The Mind Over Finger Podcast

Feeling stuck in your musical career? In this episode, we’re tackling how to make clear, confident decisions that move you forward. We’ll look at why we avoid making choices, how to break through the fear, and simple strategies to pick the path that’s right for you. I’ll share real examples musicians face every day—from auditions to career changes—to help you make decisions that bring you closer to the life you want.

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, we dive into a key feeling that can help you break free from autopilot mode and approach your goals with intention. I discuss:

• Why many of us fall into routine and how to shift away from it
• How this feeling drives purposeful action and long-term success
• Real-life examples from Olympians, musicians, and entrepreneurs who use this mindset to achieve their goals
• Practical steps you can take to cultivate this feeling and apply it to your personal and professional growth

Listen now and discover how this simple shift can have a profound impact on your year.

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.

A particularly important episode of the Mind Over Finger Podcast with guest Lara St. John where we discuss the context and impact of sexual abuse, the lack of representation, and how women often don't get the support they need.

Lara shares her own experiences and she stresses the need for institutions to step up and create a safe space for everyone by being transparent, and having clear steps to handle sexual harassment and assault.

Finally, we touch on the power dynamics and gender issues in the classical music world and the difficulty of addressing these issues in a society that often prefers to stay silent

**CLARIFICATION: During the conversation, it was inaccurately stated that the union reinstated the NY Phil musicians. The union brought the case to arbitration, and the arbitrator ultimately ruled in favor of reinstating them in their positions.**

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT LARA ST. JOHN

• Website: https://www.larastjohn.com/
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnLara
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AncalagonRecords
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stjohnlara/
• Lara St. John & the Curtis Institute: https://larastjohn.club/

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): https://www.rainn.org/

• Offers support, information, and a hotline for victims of sexual assault.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): https://www.nsvrc.org/

• Provides resources and information on sexual violence prevention and support for survivors.

Me Too Movement: https://metoomvmt.org/

• Advocacy and support network for survivors of sexual violence.

Time's Up: https://timesupnow.org/

• An organization that addresses workplace sexual harassment and inequality.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): https://www.eeoc.gov/

• Federal agency providing information and support on workplace discrimination and harassment.

National Women’s Law Center (NWLC): https://nwlc.org/

• Provides legal information and resources related to sexual harassment and gender equality in the workplace.

Writers Guild of America’s “MYConnext” Tool: https://www.wga.org/members/employment-resources/know-your-rights

• Resource for reporting workplace harassment and finding support.

The Black Orchestral Network: https://www.blackorchestralnetwork.org/

• Advocacy for equity in orchestral settings, including addressing issues of harassment and discrimination.

American Federation of Musicians (AFM): https://www.afm.org/

• Union providing support and resources for musicians, including initiatives against harassment.

Chicago Federation of Musicians’ #NotMe App: https://cfm10208.com/musician-resources/fair-employment-practices-and-notme

• An app for reporting harassment within the music industry.

Change the Culture Committee – Proposal Document: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13f_eQl2VEaRF1pxIKkdsUcJr4mEmNy87/view?usp=sharing

Lara St-John & The Curtis Institute – Articles catalog: https://larastjohn.club/

Sammy Sussman – Articles catalog: https://sammysussman.com/reporting?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0KtQ42ZfE7azBHCTWlp5ErasRAyAYWAjrdzwBOPPPAJmlCZcmwnH3kAlQ_aem_ZmFrZWR1bW15MTZieXRlcw

A Hidden Sexual-Assault Scandal at the New York Philharmonic - Two musicians were fired for sexual misconduct. Why are they back with the orchestra? https://www.vulture.com/article/new-york-philharmonic-sexual-assault-scandal.html<...

Conversation with Dr. Hannah Murray of corpSonore, including topics such as:

• Why understanding anatomy is crucial for musicians to play with proper technique and avoid injuries.
• The importance of distributing tension and integrity evenly throughout the body for better music-making.
• The importance of patience in the practice room, as it allows for deeper exploration and understanding of the body and movement.
• Our views on the need for a more holistic approach to music education
• And so much more!

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT HANNAH & CORPSONORE

• Website: www.activeviolinist.com
• CorpSonore: https://www.corpsonore.com/
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@corpsonoresoundbodywellnes8085/videos
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorpSonore
• Hannah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activeviolinist/
• CorpSonore’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corpsonore/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corpsonore-sound-body-wellness/

As a gift to you, Hannah has created a code for 1 free class on the corpSonore platform. You can use code MOF10 at checkout to attend any live class or use it for any class in the on-demand library.

The Pain Free Performer

The Pain-Free Performer is a 3-month program beginning January 8th. This experience is designed for musicians looking for solutions to playing-related pain and discomfort who feel like they have untapped potential inside of them. If you've struggled with the same aches and pains for years and can't quite find a long-term fix, your nerves get the best of you in high-stress environments, or your students constantly ask you questions you feel you can't answer, this course is for you. CorpSonore has carefully crafted this offering to support your music-making and enhance your artistry using a 3-dimensional approach that includes nutrition, movement, mindfulness, anatomy, private study, group classes, guest masterclasses, and ongoing support. It's time to take care of musicians and create long-lasting careers from the inside out.

To learn more, visit: https://www.corpsonore.com/painfreeperformer.

To check in, say hi, and find out if this is the right program for you, book a free consultation at https://www.corpsonore.com/oneonone-sessions

And to drop me a note the old-fashioned way, you can email me at [email protected].

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.

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.

Conversation with the versatile and dynamic violin soloist and chamber musician Njioma Grievous , winner of the Robert F. Smith First Prize and the Audience Choice awards of the Sphinx Competition. Topics including

• · Her performance preparation and pre-performance routines
• · The importance of Receiving and following advice
• · The skills she thinks are important to develop
• · Her favorite tool in the practice room and the great way she uses it
• · How she gets herself to practice when she doesn’t feel like it
• · Her no. 1 advice for people taking auditions
• · The changes she would like to see in the classical music world
• · And her actionable tip on how to memorize music

Book your free consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT NJIOMA GREVIOUS

• Website: https://www.njiomagrevious.com/
• YouTube: Watch Here
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngrevious8/

Abeo Quartet:

• Website: https://www.abeoquartet.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abeoquartet/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abeoquartet

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.

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.