Self Management and Mindset for Musicians - by Mike del Ferro

Want to play fast? Stop practicing fast. In this episode of Self Management and Mindset for Musicians, I explain why slow practice is the quickest route to speed, accuracy and confidence on your instrument.

When you practice at full tempo before you're ready, you're practicing mistakes, and unlearning them costs you weeks. When you practice slowly and with focus, using a metronome, your brain can map every movement correctly the first time. That way you master difficult passages in less time, and they stay in your hands.

In this episode:

• Why "almost right" is the most expensive habit in practice
• What the world-class musicians I've met on every continent have in common
• My four-step method: choose 8–16 bars, start at half tempo, play five clean repetitions, then increase by 5–10%
• A challenge to try on your own "impossible" passage this week

If you want to play fast tomorrow, you have to play slow today.

Subscribe so you don't miss the next episode, and find more at mikedelferro.com.

#practicetips #musicianmindset #jazzpiano

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

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Your contact list can make or break your career as a touring musician — so why do so many artists still keep it all in their head? In this episode I break down the exact 6-element system I use to build and maintain an efficient contact database, so nothing falls through the cracks:

1. Contact Name
2. Role/Organization
3. Timing Strategy (when to reach out before their season/festival)
4. Email Address
5. City
6. Country

Consistency is everything — do this right and your network becomes an asset instead of a mess of scattered emails.

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to Mike on Spotify  /  Apple Music and Tidal

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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 highly relevant and evergreen—haven’t received as much attention as they deserve. So, I’ve decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them.

If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! 

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to Mike on Spotify  /  Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram
 
Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

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 ...

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 decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them.

If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! 

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to Mike on Spotify  /  Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram
 
Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials
 
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 ...

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 a powerful discussion on how intentional goal-setting can shape both your career and creative identity.

Perfect for musicians, creatives, and anyone looking to turn passion into purpose!

Host: Marcin Cieslak. 

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 decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them.

If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! 

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to Mike on Spotify  /  Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram
 
Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials
 
Twitter
 ...

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 failure and perfectionism to self-doubt and procrastination, and discuss practical strategies to overcome these hurdles. Whether you're struggling to stay motivated, doubting your worth, or facing the pressure of creative burnout, this episode is here to remind you that mindset is everything—and changing it can unlock your true potential. Tune in and start transforming your artistic journey from the inside out.

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 decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them.

If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! 

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to Mike on Spotify  /  Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram
 
Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials
 
Twitter
 ...

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to Mike on Spotify  /  Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram
 
Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials
 
Twitter
 ...

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, I break down exactly what’s actually happening behind the scenes in a promoter's inbox. I also share my go-to strategies to help you cut through the noise and finally get a response

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to Mike on Spotify  /  Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram
 
Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials
 
Twitter
 ...

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 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 decided to re-upload these valuable episodes to give you another chance to dive into them.

If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the podcast, and don’t forget to like and share it with fellow musicians. Your support means the world and helps us grow together! 

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to Mike on Spotify  /  Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram
 
Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials
 
Twitter
 ...

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 mindset and professional mentality, and I talk about those experiences a lot in this interview. 

-

I recently sat down with Alexandre Piret, a dedicated researcher and musicologist who is currently conducting in-depth academic research on the life and music of Toots Thielemans.

In this episode, which is part of my Podcast series "Echoes of Toots Thielemans", where I interview Harmonica Players, Alexandre interviews me about my ten-year collaboration with Toots. It was a humbling experience to revisit those memories—not just the technical aspects of accompanying such a unique instrument, but the personal moments we shared on tours around the world.

We discuss the nuances of Toots' playing, the chemistry we built on stage, and the "echoes" of his influence that I still feel in my own music today. If you are interested in the history of jazz or the legacy of Toots, I hope you enjoy this conversation.

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.mikedelferro.com

For private online Sessions and Webinars, requests for Topics or other Questions, Email to:  [email protected]

Or send a Voice Message on Speakpipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/mikedelferro

Join the forum/user groups on Telegram.

I also host another, personal  Podcast: "The Mike del Ferro Podcast".  Listen my Mike’s travel stories, interviews with fascinating people I have been encountering on my international journey, some psychology for musicians , humor and much more.  Listen on your favorite Podcast app

Mike del Ferro's YouTube Channel

Listen to Mike on Spotify  /  Apple Music and Tidal

Instagram
 
Facebook

Piano Transcriptions / SheetMusic and PDF's as played by Mike

Piano Tutorials
 
Twitter
 ...