In this episode, we explore why overthinking and fear take over in performance, even when you’re fully prepared. You’ll learn what’s really happening in your brain under pressure, why trying to fight fear often makes it worse, and what you can do to build trust in yourself again.

If you’ve ever felt like your own mind is your biggest obstacle on stage, this episode is for you.

And if if you’re tired of second-guessing yourself and ready to start performing with confidence and calm, join us inside the Music Mastery Experience.

MME is a full year of high-level coaching, structure, and support to help you retrain your performance response, build real trust in your preparation, and show up consistently, no matter the pressure.

The next cohort begins June 1. Spots are limited.

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.

In this episode, I explore one of the most important (and most avoided) questions musicians face: Is investing in yourself really worth it?

You'll hear:

• How to tell the difference between an expense and an investment
• The hidden cost of staying stuck
• Why self-investment often leads to faster, deeper growth
• Real stories from clients who hesitated and what changed when they said yes
• The mindset shift that helps musicians build lasting progress

If you’ve been feeling like you’re doing everything you can but still not moving forward, this episode offers a fresh perspective and a path toward momentum.

Enrollment is now open for The Music Mastery Experience, my signature yearlong coaching program. If this episode resonated with you, MME is designed to give you the exact support, structure, and strategy to stop spinning your wheels and start growing with clarity and confidence. Learn more and apply at www.mindoverfinger.com/mme25.

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.

In this episode, violinist Nikki Chooi shares how he rebuilt trust in his playing after formal training, refined his approach to practicing, and found balance between precision and expression in performance.

We talk about:

• How to blend slow and fast practice effectively
• The role of “adversity training” in audition preparation
• Practicing musicality with intention
• What changes when you stop chasing perfection and start trusting your process
• Why adaptability and balance are essential to long-term growth

If you're in a season of transition or looking to reconnect with your artistry, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.

The Music Mastery Experience is where we take ideas like these and turn them into transformation. It's a full year of coaching, structure, and deep support designed to help you perform with clarity, confidence, and joy. If this episode speaks to you, I invite you to apply today at mindoverfinger.com/mme25.

JOIN THE MUSIC MASTERY EXPERIENCE HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT NIKKI CHOOI

Website: https://www.nikkichooi.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikkichooi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkichooi89/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkichooi/

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’ve practiced the techniques. You’ve done the mindset work. But when it’s time to perform, everything seems to disappear.

In this episode, I explore why musicians often struggle to access what they know under pressure and what to do about it. You'll learn:

• Why your tools vanish in performance, even when you know they work
• How over-focusing on control can disconnect you from the music
• The real difference between skill prep and pressure prep
• One small, practical shift to help you reconnect with your strengths on stage

If you're done guessing, spinning your wheels, or second-guessing your ability on stage, I’d love to support you.

The Music Mastery Experience is where we turn these insights into lasting transformation. It's a full year of high-level coaching, structure, and community designed to help you go from inconsistent and overwhelmed to grounded, prepared, and confident every time you play. If this episode resonated with you, I invite you to apply today at mindoverfinger.com/mme25.

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.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, even though you know what to do, this episode is for you.

I’m sharing the five key prompts from The Musician’s Edge Challenge that have helped hundreds of musicians gain clarity, uncover what’s holding them back, and perform with more confidence.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• A moment when your playing felt effortless and what it reveals about your potential
• A strength you’ve been underestimating and how to lead with it
• The real challenge that keeps showing up under pressure
• A pattern that’s been running in the background and how to change it
• A simple blueprint for building the musician you want to be

If you’re ready to perform with more trust, freedom, and intention, start here.

Are you ready to take your playing and career to the next level and create a life that feels purposeful and joyful? The Music Mastery Experience is now open for enrollment through May 30. This is your opportunity to stop spinning your wheels and start building a practice and performance system that actually works.

Apply now at mindoverfinger.com - I’d love to see your name come through.

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.

In this episode, I share a personal story about preparing for a major event—and struggling to find joy in the process.

We explore:

• Why it’s normal to feel disconnected from familiar repertoire
• How to stay motivated when the spark is gone
• A mindset shift to help you keep showing up
• Practical tools to bring freshness back into your practice
• How reconnecting to your purpose can carry you through challenging times

If you’re ready to build consistency, confidence, and performance readiness without the overwhelm, The Music Mastery Experience is for you.

Inside this small group coaching program, I help committed musicians grow through intentional, inspired practice so they can reach their next level with clarity, ease, and joy.

The next cohort is starting soon and spots are limited, so now is the time to take the next step.

Visit mindoverfinger.com to apply and learn more. Let’s get you the structure, support, and strategies you need to thrive, on stage and beyond.

Apply to join the new cohort of the Music Mastery Experience HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

Grab your Joyful Practice Guide 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/

In this episode, bassist and educator Nina DeCesare shares the mindset and strategies that have helped her build a confident and fulfilling career in music. We explore what it means to practice with purpose, prepare for high-stakes performances, and create lasting change in the industry.

Nina also talks about the Artemis Bass Initiative and how it’s supporting women and non-binary bassists through mentorship, training, and community.

You’ll hear about:

• Her take on representation, mentorship, and the need for change in the orchestral world, and her work with the Artemis Bass Initiative
• Simple tools to stay focused and motivated in the practice room
• How injury deepened Nina’s musicality and reshaped her approach
• Why switching to “performance mode” is key to confidence
• A practical tip you can implement today

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 consultation with Renée HERE

Download the transcript from this episode HERE

MORE ABOUT NINA DECESARE

Website: https://www.ninadecesare.com/

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS-18Idk_dit0drfsgodU7A

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nina_decesare/?hl=en

Artemis Bass Initiative:

· Website: https://www.artemisbassinitiative.com/

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artemisbassinitiative/?hl=en

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’re putting in the work, but something’s not clicking when it counts. Why does your playing still feel inconsistent—even though you’re practicing hard?

In this episode, I’m bringing two essential mindset and training shifts to the forefront—because these are the mistakes that keep talented musicians stuck, and the changes that help them finally break through.

We’ll cover:

• Why “more practice” isn’t the answer if you’re still struggling under pressure
• The missing piece in most musicians’ practice routines
• The real reason confidence feels out of reach—and how to start building it
• How to stop waiting to “feel ready” and start showing up like the musician you want to become

If you’re ready to move past stuck and into solid, confident performances—this one’s for you.

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 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.