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.

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 come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.

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 ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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 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, clarity, and confidence

If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.

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 hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.

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 stay focused

If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.

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 you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint. This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to The Performance Anxiety Solution — free. Start now at http://www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp.

Join Practicing for Peak Performance HERE

Grab your free Joyful Practice Guide 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.