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” isn’t the answer if you’re still struggling under pressure
• The missing piece in most musicians’ practice routines
• The real reason confidence feels out of reach—and how to start building it
• How to stop waiting to “feel ready” and start showing up like the musician you want to become

If you’re ready to move past stuck and into solid, confident performances—this one’s for you.

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 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.

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 quitting but about growth
• How redefining success can lead to more fulfillment
• The role of mental health and self-acceptance in performance
• What musicians get wrong about hustle and burnout

If you’ve ever questioned your path in music or wondered what’s next, this episode is for you.

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 consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT JARRETT MCCOURT

Website:  https://jarrettmccourt.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarrett.mccourt/

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.

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 help you feel more secure in your playing

Listen now and start building real confidence in your music-making.

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.

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, 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)Traced

Nancy’s insights will challenge the way you think about practice, performance, and artistic growth.

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 consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT NANCY ZHOU

Website:  https://www.nancyzhouviolin.com   

YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaRXhb0sinvhGN4GzuTetg

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

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.

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 gain an edge

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and want a practice approach that actually works, let’s talk! Book a free discovery call and let’s create a plan to help you break through and reach your goals.

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.

Have you ever felt like you’ve outgrown the career path you once dreamed of? In this episode, I sit down with Kate Kayaian—career and mindset coach, podcast host, and author of Beyond Potential.

We explore how musicians and creatives can reassess their careers, redefine success, and reignite their passion for their craft. Kate shares her own journey of stepping away from a traditional classical music career, debunking limiting beliefs, and creating a career aligned with her values.

We discuss:

• The stories we tell ourselves that keep us stuck
• How to rethink what success means for you
• Practical strategies for setting goals and taking action
• The “yes if” mindset shift that unlocks new possibilities

If you’re feeling stuck or wondering what’s next for you, this conversation is full of insights to help you gain clarity and take action.

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 consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT KATE KAYAIAN

Website:  https://katekayaian.com/

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

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

Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers: https://amzn.to/4bdL5f2

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.

More hours in the practice room don’t always lead to better results. In this episode, discover a simple, science-backed 3-step method to make every practice session more effective—without adding extra time.

You'll learn how to:

• Use priming to sharpen focus and set clear intentions
• Implement micro rests to improve retention and prevent mental fatigue
• Leverage Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) to lock in learning and maximize progress

Try this approach for just one week and see how much more you accomplish.

Want personalized strategies to optimize your playing? Book a free discovery call at www.mindoverfinger.com/coaching and let’s make sure your practice is truly working for you.

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/

NSDR-Yoga Nidra Resources:

• NSDR 10 minutes - Andrew Huberman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKGrmY8OSHM
• NSDR 20 minutes - Andrew Huberman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEypv90GzDE 
• NSDR 20 minutes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL02HRFk2vo
• Yoga Nidra: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGpHpcp0O8tDEEDI6J4wcPiTZviJAQyQy 

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.

Why do you sound great in the practice room but struggle on stage?

In this episode, we explore:

• Why performances feel so different from practice
• How your nervous system reacts under pressure
• The key mistake musicians make in preparation
• A five-step method to perform with confidence

Learn how to bridge the gap between practice and performance so you can play your best when it matters most.

Ready to take your playing to the next level? If you're tired of second-guessing yourself on stage and want to build lasting confidence in your performances, let’s talk. The Music Mastery Experience is designed to help musicians like you perform with ease, focus, and joy.

Book a free call at mindoverfinger.com to create a plan for your most confident performances yet.

Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Discovery call 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, we tackle the common challenge of losing momentum with your goals. Whether it’s the start of the year or halfway through a big project, staying on track can feel overwhelming.

I share three key strategies to help you:

• Build confidence and trust in your ability to follow through.
• Develop small, impactful habits that keep you moving forward.
• Revisit the fundamentals to create a strong foundation for success.

If you’ve ever felt like giving up on a goal or need a reset to regain your momentum, this episode is for you.

Want personalized support to get started or refine your approach? Let’s connect! Book a free call with me, and together we’ll create a tailored plan to help you achieve your goals with clarity and confidence.

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, I introduce the Power Reset Ritual—a simple, 5-step tool to help you calm your mind, regain focus, and reconnect with your power when you feel stuck or overwhelmed.

What You’ll Learn:

• How the Power Reset Ritual was created and how it works.
• The 5 steps to calm your nervous system, ground yourself, and take actionable steps.
• Why this ritual can transform your moments of frustration into clarity and empowerment.

Try the ritual today and see how it works for you!

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.