The Mind Over Finger Podcast

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.

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!

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!

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!  

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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 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!

Today’s guest in this first episode of the Fischoff Effect series is Blaise Magnière, first violin of the Avalon String Quartet talks about the experience of preparing for and competing at Fischoff, and about the wonderful adventures and opportunities that have followed their win!

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!

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!

Today, I’m so happy to bring you the incredible cellist and multi-faceted artist Joshua Roman!  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 sense of purpose and are highly inspiring!  I know you’ll find value and a source for a deeper reflection in this conversation!