The Mind Over Finger Podcast
Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier
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!
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 14, 2025 • 30min
238 Calm Under Pressure – The 3-Pillar Strategy to Beat Performance Anxiety and Play Your Best
Discover a practical framework to conquer performance anxiety with three essential pillars: preparation, conditioning, and mind management. Traditional methods fall short, but this approach teaches you to transform nervous energy into powerful performances. Learn how to effectively train your nervous system for support and incorporate focused practice for true readiness. Ready your skills and confidence to shine when it matters most!
7 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 23min
237 Shift Your Results - The Simple Tool That Transforms Your Practice and Performance
Explore the transformative power of the Self-Coaching Model to reshape your mindset and enhance your music practice. Discover how to break through overwhelm and procrastination by connecting your thoughts to feelings and actions. Learn practical self-coaching techniques designed to help you align your mindset with your personal goals and cultivate lasting progress. Gain insights into the journey from feeling stuck to focused, ensuring you’re ready to perform with confidence and joy in your musical pursuits.
8 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 22min
236 Master Your Mind – The Framework Musicians Need to Break Through
Discover a powerful mindset tool that shifts your thoughts and feelings to enhance musical results. Learn the five-part Self-Coaching Model to build awareness and take intentional action. Delve into the CTFAR model, uncovering how your thoughts drive outcomes. This insightful discussion emphasizes cultivating self-awareness for improved performance. Ready to practice smarter and gain confidence? There's a blueprint for peak performance waiting for you!
5 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 20min
235 Sustainable Progress – 5 Practice Shifts That Prevent Burnout and Boost Results
Dive into practical strategies to prevent burnout in your musical journey! Discover how overcommitting can sap your energy and detract from your goals. Learn to transform comparison into clarity and find motivation anew. Uncover why trying to impress may be holding you back, and the benefits of allowing yourself more prep time. Plus, embrace simple ways to reignite joy in your practice. Get ready to transform your approach and thrive!
5 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 21min
234 Clear the Block – 5 Mistakes That Derail Even Smart Musicians
Explore how hidden habits can obstruct musical progress, even for the dedicated. Discover common mistakes that can derail growth and the importance of self-awareness in overcoming them. Learn to design clear plans that align with personal goals and manage time effectively for better momentum. Embrace a mindset of continuous growth and community engagement. The discussion emphasizes building self-trust while pushing past avoidance and fear, aiming to revitalize passion and performance.
5 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 12min
233 From Bully to Ally - Transform Your Inner Critic Into Your Strongest Tool in Practice and Performance
This discussion highlights the impact of harsh self-talk on learning and performance. It emphasizes the power of self-compassion in promoting resilience and joy. Listeners discover how to transform their inner critic into a supportive ally, enhancing their practice. Practical tips for fostering a nurturing inner dialogue are shared, helping improve focus and motivation. The conversation also includes mindset shifts that can unlock real progress in personal and professional growth.
5 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 15min
232 Grounded Practice – The Practice Strategy That Accelerates Real Growth Reset & Rise Series #4
The podcast delves into the power of patience, emphasizing that slowing down can actually enhance progress. It discusses how a sense of urgency can hinder practice rather than help it. The conversation shifts to mindset strategies that transform frustration into focus, enabling musicians to build reliable skills under pressure. Grounded practice is highlighted as a tool for achieving clarity, consistency, and confidence in performance. Overall, the themes encourage a mindful approach to music, fostering self-compassion and resilience.
6 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 15min
231 Practicing Isn’t Working? – What You’re Missing and How to Fix It
Explore the key idea of aligning your mind before taking action for effective practice. Discover how mental and emotional connections enhance your progress. Learn about myelination and its impact on your practice results. Shift from mindless repetition to intentional strategies with curiosity. Embrace purposeful, data-driven improvement instead of wishful thinking. Gain insights into mastering musical instruments by merging mental engagement with practice.
12 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 40min
230 Stuck in Practice? How Joy Unlocks Focus, Progress, and Consistency - Reset & Rise Series #2
Explore how renowned musicians harness joy and curiosity to enhance their focus and avoid burnout. Discover practical strategies for transforming practice into a delightful journey, including recording and reflecting on progress. Learn the significance of a positive mindset and self-compassion in music. Engage with innovative techniques to make practice more enjoyable, such as integrating rhythm and fun. Connect with a community that celebrates growth and creativity through the Joyful Practice Challenge.
13 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 26min
229 Joy-Driven Practice – Reignite Your Practice with Curiosity, Calm, and Creativity - Your Reset & Rise Series #1
Dive into an inspiring journey with the Joyful Practice Challenge, designed to reignite love and curiosity in music. Discover prompts that tackle emotional barriers such as fear and stress, bringing calm and creativity back into practice. Reflect on the uplifting transformation experienced by participants and hear encouragement to share stories with the community. Whether you're struggling or seeking to enhance your skills, this reset will prepare you for confident performances ahead.
