

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

Feb 9, 2024 • 54min
188 Drew Forde: The Extra-Classical Musician
Explore the future of classical music, dive into industry growth, and redefine your role as a musician with Drew Forde, That Viola Kid. Drew shares insights on navigating the classical music industry's business landscape, sparking creativity through music education, and much more. Join the journey of growth in the creator economy and discover the limitless possibilities in the world of music. Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE MORE ABOUT DREW FORDE – THAT VIOLA KID: Website: https://thatviolakid.com/ Drew’s Newsletter – Grace Notes: https://thatviolakid.com/gracenotes YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf25l5VFL3N20nH7L2gZeqQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThatViolaKid Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatviolakid X: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FThatViolaKid Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/ohsnapitstvk Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ohsnapitstvk 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. 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.

Feb 2, 2024 • 30min
187 Planning for YOUR Ideal Performance
Everything you need to plan for a stellar performance: Dive into the secrets of dream performance planning Uncover why we sometimes fall short of our best Explore the power of crystal-clear vision and how to get it How to organize your preparation process Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE Mind Over Finger Visit MindOverFinger.com for all things peak performance – including impactful online courses and free resources on peak performance. 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.

Dec 22, 2023 • 45min
186 Gear Up 2024 with Dr. Renée-Paule Gauthier
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A SPECTACULAR YEAR Whether you want to rock the stage for your next performance, win an audition, land your dream job, transform your teaching studio, or start a new music business: IT’S POSSIBLE! And this episode will help you set things up for your massive success! You will walk away with: A renewed vision for the future Clear goals and specific strategies to implement and create an incredible musical reality for yourself Unwavering confidence in your ability to succeed A feeling of dedication to the process The motivation to get started and, more importantly, to KEEP GOING! Gear Up for 2024! Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Grab your FREE Gear Up 2024 Workbook HERE Mind Over Finger Visit MindOverFinger.com for all things peak performance – including impactful online courses and free resources on peak performance. 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.

Dec 15, 2023 • 22min
185 Paul Lueders: Backstage Pass
Backstage conversation with Paul Lueders, Principal Oboist of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra. We chat about: The challenges of performing multiple shows a day The audition process Overcoming performance anxiety Paul’s specific warm-ups and mindset to prepare for long opera performances His approach to phrasing and musicality Some of his practicing tips And much more! Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE MORE ABOUT PAUL Website: https://www.lyricopera.org/about/company/artists-musicians/lyric-opera-orchestra/paul-lueders/ YouTube links: 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. 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.

Dec 8, 2023 • 45min
184 Dr. Hannah Murray: Move Better to Play Better
Conversation with Dr. Hannah Murray of corpSonore, including topics such as: Why understanding anatomy is crucial for musicians to play with proper technique and avoid injuries. The importance of distributing tension and integrity evenly throughout the body for better music-making. The importance of patience in the practice room, as it allows for deeper exploration and understanding of the body and movement. Our views on the need for a more holistic approach to music education And so much more! Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE MORE ABOUT HANNAH & CORPSONORE Website: www.activeviolinist.com CorpSonore: https://www.corpsonore.com/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@corpsonoresoundbodywellnes8085/videos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CorpSonore Hannah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/activeviolinist/ CorpSonore’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corpsonore/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corpsonore-sound-body-wellness/ As a gift to you, Hannah has created a code for 1 free class on the corpSonore platform. You can use code MOF10 at checkout to attend any live class or use it for any class in the on-demand library. The Pain Free Performer The Pain-Free Performer is a 3-month program beginning January 8th. This experience is designed for musicians looking for solutions to playing-related pain and discomfort who feel like they have untapped potential inside of them. If you've struggled with the same aches and pains for years and can't quite find a long-term fix, your nerves get the best of you in high-stress environments, or your students constantly ask you questions you feel you can't answer, this course is for you. CorpSonore has carefully crafted this offering to support your music-making and enhance your artistry using a 3-dimensional approach that includes nutrition, movement, mindfulness, anatomy, private study, group classes, guest masterclasses, and ongoing support. It's time to take care of musicians and create long-lasting careers from the inside out. To learn more, visit: https://www.corpsonore.com/painfreeperformer. To check in, say hi, and find out if this is the right program for you, book a free consultation at https://www.corpsonore.com/oneonone-sessions And to drop me a note the old-fashioned way, you can email me at hannah@corpsonore.com. 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. 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.

Nov 24, 2023 • 23min
183 Three Mistakes You Make & How to Solve Them
In this episode, I uncover the three main mistakes musicians often make in their performance preparation. I dive into crafting a clear vision and personalized planning for your musical journey, exploring effective practice techniques, and honing mind management for optimal performance outcomes. Plus, don’t miss out on my exclusive Black Friday event—details inside the episode! ✨Peak Performance Bundle✨ · 25% off Practicing for Peak Performance online course · Performance Anxiety Solution Workshop for FREE ($47 value) · Exclusive live group coaching session with Dr. Gauthier on 12/15/23 ✨Go to www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp & enter code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout! ✨ Grab 50% off the Performance Anxiety Solution Workshop HERE and enter code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout Download the transcript from this episode HERE Mind Over Finger Visit MindOverFinger.com for all things peak performance – including impactful online courses and free resources on peak performance. 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.

Nov 17, 2023 • 23min
182 Njioma Grievous: Backstage Pass
Conversation with the versatile and dynamic violin soloist and chamber musician Njioma Grievous , winner of the Robert F. Smith First Prize and the Audience Choice awards of the Sphinx Competition. Topics including · Her performance preparation and pre-performance routines · The importance of Receiving and following advice · The skills she thinks are important to develop · Her favorite tool in the practice room and the great way she uses it · How she gets herself to practice when she doesn’t feel like it · Her no. 1 advice for people taking auditions · The changes she would like to see in the classical music world · And her actionable tip on how to memorize music Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE MORE ABOUT NJIOMA GREVIOUS Website: https://www.njiomagrevious.com/ YouTube: Watch Here Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ngrevious8/ Abeo Quartet: Website: https://www.abeoquartet.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abeoquartet/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abeoquartet 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. 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.

Nov 10, 2023 • 57min
181 Sam Reti: The Future of Music Education
In this episode, I have a fascinating conversation with Sam Reti, founder CEO of Muzie, a platform that's transforming music education. We explore the development of Muzie and its innovative features designed to support both music teachers and students, sharing insights on music education technology, practice tips, the impact of AI on music education and creativity, and the number one quality that helped Sam create a career he loves. Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the summary and transcript from this episode HERE MORE ABOUT SAM AND MUZIE Website: https://www.muzie.live/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@muzielive Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muzie.live LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samreti/ Blog: https://www.muzie.live/blog Muzie Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/160125006017857 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. 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.

Oct 27, 2023 • 13min
180 Overcome Overwhelm
In this episode, I dive into the common experience of feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, offering powerful insights on transitioning from an emotional perspective to a logical one. Discover how to replace subjective self-criticism with objective problem-solving to conquer challenges with confidence and clarity. Join me as I explore real-world examples and actionable steps to transform your mindset and achieve greater success. Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE Mind Over Finger Visit MindOverFinger.com for all things peak performance – including impactful online courses and free resources on peak performance. 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.

Oct 20, 2023 • 32min
179 David Cooper: Passion, Purpose, and Dedication in Music as a Performer – Backstage Pass Series
In this Backstage Pass Series episode, I speak with LA Phil Associate Principal Horn, David Cooper. We discuss how he handles maintaining a large repertoire and the importance of practicing fundamentals, how he likes to learn music through creative interpretation, his views on passion, purpose, and dedication in music, his pre performance rituals and how he practices self-care as a high-level artist, and redefining success in music performance. Book your free consultation with Renée HERE Download the transcript from this episode HERE MORE ABOUT DAVID COOPER Website: https://cooperhorn.com/about YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@davidcooperhorn/videos Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidcooperfrenchhorn/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidcooperhorn/ 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. 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.