
Advertise on podcast: The Mind Over Finger Podcast
Rating
4.9from
This podcast has
273 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
Dr. Renée-Paule GauthierExplicit
No
Date created
2018/08/28
Latest episode
2026/11/06
Average duration
42 min.
Release period
15 days
Description
Discussions on mindful music-making, efficient practice, and building a purposeful career with the performers, pedagogues, and innovators who are shaping the classical music world today! The Mind Over Finger Podcast is a resource for knowledge, insight, tips, tricks, and inspiration for musicians interested in learning more about practicing mindfully, performing optimally, and getting more intentional in creating a fulfilling musical career. We provide you with the tools to mindfully shift your musical practice from unconscious to deliberate, from paint-by-numbers to art by flow, from going through the motions to delightful play!
Unlock The Mind Over Finger Podcast podcast Email contact info,
Listeners & Audience details
Email contact information
Direct podcast contact details

Listeners
Audience numbers & engagement insights

Audience details
Podcast Insights

Podcast episodes
Check latest episodes from The Mind Over Finger Podcast podcast
Should You Cancel That Audition? When You Don't Feel Ready Despite All Your Preparation
2026/11/06
You've practiced for weeks, you know the repertoire, but as your audition approaches, you start doubting EVERYTHING. Every mistake makes you question your preparation, and suddenly, canceling sounds like a good idea.
But what if you're more prepared than you FEEL?
In this episode, we explore:
· Why more practice doesn't always lead to more confidence.
· How perfectionism can make you question weeks of solid preparation.
· How to tell whether you genuinely need more time or you're letting fear make the decision.
· How to trust your preparation and give yourself a chance to succeed, even when you're nervous.
Don't let the feeling of not being ready keep you from an opportunity you really want!
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 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.
Practice Smarter, Perform Freer, Play Your Best: Katherine Siochi on audition success, managing perfectionism, and making music under pressure.
2026/10/30
What if practicing more isn't the answer? And what if the key to a great performance isn't playing every note perfectly?
In this episode, San Francisco Symphony principal harpist Katherine Siochi shares what she's learned about practicing smarter, performing under pressure, and building a meaningful music career while navigating perfectionism, self doubt, and comparison.
We explore:
· How to make your practice sessions more focused and effective.
· How to prepare for auditions and perform well, even when you're nervous.
· Why musical expression can make the difference between a good audition and a winning one.
· How to recover from mistakes without getting stuck in self criticism.
· How to let go of comparison and define success on your own terms.
A conversation full of practical ideas to help you play your best and enjoy the music you're 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 Music Mastery Experience Discovery call with Renée HERE
Download the transcript from this episode HERE
KATHERINE SIOCHI
Website: http://www.katherinesiochi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katherinesiochi/
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.
Play Better With Less Effort: Jolene Madewell on Body Mapping, Releasing Tension, and Finding Freedom in Your Playing
2026/10/23
Ever finish practicing with tight shoulders, a sore neck, or the feeling that something just shouldn't be this hard? What if the answer isn't more practice, but a better understanding of how your body moves? In this episode, flutist and Body Mapping educator Jolene Madewell shares how small changes in movement and awareness can make a remarkable difference in your sound, comfort, and confidence.
In this conversation, we explore:
· How Body Mapping helps you release unnecessary tension and play with less effort.
· Why trying to maintain "good posture" might actually be making your playing harder.
· How understanding your ribs, shoulders, and breathing can unlock technical passages that have felt impossible.
· Simple movement experiments you can try in the practice room to play with greater freedom.
· How feeling your feet, widening your awareness, and reconnecting with your body can quiet your mind when performance nerves kick in.
If you've been working harder and harder without getting the results you want, this conversation might change the way you approach your instrument.
Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Music Mastery Experience.
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
GUEST
Website: https://www.joleneharju.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joleneflute/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/practiceroomrevelations/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JoleneHarjuMadewell
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.
Chronicles of an Adventurous Violinist: Anthea Kreston on Building a Thriving Life and Music Career on Your Own Terms
2026/10/16
What if the dream job you've worked so hard for isn't the life you actually want? In this candid, funny, and inspiring conversation, internationally acclaimed violinist Anthea Kreston shares the lessons behind her extraordinary career and new memoir, Crescendo: Chronicles of an Adventurous Violinist. From burnout at Curtis to performing with the renowned Artemis Quartet, Anthea reminds us that thriving in music means more than collecting achievements.
In this episode, we explore:
· Overcoming perfectionism and reconnecting with the joy of making music.
· Knowing when to push through challenges and when it's time to change direction.
· Setting bold goals and creating a music career that reflects your priorities.
· Creative practice strategies that make learning more effective and enjoyable.
· Embracing failure, redefining success, and building a fulfilling life on your own terms.
A refreshing reminder that you can pursue excellence without losing yourself along the way.
Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician's Edge Challenge.
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
GUEST
Website: https://antheakreston.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antheakreston
GRAB HER BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3WcVlQZ
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.
The Audition Is Over. Now What? 6 Steps to Turn Every Audition into Your Next Advantage
2026/10/12
You spent weeks, maybe months, preparing for an audition. And then, suddenly, it's over. Whether you won, advanced, or didn't get the result you wanted, there's so much more to take away from the experience than a committee's decision. In this episode, I'm sharing six practical steps to help you learn from every audition and turn that experience into valuable preparation for your next win.
In this episode, you'll learn:
· What to do immediately after an audition to capture valuable information without overanalyzing.
· How to recover emotionally and physically, regardless of the result.
· Why acknowledging your effort and progress helps you become a better musician.
· How to evaluate your audition objectively and separate facts from assumptions.
· How to distinguish preparation problems from difficulties performing under pressure.
· How to turn what you've learned into a stronger plan for your next audition.
Every audition has something valuable to offer. Let's make sure you get all of 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.
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.
Make Space for What Matters: How to pursue your musical goals while creating space for a life you love
2026/10/02
What happens when the goals you set no longer fit the life you're actually living?
In this first episode of Season 9, we're exploring how to pursue meaningful musical goals while making space for rest, relationships, health, and the things that make you feel fully alive.
In this episode:
• Reassessing your priorities as your life changes
• Creating boundaries around practice and work
• Making real space for rest and recovery
• Staying process oriented when a project feels overwhelming
• Building a schedule that supports both the musician and the human
Because the musician will thrive more when the human is thriving.
Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? 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
Scientific links from the episode:
· Goals aligned with personal interests and values
Sheldon & Elliot, Goal Striving, Need Satisfaction, and Longitudinal Well-Being: The Self-Concordance Model
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10101878/
· Psychologically disconnecting from work
Wendsche & Lohmann-Haislah, A Meta-Analysis on Antecedents and Outcomes of Detachment from Work
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2016.02072/full
· Process, performance, and outcome goals in sport
The Performance and Psychological Effects of Goal Setting in Sport: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1750984X.2022.2116723
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.
The Long Game of Musical Growth - Ben Ullery on Curiosity, Learning, and Performing at the Highest Level
2026/07/17
Ben Ullery, Principal Viola of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, joins me for a thoughtful conversation about curiosity, lifelong learning, and what it takes to keep growing as a musician while performing at the highest level.
In this episode, we explore:
Why curiosity is one of a musician's greatest assets What happens after you land your dream job The role of visualization in performance Why perfection isn't the goal How to keep growing throughout your musical career
If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, 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
GUEST
Website: https://benullery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bullerbot/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@benullery
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.
The Art of Pacing - Elizabeth Svoboda on Flow, Recovery, and Sustainable Excellence
2026/06/19
What if the goal isn't to work harder, but to find the right pace?
In this episode, I talk with science writer Elizabeth Svoboda, author of The Art of Pacing, about flow, energy management, recovery, and the habits that help high performers sustain excellence without burning out.
You'll hear about:
• Why pacing matters more than most people realize
• How to create the conditions for flow in practice and performance
• What elite performers understand about recovery, resilience, and long term success
If you're tired of feeling like your performances don't consistently reflect what you're capable of, let's talk.
Whether you're preparing for auditions, navigating performance pressure, rebuilding confidence, or looking for more freedom and consistency on stage, I'd love to help.
Book a free discovery call HERE and let's explore what support would serve you best.
Book your free consultation with Renée HERE
Download the transcript from this episode HERE
GUEST
Grab the Art of Pacing here: https://amzn.to/4ewVAMa
Website: https://elizabethsvoboda.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/svobodster/reels/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.a.svoboda
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 Don't Need More Time - How To Perform Under Pressure When Preparation Feels Impossible
2026/05/22
What happens when the audition is closer than you expected and the preparation feels impossible?
In this episode, I'm talking about how to handle high pressure performance situations when time is short, nerves are high, and your brain keeps telling you it's not enough. We dive into mindset, performance psychology, nervous system regulation, and the surprising ways urgency can actually work in your favor.
In this episode:
• Why resisting the situation drains the energy you need to perform
• How to stop spiraling and start preparing effectively
• What short timelines can teach you about trust, resilience, and performance under pressure
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
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.
263 What Winning The Audition Actually Took - My 90 Days of Preparation, Performance Training, And Building Trust Under Pressure
2026/05/15
What does it actually take to win a major orchestra audition?
In this deeply personal episode, I take you behind the scenes of my winning audition for the Lyric Opera Orchestra at 47 years old. I'm sharing the real preparation process, the mental work, the conditioning, and the mindset shifts that carried me through 90 days of intense preparation and into the audition room.
In this episode:
• How I prepared mentally, physically, and musically while working full time and raising a family
• Why trust under pressure matters more than "feeling confident"
• The surprising gap between how a performance feels and how it actually sounds
If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and win that next audition, join me inside The Music Mastery Experience.
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
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.
262 From Battling Doubt To Dancing With It -How Robert Sanders Learned To Trust Himself Under Pressure
2026/05/09
What if confidence is not the absence of doubt?
In this deeply honest conversation, violinist Robert Sanders shares what changed internally as he navigated auditions, pressure, comparison, and eventually won a full time position with the Bruckner Orchestra Linz. This episode is not about becoming fearless. It's about learning how to stop fighting yourself so aggressively underneath the pressure.
In this episode:
• Why self doubt does not disappear even at a high level
• How Robert shifted from battling doubt to "dancing" with it
• The surprising mindset shift that changed his audition experience
• Why learning to work with yourself changes everything under pressure
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
Robert Sanders
Website: www.robertsandersviolin.com
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 Can Play Better Than This - Why You Don't Sound Like Yourself Under Pressure
2026/05/08
You know that feeling when you walk off stage thinking, "I can play so much better than this"? In this episode, I unpack three powerful patterns I saw during the Musicians Edge Challenge with more than 300 musicians and why so many performers lose access to themselves under pressure even when they've prepared brilliantly.
In this episode:
• Why your best playing can feel impossible to recreate on demand
• What really happens when a different version of you shows up on stage
• Why many musicians keep trying to solve the wrong problem
If you're ready to close the gap between how you play in the practice room and who you become under pressure, the Music Mastery Experience is open for enrollment now. Inside MME, we work on performance preparation, self trust, mindset, nervous system regulation, and the hidden patterns that shape your performances. Enrollment closes May 20 and we begin June 1. Learn more at mindoverfinger.com/mme
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.
The Journey to Winning — How Marie-Michel Beauparlant Reclaimed Her Confidence and Her Career
2026/05/01
If you've ever stood in the wings before a performance and wondered how you got there — not in a good way — this episode is for you. Marie-Michel Beauparlant is an accomplished cellist, a mom of twins, and one of the most honest guests we've had on the show. She talks about the years she spent hiding behind section playing because solo performing felt impossible, the guilt of chasing an audition with six-month-old twins at home, and what it actually took to go from dreading the spotlight to being, as she puts it herself, a little addicted to it. This is a real conversation about the inner life of a working musician — and it will stay with you.
In this episode you will discover:
Why perfectionism and stage fright so often go hand in hand and what Marie-Michel did to start untangling them How she went from barely advancing in auditions to winning two orchestra positions and making finals consistently The mindset shift that led her to remove the word failure from her vocabulary entirely How finding a community of musicians facing similar challenges made her feel less alone and normalized the struggles she had been carrying quietly for years The simple question she asks herself before every practice session that keeps her grounded and motivated What winning really looks like when you stop making it only about the outcome
Want to experience this kind of transformation in your own musical life? The doors to the Music Mastery Experience open June 1st. Visit mindoverfinger.com/mme to learn more and book your free call today. Spots are limited.
Book your FREE Music Mastery Experience Clarity 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.
Why Trying Harder Makes It Worse - The Hidden Cognitive Habit That's Sabotaging Your Best Work
2026/04/23
You know that feeling when you nail a passage in rehearsal, and then the harder you try to repeat it, the faster it falls apart? In this solo episode, Dr. Renée-Paule reveals why the desire to play well is often the very thing getting in your way. This one hits close to home for any musician who has ever spiraled mid-performance wondering why their preparation suddenly feels like it vanished.
· The reason a passage that felt effortless on the first attempt can completely unravel by the third, and why it has nothing to do with your technique.
· How monitoring your own performance in real time activates the wrong part of your brain and turns you into a spectator of your own playing.
· Why high expectations belong in the practice room and become an obstacle the moment you walk on stage.
· A simple 60-second ritual to do right before you perform that shifts your entire relationship with the moment.
Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician's Edge Challenge.
Join the Musician's Edge Challenge HERE
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.
The Audition You've Been Capable of All Along - The Missing Piece Most Audition Prep Completely Skips
2026/04/17
You've prepared the excerpts. You've done the mock auditions. You've done everything right — and something still slips when it matters most. In this episode, Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier gets to the heart of what's actually separating the players who walk off feeling like themselves from the ones who walk off wondering what just happened. The answer isn't what you think — and it's more within your reach than you realize.
In this episode:
· Why the problem is almost never the excerpts
· The difference between preparing your excerpts and preparing yourself
· What attentional narrowing does to your musicality under pressure
· The one question that begins to change everything
Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? If you're ready to step on stage with confidence, perform at your best, and finally feel secure in your playing, join the Musician's Edge Challenge.
Join the Musician's Edge Challenge HERE
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.
Podcast reviews
Read The Mind Over Finger Podcast podcast reviews
Jess Homewood 2024/03/18
PACKED with Value!
I have had the pleasure of knowing Renée for almost a year now! The strategies and techniques that she teaches in her resources are phenomenal. I’m a ...
KateKayaian 2024/01/18
A treasure-trove of information for classical musicians
Dr. Renee-Paule Gauthier is a masterful interviewer- bringing to this show the leading headliners of the industry. Every episode leaves you with fasc...
2011370Z 2023/11/19
Nijioma Grievous Backstage Pass - Excellent!
The entire episode was very good BUT I really got a lot out of Nijioma's tip on how to memorize music. It's a tip that has me thinking why haven't I ...
BobTheMusicDog 2022/07/27
More Than Just Another Music Podcast
Dr. Renee is the real deal. A must listen to podcast series with helpful advice. Lots of information available to help further your career!
PlayitagainChris 2022/07/26
Thank you!
I so appreciate this podcast and the work Dr. Gauthier does to share her expertise with the world! Her optimism and enthusiasm for music and helping p...
TweeterPop 2022/07/26
Phenomenal!
Renee is absolutely stunning! She’s a phenomenal host, an intellect, and an amazing person! She brings topics and conversations to the table that need...
Nat7! 2021/04/19
Gift
Dr. Gauthier is a gift from God to me! I’m so grateful for it!
mistblues 2021/04/13
A wealth of information and inspiration!
I am so grateful that I came across Dr. Gauthier’s excellent podcast! Through listening I’ve been introduced to so many amazing musicians and teachers...
879976542120 2021/01/09
What a treat for classical musicians!
Dr. Reneé-Paul Gauthier is an indispensable figure in our industry. We owe her our lives
ralphinatorr 2020/10/30
The best!
I’ve learned so much from the conversations of Dr. Renée Paule-Gauthier and her guests. Every episode is packed with so much useful information and in...
Podcast sponsorship advertising
Start advertising on The Mind Over Finger Podcast relevant audience podcasts
You may also like to advertise on these Podcasts

4.922991192
Dropping Bombs
Brad Lea: CEO, Entrepreneur, and Host of The Bottom Line

4.824771892
Deck The Hallmark
Bramble Jam Podcast Network

4.897051450
The Graham Allen Show
Graham Allen

4.98601800
The Adam Mockler Show
MeidasTouch Network

4.6221722000
Mark Levin Podcast
Cumulus Podcast Network

4.913561975
Wholesaling Inc with Brent Daniels
Find distressed properties for pennies on the dollar and turn them for huge profits!

4.889091604
Order of Man
Ryan Michler

4.818402000
The Cabral Concept
Dr. Stephen Cabral

4.917091568
DarrenDaily On-Demand
Darren Hardy LLC

4.723191978
Timeless Wisdom with Dennis Prager
Salem Podcast Network