with awareness an...

In this episode, I share powerful takeaways from 13 renowned performers and educators, including Rachel Barton Pine, Tom Hooten, Kim Kashkashian, Vijay Gupta, and Elizabeth Rowe. Discover how world-class musicians use joy, curiosity, and presence to stay focused, avoid burnout, and make meaningful progress. You'll walk away with practical tips and mindset shifts you can apply to your own practice...

This episode kicks off the  Reset and Rise summer transformation series with the Joyful Practice Challenge . You'll explore simple prompts designed to help you reconnect with presence, boost effectiveness, and bring more curiosity, calm, and creativity into your practice. If your playing has felt heavy or disconnected, this is the reset you've been looking for.   If you're ready to hit the ground...

In this episode, we explore one of the biggest mindset blocks musicians face: the belief that you're not ready. I break down why waiting for readiness keeps you stuck and how taking action before you feel 100% prepared is often the key to growth. You'll learn: ·          Why "I'm not ready" is usually fear in disguise ·          What it really looks like to take action before you feel prepared ·  ...

In this episode, we explore why overthinking and fear take over in performance, even when you're fully prepared. You'll learn what's really happening in your brain under pressure, why trying to fight fear often makes it worse, and what you can do to build trust in yourself again. If you've ever felt like your own mind is your biggest obstacle on stage, this episode is for you.   And if if you're t...

In this episode, I explore one of the most important (and most avoided) questions musicians face: Is investing in yourself really worth it? You'll hear: How to tell the difference between an expense and an investment The hidden cost of staying stuck Why self-investment often leads to faster, deeper growth Real stories from clients who hesitated and what changed when they said yes The mindset shift...

In this episode, violinist Nikki Chooi shares how he rebuilt trust in his playing after formal training, refined his approach to practicing, and found balance between precision and expression in performance. We talk about: How to blend slow and fast practice effectively The role of "adversity training" in audition preparation Practicing musicality with intention What changes when you stop chasing...

You've practiced the techniques. You've done the mindset work. But when it's time to perform, everything seems to disappear. In this episode, I explore why musicians often struggle to access what they know under pressure and what to do about it. You'll learn: Why your tools vanish in performance, even when you know they work How over-focusing on control can disconnect you from the music The real d...

If you've ever felt stuck, even though you know what to do, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the five key prompts from The Musician's Edge Challenge that have helped hundreds of musicians gain clarity, uncover what's holding them back, and perform with more confidence. In this episode, you'll explore: A moment when your playing felt effortless and what it reveals about your potential A strengt...

In this episode, I share a personal story about preparing for a major event—and struggling to find joy in the process. We explore: Why it's normal to feel disconnected from familiar repertoire How to stay motivated when the spark is gone A mindset shift to help you keep showing up Practical tools to bring freshness back into your practice How reconnecting to your purpose can carry you through chal...

In this episode, bassist and educator Nina DeCesare shares the mindset and strategies that have helped her build a confident and fulfilling career in music. We explore what it means to practice with purpose, prepare for high-stakes performances, and create lasting change in the industry. Nina also talks about the Artemis Bass Initiative and how it's supporting women and non-binary bassists through...

You're putting in the work, but something's not clicking when it counts. Why does your playing still feel inconsistent—even though you're practicing hard? In this episode, I'm bringing two essential mindset and training shifts to the forefront—because these are the mistakes that keep talented musicians stuck, and the changes that help them finally break through. We'll cover: Why "more practice" is...

Many musicians feel stuck in a single career path, believing that success means following a traditional trajectory. But what if true success is about expanding, not staying locked into one role? In this episode, tubist Jarrett McCourt shares his journey from performing with world-class orchestras to building a career and life that align with his values. We discuss: Why career pivots aren't about q...

You practice, you prepare, but when it's time to perform, your confidence vanishes. Why does this happen? In this episode, we break down the biggest myths about confidence that might be holding you back. You'll learn: Why confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you build How common misconceptions make confidence feel harder than it needs to be A simple mindset shift that can hel...

In this episode, violinist  Nancy Zhou shares her deep, thoughtful approach to music-making. She explores: How interpretation goes beyond technique to storytelling The importance of score study and stepping into the composer's mind How body awareness and movement shape musical expression What musicians can learn from dancers and storytellers The philosophy behind her upcoming album, Stories (Re)Tr...

Struggling to see results from your practice? In this episode, we uncover why traditional practice methods often fall short and how a simple mindset shift can unlock real progress. What you'll learn: The biggest mistake musicians make in the practice room How judgment blocks improvement and what to do instead A mindset shift that makes practice more effective What top musicians do differently to g...