067: How to Stop “Shoulding” with Rhonda Rizzo

What if the key to reconnecting with your creativity wasn’t more discipline—but less pressure? In this episode, pianist and writer Rhonda Rizzo invites us to let go of perfectionism and the constant stream of “shoulds” that often weigh down music teachers and performers. She shares how returning to beloved repertoire, collaborating with composers, and giving herself permission to simply play helped her rediscover joy at the piano. Whether you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from your own playing, Rhonda’s honest reflections and gentle wisdom will remind you that it’s never too late to reclaim the music that moves you.

• Rhonda shared that she’s had a multifaceted career as a pianist, writer, teacher, and blogger.
• How her blog No Dead Guys celebrates the music of living composers and new creative paths.
• Her deep love for collaborative piano and chamber music, calling it her favorite way to make music.
• Letting go of perfection and "shoulds".
• Why returning to her favorite pieces helped reignite her joy and motivation.
• Importance of choosing performance repertoire based on passion, not pressure or expectations.
• Why performing new music offers freedom from preconceived interpretations and a chance to “leave the first footprints.”
• The empowering experience of working directly with composers
• How collaborative interpretation brings music to life.
• Last piece of advice: Drop the pressure of “should” and follow the music that brings you joy.

Links Mentioned

• Rhonda Rizzo's Website: No Dead Guys
• Rhonda's Book: The Waco Variations
• Rhonda's YouTube Channel: Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo

Today's Guest Rhonda (Ringering) Rizzo is a writer and a performing and recording pianist. Her novel, The Waco Variations , was released in the summer of 2018, and her numerous articles have appeared in national and international music magazines, including Pianist Magazine, American Music Teacher, Clavier, Piano & Keyboard, and Flute Talk. A specialist in music that borrows from both classical and jazz traditions, Rizzo released four CDs, Made in America, Oregon Impressions: the Piano Music of Dave Deason, 2 to Tango: Music for Piano Duet, and A Spin on It. Recordings can be found on streaming platforms (under the name Rhonda Ringering) and on YouTube. She holds a BA from Walla Walla University and a MM from Boston University and is a passionate advocate of new music and living composers. About Rachel Ehring Dr. Rachel Ehring is a pianist, teacher, music administrator, and lover of piano teaching gadgets. She holds a DMA in Collaborative Piano from the University of Colorado Boulder and a MM in Accompanying from the University of Kansas. She currently serves as Director at St. John’s Conservatory of the Arts in Orange County, CA. Previously, she held positions at Concordia University Irvine and Henderson State University. Rachel is passionate about empowering music teachers to create engaging and exciting lessons for students of all ages. When she isn’t playing the piano, you might find Rachel reading books with her son or walking her beagle Frieda.

• Visit her website at RachelEhring.com
• Visit her Instagram page: @rachelehring
• Visit her YouTube channel: