The Mind Over Finger Podcast

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…

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 …

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 le…

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.

…

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 ex…

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
…

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 …

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…

Feeling overwhelmed by endless tasks and to-do lists? In this episode, I introduce the Eisenhower Matrix, a simple yet powerful framework to help you prioritize effectively and regain control of yo…

In this episode, I share how gratitude can transform the way you approach music. We’ll explore:

• Why gratitude isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a powerful mindset for growth.
• How gratitude s…

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 th…

In this episode, I sit down with cellist Zlatomir Fung to explore the art of practice, mental resilience, and building a sustainable life in music.

We discuss:

• The importance of mastering fund…

In this episode of the Mind Over Finger Podcast, I share four pivotal sentences that completely shifted my perspective, challenging deeply held beliefs and unlocking new levels of growth and creativi…

In this inspiring episode, trombonist Sasha Romero, principal trombone of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, shares her incredible musical journey from Texas to the Met.

Sasha talks about her early mu…

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 …

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Molly Gebrian, who has just released her new book, Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing.

We discuss:

• The sc…

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'…

Want to escape Stuckville? Unsure how to move forward?  Having trouble making decisions? This episode is for you!

In this episode, I tackle the reasons why we often feel stuck and share strategies to…

Curious about the mission behind Mind Over Finger? For this special 200th episode, my coach Jennifer Rosenfeld conducts a role reversal and interviews me! We discuss my journey from performer to coac…

Conversation with Rob Knopper, percussionist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and audition expert, creator of Audition Hacker.

You’ll hear about how he painstakingly developed his process (thr…