Guest: Nikki Abissi, professional trombonist

Key Topics:

• Nikki's musical journey from growing up around NYC to attending Juilliard, New World Symphony, and becoming an orchestral musician

• Dealing with performance anxiety, negative self-talk, and the importance of mindset work

• The "3 envelope" audition preparation strategy

• Bringing a sense of "play" back into music practice

• Losing your professional identity and how to rebuild

• Nikki's invention of the "Extend Bone" slide extension device

• Being newly diagnosed with ADHD as an adult

• The value of normalizing struggles and being vulnerable

Takeaways:

• Have strategies and techniques for audition prep beyond just the music

• Find ways to quiet the analytical brain and focus on performing

• Titles don't matter as much as value you provide - build an authentic platform

• Normalize discussing mental health, mindset, and personal struggles

• Read "Peak" by Anders Ericsson on developing expertise deliberatively

Memorable Quotes: "My other superpower is I don't care about being vulnerable and honest." "Your title doesn't matter. What matters is can you solve a problem for someone."

 

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Sponsor Message: This episode is brought to you by the Yamaha Corporation of America.

Visit Yamaha Corporation of America to learn more about their products and services.