The Mind Over Finger Podcast 221 Nina DeCesare: Beyond the Notes - Practicing with Purpose and Building a More Inclusive Future
Apr 4, 2025
Nina DeCesare is a talented bassist and educator, known for her work in advocating for women and non-binary bassists through the Artemis Bass Initiative. In this conversation, she shares her journey from flute to bass and discusses the vital role of mentorship and representation in classical music. Nina emphasizes purposeful practice and shifting to ‘performance mode’ for confidence. She also highlights the importance of inclusivity in music education and offers practical tips for enhancing both practice routines and personal growth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Musical Beginnings
- Nina DeCesare's musical journey began and continues in Baltimore, where she initially wanted to play the flute.
- She chose the bass due to her small hands and developed a passion for it, studying with renowned pedagogue George Vance.
Representation Matters
- The lack of representation in orchestras can discourage aspiring musicians, as "you can't be what you can't see."
- The Artemis Bass Initiative aims to empower and support women and non-binary bassists through mentorship and training.
Effective Practice
- Effective practice involves setting intentions, being mindful, and switching to "performance mode."
- Isolate technical issues, record yourself, and focus on musicality, not self-critique during performance.
