The Mind Over Finger Podcast

In this episode, I chat with with Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist with the NY Philharmonic. 

We have a great conversation about attention and presence, in both practice and performance. Among o…

In this episode, I speak to Nick Plattoff, Associate Principal Trombone of the San Francisco Symphony since 2016.  He and I talk about the audition process and how he went about to prepare for his SF…

I’m so excited to start 2019 with a wonderful guest, violinist Chloe Trevor!

Chloe and I discuss practicing and performing from several perspectives.  We talk about dealing with injuries, practicing …

In this episode, I’m very excited to be talking to someone who’s had a tremendous impact on my performance abilities: none other than Dr. Don Greene.  If you don’t know who Dr. Greene is (or you do b…

This episode shows a different type of musical journey and approach to music-making outside of the classical world! I speak with bass player Kaveh Rastegar about his journey building a successful and…

Today, I speak with composer Jim Stephenson.  Among many other topics, we discuss his transition from performer to full-time composer, why it’s important to look inside and listen to our instinct, wh…

In this episode, I speak with Jason Haaheim, principal timpanist with NY’s Metropolitan Opera since 2013.   We discuss his fascinating journey, going from working full-time as an engineer to holding …

In this episode, I chat with Marina Thibeault, solo violist and chamber musician.  We discuss mindfulness, presence, and efficiency in the practice room, the importance of letting the music sing when…

In this episode, Paul Merkelo, principal trumpet with the Montreal Symphony, active soloist, pedagogue, and philanthropist, talks about how, as musicians, we need to take ownership of our careers, nu…

Mezzo-soprano Wallis Giunta is a multi-faceted artist with a variety of interests, a great take on mindful practice, and a truly wonderful personality.  In our conversation, we discuss, among other t…

This week on the podcast, I talk with neuro-symphonic hornist and creator of the practice app, Modacity.  Marc brings an incredible versatility to music making and has an inspiring holistic approach …

First Associate Concertmaster with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the creative mind behind Natesviolin, Nathan Cole has incredible insight on practice and performance preparation!  In this episode,…

International viola soloist Matthew Lipman can be heard on the best stages around the world!  In this episode he discusses his road to success, how to practice and get ready for a competition, and th…

Denise Tryon, Associate Professor of Horn at the College Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinatti and former Fourth Horn with the Philadelphia Orchestra, has built a wonderful career whi…

Concertmaster of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and new music champion, Holly Mulcahy redefines the profile of the 21st century musician.  Through her purposeful approach of music-making, she is ab…

International flute soloist, Mimi Stillman has a gift to make classical music current, relevant, and exciting.  In this episode, we discuss different ways to make practice more fun, efficient, and ef…

Bass player Jason Heath has built a vibrant career as a performer, educator, entrepreneur, and host of one of the most important classical music podcasts.  Through this experience, he has accumulated…

In this episode, international violin soloist James Ehnes talks about what the essence of mindful instrumental practice is: having a clear goal, work efficiently, listen intently, and connect with ot…

Introducing The Mind Over Finger Podcast! Your resource for knowledge, insight and inspiration on practicing mindfully, performing optimally, and getting more intentional in creating a fulfilling mus…