In this episode, Marc Damoulakis, principal percussionist with the Cleveland Orchestra, discusses the importance of mindful exploration, flexibility, and patience in the learning process, time management, how to create a connection between our concept of sound and the motions necessary to execute that vision successfully, and he sends us off with very wise parting words! He elaborates on: How being competitive with himself helped him get to the next level in his career and how a healthy competit...
Nov 01, 2019•46 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Today, I’m very excited to have the brilliant violinist, violist, and conductor Julian Rachlin on the show! At the end of this very busy week, playing with and conducting the Chicago Symphony, Julian graciously took the time to sit with me and discuss meticulous practicing, mindful music-making, and his deep love of the art form! He covers many topics, including studying with Boris Kuschnir and Mr. Kuschnir’s thorough approach to mastering the instrument, his views on the lifelong path that is g...
Oct 25, 2019•36 min•Season 2Ep. 48
047 James VanDemark: Technical Discipline & Interpretive Magic This episode is full of inspiration and extremely useful information! Eastman School of Music Bass Professor, James VanDemark, offers us tip after great tip to bring our practice and performance to the next level! Among many topics, James talks to us about creating a technical discipline that leads to interpretive magic, and about on how crucial it is to have clear goals and setting the intention to build up our entire identity a...
Oct 18, 2019•55 min•Season 2Ep. 47
In this episode, Billy Hunter, Principal Trumpet with the Metropolitan Opera, talks about how meditation transformed his approach to music-making – from practicing to preparing for audition, and performing. Billy elaborates on: How he used and still uses meditation and mindfulness to center himself before a performance How he focuses his mind on “Intending to play well” when performing How he believes in the importance of a regular meditation practice – in the cumulative effect of practicing med...
Oct 11, 2019•39 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Today’s show brings you a powerful and honest conversation on very important topics, including how changing your mindset can change your life, how focusing on your musical voice instead of perfection in execution and external validation can transform your relationship with practicing, enrich your playing, and affect the trajectory of your career. Milan Milisavljevic, Principal Viola with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, elaborates on: the major impact a mentor had in his life the importance of ...
Oct 04, 2019•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 45
Sarah Whitney: Thriving Through Injury Today on the show, I’m really happy to bring you violinist Sarah Whitney to cover a VERY important topic: dealing with injuries as a musician! In this episode, Sarah talks to us about how you can not only prevent and treat injury, but also thrive in the aftermath – how to handle recovery, the ways she warms up to prevent injury, and how important the mental aspect of recovery is. She also talks about how she helps musicians achieve their career goals and wh...
Sep 27, 2019•56 min•Season 2Ep. 44
This week I’m really excited to bring you Frank Rosenwein, Principal Oboe with the Cleveland Orchestra and oboe teacher at the Cleveland Institute of Music. In this episode, we discuss stepping into the role of a principal wind player in a major orchestra, transitioning from student to professional life, how to keep playing at the highest level consistently, the importance of having a strong vision and cultivating an ever inquisitive mind, what teaching brings to one’s playing, and much more! Mo...
Sep 20, 2019•35 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In this episode, I discuss with solo violinist Arnaud Sussmann. He elaborates on the mindsets and strategies to adopt when working on sound quality, the importance of having a strong concept of phrasing and of bow distribution in musicality, the importance of creating fluency in his playing and how he achieves it, the importance of purpose in our practice, warming up during busy periods, the value of recording ourselves when we practice, and why he believes it’s important to work hard. Nous avon...
Sep 13, 2019•45 min•Season 2Ep. 42
To start Season 2, I’m really honored to bring you a conversation with the incredible Marin Alsop, who’s someone I’ve admired so much for so many years! In this episode, we discuss Making things happen for yourself, finding balance between pushing yourself to grow and not becoming overly self-critical, bringing a score to life, how she nurtures focus in her work by planning carefully, and the importance of becoming our own best teacher! ALL ABOUT MARIN ALSOP: Website: https://www.marinalsop.com/...
Sep 06, 2019•30 min•Season 2Ep. 41
The conclusion of this series covering the Fischoff Competition, including a summary of some of my favorite takeaways, tips, and advice, and with a conversation with my fellow podcaster friend, Nathan Cole, on what it was like for us there! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 46TH FISCHOFF NATIONAL CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION Grand Prize Aruna Quartet – Texas Tech University Senior Division Strings/Piano Gold Medal Winner: Merz Trio – New York City Silver Medal Winner: Abeo Quartet – Juilliard S...
May 24, 2019•26 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Experience the 2019 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition from the perspective of the Grand Prize-winning group of the competition – the Aruna Saxophone Quartet . Member Will Pyle talks about how they prepared for Fischoff and what it’s been like for them! Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition : https://www.fischoff.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fischoffchambermusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFischoff/ FIND THE ARUNA SAXOPHONE QUARTET ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM...
May 23, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Experience the 2019 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition from the perspective of the judges who listened to the participants. They talk about their experience at Fischoff, give us insight as to what they’re looking for in a group when they’re judging, and they’ll answer the questions that my listeners sent me before I left! Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition : https://www.fischoff.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fischoffchambermusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/T...
May 22, 2019•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Experience the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition from the perspective of the team of incredibly supportive, loving, and dedicated people that are essential in making all of this magic happen: the coaches, the parents, the many organizations involved and, of course, the Fischoff team itself. Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition : https://www.fischoff.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fischoffchambermusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFischoff/ Rodolpho Vieira – M...
May 21, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Experience the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition from the perspective of the musicians participating. Hear conversations about their experience at Fischoff, their preparation process, and the dedication and many sacrifices that go along with entering a national chamber music competition. Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition : https://www.fischoff.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fischoffchambermusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFischoff/ Featuring: Dajj String...
May 20, 2019•52 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Today’s guest in the fifth and final episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Lydia Rhea from the former Kairos String Quartet. In this series, I bring you five former winners of the Fischoff competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win: Blaise Magniere from the Avalon String Quartet, Dorival Puccini from Axiom Brass, Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet , Christopher W...
May 03, 2019•44 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Today’s guest in this fourth episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Christopher Whitley from the Thalea String Quartet. In this series, I bring you five former winners of the Fischoff competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win! My guests this week are Blaise Magniere from the Avalon String Quartet, Dorival Puccini from Axiom Brass, Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quint...
May 02, 2019•32 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Today’s guest in this third episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet. In this series, I bring you five former winners of the Fischoff competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win! My guests this week are Blaise Magniere from the Avalon String Quartet, Dorival Puccini from Axiom Brass, Matt Landry from the Akropolis Reed Quintet , Chr...
May 01, 2019•29 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Today’s guest in this second episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Dorival Puccini, trumpet player and founding member of Axiom Brass. In this series, I bring you five former winners of the competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win! My guests this week are Blaise Magniere from the Avalon String Quartet, Dorival Puccini from Axiom Brass, Matt Landry from the Akropolis Ree...
Apr 30, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Today’s guest in this first episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Blaise Magnière, first violin of the Avalon String Quartet. I could not be more excited to be on site at the University of Notre-Dame as one of the official podcasters covering the 46th Annual Fischoff Competition from May 10 to 12, And, I thought it would be really fun to bring you guys 5 former winners of the competition to talk about their experience preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures...
Apr 29, 2019•34 min•Season 1Ep. 31
In this episode, we’re ending Season 1 of The Mind Over Finger Podcast with a truly spectacular artist! I speak with violin sensation Kerson Leong about his terrific YouTube series The Art of the Etude, his wise and meaningful practicing methods, and how he approaches violin mastery, and musical expression. Kerson has an amazingly authentic and profound approach to music making and I KNOW you will love this episode! SEASON 2 COMING YOUR WAY ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2019! STAY TUNED! In the show, ...
Apr 26, 2019•51 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Today, I speak with renowned pianist Jamie Parker and, I need to warn you in advance: this one is filled with wonderful information and really applicable tips, so get ready to take some notes! Among many of the topics we cover, you’ll hear about Jamie’s favorite practice tips - from how to mark your part clearly, to his special crazy fast technique - why it’s crucial to know yourself and know how to prioritize in instrumental practice, and the importance of listening right here, right now! As I ...
Apr 19, 2019•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Today, I’m so happy to bring you the incredible cellist Joshua Roman! Joshua is a multifaceted artist with a remarkably vibrant career as a soloist, chamber musician, composer, curator, artistic director, and philanthropist! In this episode, we discuss practicing purposefully and building a meaningful career, and he tells about the impact and mission of his popular Popper Etude Project and Challenge. As you’ll see Joshua’s journey and approach to music-making are rooted in authenticity and a sen...
Apr 12, 2019•50 min•Season 1Ep. 28
In this week’s episode, I wrap up this series on the main teachers in my journey as a violinist with an interview with Northwestern University professor Gerardo Ribeiro, with whom I studied during my doctoral years. Professor Ribeiro talks to us about his experience studying with Ivan Galamian and Felix Galamir, how he uses mental practice, why we must develop the awareness to truly hear our own playing and assess critically what we are doing, and about the importance of taking ownership of our ...
Apr 05, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 27
I’m really happy to continue this series on the pedagogues that shaped me as a violinist with a discussion about another giant in musical journey, Zvi Zeitlin. Unfortunately, Professor Zeitlin passed away in 2012, but I had a wonderful time talking about him with Michael Klotz, violist with the Amernet Quartet and Senior Instructor at Florida International University in Miami. Michael and I were colleagues in the Zeitlin studio at both Eastman and at the Music Academy of the West and, in this ep...
Mar 29, 2019•57 min•Season 1Ep. 26
I’m really excited about today’s episode and I think it’s a particularly inspiring one! As a performer and a teacher, I constantly feel the presence and the influence of the musicians that have helped shape me as an artist – with their knowledge, wisdom, skills, and with their examples! There are too many to interview them all, but there are three that I consider as the main pedagogical influences in my life, and you will get to meet them in the coming weeks! I begin today with Canadian violinis...
Mar 22, 2019•1 hr 28 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Percussionist Cameron Leach and I have a great show for you today! In addition to some great practice tips, Cameron elaborates on some very important topics, including how to clearly communicate to our audience through intentional and empathetic performing, why students must take ownership of their own learning experience, and why musicians need to be great friends to each other! I love Cameron’s perspective on those topics, and I hope you enjoy our discussion! Cameron elaborates on: His journey...
Mar 15, 2019•57 min•Season 1Ep. 24
I’m very excited to have the talented, brilliant, funny, and (as you’ll see) engaging Tessa Lark to the show to talk to us about joy in practice and music-making! In this episode, we discuss her views about tackling work with the right mindset, the ways she sparks joy in her practice, and how getting in that joyful headspace not only makes it more gratifying for her, but also helps increase her productivity! I’ve been thinking a lot about Joy, self-compassion, and using positive self-talk in pra...
Mar 08, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 23
In this episode, I’m really excited to speak with cellist David Eby and to dive deeper with him in a topic that we’ve only mentioned a few times on the show so far and that I feel is so important and can be extremely powerful in our experience as musicians! I’m talking about pure mindfulness! We discuss the positive effects meditation and consciousness tools can have on our practice and performance. Among many things, you will hear about the importance of adopting unprejudiced mindsets, how you ...
Mar 01, 2019•54 min•Season 1Ep. 22
In this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Dr. Immanuel Abraham. Immanuel talks to us about his path to a professional career, all things mindful and efficient practice, and the importance of learning to compose in enhancing your performance on your instrument! Immanuel has a wonderful approach to practicing and music-making and I hope you enjoy his story and find yourself inspired by his dedication and determination! ALL ABOUT guest: Website: https://www.immanuelabraham.com/ Instagra...
Feb 22, 2019•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Today, I’m really excited to have Canadian pianist David Jalbert on the show! David is an extraordinary person, a brilliant artist, and a very dear friend! We have a great conversation and cover many topics, from finding yourself as an artist, to the importance of confidence in our progress, and how to learn and memorize music. David is incredible (and hilarious!) and I know you will really enjoy his approach to all things music and find tons of value in this episode! In this episode, David talk...
Feb 15, 2019•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 20
