What if your path takes longer than you thought it would? What if you don't win the job straight out of school. Or even straight out of your twenties? And what if that's not failure, but just a different kind of success?

In this episode, I sit down with Bill Denton, Principal Trumpet of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, to talk about what it really means to stay in the game. Bill won his job at 50. Before that? He taught high school band, drove to gigs, kept showing up, and stayed connected to his playing through real life, not a perfect timeline.

This conversation is for anyone who's ever wondered:

· Am I too late?

· Is it still worth it?

· What if my career doesn't look like theirs?

Tune in to hear what long-term commitment really looks like, how to stay ready without burning out, and why your timeline doesn't have to match anyone else's.

Whether you're navigating auditions, comparison, or just the quiet pressure of being "on time," this one's for you.

Find out more information about Bill on his website: https://dentonliumusicacademy.com/bios/

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

When practicing feels impossible, it's not because you're lazy or undisciplined. In this episode, I walk you through the simple mindset shifts and practical strategies that help you stop pushing and start showing up with more ease, clarity, and self-respect.

You'll learn:

· Why waiting for motivation doesn't work

· A five-step mental reset to ease into practice

· How to reduce friction and make your routine feel lighter

· A quick trick to spark momentum on low-energy days

· How to leave a session feeling proud—even when it wasn't perfect

If you've been feeling stuck or resistant, this episode will help you reconnect with your purpose and make practicing feel more doable again.

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

What does it really take to grow as an artist without burning out?

In this powerful conversation, I'm joined by bestselling author and performance expert Brad Stulberg to explore what excellence actually means, and how we can pursue it in a way that feels deeply fulfilling, not exhausting.

Brad's new book, The Way of Excellence, offers a grounded and practical roadmap for anyone looking to sustain high-level work over time. Whether you're navigating auditions, refining your craft, or questioning how to stay connected to music in a chaotic world, this episode is for you.

You'll learn how to:

· Redefine excellence as a process of becoming, not a fixed destination

· Align your ambition with your core values for a stronger sense of purpose

· Balance self-discipline with self-kindness, especially when motivation is low

· Use the "brave new world" mindset to face fear and uncertainty

· Build emotional resilience so you can keep showing up when it counts

· Stay consistent without getting stuck in hustle or burnout

· Create progress that's sustainable, satisfying, and deeply your own

This episode is a must-listen for musicians who want to stay inspired, grounded, and intentional in the way they grow. Brad brings wisdom from elite performers across fields — and his insights will help you rethink what excellence can look like in your own musical life.

Tune in and take away practical tools to support your artistry, your mindset, and your well-being.

Grab The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World HERE!

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Brad Stulberg

Grab The Way of Excellence: A Guide to True Greatness and Deep Satisfaction in a Chaotic World HERE: https://amzn.to/4jWCsd1

Website: https://www.bradstulberg.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradstulberg/

X: https://x.com/bstulberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-stulberg-009b168b/

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

Are you juggling big technique goals and an upcoming performance? Struggling to fix your vibrato while also cramming notes for an audition? You're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong.

In this episode, we unpack why chasing long-term mastery and short-term perfection at the same time can leave you overwhelmed, stuck, and second-guessing everything.

You'll learn:

· How to separate growth work from prep work without sacrificing either

· Why perfectionism in your "big goal" might be sabotaging your current deadline

· A smarter way to structure your practice when everything feels important

· One essential mindset shift to help you stay grounded and actually make progress

This is for you if you've ever felt like no matter how hard you work, you're not getting better fast enough, or worse, like you're falling behind.

Let's fix that.

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

If you've ever had one of those days where you know what you should do, but everything in you wants to procrastinate, avoid, or zone out... this episode is for you.

I'm sharing one of my favorite mindset tools: a simple sentence structure you can use when motivation is low, when self-doubt is loud, or when you just feel stuck. It's a trick I return to again and again to get myself into action and back into alignment with who I want to become.

Inside, you'll hear exactly how it works, why it helps you make progress without needing a massive pep talk, and how to use it right away in your practice, performance prep, or daily habits.

This might be the shift that changes everything. Tune in and try it for yourself.

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

· Self‑Efficacy: The Exercise of Control https://www.scribd.com/document/394892404/Albert-Bandura-Self-Efficacy-The-Exercise-of-Control-W-H-Freeman-Co-1997-pdf Scribd

· Identity‑Based Motivation and Health https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/89940/1/oyserman_fryberg_yoder_2007_identity_based_motivation_and_health._jpsp.pdf Deep Blue Repositories

· Identity‑Based Motivation and Health Disparities (Journal of Social Issues) https://dornsife.usc.edu/daphna-oyserman/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2023/11/oyserman_et_al_2014_jsi.pdf USC Dornsife

· Identity‑Based Motivation and Core Processes https://rcgd.isr.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/oyserman2015ibm.pdf rcgd.isr.umich.edu

· Identity‑Based Motivation and the Motivational Consequences of Difficulty https://dornsife.usc.edu/daphna-oyserman/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2024/12/Social-Personality-Psych-2024-Oyserman-Identity-Based-Motivation-and-the-Motivational-Consequences-of-Difficulty.pdf USC Dornsife

In this solo episode, Dr. Gauthier breaks down a powerful mindset shift that can transform your musical growth and career.

If you're tired of working harder and still feeling stuck, this is the episode for you.

🎯 In this episode, you'll learn:

· Why the "do, have, be" model keeps musicians burned out and unfulfilled

· What the "be, do, have" approach looks like in real practice

· How your identity is the hidden lever that drives lasting results

· Why showing up as your future self leads to more confidence and consistency

· What to do when you're tempted to fall back into old patterns

· The research behind identity-based motivation and how to use it

· A simple prompt to shift your mindset today and take meaningful action

· Why your next breakthrough starts now, not later

🎁 Plus: There's a free worksheet that walks you through this process step by step. DOWNLOAD HERE

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

· Self‑Efficacy: The Exercise of Control https://www.scribd.com/document/394892404/Albert-Bandura-Self-Efficacy-The-Exercise-of-Control-W-H-Freeman-Co-1997-pdf Scribd

· Identity‑Based Motivation and Health https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/89940/1/oyserman_fryberg_yoder_2007_identity_based_motivation_and_health._jpsp.pdf Deep Blue Repositories

· Identity‑Based Motivation and Health Disparities (Journal of Social Issues) https://dornsife.usc.edu/daphna-oyserman/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2023/11/oyserman_et_al_2014_jsi.pdf USC Dornsife

· Identity‑Based Motivation and Core Processes https://rcgd.isr.umich.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/oyserman2015ibm.pdf rcgd.isr.umich.edu

· Identity‑Based Motivation and the Motivational Consequences of Difficulty https://dornsife.usc.edu/daphna-oyserman/wp-content/uploads/sites/232/2024/12/Social-Personality-Psych-2024-Oyserman-Identity-Based-Motivation-and-the-Motivational-Consequences-of-Difficulty.pdf USC Dornsife

In this inspiring backstage pass conversation, Tim Higgins, principal trombone of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and acclaimed composer, arranger, and educator, shares the real work behind long-term success in music. Whether you're preparing for auditions or building artistic depth in your playing, this episode offers mindset shifts and practical tools you can apply today.

In this episode, you'll learn:

· What Tim believes is at the core of audition success and how to train it with consistency

· How to build and refine your sound concept over time

· The surprising mindset that keeps him inspired after years in the job

· Why technique is only part of the equation and how to think like an artist

· How he navigates vulnerability, identity, and self-worth in a high-pressure career

· The one thing he'd tell any musician working toward a big goal this year

· Why long-term growth is not just possible, but powerful

Whether you're chasing a job, deepening your artistry, or trying to stay motivated in the middle of it all this is a conversation you'll want to revisit.

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

In this special episode, recorded live at New World Symphony's Wellness Week, four leading voices in musician wellness come together to share powerful strategies for navigating the mental, physical, and emotional demands of a music career.

You'll learn:

· How to recover from a tough performance without spiraling into shame or self-doubt

· The mindset shift that separates your identity from your results

· Why your body holds the key to emotional regulation and performance ease

· How to build self-trust by understanding your nervous system

· Tools to manage your inner critic and perfectionist tendencies

· Practical ways to bring more awareness and intention into your practice

· Why real growth requires both mental flexibility and physical freedom

· How collaborative wellness approaches are changing the future of classical music

Featuring insights from:

· Dr. Noa Kageyama – Performance psychologist, Juilliard faculty, and creator of The Bulletproof Musician - https://bulletproofmusician.com/

· Lori Schiff – Master Alexander Technique teacher and long-time Juilliard faculty member - https://www.lorischiff.com/

· Dr. Coree Levy – Performance medicine and recovery expert working with elite musicians and athletes - https://www.drcoreelevy.com/

· Renée-Paule Gauthier – Violinist, performance coach, and host of the Mind Over Finger Podcast - https://www.mindoverfinger.com/

This conversation is packed with tools and insights you can start using right away to show up with more freedom, confidence, and clarity in your musical life.

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

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 difference between repeating affirmations and actually practicing belief
• How to use "bridge thoughts" to shift your mindset when a positive belief still feels out of reach
• A step-by-step exercise to anchor your new identity as a focused, confident performer
• Why sometimes you have to "be before you believe"—and how to start doing that today

If you've been feeling stuck, distracted, or not quite like yourself in the practice room, this episode will help you uncover what's really going on—and give you the tools to shift it.

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk! Book a free discovery call and let's create a plan to get you there.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.

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 purpose

· How Randall connects with his "why" to stay grounded and inspired

· Lessons learned from studying with Itzhak Perlman about authenticity and expression

· The importance of honoring underrepresented voices in classical music

· How to cultivate intention in the practice room—even on difficult days

· Strategies for building connection with audiences beyond the stage

· Why vulnerability is essential to making music that matters

Whether you're refining your technique or rediscovering your voice as an artist, this episode offers thoughtful takeaways to help you grow with more clarity, confidence, and connection.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? Let's connect and explore how personalized coaching can support your journey. Click here to schedule your free consultation, and let's start turning your goals into reality.

If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, let's talk!

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT RANDALL GOOSBY

Website: https://randallgoosby.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RandallGoosbyViolin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmgviolin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsgooz/

Mind Over Finger

Click www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching to book your free consultation with me.

Visit MindOverFinger.com for my online courses as well as free resources on peak performance.

Grab my free workshops and PDF downloads by going to www.mindoverfinger.com/resources.

Connect:

https://www.youtube.com/@MindOverFinger

https://www.facebook.com/mindoverfinger/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindoverfinger

https://www.instagram.com/mindoverfinger/

THANK YOU:

Most sincere thank you to composer Jim Stephenson who graciously provided the show's musical theme: Concerto #1 for Trumpet and Chamber Orchestra – Movement 2: Allegro con Brio, performed by Jeffrey Work, trumpet, and the Lake Forest Symphony, conducted by Jim Stephenson.